Since my big brother decided to start blogging, I decided to get on the band-wagon. I am stranded in a barren wasteland anyway and my writing is a bit rusty. That being said, a " a cold day in Hell" never seemed so pleasant. Bethel has been fairly kind to me, despite my constant concerns about the water supply and the non-functional YKHC vehicle I have parked outside and plugged into the outlet on the porch. This house even has cable television. I don't even have that in Anchorage. Never watched so much Little House on the Prairie in my life! I think they took some creative liberties as I don't remember many of these stories being in the book series. Now I remember why we don't have cable in Anchorage, hah! Yesterday I started walking to and from work in the -30-40 degree weather. Glad I had my scarf! It takes me about 15 minutes if I hustle, which I do because it's really F---ing cold. It reminds me of the days back in Aniak when I would walk to the high school/junior high in the winter except that it's way windier here. The ice under my feet is nicely polished from the wind and I am appreciative also that my Sorels have decent traction. About mid-day yesterday I noticed that I had developed a rash on my face in the pattern of where my hat had hung. It's a wool cap with a fleece lining, with ear flaps. The rash is exactly where the wool would hit my face so I suspect, though I have worn this cap before, that I am developing yet another adult onset sensitivity. Again I was grateful; this time that I had Benadryl with me. I am taking it prophylactically prior to wearing my hat now and after I get home. The house also is a bit smelly, like wet dog. I am told that the place is well insulated and so there is not much ventilation. My eyes and nose itch a lot.

I was born in Bethel, a factoid few know and few would care to admit. However, this is the first time that I have actually been here since. Despite it being relatively close to Aniak, the terrain is totally different and so, it seems, is the culture. I have to say, I much prefer Aniak. But for now I am here and am looking forward to another interesting Bethel day at YKHC doing in and out-patient pediatrics. Next week I do adult inpatient medicine. I should be getting the full spectrum experience. Orientation was okay. I met a traveling male nurse who will be here for three months and is rooming with a giant from Brazil who has only been here a month...and is now orienting us to the foreign concept of team work. I got to explain rosehips to a Gussuk from down in the lower 48. He couldn't wrap his head around that particular fruit... "is it a berry, a flower?"