Above the Artic Circle

A sunset overlooking Greenland's Ilulissat and Disko Bay, just above the Artic Circle, is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. It took hours (roughly until 11pm) before it eventually melted into the deep blue shrouded in white sheets of low-lying fog. The object over my left shoulder is not a ship but rather an iceberg that will surely be gone by morning. The ocean surface is an ever-changing environment with icebergs vanishing like a magician's rabbit trick, never to be appreciated again. It's sad that thousands of years of traditions like dog-sledding, ice-fishing and seal hunting for the Inuit people will cease to exist in the near future.

"Yes, in 10 years the icebergs will be all gone" repeats the Artic Hotel's top cook in broken English. Last night we dined on cooked whale meat, reindeer, cod and barbequed chicken as it was prepared outside on a grill at Greenland's most sought-after (and only) 4-star hotel. Managing Director Erik Bjerregaard showed us 5 make-shift aluminum igloos available for staying in behind the hotel that overlook the sea. They were cramped but cozy and would make for a unique honeymoon experience for married couples. The amenties inside were emaculate - all Swedish, Danish and Philippe Stark inspired designed furniture with clean lines and crisp colors. I love places like this - so Ikea.

Oops - I'm late for another boat trip to an iceberg before it melts away. Stay tuned for more from tonight's adventures.