Nuuk, Greenland

It took several plane trips, 5 to be exact, to make it to Nuuk, Greenland, the smallest capital in the world - no more than 15,000 inhabitants to be exact. From a difficult perspective of 10,000 feet I saw huge inland fjords the size of the Grand Canyon x 100. I gazed down at aqua-toned rivers and lakes so bright, clear and placid it was like peering into a living illustration of a children's coloring book. Dizzying mountain peaks in an infinite horizon of melting snow caps and rugged cliffs filled me with a sense of insignificance.

Here I am in a country so vast and impennitrable where global warming scientists from around the world are gathering to study invaluable information about the future of climate change and I think I making a difference using solar-powered windows and recycling plastic. It seems so unrealistic that I could be making any measurable dent in the problems that face this world in an area where carbon dioxide is having the most impact. But, I haven't even landed yet and need to stay focused on why I am here - mainly to write a human-interest story on the cultural experience of getting to know the Arctic, Inuit and Danish people and what they do to survive this merciless environment.

We flew in on a small 26-seater Dash 7 where half the plane was stocked with boarded up cargo. Landing on a landing strip no longer than a bowling ball lane we unloaded onto a tarmac of 55 degree temperatures kissing our cheeks and a hospitable sun showering down on us. Not liking heat or humid, I thought "this is my kind of weather" and "I could live here." The cool air smelled crisper and cleaner and more invigorating than I've ever experienced.

We boarded a bus with a local driver unwilling to help us with our luggage but no matter we're a self-sufficient group of 10 experienced, skilled and talented travel writers and we can fend for ourselves. We're staying at the Hotel Godthab in the heart of the city of Nuuk looking forward to 4 days of whale safaris, ice-hiking, helicopter rides to melting icebergs and dining on the world famous muskox. Internet time is hyper expensive but I'll do what I can to keep you informed of this magical place and the tough cultures that prevail here. Check back soon.