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Moving to Alaska without knowing anything about it can be seen both as crazy and adventurous. For me it was a way of hoping for a change in my life. The start of a new adventure and a new life and, Alaska didn't disappoint me. Moving to Fairbanks is really intense: scary, fast, crazy, hard, remote, complex and so much more. Being here changes a lot of things. I have another view on what matters to me and who I am. It is a place where self reflection can hit pretty hard because you are alone facing nature and wilderness for km and km.
One thing I wish I knew before coming: Nature will dictate your life. Don't think you can do what you want when you want. You make plans and they change or evolve because that's how it goes in a place like this. But don't worry, if anything happens to you, you'll always find help in this community!
Living in Fairbanks
Living in Fairbanks
I don't only work in Alaska I also live here and this is what it looks like in a few pictures. You can imagine being part of a very remote community of a lot of adventurous people trying to find their place in the World or maybe fleeing society like we know it.
Finding the right people
Finding the right people
Fairbanks is, to say the least, very diverse. A lot of people have different activities and are very often outdoors so making connections can be tricky. It's also about finding the right ones. I am very social and this has been a real challenge. What helped me is multiplying the activities and knowing that everything takes time in Fairbanks.
Everything is hard to get
Everything is hard to get
What is somehow really surprising but makes total sense is the amount of thrift stores, garage sales and exchanges going on around here. Because Alaska is so sechluded and far away it is hard to get anything. You have to reuse, repair and trade to find what you need. Amazon is not always the easiest way...
Nature is powerful
Nature is powerful
Alaska is 3.7 times bigger than California, it represents 70% of the earthquake in North America, it has a diverse wildlife (16 wildlife refuges) and it has 17 national parks. Your life is regulated by Nature and the elements. Hunting and fishing is also a primary source of food throughout the state.
One thing I love about Fairbanks: Society as we know it doesn't matter. You can be who you want. People don't care if you're wearing Gucci or Walmart clothing. What matters is who you are not what you do or where you're from. I really appreciate this simplicity of life and connections.
Activities in Fairbanks
Activities in Fairbanks
I know it sounds hard or crazy to be able to do things here all year long. Well be ready!
In Summer: music festival, river floats, hiking, camping, biking, blueberry picking, hunting and fishing, farming...
In winter: skiing (cross-country, backcountry, downhill), biking (fat tires), hiking, cabin trips, aurora chasing, hotsprings swimming...
Fairbanks is the interior Alaska. It means that it gets very cold, it is really dry and has a lot of fire during the summer. A lot of people might say that there is nothing to do or to see here. As you can attest I did not lie. Summer and winter are full of activities and fun. Even in the darkness and cold of winter, people find ways to get out there and enjoy nature.
My advice make the right connections and everything will be easier.
Having activities and spending time outdoors can also help you with the winter depression. You don't like the outdoors? Fine you can pick up a winter project: painting, learning an instrument, wood working, sewing ... Your choices are infinite!
How do you survive the cold: Multiply the layers. I was born in a cold and rainy part of France but I never experienced weather like this. One thing I learnt is you should aways multiply the layers. Warm undergarment, fleece, down jackets, wind shell, hand warmer, good shoes, insulated pants or overalls. Just be inventive and honestly no one cares! It's better you survive!
These are examples of me able to be outside and active even when the thermometer says -30 C or -25 F. Alaska has a lot of places you can buy the right gear for the winter. You can also ask for advice from anyone in shops. People are really nice and will help you find anything you need.
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