I have been afflicted by Lapland insomnia! The place is just breathtaking. The silence; incredible. The power to think coherently escapes me whenever I think of it. I turn into a child put on the spot, unable to competently express the sincerity of emotion.
I took this photo whilst skimobiling on the Torne River in Jukkasjarvi, near Kiruna in Swedish Lapland. My boyfriend took me to the IceHotel for Christmas as my Christmas present. I have no idea how I am ever going to top that Christmas present. I don't know how one could be unhappy living in Lapland with views like this. Actually, I do see how they could be unhappy, what with the months of darkness. There was a surprisingly interesting article in this month's Vice Magazine about how Greenland has the highest rate of teenage suicides in the world. Apaaraently one teen tries to commit suicide every day. In an underpopulated country the statistics have a devestating resonance. I would really like to live in the Lappish territories but perhaps one or two years would be enough for me. The thrill-seeking, pub-going British socialisation is perhaps too ingrained in me to permit me any longer!
Husky dog sledging was a very interesting and silent way to travel. The silence was so tranquil but almost stifling at the same time. I definitely enjoyed husky sledging but perhaps not to the full extent as I was suffering from a mammoth hangover, for which I certainly only had myself to blame.
The IceHotel itself was a thing of wonder. The phrase 'breath taking' can be accurately employed here. As the picture shows, there is an other-worldly feel about it. And as that shows, any claim I once had on coherence has long gone, as should I be to bed.
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