Alaska deep in my heart

by Celia Guyot (France)

Making a local connection USA

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Alaska: It sounds extraordinary and also scary at some point. Synonym of far far away, land of bears and bearded men, white and snowy as in our fantasies. It is maybe a little like this, and with à European mentality , you first only believe you will find the place as described before. But if I could describe Alaska with a word , it would be Gem. She ( yes, she... because Alaska was a Mom, with welcoming arms and warmth, making me feel like home) was the best that could ever happen to me. At some point , I decided to break the codes and make a stop to this routine that people use to call Normal way of living. And I left for Alaska. And I instantly understood this place has a soul. A vibrant spirit. I felt homesick sometimes , which happened to many people travelling for a long time. And once , heading to the harbour where I used to go for a relaxing break , trying to see some porpoises or whales , a woman came to talk to me. She was a teacher in a pre school were many children were from native origins , the Tinglit. She explained me with passion her story , and their stories. She was full of passion for people, her work and her country. She decided to invite me home, promising a concert and good fish , the catch of the day ! I accepted and then thought : I do not know this lady. But I decided to share this moment without thinking too much. And this was one of the most delightful time. The concert was a very special gift for me. All her family played instrument and blue grass music. It was a blast. But what amazed me the most was this lady inviting an unknown foreigner in her home. They let me enter their home but especially their hearts. This is probably this , making a difference in the world and in someone’s life: making the world a little bit better and allow people to trust each other , spreading love and good action. It was not much, but it made my journey unbelievable because after 15 years, this memory is still alive in me. So if you have a chance , you can also make a difference in other’s lives and in yours at the same time.