" And who barricade the sea behind doors
When it burst out from the womb"
~ Job 38:8
The voyage to Alaska helps us to marvel at the power of nature, yet in its gentle embrace we were rejuvenated. Surrounded by the towering glacier puts us in perspective. How tiny the cruise ship became, how insignificant we are as human. Thousands of years has passed, even with the advances of science we cannot answer this question posed by our Creator.
Our first port was Juneau, Alaska's state capital. It has a population of 32000. It was here that Alaska has its first gold strike. We visited the Mendenhall Glacier and did the stunning Nugget Trail as recommended by our tour guide. The waterfall at the end of the trail seems to come out from no where and its beauty is out of this world. Another attraction is the upside down trees, where the root system is facing the sky and used as a planter for blooming florals. The best time to visit would be during Summer when everything is in full bloom.
On the second day we ventured into the historic district and spent a couple hours at the Alaska state museum. Admiring the adaptivness of the Inuit people in making rain coat from whale intestine. It was also interesting to learn that Alaska was sold for 7.2 million by the Russians to the US in 1867, which is around 2 cents per acre. What a bargain!
We were very happy with our boat, Koningsdam by Holland America. Since it was newly refurbished in 2023, the decor and room feels modern and in very good condition. I personally love spending my morning in the greenhouse spa. Watching the morning mist, evergreen and calm ocean with calming music is one of my highlight of the journey.
We also enjoyed spending time at the Crow's Nest, trying an exotic cocktail from the bar and taking in the panoramic view.
Next stop was Ketchikan, known as the " salmon capital of the world" The quaint town reminds me of Disneyland. The gift shops are built on water and there is a cute system of wooden bridges. We enjoyed browsing around the local souvenir shops and stopping at the café. The idyllic scenery was the perfect backdrop for photography.
