*my last several days are being posted late. So much going on here at the end of the cruise. I’ll catch up, we just might be home before I can finish*.
After spending a day maneuvering through the magnificent fjords, our Greenland adventure took us to the charming town of Qaqortoq (pronounced “Kah-kor-tok”). Nestled amidst towering mountains and surrounded by the icy waters of the Greenland Sea, Qaqortoq is a small town with colorful houses that stand out among the massive floating glaciers.
Qaqortoq, formerly known as Julianehab, has history dating back to the 18th century. Founded by Danish colonists, the town quickly became a major trading post for fur, fish, and other natural resources.
Today, Qaqortoq remains a vital part of Greenland’s economy and culture.
With a population of around 3,000, Qaqortoq is one of Greenland’s larger settlements. The town is home to a diverse community, including Greenlandic Inuit, Danish settlers, and other ethnic groups. The unique cultural mix has contributed to Qaqortoq’s vibrant atmosphere.
Despite the chilly temperatures, we were somewhat surprised to encounter a swarm of mosquitos during our visit. The reason I say somewhat was because we were warned and we thought since it was so cold that there wouldn’t be any mosquitos. Wrong assumption.
Fortunately for some people who did listen, head-nets proved to be invaluable in keeping the pesky insects at bay. They were horrible so we kept our mouths closed and wrapped our heads with a scarf. We didn’t stay on this island too long. It’s a reminder that even in the most unexpected places, nature can still find a way to surprise you.
One of the highlights of our visit was exploring the town’s collection of stone and man artworks. These intricate carvings showcase the talent and creativity of Greenlandic artists. The drawings were made in the rock walls just inside town.
We had the opportunity to take a rib boat out to see the icebergs firsthand but declined because we were going on a similar excursion in Nuuk on the day after stop. As it turned out our trip to Nuuk was canceled does to bad weather. A low pressure system was moving in arms of we continued on to Nuuk which is more north, we may have been stuck in Greenland a few days. That works have really thrown our trip off balance. So, our friends braved the icy waters in a rib boat to get a closer look at these magnificent natural wonders. The photos you see here are theirs. I wish now that we would have taken that trip. The sight of these massive, floating icebergs is truly awe-inspiring. I’m sure we’ll have another opportunity.
Qaqortoq offered us a glimpse into the beauty of Greenland. We hoped to visit again someday!
Since we are missing Nuuk Greenland, we are heading to St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada and our captain added on a trip to Halifax since we missed Nuuk!
May God Bless you always!
Chuck and Lea Ann
WorldTravelReynolds 