So I arrived in Skagway, Alaska a few days ago, on May 1st around 4pm. I had to take a tiny 10-seater plan from Juneau to Skagway. I was really nervous at first, but then I realized it's not so bad. The flight to Skagway was absolutely beautiful! (I posted pictures on my Facebook if you are interested). So when I arrived, me and a few other drivers got picked up from the airport, and they took us to one of the company's offices. We did some paperwork, got our uniforms, then went on a quick tour of the town. Downtown is so cute and historical looking, I love it! The views are amazing. Everywhere you look there are mountains, covered with snow. Now, we all know that I don't like snow, but it's not on the ground, it is high up on the mountains where I don't have to deal with it =) This is probably the most beautiful place I have ever seen. I can't believe I am getting paid to live here for the summer. I am so spoiled! Anyways, I was then taken to my house, which is called MP2 or "Shophouse". There is the building where we live, but the yard behind it is where we keep all of the motorcoaches. This is definitely a plus because when I wake up in the morning I just have to walk downstairs to get to work. My room is pretty small, and I have a roommate, but she is not here yet. So hopefully I'll get to meet her soon. Everyone that lives here is awesome. So far there are 7 guys and 4 girls (including me). We have a big common room when you walk in, where everyone hangs out. We also have a dining area, a huge kitchen, 4 or 5 bathrooms, and 2 laundry rooms. It's a pretty sweet deal, I love it so far.
So the first night I went out to eat with 4 guys that I live with, to the Skagway Brewing Company, or BrewCo for short. The food is really expensive here, so that is definitely something I'll have to get used to. But it was delicious! Then we came back and hung out at the house.
The next day I started training, which means I had to "dual drive" with a returning driver from last year. They drove for a little bit, and then I drove for a couple hours. They took me around town, showed me where all the docks, restaurant and shops were, and we also went up the pass (which is the Klondike highway, the only road that takes you out of Skagway, and you have to go through to Canada to get anywhere). We crossed the border and drove into Canada about 10km. That was the first time I have ever been out of the country. Woo hoo! =) That night Uncle Mike and Aunt Shari got into town, so I hung out with them at the Westmark (the hotel where they live).
So the last few days have been training, getting to know the city, and hanging out with everyone. This morning I went on a hike with Uncle Mike and a few guys that I live with. It was beautiful! Unfortunately I forgot my camera =/ So I'll have to take pictures another time. It was a good hike, not too hard, uphill most of the time, but the end of the trail was a lake that we stopped at and it was so peaceful; I loved it. It also made me realize how out of shape I am! I'm definitely gonna have to hike a lot more to get in shape. All of the drivers have a meeting this afternoon, then we're all going out for pizza. So it's going to be a nice, easy day. Tomorrow the first ship comes in, so all of us new drivers will ride along on a tour with a more experienced driver and a bunch of tourists, so we can get a feel for how the tours will go. I am super excited for that. The town is very quiet, with not too many people, but all of the shops, restaurants and museums are preparing for the tourists in a week or so. When all the ships start coming in, it's going to be very busy and crowded and I am so excited for that!
Well, time to go put on my amazingly stylish uniform and get ready for the meeting. I'll post another blog in a week or so.
Stay tuned...
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