Once we got off the plane in Longyearbyen we gathered our luggage from the single baggage claim, and followed the crowd outside where two large buses were waiting. We figured we were supposed to follow everyone else onto a bus of our choosing, even though we weren't exactly sure where either of them was going to end up. We quickly learned that anytime a flight arrives at the small airport, buses meet the passengers to take them into town, stopping at every hotel in town, along with a few stops for locals. The simple process almost seemed too good to be true, but my weary traveling mind appreciated the ease.
Our stop was the very last. Our Hostel was located at the very far end of town near the glacier where we were told there were plant fossils. After dropping our bags off and in desperate need of a proper meal we immediately searched out food. Thankfully, the hotel right across the road had a restaurant. The Coal Miners Cabin, appropriately named, had housed miners during the 1950s coal boom. They had a simple menu of burgers and different potato side dishes. We happily munched our burgers by candlelight in our socks (we quickly learned that it was customary to remove shoes when entering buildings in Longyearbyen) and watched Olympic handball while trying to figure out the rules of the unfamiliar sport.
By the time we finished our meal and returned to our room it was nearly 11pm. We were delighted and in awe that it was still incredibly light outside. This was my fist time experiencing the midnight sun. The combination of jet lag, light coming through the windows, a very loud Finnish man, and the excitement of arriving in the Longyearbyen made for a poor nights sleep. But Haley and I awoke the next morning excited to embark on our ship, finally unpack our things, and see Svalbard!
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.