Now remember, this was 1963. Things were very different back then.
Remember the stairs are pushed out to the airplane and people come down to the tarmac and walk into the waiting room.
Inuvik was new and the airport facilities were new and shiny. So at 12:30 AM I walked into the terminal to find it busy and a smiling principal there to greet me. This was a surprise. More than that the superintendent was also there.
Now the superintendent walked over and handed me a key to my apartment! What? I told him that I was supposed to stay in the hostel. Well, he said an apartment came available. Well, how do you argue with the boss at 1:00 AM?
We finally go our luggage and got into the big suburban and off we went to town. The airport was nine miles out of town. They dropped me off at my apartment and saw that I got in. They said goodnight and I was on my own. Another teacher was on the plane with me and he was going on in the morning. He had asked if he could stay overnight with me.
The apartments were known as single staff. They were really a bed sitting room. The couch rolled out into a bed. the kitchen had a half sink , 2 burner stove and small fridge under the counter. They really meant things to be for single staff.
So there I was looking around in an apartment with all my stuff. So at 2:00 AM all I wanted to do was go to bed. We found bedding and made a bed and tucked in . I was so wired from the past 24 hours I slept very little.
Next morning came early. What will I have for breakfast? There was no food in the apartment. I think we went to the hotel for breakfast.
Now I was very fortunate that they placed me in the settlement they did. There was a restaurant, laundry, Hudson Bay store and more. So for somebody who didn't wash clothes the laundry was a goldmine.
Now in the next post will I eat or go hungry.
This was the hostel I was to stay in along with 350 kids and staff.
Wow! What a life.
ReplyDeleteIt was all very new and different.
DeleteGlad you got an apartment. A hostel with 350 kids does not sound like fun.
ReplyDeleteI spent time at the hostel and it never was noisy. they seemed to always have something to do.
DeleteI'm thinking you had a few home keeping skills to learn fast.
ReplyDeleteI did learn and I found out I had more skills than I thought.
DeleteThis is sounding like an amazing adventure. I have to come back later and find out what else went on.
ReplyDeleteIt was fun. It changed my life forever.
DeleteBetter be in the apartment than that huge hostel with 350 noisy kids!
ReplyDeleteI was in the hostel many times and it was fairly quiet. the kids seem to always have things to do.
DeleteNice to have such a small world to be part of.A rather befuddling start.
ReplyDeleteI'll explain the reason for the start later.
DeleteExcellent! The great story continues! :)
ReplyDeleteSteve, I think you've been in very different places and can understand the excitement of new things.
DeleteYou are bringing back memories of my first trip as a new bride on my way to an apartment complex on an island in the Pacific Ocean.
ReplyDeleteHey, you've got a good topic for post.
DeleteWhat an adventure for you!
ReplyDeleteI was able to get out on the land so experienced the outdoor.
DeleteThe hostel certainly is a throwback to the past, Red.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget this was 1963. It was the past!
DeleteThat is quite the adventure you were having.
ReplyDeleteIt does sound like quite an adventure. When you are young you just go with things that come at you.
ReplyDeleteQuite an adventure for a young man away from home for the first time.
ReplyDeleteYour own apartment! Too bad the welcoming people at the airport didn't have some food for you! :)
ReplyDeleteYou certainly did get taken care of. Having your boss meet you in the middle of the night and take you to an apartment? You were living right, Red. :-)
ReplyDeleteWow! What an adventure!
ReplyDeleteI have to laugh about your concern about laundry. I'm sure you would have figured out how to do it on your own if the commercial laundry had not been available!
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving, Mr and Mrs Red!
350 kids.....don't know if i would like that, but i am happy you found an answer to your laundry. ha,ha, quite a life you experienced thus far back then.
ReplyDeleteThe only commonality between your experiences and mine in the Outer Hebrides a decade later is the fact that the aeroplane steps at Stornoway airport were rolled up to the plane. Nowadays they are integral to the plane but you still walk down the steps onto the tarmac.
ReplyDelete