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John Chang, Nicolas, and I went to Greenland during August 12-24, 2007. We got there by flying on Air Greenland from Baltimore to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. The flight takes about 4 1/2 hours. You arrive at the end of the day and there is about 30 minutes to make a connection to our next destination - Ilulissat. We made the assumption that transfering from an international flight to a local flight would take more than 30 minutes so we spent the night in Kangerlussuaq and flew out early the next morning. It looked to me like we could have made the evening flight. We stayed at the Old Camp Hostel (kangtour@greennet.gl). We were able to make a reservation via email, but had to call to get a confirmation. The hostel is about 1 mile from the airport and they provide transportation. We found this hostel using the Lonely Planet "Greenland and the Artic" guidebook. This book is a little out of date, but still priceless.

The next morning we flew to Ilulissat on Air Greenland. Its about a 45 min flight. We stayed at the Youth Hostel there. We had no reservation and fortunately met the manager at the airport. He was picking up another guest. After checking in we took a short hike out to the Ilulissat Kangerlua glacier that is flowing into the ocean making icbergs. The glacier and the area is stunning.

The next morning the manager took down to the ferry for the trip to Disko Island. The manager seemed to be able to deal with any travel need. We were able to buy tickets for the ferry online in advance. The ferry ride is about 4 1/2 hour long and takes you past numerous icebergs. The ferry stops at the town of Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island.

On Disko Island, we again had no reservation for a place to stay. At the pier we met the woman who runs the Hostel Napasunnguit. This is a "youth hostel" located about 1 mile outside of town and next to the best hiking trails ever. Accomodations were great as were the other guests (qeq.tourism@greennet.gl). There we hiked up the Blaesedalen (Valley of the Wind) and climbed the Skarvefjeld mountain. Qeqertarsuaq is small, has stores with limited hours, has no restuarants except at one hotel and then by advance arrangements only (food was great), and incredibly friendly people.

After exploring Disko Island we went back by ferry to Ilulissat and hiked out to the glacier numeous times. Ilulissat has multiple restuarants and a larger collection of stores. One does not have to plan extensively to get by.

We finally had to go home. Greeland was great. The scenary is stunning. The people are wonderful. Language was never a problem, None of us spoke a word of Greenlandic or Danish. Food was easy to buy, diverse, and readily available. Weather was unpredictable, but manageable. Most days were overcast. We got a few days of drizzle, and a few days of sun.

I am ready to go back.