Cruising in Alaska

Rami's fortunate enough to have both a very generous grandmother and an extended family who all get along with each other for hours, even days at a time. This happy combination allows for some pretty exotic family gatherings. In late July, 2006 Rami travelled to Alaska on a cruise ship with about 15 relatives. It was beautiful and a lot of fun. Rami got to take a hike in the Tongas rainforest outside Ketchikan (near the proposed bridge to nowhere) and learn about new plants and wildlife.

Our trusty guide Eric even made Rami a cool looking hat made of skunk cabbage. (Don't ask.)


Rami got to visit Alaska's capital Juneau, home of the Mendenhall Glacier (for how much longer we're not quite sure.) Lacking the budget for a helicopter tour of the massive structure, Rami had to make do with getting mud all over the backside of his pants...

...and admiring the view.
Of course modern cruise ships are very well equipped. Forget the bars, restaurants and hot tubs, it's the child care facility that's the big seller. It even comes supplied with face paint.


Out of Skagway, many of us had to chance to take a ride on a spectacular vintage railway up the White Pass & Yukon route into the northwestern part of British Columbia.

It was breathtaking.

Our fourth and final port of call was Prince Rupert, in British Columbia. Most of us went on a whale watching boat. While it was quite thrilling, the excursion deprived the Landes family of a proper introduction to Tim Horton's. Nonetheless, Rami got a chance to ride in the wheelhouse of the whale watching boat. He also made a new friend.

This is one trip that will be tough to match.