Up early today for train to catch the flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen via Tromso.
We waited for two mechanics to board the flight so they could fix a plane in Tromso. They boarded some 20min later than scheduled take-off time.
The Cole Family-the American family I met at PCR testing were on the flight too.
There was a delay in Tromso passport control, where one passenger’s paperwork didn’t cut the mustard and a long delay to find his bag- about 1 hour late for take off!
When we eventually got to Svalbard, Longyearbyen, we were met by Anna with it turning out that American family are on same cruise.
Dropped off the Americans in town centre and me approx 1.5km to Funken Lodge. Anna then gave me some of the best news ever: they upgraded all the triple share passengers to their own rooms!!!! This was due to there being fewer passengers than normal and in case anyone gets covid then we have own isolation rooms alone and not all being in quarantine. This meant that I had my own room, desk, couch, King bed and balcony!!!! Very excited to say the least!!!
I left my bags in my lodge room and off to explore. Crossed down river , then up the other side of the river to the graveyard. These days you are not allowed to die on the islands as you cannot get buried as the bodied get pushed up into the active permafrost. Mind you, you are also not allowed to give birth as the hospital is not equipped for any complications.
I continued back down the road towards the church. Unfortunately it was under repair on the outside and is covered in scaffolding. Inside though it was open, warm, welcoming and simple. It was divided into the church portion and then a meeting area with group seating, like a church hall.
Also to note is that everywhere on Svalbard, when you enter a home or building, it is shoes off and in socks to help keep the floor clean and free of mud.
Still further down the road I walked up towards a lookout and the old coal loading station. There are still cable ways and cars that are in place as historic monuments. Coal mining started in the early 1900s after an American found coal and started up the Arctic Coal Company, soon to be taken over by the Norwegians. Production only from Mine 7 now at only 70kt per annum!!! Very tiny. Most used for electricity generation and rest sent off to Germany. I booked a Coal mine visit for after the cruise.
Headed back to lodge as the shops were closed. I wanted to sauna but it was not working.
