IN THE LAND OF THE HUMAN BEINGS

1. IN THE LAND OF THE HUMAN BEINGS

2. HOLIDAY AMONG THE AMMASSALIK INUITS A marvelous journey into the true Greenland and a rare opportunity to be part of the fascinating lifestyle of the Ammassalik Inuit's. ’In the Land of The Human Beings’ is most likely as far from a crowded tourist destinations and properly the closest to a culture so very different from you own as you’re ever going to get. Do not expect any traditional luxury, but be ready for a traveling experience of a lifetime. In this part of the world the time is The daily life of an Inuit hunter is refreshingly different. Of course time in a settlement is measured in hours and days, but only when speaking about opening hours at the school and the shop, for a hunter it really doesn’t make much sense. His life is far more influenced by the tide and the ice situation and good and bad weather. Experiencing East Greenland along with an Inuit is a unique opportunity to observe the very close bonds between the Inuit and nature.   In the Land of The Human Being is developed by local hunters and Destination East Greenland. The daily life activities are organized into tour packages where domestic transportation, accommodation and full board, tours and activities is included. The families who offer this holiday are approved by Destination East Greenland and we offer further information and bookings free of charge. What you pay is what the family gets. You can decide to just rent a room, and do your own exploration or you can buy a “package” where you’ll be part of all the activities of the Inuit family. No matter what form of stay you choose a holiday in a settlement will offer you extraordinary experiences and photo opportunities. Winter/spring: Ice fishing, seal hunting and dog sledding. Preparing of sealskin and food. Summer: Seal hunting and fishing. Including going with you host family for a two days fishing trip with tent to a fishing ground. More information: Telephone +299 982243. E-Mail: ast@ammassalik.gl or ml@ammassalik.gl

3. GREETINGS FROM TINITEQILAAQ Imagine: Someplace in the Sermilik Fjord, a bright arctic summer night in June. You, sitting on a rock spur and listening to the “singing ice”, as the Inuit call the sizzling sound of bursting air bubbles. And nothing but the deep silence in front of a majestic scenery composed of innumerable mountains, valleys, glaciers and floating icebergs, small and tall. The warm colours of the sky reflected in the water. From time to time the melody of a singing bird or the distant crack of breaking ice. Besides you a group of hunters: one whispering, the others attentively listening and closely watching the water. Suddenly, a seal’s head surfacing, a shot reverberating from the cliff sides: food for man and beast. I came to East Greenland to live with Inuit-people in one of the settlements outside of Tasiilaq. I accompanied them, when they went out fishing, looking for mussels, and I also had the privilege to go hunting together with them. I played with their children and had a lot of fun. People there thaugt me many new things, and so I learnt a lot about their daily life. For these kind and amiable people, patience and endurance are of more importance than date and time and clocks. Nature dictates the rhythm. Community means everything. TV, mobile phones and internet notwithstanding, they bear a frugal life without great comfort. Like a matter of course and without making a fuss about it, I became part of their community. To accompany them on their trips – on foot or by boat - and follow them at work or simply to spend time with them was fascinating and just great! I return back home, grateful and enriched with unique experiences – and hope to be back soon, next time maybe in winter! Simon Gerber, Zürich, Schweiz, August 2008