Day Thirty - Qaqortoq, Greenland Sunday 10 August 2014

The ms Veendam arrived at anchor in Qaqortoq about 7:00 am as we were having breakfast in Lido.  We need to tender into town but the ship has no formal tours so --  no rush.   Our tender arrives in town about 8:30 am and immediately we see  the "Welcome To Qaqortoq" sign on the outside of the Tourist Shop which also serves as an Information Center -- although there is not much information to be had.

Qaqortoq from ms Veendam!

 Some of the local artists have set up tables outside the tourist shop selling jewelry -- sealskin slippers, purses, gloves -- a variety of other stuff.   I was surprised to see items made from seal -- I thought seal was an endangered species.    We started walking -- passing the Red Church with it's "baby" Church next door -- a cemetery with all white crosses of various ages -- a lovely bubbling stream of water rushing down from the mountains..

Old Red Church with "Baby" Church on Bubbling Stream!

The cemetery with its white crosses.

 There are three supermarkets in town -- two of them are open this morning and seem to be doing a brisk business -- not just with cruise people but with locals as well.  In search of wifi -- we are hopeful that the hotel will have a café with free wifi -- no such luck.  They have a café which opens at 10:00 am but no wifi. 

As we wander around this town of about 3,000 people -- I can't help but think of how limited their world is.   It does not appear that there is any way to get out of here except by boat.  We see a few cars  -- a couple of them are taxis -- three are police cars parked in front of the station.   We see one guy driving to the grocery store in this huge tractor with a shovel on the front.

Phil by local tavern -- Arctic Cafe -- not open when we were there.

I wonder what they think when they see all of us strolling around their town looking for wifi?   They probably think we're nuts -- and maybe we are.   It is curious to visit these small towns and see how people live simple happy lives doing whatever they do.   Although, having said that I must report that there are several large satellite dishes on the hills surrounding Qaqortoq.   

About 10:30 am a trio of musicians set up  in the plaza surrounding the  "oldest fountain" and start playing popular songs -- they are very talented.   More people are arriving from the ship so the streets are filling up with cruise people.

A last look at Qaqortoq!

We have finally seen all there is to see in Qaqortoq so catch a tender back to the ship about 11:15 am.  -- just in time for lunch.

The ms Veendam leaves Qaqortoq  at  4:00 pm enroute to St. Anthony, Newfoundland, Canada.    Tomorrow will be another sea day with arrival Tuesday morning.

Thanks for Reading!

Pat