There are certain places in this world that connect with us, that draw us in, that speak to us. And for me personally, I get really emotionally connected to places and feel really deeply connected to certain spots around the world. Places like Paris, Vienna, Udaipur, and Iceland…all of them speak to me, all of them make me feel whole, make me feel like maybe in a past life I called each of them home. Like maybe a part of my soul connects me to them. And when we booked our last minute trip up to Alaska for Nick’s work a couple weeks ago, honestly, I had no idea what to expect. And because it came about so fast, I didn’t have enough time to research, to plan, to really get an idea of what it would be like. And yet, it turns out it’s a place I will now add to that list of other destinations above. It’s a place that I fell hard for, a place I know will become a big part of our lives going forward.
On the way there, I just had a feeling. I kept saying to Nick on the plane, “we’re going to Alaska!!!!” I haven’t been so giddy as I was for a long time when traveling but something about heading North, something about this trip just had me from the beginning. And upon arrival in Anchorage, I just knew it was special. I just knew that this amazing state was speaking to me, pulling me in. There is a magic there, a presence.
And I found myself, during our time there, being drawn in. And while yes, the state is gorgeous and breathtaking and everything in between, I found myself drawn into the lifestyle, the cool gray weather, the authentic local vibe, the true essence of Alaska. Much of Alaska reminded me of Iceland, another spot in the world that I count among my favorites. Alaska just felt right, a connection that I felt immediately and lingered with me after we left.
There are certain places in the world that certain people just fit. There are certain places that you just have a feeling about, an emotion you can’t quite put your finger on, but an emotion that just feels perfect. Alaska made me feel like I had arrived home, like some years down the road I might be there again curled up in front of a fireplace sipping a hot cup of tea as the snow falls outside. Alaska marked my soul, it captured my imagination and it stole my heart. And so when I think of this gorgeous state, I’ll always remember how I fell in love with Alaska.
Mar says
I seriously just wept as I read this. I miss that place – the people, the scenery, the peacefulness – every day. Although we’ve been home for 3 years now (wow, time flies), I seriously feel that part of me is missing. When we moved up there we only thought we’d be there for 8 months. Early on, a friend told us “Alaska will get into your veins and steal your heart.” That couldnt have been more true, we ended up staying for 3 years.
Casey says
It truly is such an incredible place. I can’t wait to get back there and explore more.
Ella - Wide-Eyed Wanderer says
How awesome is it feel that way over a place in the world! I definitely have that same feeling towards Paris. I often describe it as my soul city… we’re just great matches and I feel, on a soul level, like I’m at home there. I reckon I’d have that same feeling for Alaska. Maybe one day I’ll get to see if that’s true for myself 🙂
Casey says
Totally! It’s just something that connects it to a place, like we just “fit.” It’s so hard to describe but so amazing to feel!
Emily of Em Busy Living says
I’ve never been to Anchorage, but Fairbanks was one of the most incredible places I’ve ever been! We were also there around Thanksgiving, so it was dark for long hours in the morning and evening and there was so much snow…so great! I hope you get to go back to Alaska when it’s like that!
Casey says
I’d love to get up to Fairbanks and explore more of the other areas of Alaska! And I’d love to see it in the snow, so magical!
Camila @ AdventitiousViolet says
How awesome that it was the perfect mix – beautiful landscape matched with a great lifestyle. I feel that’s always the great way of experiencing a place – though landscapes will make up for anything when I’m travelling 🙂
Casey says
Totally! I love when places are a great mix like that! But you’re right, a great landscape and I’m hooked!
Tales of a Nomad says
On my list thanks to you! Great post 🙂
Casey says
So glad! 🙂
Rachel @ STCL says
I love this! Makes me even more excited to get to Alaska one day!
Casey says
Such an amazing place!