Evidence of the extreme cold abound. Indeed, more memorable than any of the sights I see during the walk are the physical sensations experienced while simply walking. Winding my way amidst the numerous boxy homes and cylindrical barrack-like structures, I come upon the Piuraagvik, a gymnasium and recreation center with a modern, geometrically imposing architecture. Piuraagvik, the place where we play , is where Barrow s best athletes hone their abilities in the quest for Olympic glory. Not that commercialized media extravaganza being held in Atlanta this year but the World Eskimo and Indian Olympics.
Contestants distinguish themselves in events like snowsnake , knuckle hop and one-foot high kick .
The latter requires the participant to leap upwards, kick a ball hanging above head level with one foot and land on the same foot. The ball height is incrementally raised till a winner is crowned. I am quietly grateful to reach the intended termination point of my stroll - the Top of the World hotel. Once inside its temperature-controlled lobby, the liquid crystals of my digital watch begin to show some life again, as does my camera light meter. Slumping into the couch watching a Chicago Bulls game on the lounge television, I forget for a while where I am.