“Svalbard - it’s great! No drugs, no crime, no old people.” These were the first words I heard from a local resident who had moved back after a few years abroad.
••
Though Longyearbyen started as a coal mining community, most people now work in tourism or science. These are some of the uniform, colorful houses of #Longyearbyen in #Svalbard - the northernmost town in the world. Residents are extraordinarily proud of their home, and people from all over the world move here and quickly gain the same pride - this town of 2,100 people counts over 40 nationalities among its members.
••
What do locals love most? The nature, the townspeople, the community. Everyone I spoke to had these same answers. I don’t think I could live here, but after a few days, I could strangely understand what attracted people to this place. A simple, active, outdoor life, a small community, the pride of knowing you live and survive in one of the most extreme and unique places in the world.
••
The love everyone here has for their community is infectious. My time felt too short, and I can’t wait to go back one day soon. #losethemap
.
.
.
.
.
Share this Post
