Living in Alaska is like living in a foreign country where they speak perfect (American) English, accept the dollar, and allow us to work without a permit or passport. It's great!

This feeling stems from the fact that we are so divided from the rest of the US by distance, time, and mindset, we basically function as a completely separate entity. If you watch your morning news (Good Morning, America, etc.), they're not talking about or even thinking about Alaska. We won't be on the national weather report. If our senators are involved in DUI or whatever, no one down there will hear about it. [Not that they have been, I'm just using that as an example.] The only time we seem to make the news is when it affects your oiling-buying wallets. And to be honest, I'm good with that. As I think most folks here are.

So if you get the urge to travel abroad and visit family members or friends... come to Alaska! We'll leave the light on for you. [wouldn't want you tripping over a grizzly]