People sure ask the strangest things when they find out you're from Alaska. I've heard a lot of stupid questions too, like "Are there even grocery stores up there?" or "Do you have to ski to work?" I always roll my eyes and offer up a sarcastic answer... Yes, the sun shines on Alaska 24/7 all year round because we rock and why shouldn't it. Here are some other very odd and awkward questions people from Alaska hear a lot when they travel outside the state.
1. Have you ever met Sarah Palin?
Just because there are maybe 10 people in Alaska and Sarah Palin is one of the only famous person from around these parts doesn't mean EVERYONE has met or seen Sarah Palin... Living in Alaska doesn't always mean they like Sarah Palin either.
2. Do you get the internet up there?
This one always makes me roll my eyes. Yeah, sure, we don't have the internet up here, we're way too far away from the rest of America unfortunately. Life in Alaska is far more modern than many people in the lower 48 give us credit for.
3. Does everyone live in igloos?
If by "igloos" you mean the Inuit translation of "houses"... then yes, everyone lives in igloos, it's crazy.
4. Can you see Russia from Alaska?
No, and yes. There is one magical spot when the tide is really low on this tiny little island way out in the ocean that you might, maybe just a little bit, kinda sorta be able to see Russia from on a really blue bird day with super strong Spiderman vision. I know, I know, Spiderman doesn't have the powers of super strong vision but you get the point... it's not easy or normal to see Russia from Alaska.
5. What kind of money do you use up there?
Monopoly money, of course. And we all wear top hats and drive around in little silver cars. Go Alaska! This is a head scratcher, when most people don’t realize that Alaska is a part of the United States and uses the dollar.
6. Aren't you scared of all those bears?
Attack!!!!! No, Alaskans are actually pretty smart and we don't get attacked by the wildlife on a daily basis. That's a job for tourists.
Bonus point: Who noticed that there are penguins in this picture and angrily thought, "There aren't penguins in Alaska!!!!!" Good for you.
7. Do you really get paid to live there?
No, no we don't. So don't go telling everyone that we do, and start moving up here or anything like that.
8. Isn't it dark all year round?
No, there isn't a single place in Alaska that it is dark all year round. Unless you dig a hole in the ground and stick your head in it, you're going to have to face the sun like the rest of us. What people misunderstand is that there is long periods of darkness above the Arctic Circle during the winter time. But conversely, there are long periods of daylight, too during the summer.
9. Does it ever get above freezing?
Yeah, but it's cold a lot so we learn to deal with it. See? We tan and ski at the same time. In the summer time in the Interior of Alaska, you’ll sometimes even get temperatures above 90 or 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
10. Aren't the mosquitos the size of footballs?
No! But they are huge though.
11. You live in Alaska? So that means you live in the bush?
Alaska is pretty rugged, but even people who live outside of town still don't live in "the bush." Alaska stereotypes aren’t always representative of everyone who lives in this state.
As people from Alaska, I’m sure you’ve heard many more funny questions. Let us know what other quirky questions you've heard in the comments! I'm sure they will be amusing, and we want to hear it!
If you love living in this fantastic state, here are 12 Reasons Why People In Alaska Should be Proud Of Their State.
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