âAnything more wonderful than the polar night does not exist.
It is a dream-like sight. It is a light poem of all the finest and most delicate tones of the soul.âFridjof Nansen
NEW BAMSEBU BLOG
Advent and a time of waiting
When we were children, this time before Christmas was usually full of excitement and anticipation. The days in December could not go fast enough! It seemed like everything was a large build up to and about Christmas eve. Hilde has fond Christmas memories about stockings hanging on the fireplace, smells of baked goods in the oven, adults and children making Christmas cakes, and the family going out into the woods to get their own Christmas three. Sunniva remembers Christmas celebrations from many different places, as her family moved a fair bit. Her favorite Christmas memories are from Telemark in Norway with sleigh rides through snowy landscapes, singing around the tree, drinking warm âglĂžggâ (mulled wine) from a cast iron pot after skiing – all in anticipation of what is to come. She warmly remembers Christmas Caroling in California – music abounding! Love and Family!
Surgery and complications
The day before our planned return to Bamsebu, Ettra became acutely ill. The vet measured her fever to 40.3âC and her pulse to 180. We were told that we could lose her â and were crushed beyond words. Our priceless 3-year-old Ettra, who has been with us 24/7 for an entire year through thick and thin, who always is happy and ready for downward dogs, and who loves hugs and long walks. Our beautiful Ettra, who warned us of polar bears and is our safety net both around the cabin and on walks. We waited for three unplanned weeks in Longyearbyen for her to heal, but she was just not strong enough to come with us. And longer delays for us in Longyearbyen meant worse weather and complications getting to Bamsebu. It was a terrible dilemma!
   
A vital part of our expedition
We made the tough call to leave Ettra behind, taking solace in the fact that she was in the very capable hands of Steinar. We had to trust that she would get better and that we could get her down here – somehow. It was awful to leave her. When we said goodbye, Ettra pressed herself into our knees and salty crocodile tears flowed from us both! Itâs difficult to explain Ettra’s role here at Bamsebu, but perhaps you can all imagine? She is a vital part of our Expedition Team. Full of love, patience and more love. Our biggest fan, a great source of inspiration and always up for all of our adventures and science trips. Ettra’s dog paradise is here at Bamsebu!
It is Advent. We are waiting. Waiting for Ettra!
And now the wait is nearly over! Next week we get a helicopter visit from the priest in Longyearbyen. It is a long-standing tradition here for the church to visit those in remote outposts to spread cheer, music and build community. And hopefully, around New Year, Ettra is coming and finally the team will be back together again!
The most important
We are all living in a time where our individual and collective worlds have changed. This year, the Christmas season brings both expectation and uncertainty. We must remember what is important – how we can care for each other and how we can show our love. We do that with intention and by holding space in our thoughts. We hold you all in our thoughts during this time of Advent. Beneath the powerful canopy of the Northern Lights we send you all our love at this special time of Advent!
Hugs from the Bamsebu Girls xxx
A big thanks to
The sponsor of the month, Canada Goose, our Legacy Partner BRP and Marlink Satellite Communication, our provider for all video hosted calls. And thanks to our science partners, UNIS, Polar Bears International and Norwegian Polar Institue
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so glad your dog will be back with you – for your happiness to have her back and for your safety of her warnings of the bears. I really admire you both your courage of this expedition
Thank you so much <3
What a wonderful present for all of you.
Awesome, awesome and truly awesome! Ettra will be so happy to be back with you both, and of course, she was such a huge part of your first stay, you both will be fighting (in a good way) for her attention upon her return! Hugs to you both! Continued adventure through your science and simply living!
Ettraâs return will be such a wonderful Christmas present! Our animals are so important to us…unconditional love, protection and understanding between them and us always!
You are remarkable ladies and I wish you both health, peace of mind, strength and the knowledge that you are loved and admired. May 2021 prove to be a year of steady improvements across all areas for our world and communities.
Bless you both!
Tearing up… so happy Ettra is on her way to you. Holding you all in my heart.
Blessings and the best gift of all, reuniting with a dear family furry family member.
Sorry to hear about your dog. What diagnosis did she got?
This is incredible! Ettra has healed and is in her way to keep you both safe!! She belongs with you both and I am sure that her presence will bring a sense of calm besides happiness! Sending you all Big hugs on this exciting reunion đđđ
Happiest news!! Love to you each XOXOXO
I hadnât dared hoped Ettra would still be joining you, Merry Christmas!
A very merry XMAS to the three of you from sunny Australia
Ken Robinson
What wonderful news.. then the 3 musketeers are back together again. Wishing an awesome blessed Christmas. May the arrival of Ettra make the New Year fantastic.
What a happy dog she will be… back with you both and ready for her mission!
Wishing you another very special
Christmas.Some may hope to have a visit from Santa. But a priest visiting! Enjoy this time and keep up your fascinating project.
I am SO HAPPY to know that Ettra will join you soon! The three of you belong together. I can imagine how emotional that reunion will be.
Merry Christmas!
Hugs and love from California
Hilda
Such good news to hear. Happiest of returns Ettra!
So happy to hear your essential and beautiful team and family member will be back with you soon. Thank you for your work and inspiration. Sending hugs, love and Solstice greetings from Northern Maine.
WELCOME BACK ETTRA! đ„°đ„°â
Very relieved and happy that the entire Bamsebu team will be together again soon. Merry, Merry Christmas, ladies. You both rock! Holiday cheers to you both from Squamish!
Thank you <3
Que cette nouvelle année soit sereine, vos coeurs dans la joie et la paix.
Mes souhaits qu’Ettra soit auprĂšs de vous deux, fidĂšle compagne.
Votre Ă©quipe est fabuleuse !! Vos engagements et projets sont magnifiques !.
J’ai beaucoup de respect pour ce que vous ĂȘtes et entreprenez.
Bel hivernage,
DaniĂšle depuis la France