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Bellerby & Co Globemakers
@globemakers

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Finishing a 12cm Pocket Globe. . #Longyearbyen, the administrative centre of Svalbard, is a tiny Norwegian metropolis with 2,400 residents from almost 53 different countries. The small Arctic town is inhabited by nature enthusiasts who live in close unity under tough climatic conditions with the High Arctic wilderness right on their doorstep. Longyearbyen is the gateway to the nature-based experiences and the starting point for most adventures in Svalbard. This Arctic wilderness starts virtually in the town centre and never ends! . Although the tiny metropolis may appear a bit “harsh” with a rough industrial exterior, Longyearbyen is renowned for its hospitality and high level of comfort. Most people enjoy themselves in Longyearbyen and quickly feel they belong here. Many are bitten by the “Arctic bug” and refuse to move southwards. “I only planned to be here for one year, but I’ve been here for many years now,” is a comment you hear virtually every day. Nevertheless, Longyearbyen is a place people come to work and not somewhere they can spend their entire lives. The average time people live in Svalbard is seven years, according to Statistics Norway. . The residents of Longyearbyen feel that they live completely normal everyday lives. However, those looking from the outside often perceive our everyday life as somewhat extraordinary. The polar bears are never far away, so it’s a necessity to carry weapons when we venture outside the settlement. The climate is harsh and unpredictable. Some people find the contrasts and changes between light and dark challenging, while others think it’s wonderful. . Locals will gladly have a beer with their colleagues outside after work while wearing mittens. During the winter darkness, they wear a headlamp on their way to work, and it’s not uncommon to see the Northern Lights dancing in the sky when they head outside to meet a friend for lunch. In the summertime, you often go out with the Midnight Sun shining brightly on your face. . There are separate “roads” in the town centre for snowmobiles. . And they only have one grocery store. . #GlobeFacts via Visitsvalbard.com