Be Our Guest

So as my college years have faded into the backdrop of life, so have my days of heavy drinking.  Don't get me wrong now, a good drink or two is always a great way to pass the time; if you're a lightweight like me, two drinks will do just right.  Yet imagine having a delicious beverage in 23 degrees (f) while inside a structure that is annually changing and revealing the artistic designs of those lucky to participate in its rising.  Ladies and gents, I'm talking about the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden.

This freezing watering hole was first born from an ice exhibition in 1989 and has grown to not only become a unique destination, but has even caused a few other cities to come up with hotels of their own.  I remember watching "Die Another Day" and seeing the scene in which an ice palace was used; I instantly became hooked.  Like all things Hollywood, I really didn't think it existed, but low and behold, Sweden is where it's at.  Now when I look back at seeing that hotel on film, I always wondered what would I have to bring to stay comfortable.  The specific hotel in Sweden does offer you a whole array of clothing, yet you're strongly advised to bring a decent amount with you.  You also have the option of sleeping on a real bed or an ice block; let's face it, some folks just prefer alittle padding while they snooze.  To state the obvious, there are workable toilet facilities on the property so you don't have to worry about any frozen emergencies.


Something that truly appeals to me about this whole sub zero edifice is that every year artists and their ideas are approved so as to keep the design of this complex ever changing.  Honestly I don't know how many days I'd stay there, being that the indoor temperature hovers between 17 and 23 degrees (f).  When you compare that the outside temperature of the area hovers around -34 degrees (f), that interior frost doesn't sound so bad. 

What would ever possess me to go to some place so cold???  I wish I could tell you.  The appeal of this ice hotel works just like my other odd travel destinations; I just want to experience it!  I want to know what it's like to be in a spa in sub zero weather or drinking vodka in a solid ice glass.  Sleeping on ice blocks to some may not sound comfy, and I'm not going to say I'd settle for the block option every night, but it's something to experience. 

This destination, just like my other ones, is meant to open my eyes to life and to realize that sometimes it's not what we experience, but how we experience it that matters.  I'll be the first one to say it: I'm not a resort or a camp out at a hotel the whole trip kind of guy; yet I'd be willing to make this place an exception.  Although I'd be staying in a hotel, which is contrary to my usual travel plans, relaxing would probably be on the bottom of my list.  While there, one is able to explore the vast land around, and do things such as dog sledding, horse back riding and my favorite, witness the Northern Lights among other things like the public art exhibit during day time hours

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So even though this freezing structure may not be to everyone's liking, it definitely seems to be high on my list of oddball destinations.  The one thing that this trip would do to me, is that it would force me to actually have to organize my excursion on a realistic time table.  Don't forget people, the most important word in this ice hotel is ICE, so to truly experience the popsicle aspect of this destination, traveling there between December to April is a must. 

It's a pain to actually have to bend myself around Mother Nature's timetable, but I guess I can do it this one time.  Perhaps this trip will be a metaphor for my life; one can be spontaneous and do what they want, but at some point we all have to grow up and learn that there are times that we must respect the necessity of others.  Oh where will this rabbit hole lead?