The Expedition Team sent a scouting party to the famed Santa Claus Village, which straddles the Arctic Circle about 4 miles west of Rovaniemi. Unfortunately, Mr. Claus, who keeps a regular office at Santa Claus Village was out for a break when I arrived. But I had the opportunity to visit his three-story log cabin office, which is decorated with many photos of Claus meeting with heads of state, military officers - perhaps generals - and just regular people. Mr. Claus does not permit you to take a photo of you with him, should it come to that. As part of his business empire, Mr. Claus employs a full-time professional who will gladly sell you a portrait. The village consisted solely of restaurants and gift shops. Next to the present Santa office construction workers are busy building a newer, bigger office, which, according to the signs, will be ready by November of 2007. So where is the Man? Judging from his booming empire, he was probably out doing some project management, a hardhat replacing traditional garb. At the village post office, elves busily stamped post cards. Other elves, obvious in their red elf suits and curly pointed shores, smoked in the back alley.
Curiously, I see no reindeer here, the very place you would expect to see them hanging out, maybe even helping with the mail. I may have stumbled on the answer. In a shop called "Santa Food" I stumble upon an entire counter of smoked reindeer meat! Next door, at another shop is a stack of reindeer hides! In the next shop, I see a lot of big knives, never a good sign if you are a critter. But next across the aisle, I spy a row of hats on antler hat racks.
If you are a reindeer and reading this blog, please note the warning. Stay clear of this area if you know what's good for you.
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