I am just getting so clever with the song lyrics as my blog post names.
I just showered and am getting ready for bed. It is almost midnight and
my last day on board the MV Explorer is over. Our room is empty besides
out carry ons and there is nothing left to do.
Today we had some programs. At 1 there was a presentation by the on
board psychologist on re-entry and what to expect coming home. At 8 we
had our last pre-port. We had one before every country. They tell us
about the culture, what to see, what to do, and some safety stuff.
Tonight's was the same. It was actually really funny. Dean David did his
cultural pre-port as usual, but on America. He told us all about this
new culture and country we were about to see like he would with the
others. It was all a joke this time obviously. We got our info about
debarkation tomorrow and our deans said their last words.
After JoEllen, Becca, Adam, and I went to late night snack which was
packed. We played Heads Up again and made fools of our selves in public
(again). Then the three of us girls went back to our cabin and had a
late night dance party. We caught a lot on video. Apparently we were
heard a few cabins down as well. Oops. So as I said it is almost
midnight and I am exhausted.
Tomorrow is a long day. We are up at 7 to be at breakfast a half hour
later. We all have to go through face to face immigration with officers
who come on board and then we can get our passports back. Our cabins
have to be empty by 9. Once everyone has gotten their passport and all
the bags are off so are we. Then it's the shuttle ride to the airport
and waiting all day until our 8:30pm flight.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
I'm So Fancy, you Already Know...
Yesterday we went through the Kiel Canal in Germany. It took us about 8
hours and I was expecting it to be like the Panama Canal. It wasn't at
all. We only went through 2 locks, one at the beginning and one at the
end. The rest of the time we moved at a pretty good speed and it just
looked like we were going through a wide river through the countryside.
We went through to save some time and to avoid the rougher seas. Once we
got out of the canal around 3 or 4, we started to hit really rough seas.
Last night was the Alumni Ball and we all got to dress up fancy. Our one
dean said it was really nice to see everyone all dressed up because
every other time she sees us we are going to class in sweatpants and
flip flops. JoEllen, Becca, and I got ready in our room and of course
there was a dress fiasco. It all got taken care of though. Our on ship
photographer took pictures in the Union and then they had mustaches and
glasses and things for us to take pictures with on the other deck.
We had dinner at 8:30 and it was really good. Everyone got a glass of
champagne as we walked in. We were supposed to sit at Becca's table, but
when we signed up they told us it was full. So we were at a different
table with our friend from food class, Dana.
First we had a choice of an appetizer and I had the spring roll. Then we
all had cream of broccoli soup and salad. Then we had a main course and
I got the beef. And then we got ice cream. It was all so good and I was
so full.
During dinner is when we started to feel the rocking a lot. Once we left
dinner and started walking it was horrible. We were basically being
thrown from one side of the hall to the other. JoEllen and I tried to
use the handrails, but we still ended up on the other side of the wall.
After dinner we saw an end of voyage video that our videographer had
done. They had a dance after, but mostly everyone cleared out, including
me. I was not feeling well. JoEllen and I took some Dramamine and could
not sleep. I had such a horrible sleep. We were moving so much in our
beds and it was really uncomfortable. It wasn't the normal rocking, it
was you look at the other side of the room and it is higher than the
side you are on rocking.
Our luggage is all gone to be loaded off tomorrow. Today we have some
end of the trip activities and it feels like the sea has calmed down.
Today is my last day on-board and I don't know how I feel about it.
hours and I was expecting it to be like the Panama Canal. It wasn't at
all. We only went through 2 locks, one at the beginning and one at the
end. The rest of the time we moved at a pretty good speed and it just
looked like we were going through a wide river through the countryside.
We went through to save some time and to avoid the rougher seas. Once we
got out of the canal around 3 or 4, we started to hit really rough seas.
Last night was the Alumni Ball and we all got to dress up fancy. Our one
dean said it was really nice to see everyone all dressed up because
every other time she sees us we are going to class in sweatpants and
flip flops. JoEllen, Becca, and I got ready in our room and of course
there was a dress fiasco. It all got taken care of though. Our on ship
photographer took pictures in the Union and then they had mustaches and
glasses and things for us to take pictures with on the other deck.
We had dinner at 8:30 and it was really good. Everyone got a glass of
champagne as we walked in. We were supposed to sit at Becca's table, but
when we signed up they told us it was full. So we were at a different
table with our friend from food class, Dana.
First we had a choice of an appetizer and I had the spring roll. Then we
all had cream of broccoli soup and salad. Then we had a main course and
I got the beef. And then we got ice cream. It was all so good and I was
so full.
During dinner is when we started to feel the rocking a lot. Once we left
dinner and started walking it was horrible. We were basically being
thrown from one side of the hall to the other. JoEllen and I tried to
use the handrails, but we still ended up on the other side of the wall.
After dinner we saw an end of voyage video that our videographer had
done. They had a dance after, but mostly everyone cleared out, including
me. I was not feeling well. JoEllen and I took some Dramamine and could
not sleep. I had such a horrible sleep. We were moving so much in our
beds and it was really uncomfortable. It wasn't the normal rocking, it
was you look at the other side of the room and it is higher than the
side you are on rocking.
Our luggage is all gone to be loaded off tomorrow. Today we have some
end of the trip activities and it feels like the sea has calmed down.
Today is my last day on-board and I don't know how I feel about it.
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Luggage Tags
So I don't know if this message sent, because it said there was an error.
I just finished my third final in a row, so I am done!
Our luggage tags for luggage collection tomorrow are on our doors. Time
to pack!
We are currently going through the Kiel Canal in Germany.
Tonight is our Alumni Ball.
And can we take a second to acknowledge that tomorrow is our last day
on-board?
I just finished my third final in a row, so I am done!
Our luggage tags for luggage collection tomorrow are on our doors. Time
to pack!
We are currently going through the Kiel Canal in Germany.
Tonight is our Alumni Ball.
And can we take a second to acknowledge that tomorrow is our last day
on-board?
Monday, August 18, 2014
Weebles Wobble but They Won't Fall Down
Today ends our first day back at sea after a week. We are in the North
Sea again, but on the other side of what we previously sailed earlier in
the trip. It is extremely rocky and rough. It was hard to sleep last
night after we left at 11pm. We were again being moved up and down in
our beds. Today was a study today because finals are tomorrow. It was a
little difficult to study today when being rocked so much. It sort of
made me a little nauseous at some points from reading and being rocked
at the same time. We are also having some bad weather, with really dark
skies and some periods of pouring rain.
We are all walking down the hallways crooked and I did a good amount of
stumbling around the room this morning when I first woke up. Luckily I
have not fallen and I have not seen anyone else take a tumble.
Tomorrow we will be in German waters and going through the Kiel Canal.
It will take most of the day basically and it should help to give us
some calmer waters, which is why we are going through it I think. I
cannot wait for finals to be over. After finals we have our Alumni Ball
and I have to start packing at some point. It is now after 10 so there
is really only 2 days left and then an entire day of traveling home on
the 21st!
Sea again, but on the other side of what we previously sailed earlier in
the trip. It is extremely rocky and rough. It was hard to sleep last
night after we left at 11pm. We were again being moved up and down in
our beds. Today was a study today because finals are tomorrow. It was a
little difficult to study today when being rocked so much. It sort of
made me a little nauseous at some points from reading and being rocked
at the same time. We are also having some bad weather, with really dark
skies and some periods of pouring rain.
We are all walking down the hallways crooked and I did a good amount of
stumbling around the room this morning when I first woke up. Luckily I
have not fallen and I have not seen anyone else take a tumble.
Tomorrow we will be in German waters and going through the Kiel Canal.
It will take most of the day basically and it should help to give us
some calmer waters, which is why we are going through it I think. I
cannot wait for finals to be over. After finals we have our Alumni Ball
and I have to start packing at some point. It is now after 10 so there
is really only 2 days left and then an entire day of traveling home on
the 21st!
Saturday, August 16, 2014
"Sail Away from the Safe Harbor"
The title of this blog is a quote that I heard a few years ago. I cannot
remember who it is by, but will look it up when I am home (I want to say
it was Twain). At the time I heard it, I thought oh that's nice and
forgot it. It wasn't until this trip that it popped into my head and
actually meant something for me. Little miss anxiety and panic left home
for almost 3 months and explored the world. I left my comfort zone and
safety and had an adventure. I am actually pretty proud of myself for
doing this. A lot of students say they want to study abroad, but only 1%
of college students actually do it.
From the moment I left for the airport, I have been waiting for the
"this is really happening" feeling. I sort of compared it to the show
Say Yes to the Dress, when the bride finds her dress and has that
feeling and cries. Well throughout the trip I never got that surreal "I
am really doing this" moment. Yesterday I finished exploring 11
countries and 14 cities throughout Europe and Scandinavia. That is when
it hit me. I got the feeling at the very end of my last port. Although I
am still on the boat for 5 days, it hit me after Poland. Instead of what
I thought I would feel at the beginning, I got an overwhelming "look
what I just did" moment.
This was a huge step for me and an experience I will never forget. I
learned a lot more about myself and that I can do a lot more than I
think. With everything that I did this summer, I am still excited to be
home on Thursday. See you soon Jersey!
remember who it is by, but will look it up when I am home (I want to say
it was Twain). At the time I heard it, I thought oh that's nice and
forgot it. It wasn't until this trip that it popped into my head and
actually meant something for me. Little miss anxiety and panic left home
for almost 3 months and explored the world. I left my comfort zone and
safety and had an adventure. I am actually pretty proud of myself for
doing this. A lot of students say they want to study abroad, but only 1%
of college students actually do it.
From the moment I left for the airport, I have been waiting for the
"this is really happening" feeling. I sort of compared it to the show
Say Yes to the Dress, when the bride finds her dress and has that
feeling and cries. Well throughout the trip I never got that surreal "I
am really doing this" moment. Yesterday I finished exploring 11
countries and 14 cities throughout Europe and Scandinavia. That is when
it hit me. I got the feeling at the very end of my last port. Although I
am still on the boat for 5 days, it hit me after Poland. Instead of what
I thought I would feel at the beginning, I got an overwhelming "look
what I just did" moment.
This was a huge step for me and an experience I will never forget. I
learned a lot more about myself and that I can do a lot more than I
think. With everything that I did this summer, I am still excited to be
home on Thursday. See you soon Jersey!
Last Reflections
Here are my last country reflections! Unfortunately there were no
croissants found in these last ports.
Helsinki, Finland:
Finland reminded me a lot of Sweden. It was clean and felt safe. It was
again extremely hot for us. I had a really good time in this port. It
was a fun city to walk around. We visited markets that were fun to go to
and more fun to talk to the locals. Most of the people were really
friendly and the country just had a really welcoming feeling. Finland
seemed like an extremely livable city. It was lively and easy to get
around. It was another one of my favorite ports, but I did like Sweden
better. I would definitely go back here.
Gdansk, Poland:
This is the city in which we were docked in. I did not explore Gdansk at
all, but I still got to see it. The port is not that pretty, but I heard
that the old town area was really nice.
Krakow, Poland:
Krakow is where I spent my 4 days in Poland. It was a long drive from
Gdansk to Krakow. The city was not that nice, but the old town and
market square were beautiful and really fun to walk around. All of the
food that I had here was really good. I had tours of concentration camps
here, so the days were depressing. Other than that, I really enjoyed the
rest of Krakow.
croissants found in these last ports.
Helsinki, Finland:
Finland reminded me a lot of Sweden. It was clean and felt safe. It was
again extremely hot for us. I had a really good time in this port. It
was a fun city to walk around. We visited markets that were fun to go to
and more fun to talk to the locals. Most of the people were really
friendly and the country just had a really welcoming feeling. Finland
seemed like an extremely livable city. It was lively and easy to get
around. It was another one of my favorite ports, but I did like Sweden
better. I would definitely go back here.
Gdansk, Poland:
This is the city in which we were docked in. I did not explore Gdansk at
all, but I still got to see it. The port is not that pretty, but I heard
that the old town area was really nice.
Krakow, Poland:
Krakow is where I spent my 4 days in Poland. It was a long drive from
Gdansk to Krakow. The city was not that nice, but the old town and
market square were beautiful and really fun to walk around. All of the
food that I had here was really good. I had tours of concentration camps
here, so the days were depressing. Other than that, I really enjoyed the
rest of Krakow.
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Licking Walls
So last night Becca, JoEllen and I stuffed our faces at a restaurant. I tried the sausage kielbasa and was not that crazy over it. We had like 8 plates on our table and it was so good. And for dessert I had the biggest vanilla milkshake ever! Yay for Lactaid.
Right now we are back in the town center. We did our touristy souvenir shopping and now we are finishing dinner. I had my first pierogis ever. They were so gooood. I'm really full but we want ice cream. Tomorrow we have the long bus ride back to port in Gdansk.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Kraków and Auschwitz
Yesterday was Tuesday and we took a bus ride from Gdansk to Kraków. If you look on a map you can see that we basically drove the length of the entire country. We left around 9am and did not get to the hotel until after 7. It was a very long ride. We had dinner at our hotel/hostile. It is actually an old dorm that has been converted into a hotel. We got to sleep and there some sort of chorus concert or something going on outside and it was really loud. We couldn't close the windows though because there is no air conditioning in the room and it was too hot. So we got sung so sleep. JoEllen and I could have sworn they were singing about potatoes, but we don't speak Polish so I don't know.
Today we left the hotel at 8:30 to have a walking tour of Kraków. We saw the palace and the Wawel Royal Cathedral. Inside was where Pope John Paul II often prayed and some of his blood was inside the church. We also learned about the symbol of Kraków which is a dragon. The story is actually pretty funny so you should look up why the symbol of Kraków is a dragon. After we walked around the old town and got on a bus to Auschwitz.
We had lunch and then walked to the concentration camp. We spent a good probably 5 hours at Auschwitz and Birkenau. I am not going to blog much about the tour. Standing next to the train tracks was terrifying. It was a very overwhelming day and a lot to process. Although it was a lot to take in, it was a really incredible experience to visit the camps.
Monday, August 11, 2014
Zzzzz
So every time I call home my parents always say "you sound so tired". I
am exhausted. Classes everyday at sea. Walking and tours everyday in
port. This is getting exhausting. Tomorrow starts our time in our 10th
country. I am so tired and am really looking forward to my bed at home.
Today we arrived in Poland, but we do not actually get off of the boat
until tomorrow. Tonight we had a ship wide photo taken of everyone on
the decks at once. That was kind of an "oh crap this is almost over"
moment. Talk after Poland!
am exhausted. Classes everyday at sea. Walking and tours everyday in
port. This is getting exhausting. Tomorrow starts our time in our 10th
country. I am so tired and am really looking forward to my bed at home.
Today we arrived in Poland, but we do not actually get off of the boat
until tomorrow. Tonight we had a ship wide photo taken of everyone on
the decks at once. That was kind of an "oh crap this is almost over"
moment. Talk after Poland!
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Finnish Clubbing
Yesterday we went to a town called Porvoo. It was about an hour away and
the reason why we picked this tour was because it looked like such a
beautiful and old little town. It was, but our guide kind of stunk and
didn't really tell us anything about the place before leaving us for
free time. We wandered around the old all cobble stone streets (my toe's
arch nemesis) and found some unique stores. At one store Becca and I
tried out some perfume or what we thought was body spray, until the shop
owner came to tell us that it was air freshner. We played it off like we
sprayed in the air by our wrists and not actually on our skin, but yea
that was funny and embarrassing. The tour ended at 1 and we asked to be
dropped off back in city. We went back to the same market again because
Becca wanted to walk around it and we still enjoyed it for the 3rd time.
We stopped for lunch at the market again and got the biggest and most
yummy crepes ever. Mine was chicken ceasar and so good. Probably the
best way I have ever had chicken ceasar salad. We walked around more of
the city and headed back for dinner. The walk back was quite hilarious
because JoEllen and I didn't think we were going to make it back to the
ship. We were so thirsty and felt practically dead on the 30 minute walk
back. Right now it is after dinner and JoEllen is napping and I'm not
(because I already did), but I might soon.
Last night we went back into the city and went clubbing. It was really
fun and I tried a shot of absinthe. Gross and not for me. After clubbing
for a while we ended up at McDonald's because we were starving. It's
funny that it takes alcohol in me to eat fast food. While we were eating
we started talking to 4 guys. They were Finnish and 3 were in the army.
They were actually younger than us, but they thought I looked 15 as
usual. They tried to teach us Finnish, but I don't remember any of it.
We talked for over an hour and we asked them were the bus was to take us
back and they showed and then said "oh wait they're not running now". So
we walked back and it was really nice out. We got back late or early? I
don't know but we finally got to bed sometime after 4am and didn't wake
up until 11 today and then I slept again until 1. Right now we are on
the top deck doing homework. We decided not to go to the beach like we
wanted to today because it is a little chilly and cloudy today. I need
to rest or I won't make it to the last country! This is exhausting.
the reason why we picked this tour was because it looked like such a
beautiful and old little town. It was, but our guide kind of stunk and
didn't really tell us anything about the place before leaving us for
free time. We wandered around the old all cobble stone streets (my toe's
arch nemesis) and found some unique stores. At one store Becca and I
tried out some perfume or what we thought was body spray, until the shop
owner came to tell us that it was air freshner. We played it off like we
sprayed in the air by our wrists and not actually on our skin, but yea
that was funny and embarrassing. The tour ended at 1 and we asked to be
dropped off back in city. We went back to the same market again because
Becca wanted to walk around it and we still enjoyed it for the 3rd time.
We stopped for lunch at the market again and got the biggest and most
yummy crepes ever. Mine was chicken ceasar and so good. Probably the
best way I have ever had chicken ceasar salad. We walked around more of
the city and headed back for dinner. The walk back was quite hilarious
because JoEllen and I didn't think we were going to make it back to the
ship. We were so thirsty and felt practically dead on the 30 minute walk
back. Right now it is after dinner and JoEllen is napping and I'm not
(because I already did), but I might soon.
Last night we went back into the city and went clubbing. It was really
fun and I tried a shot of absinthe. Gross and not for me. After clubbing
for a while we ended up at McDonald's because we were starving. It's
funny that it takes alcohol in me to eat fast food. While we were eating
we started talking to 4 guys. They were Finnish and 3 were in the army.
They were actually younger than us, but they thought I looked 15 as
usual. They tried to teach us Finnish, but I don't remember any of it.
We talked for over an hour and we asked them were the bus was to take us
back and they showed and then said "oh wait they're not running now". So
we walked back and it was really nice out. We got back late or early? I
don't know but we finally got to bed sometime after 4am and didn't wake
up until 11 today and then I slept again until 1. Right now we are on
the top deck doing homework. We decided not to go to the beach like we
wanted to today because it is a little chilly and cloudy today. I need
to rest or I won't make it to the last country! This is exhausting.
I Ate What?
Hi Helsinki. Day one was on Wednesday. We had a lab for our economics
class. I have never taken a class like this and I will definitely be
sticking to science. Our teacher basically gave us props and thanked us
for getting through the day. Besides our lab being 12 hours long, it was
about 800 degrees. So that was my first day in Hel... sinki. See what I
did there?
Thursday we had a tour of Soumenlinna Island. It is made up of 6 islands
and was Finland's sea fortress. It was also really hot this day as well.
Before we boarded the ferry to the island we walked around the main
market square. There I bought a liter of strawberries and they were
delicious! Once we got to the island our guide showed us different
things and it had beautiful views of the water. Unfortunately we only
had a half day tour so we did not have time to see much, but I'm glad we
at least got there. After we got back to the ship for lunch and a nap
and headed back out. We went back to the same market again and looked at
the stands that had, souvenirs, food, and flowers. It was a really cute
little market on the water and we had a good time wandering around. For
lunch I decided to try some reindeer. I had a reindeer hotdog and I
really liked it. I don't really like hot dogs, but it was good and had a
different after taste. Later in the afternoon we had to duck into some
stores because a huge thunder storm rolled in due to the unusually hot
weather.
class. I have never taken a class like this and I will definitely be
sticking to science. Our teacher basically gave us props and thanked us
for getting through the day. Besides our lab being 12 hours long, it was
about 800 degrees. So that was my first day in Hel... sinki. See what I
did there?
Thursday we had a tour of Soumenlinna Island. It is made up of 6 islands
and was Finland's sea fortress. It was also really hot this day as well.
Before we boarded the ferry to the island we walked around the main
market square. There I bought a liter of strawberries and they were
delicious! Once we got to the island our guide showed us different
things and it had beautiful views of the water. Unfortunately we only
had a half day tour so we did not have time to see much, but I'm glad we
at least got there. After we got back to the ship for lunch and a nap
and headed back out. We went back to the same market again and looked at
the stands that had, souvenirs, food, and flowers. It was a really cute
little market on the water and we had a good time wandering around. For
lunch I decided to try some reindeer. I had a reindeer hotdog and I
really liked it. I don't really like hot dogs, but it was good and had a
different after taste. Later in the afternoon we had to duck into some
stores because a huge thunder storm rolled in due to the unusually hot
weather.
Monday, August 4, 2014
Croissants are Back, Back Again... and so is Reflection Time!
8 countries down! I know how it happened, but how did it happen?!? Time
to reflect on them. And because it has been a while with croissant
ratings, they are from 1-5.
Bergen, Norway:
I loved loved loved Bergen. I did not know what to expect with this
country, but it made its way to my top countries. It was so beautiful
and I was convinced it was pulled straight out of Disney or something.
The views from the mountains were so pretty and we had great weather
here also. I just enjoyed everything about this city in Norway, expect
for how expensive it was. For that reason we opted for eating meals on
the ship, but I did try some black currant ice cream and that was great.
I also tried some red currants and they were also really really good.
Norway also introduced me to trolls and started my love for them. It was
one of those places where I told my parents "I'm not leaving". I could
definitely see myself going back to Bergen some day. I just really fell
in love with the place and it surprised me in a good way. Norway lacked
with croissants, but I forgive the country because they made up for it
with trolls.
Croissant Rating: Don't know
Oslo, Norway:
I don't really have that much to say about this port. We did have a
really cool field program that took us on a ferry through the fjords.
The views were incredible and I think overall some of the best sights
and pictures came from that day going through the fjords. I would really
like to visit the fjords again. As for the rest of the city of Oslo, I
wasn't that crazy over it. Nothing really stood out to me too much and
although I enjoyed my time there, I can't say I really liked the city.
Coming to Oslo straight from Bergen, I found the city to be less
impressive and lacking from what I just had seen. I love the country as
a whole though and would love to see more. Once again Norway failed me
with croissants.
Croissant rating: Don't know
St. Petersburg, Russia:
The place of fear. Or so we thought, the ship built it up so much and
basically scared the crap out of everyone. All the hype sort of put
everyone on edge. I understand for safety reasons why they had to warn
us but, it kind of bothered me that they made it out to seem like the
"scariest" or most "dangerous" of all the ports. Maybe it was
technically, but I've heard of worse things happening in New Jersey. So
once we got into port and I really had no clue what to expect at that
point, I was surprised again in a good way.It was probably one of the
most touristy cities we have been to. It was clean and it seemed pretty
friendly to me. It was extremely hot for us, so that kind of took away
some enjoyment. I liked Russia a lot more than I thought I would have
and I had a good time. St. Petersburg has a lot of history and is a
beautiful city. I loved the Russian style Orthodox churches, they never
got old. Russia was a good country for me, but I'm not sure if I would
make a visit back again. Russia relived the croissant mission! Of all
places, you go Russia. Keep doing what you're doing.
Croissant rating: 4
Stockholm, Sweden:
Another "I am not leaving moment" in this port. Sweden is heavy
competition with Scotland for my number 1 country right now. I loved it.
It was so clean, probably the cleanest so far. It was a beautiful place
and Stockholm was a beautiful city. I usually don't like cities at all,
but this was clean and very safe feeling. Even walking around at night,
we felt comfortable. The people were friendly and all spoke English too.
We had an easy time walking around as well as conquering the bus system.
I had a really good time in Sweden. Everyday was fun and interesting. We
also lucked out with really beautiful weather here as well. The
atmosphere of Sweden was so awesome. It was such a change from the
United States. For example with the pride parade, there were flags
everywhere and all generations celebrated. All of the public buses had
pride flags on them. It was really cool to see how accepting and
together they were as a country. I felt like they were way ahead of the
US in those respects and I would love to live in a society like that.
The city itself was beautiful and they had tiny little old streets in
the old town. They were maybe a person and a half wide and they were
just so cool to walk down. I really loved Stockholm and would like to go
back again.
Croissant rating: 2
to reflect on them. And because it has been a while with croissant
ratings, they are from 1-5.
Bergen, Norway:
I loved loved loved Bergen. I did not know what to expect with this
country, but it made its way to my top countries. It was so beautiful
and I was convinced it was pulled straight out of Disney or something.
The views from the mountains were so pretty and we had great weather
here also. I just enjoyed everything about this city in Norway, expect
for how expensive it was. For that reason we opted for eating meals on
the ship, but I did try some black currant ice cream and that was great.
I also tried some red currants and they were also really really good.
Norway also introduced me to trolls and started my love for them. It was
one of those places where I told my parents "I'm not leaving". I could
definitely see myself going back to Bergen some day. I just really fell
in love with the place and it surprised me in a good way. Norway lacked
with croissants, but I forgive the country because they made up for it
with trolls.
Croissant Rating: Don't know
Oslo, Norway:
I don't really have that much to say about this port. We did have a
really cool field program that took us on a ferry through the fjords.
The views were incredible and I think overall some of the best sights
and pictures came from that day going through the fjords. I would really
like to visit the fjords again. As for the rest of the city of Oslo, I
wasn't that crazy over it. Nothing really stood out to me too much and
although I enjoyed my time there, I can't say I really liked the city.
Coming to Oslo straight from Bergen, I found the city to be less
impressive and lacking from what I just had seen. I love the country as
a whole though and would love to see more. Once again Norway failed me
with croissants.
Croissant rating: Don't know
St. Petersburg, Russia:
The place of fear. Or so we thought, the ship built it up so much and
basically scared the crap out of everyone. All the hype sort of put
everyone on edge. I understand for safety reasons why they had to warn
us but, it kind of bothered me that they made it out to seem like the
"scariest" or most "dangerous" of all the ports. Maybe it was
technically, but I've heard of worse things happening in New Jersey. So
once we got into port and I really had no clue what to expect at that
point, I was surprised again in a good way.It was probably one of the
most touristy cities we have been to. It was clean and it seemed pretty
friendly to me. It was extremely hot for us, so that kind of took away
some enjoyment. I liked Russia a lot more than I thought I would have
and I had a good time. St. Petersburg has a lot of history and is a
beautiful city. I loved the Russian style Orthodox churches, they never
got old. Russia was a good country for me, but I'm not sure if I would
make a visit back again. Russia relived the croissant mission! Of all
places, you go Russia. Keep doing what you're doing.
Croissant rating: 4
Stockholm, Sweden:
Another "I am not leaving moment" in this port. Sweden is heavy
competition with Scotland for my number 1 country right now. I loved it.
It was so clean, probably the cleanest so far. It was a beautiful place
and Stockholm was a beautiful city. I usually don't like cities at all,
but this was clean and very safe feeling. Even walking around at night,
we felt comfortable. The people were friendly and all spoke English too.
We had an easy time walking around as well as conquering the bus system.
I had a really good time in Sweden. Everyday was fun and interesting. We
also lucked out with really beautiful weather here as well. The
atmosphere of Sweden was so awesome. It was such a change from the
United States. For example with the pride parade, there were flags
everywhere and all generations celebrated. All of the public buses had
pride flags on them. It was really cool to see how accepting and
together they were as a country. I felt like they were way ahead of the
US in those respects and I would love to live in a society like that.
The city itself was beautiful and they had tiny little old streets in
the old town. They were maybe a person and a half wide and they were
just so cool to walk down. I really loved Stockholm and would like to go
back again.
Croissant rating: 2
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Rainbows, Hookah, and Uppsala
Sweden is over and I loved it. It has become one of my favorite
countries so far. It seems ridiculous that we just finished our 8th
country out of 10.
The third day which was August 3rd was probably my favorite day and one
of my top experiences. We started the morning with a tour of old town
and the royal palace. We had the most feisty old lady as our guide and
we loved her. She would tell other people to be quiet when they were
standing by our group and she did not give a crap about asking people to
move. Our guides usually have an umbrella or something to hold up so we
can see them, well she had a sequined stick and it was great. The royal
palace was OK. At this point in the trip palaces and churches are all
looking the same and getting old to us. It also didn't help that it was
about 8 million degrees in the palace. After we signed off from the tour
and saw the changing of the guards. Becca, JoEllen and I found some cool
shops and walked around the little streets in old town. It was a really
cool part of Stockholm. At around 1:30 we got on the streets for the
Stockholm Pride parade. What an experience that was. It was really fun
and awesome to see one of the biggest pride parades. The parade was
huge, we stood for almost 2 hours and it still wasn't over. We found
lunch afterwards and I had a really good sandwich. We kept walking and
went back down the main shopping strip. It was even more packed because
of the parade. On the way back to the bus stop, we came by a hookah bar
that we had passed by before. Becca and I decided to stop and get some
apple hookah. So that was another cool experience in Sweden. After that
day we fell asleep really fast because we were so exhausted.
Our last day we slept in to about 10. Then the 3 of us again took a bus
to central station and then the train to a small college town called
Uppsala. It was similar to old town. It was small and quaint. We walked
a lot and walked through this huge cemetery. We also visited one of the
older churches before lunch. We spent about 4 hours in Uppsala wandering
around before getting the train back. Today it is August 4th and we are
still in port and not leaving for Finland until 5:30pm.
countries so far. It seems ridiculous that we just finished our 8th
country out of 10.
The third day which was August 3rd was probably my favorite day and one
of my top experiences. We started the morning with a tour of old town
and the royal palace. We had the most feisty old lady as our guide and
we loved her. She would tell other people to be quiet when they were
standing by our group and she did not give a crap about asking people to
move. Our guides usually have an umbrella or something to hold up so we
can see them, well she had a sequined stick and it was great. The royal
palace was OK. At this point in the trip palaces and churches are all
looking the same and getting old to us. It also didn't help that it was
about 8 million degrees in the palace. After we signed off from the tour
and saw the changing of the guards. Becca, JoEllen and I found some cool
shops and walked around the little streets in old town. It was a really
cool part of Stockholm. At around 1:30 we got on the streets for the
Stockholm Pride parade. What an experience that was. It was really fun
and awesome to see one of the biggest pride parades. The parade was
huge, we stood for almost 2 hours and it still wasn't over. We found
lunch afterwards and I had a really good sandwich. We kept walking and
went back down the main shopping strip. It was even more packed because
of the parade. On the way back to the bus stop, we came by a hookah bar
that we had passed by before. Becca and I decided to stop and get some
apple hookah. So that was another cool experience in Sweden. After that
day we fell asleep really fast because we were so exhausted.
Our last day we slept in to about 10. Then the 3 of us again took a bus
to central station and then the train to a small college town called
Uppsala. It was similar to old town. It was small and quaint. We walked
a lot and walked through this huge cemetery. We also visited one of the
older churches before lunch. We spent about 4 hours in Uppsala wandering
around before getting the train back. Today it is August 4th and we are
still in port and not leaving for Finland until 5:30pm.
Friday, August 1, 2014
Sveeeeden
I am already halfway through Sweden, which stinks because there are only
2 countries left after this! After 2 days here, Sweden has made its way
into my top favorite countries. It might have something to do with the
fact that we gained 2 hours coming here. It is so beautiful here and the
people are very friendly and it just feels like a safe place to walk
around. I also have learned that the candy Swedish Fish originated here,
but they call them pastel fish because they are different colors instead
of all red. JoEllen and I have been trying to find bags of legit Swedish
made Swedish Fish to bring home. All we can find are big buckets of
candy were you scoop it into your own bag and we cannot bring food that
isn't pre-packaged onto the ship.
Our first day and the last day of July (how did that happen?) was spent
at the Vasa Museum and walking around Stockholm. So the Vasa museum is
actually really interesting and cool. Long story short: Sweden built an
impressive ship and it sank on its maiden voyage after 10 minutes in
1628. The ship stayed in the Baltic Sea for 333 years before being found
again. After 333 years it was brought up and still intact due to clay
and the water in the area. They built the museum around the ship and
ta-da. It was amazing to see this insanely old ship in really good
condition. The science nerd in me was fascinated with the skeletons of
the people that were found in the ship. They had each body of bones laid
out in a different case. I was in anatomy heaven. Yet another moment to
solidify that I am in the right major. After the museum, JoEllen and I
got on one of the buses and found a huge street of shops and
restaurants. When we decided to go back to the ship we got on the wrong
bus. Our tour guide in the morning told us a thousand times to make sure
we got on the 76 bus on the opposite side of the street. So we got on
the 76 bus on the wrong side. It was a fun half hour of riding buses
back to get on the right side. After dinner, Becca, JoEllen, and I went
back into the city for drinks. Unfortunately I had a killer migraine,
but it was still a fun day.
By some Christmas miracle, we got to sleep in today because our program
didn't start until 3pm. We first went to the ABBA museum. It was really
cool. We got to see equipment, instruments, and their costumes. JoEllen
and I also got to record a song. We chose Mamma Mia and we will get to
look at that gem on the website when we get home. After we went to
Stockholm's Ice Bar. Probably one of my top best experiences in a
country. We got our little parkas on and went into the bar! Everything
was all ice (obviously) and it was only about 19 degrees in the bar. It
was so fun and we each got one drink with our tickets. Our cups were
even made out of complete ice. It was a great feeling to get out of the
there though and have some warmth. I would love to go back to an Ice Bar
again sometime.
2 countries left after this! After 2 days here, Sweden has made its way
into my top favorite countries. It might have something to do with the
fact that we gained 2 hours coming here. It is so beautiful here and the
people are very friendly and it just feels like a safe place to walk
around. I also have learned that the candy Swedish Fish originated here,
but they call them pastel fish because they are different colors instead
of all red. JoEllen and I have been trying to find bags of legit Swedish
made Swedish Fish to bring home. All we can find are big buckets of
candy were you scoop it into your own bag and we cannot bring food that
isn't pre-packaged onto the ship.
Our first day and the last day of July (how did that happen?) was spent
at the Vasa Museum and walking around Stockholm. So the Vasa museum is
actually really interesting and cool. Long story short: Sweden built an
impressive ship and it sank on its maiden voyage after 10 minutes in
1628. The ship stayed in the Baltic Sea for 333 years before being found
again. After 333 years it was brought up and still intact due to clay
and the water in the area. They built the museum around the ship and
ta-da. It was amazing to see this insanely old ship in really good
condition. The science nerd in me was fascinated with the skeletons of
the people that were found in the ship. They had each body of bones laid
out in a different case. I was in anatomy heaven. Yet another moment to
solidify that I am in the right major. After the museum, JoEllen and I
got on one of the buses and found a huge street of shops and
restaurants. When we decided to go back to the ship we got on the wrong
bus. Our tour guide in the morning told us a thousand times to make sure
we got on the 76 bus on the opposite side of the street. So we got on
the 76 bus on the wrong side. It was a fun half hour of riding buses
back to get on the right side. After dinner, Becca, JoEllen, and I went
back into the city for drinks. Unfortunately I had a killer migraine,
but it was still a fun day.
By some Christmas miracle, we got to sleep in today because our program
didn't start until 3pm. We first went to the ABBA museum. It was really
cool. We got to see equipment, instruments, and their costumes. JoEllen
and I also got to record a song. We chose Mamma Mia and we will get to
look at that gem on the website when we get home. After we went to
Stockholm's Ice Bar. Probably one of my top best experiences in a
country. We got our little parkas on and went into the bar! Everything
was all ice (obviously) and it was only about 19 degrees in the bar. It
was so fun and we each got one drink with our tickets. Our cups were
even made out of complete ice. It was a great feeling to get out of the
there though and have some warmth. I would love to go back to an Ice Bar
again sometime.
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
7 Countries Down
Right now it is almost 8am and I'm waiting for my Anthropology of Food
class to start. I have 2 days at sea before Sweden. My 5 days in Russia
is over. This is going so fast. I thought it was going to go by slower,
but it didn't. Only 3 countries left. I am so exhausted after Russia. We
had really long days of walking and it was extremely hot.
Our last day in Russia was spent going to different markets. We were
brought to the usual souvenir stores and then we also got to see a food
market which was really cool. We saw a bunch of different places and
walked around the city for most of the afternoon. After Ireland and
Norway failed us, we are back on the chocolate croissant game thanks to
Russia. I liked Russia and it was a lot different than what I was
expecting. Partially because they hyped it up and warned us so much and
everyone was terrified to go. We tried these strange hot dogs that we
have been seeing a lot in the Scandinavian countries. Basically it was
like a hollowed out baguette and the hotdog went inside. It was kind of
like the hot dog was stuffed in the bread, they didn't use rolls. The
ketchup also looked like jelly and tasted a little different. I don't
really like hot dogs, but it was actually good. We got back on the boat
after 3 and I was asleep by 9 at night. Sweden is next!
class to start. I have 2 days at sea before Sweden. My 5 days in Russia
is over. This is going so fast. I thought it was going to go by slower,
but it didn't. Only 3 countries left. I am so exhausted after Russia. We
had really long days of walking and it was extremely hot.
Our last day in Russia was spent going to different markets. We were
brought to the usual souvenir stores and then we also got to see a food
market which was really cool. We saw a bunch of different places and
walked around the city for most of the afternoon. After Ireland and
Norway failed us, we are back on the chocolate croissant game thanks to
Russia. I liked Russia and it was a lot different than what I was
expecting. Partially because they hyped it up and warned us so much and
everyone was terrified to go. We tried these strange hot dogs that we
have been seeing a lot in the Scandinavian countries. Basically it was
like a hollowed out baguette and the hotdog went inside. It was kind of
like the hot dog was stuffed in the bread, they didn't use rolls. The
ketchup also looked like jelly and tasted a little different. I don't
really like hot dogs, but it was actually good. We got back on the boat
after 3 and I was asleep by 9 at night. Sweden is next!
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Churches and Potatoes
Two days of Russia in one: GO! On the 26th we had a tour of Orthodox
churches. It was again super hot. We saw 5 churches in total. It was a
super long day, but it was really cool. My favorite church was the
church of Spilled Blood. I'll spare you the history, but it was the
assassination site of Alexander the I or II (I can't remember). It was
the traditional Russian style and the inside was unbelievable. I took so
many pictures, but it isn't the same. The entire inside, like entire
thing, was all mosaics. It was ridiculous. I can't imagine what it was
like making it all. They had the spot of the sidewalk still visible
inside the church where the assassination took place, so that was pretty
cool. One of the other churches was St. Issacs. While JoEllen was smart
and decided to go inside the air conditioned inside, I chose to climb to
the top. I got to climb 280 stairs in a winding circle in the super hot
weather. As usual the view was well worth it. For lunch they served us
salmon and potatoes, which I wasn't expecting in Russia. I gave my fish
to one of the guys at the table and I had potatoes for lunch. JoEllen
and I were absoulutely exhausted, but our history teacher gave us field
program tickets for that night. It was for the canal cruise and he said
he and his wife could not make it anymore. So shout out to Duane Osheim
for the awesome cruise! Our boat was called Ariel, so that was awesome.
We did not get back until 11 and we we're even more tired, but it was
awesome. It was so beautiful being on the water and seeing St.
Petersburg from the canals instead of the streets.
This morning we got to wake up at 6! We headed for Catherine the Great's
palace and gardens. It was funny because our guide told us that this
palace was considered "modest". The palace was huge and everything
inside was gold plated and over the top. We had to wear little like
scrubs over our shoes. They were a lovely brown and made us have elf
feet. After the palace and gardens we had lunch and had chicken and
mashed potatoes. It was so good, but neither of us could figure out how
the chicken was exactly prepared, but we inhaled it. After we went to
Peterhof gardens. They were huge. It was elaborate fountain after
fountain after fountain. We found one that you could go in, so of course
I did. It was great because I think it had to be approaching 90 degrees
at that point. After we walked to some water. We figured maybe it was
the ocean and then we realized it was the Gulf of Finland that they have
been talking about. So I have officially been in the Gulf of Finland.
Tomorrow is our last day and I can't believe how fast these 5 days are
going, but the whole trip is flying by like crazy.
churches. It was again super hot. We saw 5 churches in total. It was a
super long day, but it was really cool. My favorite church was the
church of Spilled Blood. I'll spare you the history, but it was the
assassination site of Alexander the I or II (I can't remember). It was
the traditional Russian style and the inside was unbelievable. I took so
many pictures, but it isn't the same. The entire inside, like entire
thing, was all mosaics. It was ridiculous. I can't imagine what it was
like making it all. They had the spot of the sidewalk still visible
inside the church where the assassination took place, so that was pretty
cool. One of the other churches was St. Issacs. While JoEllen was smart
and decided to go inside the air conditioned inside, I chose to climb to
the top. I got to climb 280 stairs in a winding circle in the super hot
weather. As usual the view was well worth it. For lunch they served us
salmon and potatoes, which I wasn't expecting in Russia. I gave my fish
to one of the guys at the table and I had potatoes for lunch. JoEllen
and I were absoulutely exhausted, but our history teacher gave us field
program tickets for that night. It was for the canal cruise and he said
he and his wife could not make it anymore. So shout out to Duane Osheim
for the awesome cruise! Our boat was called Ariel, so that was awesome.
We did not get back until 11 and we we're even more tired, but it was
awesome. It was so beautiful being on the water and seeing St.
Petersburg from the canals instead of the streets.
This morning we got to wake up at 6! We headed for Catherine the Great's
palace and gardens. It was funny because our guide told us that this
palace was considered "modest". The palace was huge and everything
inside was gold plated and over the top. We had to wear little like
scrubs over our shoes. They were a lovely brown and made us have elf
feet. After the palace and gardens we had lunch and had chicken and
mashed potatoes. It was so good, but neither of us could figure out how
the chicken was exactly prepared, but we inhaled it. After we went to
Peterhof gardens. They were huge. It was elaborate fountain after
fountain after fountain. We found one that you could go in, so of course
I did. It was great because I think it had to be approaching 90 degrees
at that point. After we walked to some water. We figured maybe it was
the ocean and then we realized it was the Gulf of Finland that they have
been talking about. So I have officially been in the Gulf of Finland.
Tomorrow is our last day and I can't believe how fast these 5 days are
going, but the whole trip is flying by like crazy.
Thursday, July 24, 2014
A Moment of Silence for the Fallen
So our study abroad program is dwindling. Today we ripped off another
full sheet of our Google Docs itinerary. We have finished 2 sheets and
now there is only one left and about a third on another with our going
home information. After we rip each sheet off, I do my best bagpipe
impression as we say a few words and have a funeral procession to the
trashcan.
Today was out first day in St. Petersburg, Russia! At pre-port they
warned us about everything and there was a bunch of students that were
kind of scared of Russia. Not going to lie it is pretty intimidating
going through immigration, but Russia is not scary at all like everyone
was freaking about. It was not what I expected, but then again I don't
really know what I expected. I did expect colder weather and well it is
warmer here than it was in Spain. It was in the 80s and I was hot
walking around in shorts and a tee. We had a walking tour today for 7
hours and I am pooped. First our bus broke down, so we walked the half
hour to the Hermitage museum. The museum was in the Winter Palace and
other buildings in the main square. There were 5 buildings all together
and it took us about 3 hours to get through it all. I had seen pictures
of the square, but actually being there was like I can't even describe
it. In the museum I am pretty sure my mouth was hung open the entire
time. The ceilings of this place were insane. After the museum it was
linner time. It was like 4 so a lunch/dinner. JoEllen and I each got
something different and split the dishes. I had a blini which is like
the Russian version of a crepe. I got chicken inside and it was so good.
The other dish we split were perogies. My first time having them, I hate
to admit it, but the Italian in me likes gnocchi better. After we walked
along one of the rivers and then saw our first Orthodox church. I could
not get over it. On Saturday or Sunday, we have a tour that will take us
to the same church, but this time inside too. It was such a long day and
now it is almost 9. Tomorrow we have nothing planned but shopping and
getting some WiFi in the terminal. I'm hoping I can get some pictures
uploaded online for everyone to see. I have taken so many pictures so far!
full sheet of our Google Docs itinerary. We have finished 2 sheets and
now there is only one left and about a third on another with our going
home information. After we rip each sheet off, I do my best bagpipe
impression as we say a few words and have a funeral procession to the
trashcan.
Today was out first day in St. Petersburg, Russia! At pre-port they
warned us about everything and there was a bunch of students that were
kind of scared of Russia. Not going to lie it is pretty intimidating
going through immigration, but Russia is not scary at all like everyone
was freaking about. It was not what I expected, but then again I don't
really know what I expected. I did expect colder weather and well it is
warmer here than it was in Spain. It was in the 80s and I was hot
walking around in shorts and a tee. We had a walking tour today for 7
hours and I am pooped. First our bus broke down, so we walked the half
hour to the Hermitage museum. The museum was in the Winter Palace and
other buildings in the main square. There were 5 buildings all together
and it took us about 3 hours to get through it all. I had seen pictures
of the square, but actually being there was like I can't even describe
it. In the museum I am pretty sure my mouth was hung open the entire
time. The ceilings of this place were insane. After the museum it was
linner time. It was like 4 so a lunch/dinner. JoEllen and I each got
something different and split the dishes. I had a blini which is like
the Russian version of a crepe. I got chicken inside and it was so good.
The other dish we split were perogies. My first time having them, I hate
to admit it, but the Italian in me likes gnocchi better. After we walked
along one of the rivers and then saw our first Orthodox church. I could
not get over it. On Saturday or Sunday, we have a tour that will take us
to the same church, but this time inside too. It was such a long day and
now it is almost 9. Tomorrow we have nothing planned but shopping and
getting some WiFi in the terminal. I'm hoping I can get some pictures
uploaded online for everyone to see. I have taken so many pictures so far!
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
I Can See Russia from my House
This is delayed I think. I don't remember forgetting about it, but last
day in Norway (the 21st)! Becca, JoEllen and I headed to the beach. The
beach is called Huk and we heard it was supposedly a nude beach but
luckily it wasn't. There were a lot of naked babies though and it was
weird. I guess the Norwegians aren't as crazy as my mother with sun
protection. We took a ferry across the fjord and walked around a half
hour through some neighborhoods to the beach. It was not like a New
Jersey beach at all! A lot of rocks in the water and coarse sand. No
soft sand like NJ. After we walked in a huge circle basically and found
a cafe for lunch. It was just another relaxing day for us. We took the
ferry back and walked around the city center before making our way back
to the ship. Basically after that I took a shower and fell asleep
because our feet were killing us. On Monday we passed by Sweden on one
side and Denmark on the other side while tanning on the deck. The
weather has been gorgeous. Now we are almost to Russia and we will see
land tomorrow, if I can get through these two midterms.
day in Norway (the 21st)! Becca, JoEllen and I headed to the beach. The
beach is called Huk and we heard it was supposedly a nude beach but
luckily it wasn't. There were a lot of naked babies though and it was
weird. I guess the Norwegians aren't as crazy as my mother with sun
protection. We took a ferry across the fjord and walked around a half
hour through some neighborhoods to the beach. It was not like a New
Jersey beach at all! A lot of rocks in the water and coarse sand. No
soft sand like NJ. After we walked in a huge circle basically and found
a cafe for lunch. It was just another relaxing day for us. We took the
ferry back and walked around the city center before making our way back
to the ship. Basically after that I took a shower and fell asleep
because our feet were killing us. On Monday we passed by Sweden on one
side and Denmark on the other side while tanning on the deck. The
weather has been gorgeous. Now we are almost to Russia and we will see
land tomorrow, if I can get through these two midterms.
Friday, July 18, 2014
No Class, Frozen, and Manholes?
Today is a transit day from Bergen to Oslo. Some students decided to
make the transit by themselves or do a field program. A lot of kids
chose to stay off the boat so it was like empty today. There were no
classes on this sea day because half of the students are missing and
frolicking around Norway. JoEllen and Becca and I sat up on deck and
tanned all day. We did some swimming and Becca and I tried to do some
synchronized swimming. We failed at that. It was so nice out and pretty
hot. We are supposed to have really nice weather in Oslo. After we had a
nice sit down dinner. We got served a choice of dinners and the food was
really good. They said they were able to do it because more than half of
the boat was gone and that it was the captain and officers' idea. After
dinner the day got even better and they played Frozen in the Union. We
sang along to everything and it was so hard not to be screaming the
songs out loud. After that we played Heads Up for an hour with two
people we met at dinner, Alyssa and Adam. It's that game where you put
the cell phone on your forehead and everyone else has to act it out for
you guess. Some of our charades were insane and hilarious. Like one that
JoEllen was guessing. I laid on the floor and pretended to be a manhole
cover while Becca moved me and came out of the ground. I'm sure it was
fun for the people walking by to watch because it was a disaster the
stuff we were trying to do. Tomorrow we are in Oslo! Until the 20th and
then we are off to Russia. I'm getting sad already that it is more than
halfway over.
make the transit by themselves or do a field program. A lot of kids
chose to stay off the boat so it was like empty today. There were no
classes on this sea day because half of the students are missing and
frolicking around Norway. JoEllen and Becca and I sat up on deck and
tanned all day. We did some swimming and Becca and I tried to do some
synchronized swimming. We failed at that. It was so nice out and pretty
hot. We are supposed to have really nice weather in Oslo. After we had a
nice sit down dinner. We got served a choice of dinners and the food was
really good. They said they were able to do it because more than half of
the boat was gone and that it was the captain and officers' idea. After
dinner the day got even better and they played Frozen in the Union. We
sang along to everything and it was so hard not to be screaming the
songs out loud. After that we played Heads Up for an hour with two
people we met at dinner, Alyssa and Adam. It's that game where you put
the cell phone on your forehead and everyone else has to act it out for
you guess. Some of our charades were insane and hilarious. Like one that
JoEllen was guessing. I laid on the floor and pretended to be a manhole
cover while Becca moved me and came out of the ground. I'm sure it was
fun for the people walking by to watch because it was a disaster the
stuff we were trying to do. Tomorrow we are in Oslo! Until the 20th and
then we are off to Russia. I'm getting sad already that it is more than
halfway over.
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Trolling in Bergen
Norway Norway NORWAY. I LOVE NORWAY. At least Bergen so far. So yesterday we arrived early, yet again, to Bergen. We were allowed to get off of the ship at 6. We made it off after dinner and by 9 I was in love with the city. We walked around the streets of this cute little old town on the water. The entire time all we could say was "is this real?" or "are we in Disney?". Becca, JoEllen, and I (now the 3 musketeers, it's casual) stumbled upon the FlØibanen. It is a tram that pulls you up the mountain. The views were insane, but once we got off we started with the "is this real?" again. The views of the city and the water were incredible. Norway is just so beautiful. I think I took about 300 pictures just then. After we found some cool shops. I bought some trolls. Not the troll dolls like we have, but traditional trolls. They are actually really creepy and ugly. For some reason though I think they are cute and I am obsessed with them. I love the trolls. They are so hideously cute. Oh and also blackcurrant ice cream. That's all I have to say about that.
Today we took a bus to a ferry and a ferry to a train and a train to another train and a train to the bus and the bus to the ship. Literally that was our day and I'm tired. The program was called Norway in a Nutshell and we took transportation sysytems all day through mountains and fjords and it got even prettier. We stopped at waterfalls and sang Frozen all day, at least I did in my head. I again took another like 1000 pictures of the same mountain/ fjord, but they are from different angles so completely different shots. I did not know what to expect with the Scandinavian countries, so I was very surprised with Norway and it is definitely in my top countries list. I would probably come back here one day. Tomorrow we are in transit to Oslo and because some students are traveling off the ship between cities there are no classes! I can't wait to sleep past 7.
Today we took a bus to a ferry and a ferry to a train and a train to another train and a train to the bus and the bus to the ship. Literally that was our day and I'm tired. The program was called Norway in a Nutshell and we took transportation sysytems all day through mountains and fjords and it got even prettier. We stopped at waterfalls and sang Frozen all day, at least I did in my head. I again took another like 1000 pictures of the same mountain/ fjord, but they are from different angles so completely different shots. I did not know what to expect with the Scandinavian countries, so I was very surprised with Norway and it is definitely in my top countries list. I would probably come back here one day. Tomorrow we are in transit to Oslo and because some students are traveling off the ship between cities there are no classes! I can't wait to sleep past 7.
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
"Hold On I'm Drying My Underwear"
So I decided that it would fun to tell everyone about what it is like to live on a ship for 10 weeks (and answering the questions I got asked a lot before I left). I LOVE MY SHIP HOME
Laundry:
We leave laundry outside of our doors in plastic bags that they give us. We mark off how many of each type of clothing we have on our laundry sheets. Our laundry is only done on days that we are at sea and we usually get the bag back the same day. JoEllen and I wear our sweatshirts and jeans as much as we can and then we literally stuff them in the bags and usually break the sides open. It costs 6 dollars a bag, so we try and save money that could be used in port. For the rest of our clothes we mostly resort to sink washing and hanging them on the line in the shower. Tonight I wanted to shower and I had to wait for JoEllen to finish blow drying her underwear. Yes that happens.
Cabin Life:
Our cabins are small but not too bad at all. We have plenty of room for all of our clothes and the beds are comfy. When we are at sea our drawers and doors close for us, which is pretty nice. The one thing that stinks in the room literally is the boat gets this really bad weird smell sometimes and it stinks up the halls and rooms. The best way I can explain taking a shower while at sea is to imagine showering in a coat closet during an earthquake. It is small and the curtain will sway in and stick to you while you basically are stumbling back and forth from the rocking.
That Education Part?:
So yea part of studying abroad involves studying although it looks like we just travel and lay around. We all take 3 classes and only go during time at sea. So we have 3 days in a row this week and the previous week we only had 1 day. Mine are all in a row from 8 to 12. Our "classrooms" are just closed off sitting areas on the ship. So my one class is basically held in a sitting area with tables and chairs and a huge couch along the back. So we lounge on a couch during class and try to not fall asleep.They have fold out walls that pull out and close the space off to make it a class during sea. Contrary to the elementary school belief that teachers sleep under their desks and live at the school, they are out and about with us. I have been on tons of excursions with teachers and their office hours are basically "if you see me at lunch or dinner come talk to me". They are all really cool and want to help. I have been on deck tanning and reading when my Econ teacher has come out and started tanning a few chairs away. It is weird, but you get used it.
Communicating:
I can send postcards! I sent some in Portugal so 6 countries ago and they have still not arrived sooo. I try to get WiFi in port when I can to send pictures and texts through What's app. Then I have my horrible international cell that HATES ME. Literally it never works for me and I want to throw it overboard. Lastly I have what JoEllen and I call snail mail. It is our on-board email that I use to update blogs and talk back home. It works sometimes and sometimes it doesn't. It usually doesn't work in our cabins, but if you right outside the door it will work.
Food:
Breakfast is from 7:30-8:30, lunch from 11:30-1:30, dinner from 5:30-7:30, and late night snack at 10-10:30. They also have a pool bar and a snack bar where you can buy food at basically anytime. The food is not that bad and I wasn't expecting high quality. The problem and why I am always hungry is because there is the same thing everyday. The 3 P's - Pasta, Potatoes, and Pork. Basically we stuff our faces when in port and go food shopping.Our famous line after eating is "thank god that's over".
Laundry:
We leave laundry outside of our doors in plastic bags that they give us. We mark off how many of each type of clothing we have on our laundry sheets. Our laundry is only done on days that we are at sea and we usually get the bag back the same day. JoEllen and I wear our sweatshirts and jeans as much as we can and then we literally stuff them in the bags and usually break the sides open. It costs 6 dollars a bag, so we try and save money that could be used in port. For the rest of our clothes we mostly resort to sink washing and hanging them on the line in the shower. Tonight I wanted to shower and I had to wait for JoEllen to finish blow drying her underwear. Yes that happens.
Cabin Life:
Our cabins are small but not too bad at all. We have plenty of room for all of our clothes and the beds are comfy. When we are at sea our drawers and doors close for us, which is pretty nice. The one thing that stinks in the room literally is the boat gets this really bad weird smell sometimes and it stinks up the halls and rooms. The best way I can explain taking a shower while at sea is to imagine showering in a coat closet during an earthquake. It is small and the curtain will sway in and stick to you while you basically are stumbling back and forth from the rocking.
That Education Part?:
So yea part of studying abroad involves studying although it looks like we just travel and lay around. We all take 3 classes and only go during time at sea. So we have 3 days in a row this week and the previous week we only had 1 day. Mine are all in a row from 8 to 12. Our "classrooms" are just closed off sitting areas on the ship. So my one class is basically held in a sitting area with tables and chairs and a huge couch along the back. So we lounge on a couch during class and try to not fall asleep.They have fold out walls that pull out and close the space off to make it a class during sea. Contrary to the elementary school belief that teachers sleep under their desks and live at the school, they are out and about with us. I have been on tons of excursions with teachers and their office hours are basically "if you see me at lunch or dinner come talk to me". They are all really cool and want to help. I have been on deck tanning and reading when my Econ teacher has come out and started tanning a few chairs away. It is weird, but you get used it.
Communicating:
I can send postcards! I sent some in Portugal so 6 countries ago and they have still not arrived sooo. I try to get WiFi in port when I can to send pictures and texts through What's app. Then I have my horrible international cell that HATES ME. Literally it never works for me and I want to throw it overboard. Lastly I have what JoEllen and I call snail mail. It is our on-board email that I use to update blogs and talk back home. It works sometimes and sometimes it doesn't. It usually doesn't work in our cabins, but if you right outside the door it will work.
Food:
Breakfast is from 7:30-8:30, lunch from 11:30-1:30, dinner from 5:30-7:30, and late night snack at 10-10:30. They also have a pool bar and a snack bar where you can buy food at basically anytime. The food is not that bad and I wasn't expecting high quality. The problem and why I am always hungry is because there is the same thing everyday. The 3 P's - Pasta, Potatoes, and Pork. Basically we stuff our faces when in port and go food shopping.Our famous line after eating is "thank god that's over".
Monday, July 14, 2014
Reflecting and Scones?
Its reflecting time! I was going to group the countries in more than 2,
but Scotland and Ireland were my favorites so far. Here are my country
reflections and croissant ratings.
Glasgow, Scotland:
Scotland was so amazing. It was extremely green and had sheep
everywhere, I wanted to take one home with me. The city was clean and
old. It had such nice architecture and buildings. The people were
amazing. They were so incredibly nice, I just wanted to hug them all.
They were all so nice and honestly cared and wanted to talk to you and
help. I loved Scotland and way more than I thought I would. I did not
know what to expect going in and I fell in love with it. I feel bad
saying this, but I think I might have liked it a little more than
Ireland. It was just beautiful everywhere, even taking the train was
nice. We had some cool programs, did shopping, and got drinks. The food
was good and it was just an overall fun country and good time. I was
pretty close to crying when we had to leave this country. This one
definitley gave me the "wow this study abroad thing is really
happeneing" feeling. When we left, bagpipers played as we left. It was
an amazing experience that I won't forget. Croissant rating: 2.5
Dublin and Galway, Ireland:
Ireland! The country I was most excited about. I loved every second of
this country. It is very close in ranking with Scotland. The only thing
that puts it lower is the weather. We got lucky with the weather in
Scotland, but not here. It was raining on and off and that hindered our
Cliffs of Moher experience. I have never seen so many cows before and it
was also so green and beautiful. The landscapes and views were amazing
along with all of the sites that I went to see. The people here were
also so nice and hospitable. The drinks were great and so was the food.
There was so much to see and do here and it was so much fun and I fell
in love with the country. I expected to like it, but not as much as I
did. I will definitely be making a point to return to Ireland some day.
Croissant rating: WE DIDN'T FIND ONE. So I had a scone, which I can't
rate. It was my first scone ever and I didn't like it that much.
but Scotland and Ireland were my favorites so far. Here are my country
reflections and croissant ratings.
Glasgow, Scotland:
Scotland was so amazing. It was extremely green and had sheep
everywhere, I wanted to take one home with me. The city was clean and
old. It had such nice architecture and buildings. The people were
amazing. They were so incredibly nice, I just wanted to hug them all.
They were all so nice and honestly cared and wanted to talk to you and
help. I loved Scotland and way more than I thought I would. I did not
know what to expect going in and I fell in love with it. I feel bad
saying this, but I think I might have liked it a little more than
Ireland. It was just beautiful everywhere, even taking the train was
nice. We had some cool programs, did shopping, and got drinks. The food
was good and it was just an overall fun country and good time. I was
pretty close to crying when we had to leave this country. This one
definitley gave me the "wow this study abroad thing is really
happeneing" feeling. When we left, bagpipers played as we left. It was
an amazing experience that I won't forget. Croissant rating: 2.5
Dublin and Galway, Ireland:
Ireland! The country I was most excited about. I loved every second of
this country. It is very close in ranking with Scotland. The only thing
that puts it lower is the weather. We got lucky with the weather in
Scotland, but not here. It was raining on and off and that hindered our
Cliffs of Moher experience. I have never seen so many cows before and it
was also so green and beautiful. The landscapes and views were amazing
along with all of the sites that I went to see. The people here were
also so nice and hospitable. The drinks were great and so was the food.
There was so much to see and do here and it was so much fun and I fell
in love with the country. I expected to like it, but not as much as I
did. I will definitely be making a point to return to Ireland some day.
Croissant rating: WE DIDN'T FIND ONE. So I had a scone, which I can't
rate. It was my first scone ever and I didn't like it that much.
Would You Like Fries with That, Ireland?
Here is day 3 and 4! I love you Ireland and your insane amounts of cows!
Day Three:
The next day we woke up and got on the bus again at 9am. We headed a few
minutes to the cliffs for the ultimate disappointment. It was raining,
Ireland weather was doing its thing and there was zero visibility. We
walked up to the cliffs and could hear the birds and water, but we saw
nothing but fog and more fog. You could barely see maybe a car length in
front of you. So although I did actually make it to the Cliffs of Moher,
I did not see anything. I don't know if that counts. But don't worry I
took pictures of me and the fog. After our tour guide turned to plan B,
which involved more driving and stopping in hour intervals. We stopped
at some weird limestone thing and the whole ground was covered in
boulders. It was pretty cool, but still hard to see far away. This trip
kind of was a let down. I was most excited about the cliffs and
basically saw nothing. The few hundred dollar trip consisted of sleeping
on the bus and wondering when our next meal was. Kind of a bummer, but
at least I got my napping in. Not much you can do with this weather.
After we got back we decided to go out into Dublin around 8. We did some
damage at the first bar. Like over 20 euro for two drinks. But, my
parents did say "don't be cheap, if you see something you really like
buy it" so I did. I made my own blackcurrant juice concoction, so good.
We headed around to Temple Bar, which is always packed and a lot of fun.
Then I found another store where I was able to replace the broken
Guinness mug from day one. It took a few drinks to get me to suggest
going to Burger King. We were starving and bars stop serving food at
like 8 or 9. That would never work in the U.S. Anyway I had my first and
last Whopper in 21 years and the night just got funnier and funnier. We
were so tired and probably should not have had that last drink. At one
point I kept saying that I could no longer feed myself. It's tiring work
lifting your arm. Good thing we have it on video. On the shuttle ride,
JoEllen kept calling the foot rest a foot schoochie and we started
discussing the show Extreme Cheapskates. Within 5 minutes she managed to
rename it to Extreme Sheepscapes and Extreme Cheesesteaks. I'm pretty
sure everyone on the bus hated us because we could not stop obnoxiously
laughing.
Day Four :( :
Last day in Ireland! Why is this happening? This whole leaving the
countries is not cool Semester at Sea, not cool. Today was Newgrange! We
got up for our 7:30am trip and boarded the struggle bus, we were
driving. Newgrange was amazing. It is a 5,000 year old tomb and it was
so insane. We could not take pictures inside so I got a post card with
an inside picture of it on it. I still can't get over it. Newgrange is
set up so that on the Winter solstice the sun shines through the opening
and into the back chamber. It is so ridiculous to me that they charted
the sun and built the tomb perfectly. The inside was crazy. I don't know
a word to describe it. It is so old and the amount of work and
engineering that went into it is amazing. In 5,000 years it has never
had any rain come in or had any part of it collapse. I loved it. After
we went to a hill called Tara. It was really pretty and had gorgeous
views of the country. Just green and more green everywhere. It was a
really cool day. I really don't like history, but I love it when it
involves ruins and old structures that can barely be explained. After
the tour we went into Dublin and of course got some ice cream before
boarding the shuttle to the ship. When we got back we saw that a cruise
ship had joined us in the port. It is the Ruby Princess and literally
makes our boat look like a canoe next to it. It is now 9pm and we left
Ireland an hour ago. So sad. Now we are on our way to Norway and my
email is still not working, so hopefully I can get this up soon. 3 days
at sea and then we lose an hour and become 6 hours ahead!
Day Three:
The next day we woke up and got on the bus again at 9am. We headed a few
minutes to the cliffs for the ultimate disappointment. It was raining,
Ireland weather was doing its thing and there was zero visibility. We
walked up to the cliffs and could hear the birds and water, but we saw
nothing but fog and more fog. You could barely see maybe a car length in
front of you. So although I did actually make it to the Cliffs of Moher,
I did not see anything. I don't know if that counts. But don't worry I
took pictures of me and the fog. After our tour guide turned to plan B,
which involved more driving and stopping in hour intervals. We stopped
at some weird limestone thing and the whole ground was covered in
boulders. It was pretty cool, but still hard to see far away. This trip
kind of was a let down. I was most excited about the cliffs and
basically saw nothing. The few hundred dollar trip consisted of sleeping
on the bus and wondering when our next meal was. Kind of a bummer, but
at least I got my napping in. Not much you can do with this weather.
After we got back we decided to go out into Dublin around 8. We did some
damage at the first bar. Like over 20 euro for two drinks. But, my
parents did say "don't be cheap, if you see something you really like
buy it" so I did. I made my own blackcurrant juice concoction, so good.
We headed around to Temple Bar, which is always packed and a lot of fun.
Then I found another store where I was able to replace the broken
Guinness mug from day one. It took a few drinks to get me to suggest
going to Burger King. We were starving and bars stop serving food at
like 8 or 9. That would never work in the U.S. Anyway I had my first and
last Whopper in 21 years and the night just got funnier and funnier. We
were so tired and probably should not have had that last drink. At one
point I kept saying that I could no longer feed myself. It's tiring work
lifting your arm. Good thing we have it on video. On the shuttle ride,
JoEllen kept calling the foot rest a foot schoochie and we started
discussing the show Extreme Cheapskates. Within 5 minutes she managed to
rename it to Extreme Sheepscapes and Extreme Cheesesteaks. I'm pretty
sure everyone on the bus hated us because we could not stop obnoxiously
laughing.
Day Four :( :
Last day in Ireland! Why is this happening? This whole leaving the
countries is not cool Semester at Sea, not cool. Today was Newgrange! We
got up for our 7:30am trip and boarded the struggle bus, we were
driving. Newgrange was amazing. It is a 5,000 year old tomb and it was
so insane. We could not take pictures inside so I got a post card with
an inside picture of it on it. I still can't get over it. Newgrange is
set up so that on the Winter solstice the sun shines through the opening
and into the back chamber. It is so ridiculous to me that they charted
the sun and built the tomb perfectly. The inside was crazy. I don't know
a word to describe it. It is so old and the amount of work and
engineering that went into it is amazing. In 5,000 years it has never
had any rain come in or had any part of it collapse. I loved it. After
we went to a hill called Tara. It was really pretty and had gorgeous
views of the country. Just green and more green everywhere. It was a
really cool day. I really don't like history, but I love it when it
involves ruins and old structures that can barely be explained. After
the tour we went into Dublin and of course got some ice cream before
boarding the shuttle to the ship. When we got back we saw that a cruise
ship had joined us in the port. It is the Ruby Princess and literally
makes our boat look like a canoe next to it. It is now 9pm and we left
Ireland an hour ago. So sad. Now we are on our way to Norway and my
email is still not working, so hopefully I can get this up soon. 3 days
at sea and then we lose an hour and become 6 hours ahead!
Sunday, July 13, 2014
"If You See Something You Really Like Buy It"
So our on ship e-mails have been shut down for all of Ireland, since we
left Scotland. Here is 2 days of Ireland (my homeland!) in one post.
Day One:
We had a city tour of Dublin to see some sites. We went to Guinness
first. That was a pretty cool experience. We went through a little tour
I guess to learn how the beer is made. We went onto the 4th floor for
the best schooling ever. The Guinness Academy. They showed us exactly
how to pour and craft the perfect pint. Everyone in our "class" got to
try and we all graduated with our pints. After the academy we had lunch
which was amazing beef and mashed potatoes. I got my dad this really
cool mug and I BROKE it. After Guinness we toured St. Patrick's
cathedral which was so pretty. I love old churches because of the
architecture and the stained glass windows. By the time we finished at
the church, JoEllen and I signed off of the field program and went off
on our own. We got to see Trinity college (mom and dad I could go to
grad school there!) Our plan for the day was to: shop, pub, shop, pub,
shop, pub ... and on and on. We did our shopping and did our drinking. I
got hit on by an Irishman at a cigar shop, not really making it any
easier for me to leave this country. Back to the important stuff, we did
not have one bad drink in Ireland. One of the drinks we got was a
blueberry frozen margarita. It was basically an alcoholic slurpee in a
margarita glass. While we were at one of the bars it started pouring and
would not stop. JoEllen bought a broken umbrella and with that we
decided to walk to the shuttle that takes us to port.
Day Two:
The next day was our overnight trip to the Cliffs of Moher, which I was
so excited about. To sum up our 2 day and 1 night trip in a sentence : I
paid $300 to nap on a bus. The first day was spent hopping on and off
the bus a few times during a 3 hour ride. We saw the Devil's Punch Bowl,
rivers, and a castle. I can't remember the castle name, but Mary and I
decided to walk around the castle on the path and there she almost fell
off the side of the hill. We could not stop laughing after she death
gripped me and stayed put. We finally got to the hotel around 5 and it
was a nice place. I felt like I was in the Lizzie McGuire movie. After
making it to the hotel we had dinner and I had chicken curry, in
Ireland? Weird to see on that menu and to have in this country. We ended
up going out to a few pubs that were in this little town with 2 of the
guys that we were sitting with on the bus. One is from New Jersey. I
don't know what it is, but all of us NJ kids seem to find each other and
flock together. After drinks we slept and my bed was horrible. It was
99% springs and I felt like I was sleeping on a pile of scrap metal at
some points, but I passed out anyway. Oh and I burned like 3 layers of
skin off in the shower because it would just drastically change
temperatures on you. It was an interesting night.
left Scotland. Here is 2 days of Ireland (my homeland!) in one post.
Day One:
We had a city tour of Dublin to see some sites. We went to Guinness
first. That was a pretty cool experience. We went through a little tour
I guess to learn how the beer is made. We went onto the 4th floor for
the best schooling ever. The Guinness Academy. They showed us exactly
how to pour and craft the perfect pint. Everyone in our "class" got to
try and we all graduated with our pints. After the academy we had lunch
which was amazing beef and mashed potatoes. I got my dad this really
cool mug and I BROKE it. After Guinness we toured St. Patrick's
cathedral which was so pretty. I love old churches because of the
architecture and the stained glass windows. By the time we finished at
the church, JoEllen and I signed off of the field program and went off
on our own. We got to see Trinity college (mom and dad I could go to
grad school there!) Our plan for the day was to: shop, pub, shop, pub,
shop, pub ... and on and on. We did our shopping and did our drinking. I
got hit on by an Irishman at a cigar shop, not really making it any
easier for me to leave this country. Back to the important stuff, we did
not have one bad drink in Ireland. One of the drinks we got was a
blueberry frozen margarita. It was basically an alcoholic slurpee in a
margarita glass. While we were at one of the bars it started pouring and
would not stop. JoEllen bought a broken umbrella and with that we
decided to walk to the shuttle that takes us to port.
Day Two:
The next day was our overnight trip to the Cliffs of Moher, which I was
so excited about. To sum up our 2 day and 1 night trip in a sentence : I
paid $300 to nap on a bus. The first day was spent hopping on and off
the bus a few times during a 3 hour ride. We saw the Devil's Punch Bowl,
rivers, and a castle. I can't remember the castle name, but Mary and I
decided to walk around the castle on the path and there she almost fell
off the side of the hill. We could not stop laughing after she death
gripped me and stayed put. We finally got to the hotel around 5 and it
was a nice place. I felt like I was in the Lizzie McGuire movie. After
making it to the hotel we had dinner and I had chicken curry, in
Ireland? Weird to see on that menu and to have in this country. We ended
up going out to a few pubs that were in this little town with 2 of the
guys that we were sitting with on the bus. One is from New Jersey. I
don't know what it is, but all of us NJ kids seem to find each other and
flock together. After drinks we slept and my bed was horrible. It was
99% springs and I felt like I was sleeping on a pile of scrap metal at
some points, but I passed out anyway. Oh and I burned like 3 layers of
skin off in the shower because it would just drastically change
temperatures on you. It was an interesting night.
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Bagpiped Out of Port
Today was our last day in Scotland and not one part of my body wants to
leave. I am writing this while sitting in the window watching us sail
away. I could start crying right now. I see some sheep still!!
Today we got to sleep past 7 because we didn't have anything planned. We
got up and walked 30 minutes to the Greenock train and headed to
Glasgow. We basically wandered all day. We got steak pie and it was sooo
good. It was actually really warm out. We did souvenir shopping and
finally got our croissants. That makes 5 countries and 5 croissants. No
one is going to stop us. We are on a mission to get 11/11. We made the
train again to be back on board by 6.
We just got back into the room because we were watching the boat pull
away from port. It was the coolest thing ever. While the crew got the
boat ready, bagpipers came out of the port terminal. They played for a
good 30 minutes. It was so amazing and such a legit Scottish experience.
They had people on the dock at the port waving with flags and they kept
playing as we got further away. It was probably the coolest experience
so far. It was pretty hard not to jump off the ship and stay in
Scotland, but Ireland is next. I don't know how I will leave there.
leave. I am writing this while sitting in the window watching us sail
away. I could start crying right now. I see some sheep still!!
Today we got to sleep past 7 because we didn't have anything planned. We
got up and walked 30 minutes to the Greenock train and headed to
Glasgow. We basically wandered all day. We got steak pie and it was sooo
good. It was actually really warm out. We did souvenir shopping and
finally got our croissants. That makes 5 countries and 5 croissants. No
one is going to stop us. We are on a mission to get 11/11. We made the
train again to be back on board by 6.
We just got back into the room because we were watching the boat pull
away from port. It was the coolest thing ever. While the crew got the
boat ready, bagpipers came out of the port terminal. They played for a
good 30 minutes. It was so amazing and such a legit Scottish experience.
They had people on the dock at the port waving with flags and they kept
playing as we got further away. It was probably the coolest experience
so far. It was pretty hard not to jump off the ship and stay in
Scotland, but Ireland is next. I don't know how I will leave there.
Monday, July 7, 2014
Loch Lomond featuring Chicken Wing
So today we had to be up earlier than usual to catch the bus to Loch
Lomond. We are currently on the bus as I type this first half. This is
one of those field programs where we got graced with a boxed lunch from
the ship. Our cardboard boxes included an unidentified cube of cake, a
hard boiled egg, Capri Sun, 2 Oreos, a cheese and mystery meat sandwich,
an apple, and finally last but not least a chicken wing. Yea a chicken
wing/drumstick wrapped in plastic wrap. I will be eating well this
afternoon.
So onto the hike that occurred this afternoon. It was not well
described. We got there with our hats and gloves that they told us to
bring and it was chilly but hot once we got moving. It looked like it
could have stormed but it didn't and it got pretty warm. Everything they
told us to bring was not needed and just made my backpack heavier. They
also said a hike around the lake, but no it was a hike up a 1000ft.
mountain to see a view of the hike. Eric you would have been in hiking
heaven. JoEllen started getting a sinus cold yesterday so it was already
going downhill from the start (get it? it's punny). We made it halfway
and the view was so beautiful. Once again mom and dad I am not leaving
Scotland. It was so green and beautiful and I saw a sheep frolicking
around. It was very steep for the most part and there were areas that
basically seemed like rock climbing to me (not as vertical, but kind of
tricky).
JoEllen was not feeling well at the halfway point so being the fabulous
friend I am (I'm so funny), I went back down with her and we were also
joined by 2 life long learners. Junko and Lareida are from Hawaii, and
said they had been friends for 40 years. They were so nice and funny, it
was like seeing the older version of us two in the future. We made it
down with them and we walked around the lake and found a pretty dock.
They took pictures with us and JoEllen and I of course took a selfie
with them. Luckily JoEllen started to feel better and we stopped into
this little cafe called the Oak Tree Inn. It was so cute, like the
cutest place ever. There were all these different grandfather clocks on
the walls and tons of logs stacked up. They had pictures of guys on the
wall with huge fish that they caught. My favorite part was that all of
the chairs were different, like all old and mismatched. Our table was
actually an old sewing machine table. We all just had a coffee break,
and Junko insisted on paying which was so nice of her. We ended having a
really nice day without killing ourselves on the mountain.
P.S. - The cube of cake was later identified as pound cake.
P.P.S - My mom is pointing out mistakes in past blogs to me, but I
cannot change them because I cannot get onto my blog site. I update my
blog by email and I can't do much else. So I am sorry for my mistakes
everybody. "Nobody's perfect, I gotta work it again and again til I get
it right" - Hannah Montana
Lomond. We are currently on the bus as I type this first half. This is
one of those field programs where we got graced with a boxed lunch from
the ship. Our cardboard boxes included an unidentified cube of cake, a
hard boiled egg, Capri Sun, 2 Oreos, a cheese and mystery meat sandwich,
an apple, and finally last but not least a chicken wing. Yea a chicken
wing/drumstick wrapped in plastic wrap. I will be eating well this
afternoon.
So onto the hike that occurred this afternoon. It was not well
described. We got there with our hats and gloves that they told us to
bring and it was chilly but hot once we got moving. It looked like it
could have stormed but it didn't and it got pretty warm. Everything they
told us to bring was not needed and just made my backpack heavier. They
also said a hike around the lake, but no it was a hike up a 1000ft.
mountain to see a view of the hike. Eric you would have been in hiking
heaven. JoEllen started getting a sinus cold yesterday so it was already
going downhill from the start (get it? it's punny). We made it halfway
and the view was so beautiful. Once again mom and dad I am not leaving
Scotland. It was so green and beautiful and I saw a sheep frolicking
around. It was very steep for the most part and there were areas that
basically seemed like rock climbing to me (not as vertical, but kind of
tricky).
JoEllen was not feeling well at the halfway point so being the fabulous
friend I am (I'm so funny), I went back down with her and we were also
joined by 2 life long learners. Junko and Lareida are from Hawaii, and
said they had been friends for 40 years. They were so nice and funny, it
was like seeing the older version of us two in the future. We made it
down with them and we walked around the lake and found a pretty dock.
They took pictures with us and JoEllen and I of course took a selfie
with them. Luckily JoEllen started to feel better and we stopped into
this little cafe called the Oak Tree Inn. It was so cute, like the
cutest place ever. There were all these different grandfather clocks on
the walls and tons of logs stacked up. They had pictures of guys on the
wall with huge fish that they caught. My favorite part was that all of
the chairs were different, like all old and mismatched. Our table was
actually an old sewing machine table. We all just had a coffee break,
and Junko insisted on paying which was so nice of her. We ended having a
really nice day without killing ourselves on the mountain.
P.S. - The cube of cake was later identified as pound cake.
P.P.S - My mom is pointing out mistakes in past blogs to me, but I
cannot change them because I cannot get onto my blog site. I update my
blog by email and I can't do much else. So I am sorry for my mistakes
everybody. "Nobody's perfect, I gotta work it again and again til I get
it right" - Hannah Montana
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Tatties or Naw?
Drowning in tatties. That's the Scottish word for potato for those who
have their mind in the gutter. So yea I'm kind of hilarious. We have
potatoes available everyday on the ship for breakfast, lunch, and
dinner. We are not exactly jumping to try any Scottish or Irish potatoes.
Anyway we got into port at Greenock, Scotland yesterday morning. The one
bad thing is that when we pull into port the boat makes these really
loud noises at like 6am. We hear it all because we are the first room
towards the front.
So a few things.
First: They are so super nice here and I love the accents.
Second: It is very green.
Third: Sheep. That's all.
Fourth: This weather is insane. Rain, chilly, sunny, and hot all within
the span of a minute.
Fifth: There is a clan called Blair, so even though it is spelled wrong,
my name (sort of) is on stuff!
So we had a walking tour yesterday and it was really pathetic honestly.
We did run into an orange parade which was basically celebrating the
Presbyterian religion. We had about an hour and a half maybe of this
"walking tour" of Glasgow and we were taken to a church and an
acropolis. The acropolis was basically their nice way of saying
graveyard so we went to a city of dead people for the most part. Some of
the graves were really old and from the 1800's. We got a little free
time and I found black currant Capri Sun!The tour itinerary was like
here is a church and here are some graves, now go home. After the tour
we went food shopping because we are hungry a lot. Like all the time,
especially when at sea. I complain to my mom like everyday about the
food here on-board and I don't really want to eat potatoes or pasta ever
again in my life. I am a very picky eater, but once we get in port and I
am basically ready to eat anything that is not pasta. I mean seriously I
had liver in Spain, still not getting over that. Gross. I don't think
food should be grey.
Today we went into Edinburgh and saw the city and castle. It was on this
volcano and some of the rocks were I think over 350 million years old.
The science nerd in me thought that was pretty fricken' cool. The castle
was really old and pretty. I wouldn't mind having my own castle. Eric,
if you are reading this, could you take care of that issue of me not
having a castle? For the most part, I just couldn't get over the old
rock thing. We wandered around and found a dog cemetery, which was
pretty interesting. We had like 4 hours of free time so we wandered
through cool shops and got food. Real food! I had a Scottish beef burger
and I almost died. Real meat. Heaven.
have their mind in the gutter. So yea I'm kind of hilarious. We have
potatoes available everyday on the ship for breakfast, lunch, and
dinner. We are not exactly jumping to try any Scottish or Irish potatoes.
Anyway we got into port at Greenock, Scotland yesterday morning. The one
bad thing is that when we pull into port the boat makes these really
loud noises at like 6am. We hear it all because we are the first room
towards the front.
So a few things.
First: They are so super nice here and I love the accents.
Second: It is very green.
Third: Sheep. That's all.
Fourth: This weather is insane. Rain, chilly, sunny, and hot all within
the span of a minute.
Fifth: There is a clan called Blair, so even though it is spelled wrong,
my name (sort of) is on stuff!
So we had a walking tour yesterday and it was really pathetic honestly.
We did run into an orange parade which was basically celebrating the
Presbyterian religion. We had about an hour and a half maybe of this
"walking tour" of Glasgow and we were taken to a church and an
acropolis. The acropolis was basically their nice way of saying
graveyard so we went to a city of dead people for the most part. Some of
the graves were really old and from the 1800's. We got a little free
time and I found black currant Capri Sun!The tour itinerary was like
here is a church and here are some graves, now go home. After the tour
we went food shopping because we are hungry a lot. Like all the time,
especially when at sea. I complain to my mom like everyday about the
food here on-board and I don't really want to eat potatoes or pasta ever
again in my life. I am a very picky eater, but once we get in port and I
am basically ready to eat anything that is not pasta. I mean seriously I
had liver in Spain, still not getting over that. Gross. I don't think
food should be grey.
Today we went into Edinburgh and saw the city and castle. It was on this
volcano and some of the rocks were I think over 350 million years old.
The science nerd in me thought that was pretty fricken' cool. The castle
was really old and pretty. I wouldn't mind having my own castle. Eric,
if you are reading this, could you take care of that issue of me not
having a castle? For the most part, I just couldn't get over the old
rock thing. We wandered around and found a dog cemetery, which was
pretty interesting. We had like 4 hours of free time so we wandered
through cool shops and got food. Real food! I had a Scottish beef burger
and I almost died. Real meat. Heaven.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Reflections and Croissants
So I decided to start sort of reflecting on the countries. In my classes
we always talk about what we saw or felt about the ports on our first
day of classes after a country. I have already been to 3 of my 10 (plus
France) so I will do it in groups. So I'll give this a try. And I guess
while I am at it I will rate croissants (1 to 5), since we have one in
every country.
London England:
I only had a day here, but I still loved it like I did the first time.
The city is so clean and for the most part everyone is really friendly.
It is like a cleaner version of New York, but with funny accents. I love
their accents. Even taking the tube (their version of the subway) was
good. It wasn't scary and dirty like it is in our cities. We walked
around and everything is so old and beautiful. It is nice seeing all of
the different buildings and old landmarks instead of skyscrapers.
Croissant rating - 2
Lisbon, Portugal:
I loved Portugal way more than I was expecting to. I did not know what
to expect, but I really liked it. The streets and quarters of the city
were so nice and small. It was like walking around a little old town
that you read about or something. The people were friendly and many
spoke English. I did learn some Portuguese though. The homes and
buildings were really colorful and I loved the brightness. I was also
fascinated and in love with the tile work and the insanely detailed
ceilings and buildings. I wish I could post pictures, but these emails
can't handle attachments. I really liked wandering around Lisbon and
finding new hidden things down old small streets. There was a lot of
history in the city and it was cool seeing things that had been around
since the 13th century. The one thing I did notice that I did not like
was all of the cigarette smokers. Almost everyone. And what I hated even
more is how they just threw them on the ground and dropped them
everywhere. I also liked how the older women (like grandma age) had
their hair dyed like blue and purple. It was interesting. Croissant
rating - 4
Bilbao, Spain:
I liked Portugal way better than Spain. It was not the country that I
had imagined, but I guess because I was in Basque Country and not the
cities. It was not a scenic by the port but once you got into Bilbao it
was really nice. The buildings were really old and close together. It
sort of reminded me of London. It was quieter and there wasn't as much
to do as the other places. It had a bunch of little streets and shops. I
had a lot of trouble eating in Spain. I could not get used to their meal
times (like dinner at 9-11). When we were hungry for dinner, it was hard
to find a meal. We usually could only find tapas. For the most part I
did not like the tapas. I am not a seafood eater so it was harder for me
to find food. I also hate mayonnaise which they seemed to use a lot of.
The rest of the area was really nice. It was very mountainous and had
tons of greenery and really great views to look at. Croissant rating - 3
Biarritz and Saint Jean de Luz, France:
Saint Jean de Luz was not that exciting and basically everything was
closed. This is also were we got lost in France. Compared to Biarritz it
was not very great. So Biarritz, was awesome. Everyone loved it. it was
basically a beach town and the views were insane. There were tons of
huge rocks out in the ocean and tons of little downtown-ish and beach(y)
shops and places to eat. Compared to being in Paris before, it was such
a huge difference to city. I really liked it there a lot and it was nice
to see a different part of France. Croissant rating - 5
we always talk about what we saw or felt about the ports on our first
day of classes after a country. I have already been to 3 of my 10 (plus
France) so I will do it in groups. So I'll give this a try. And I guess
while I am at it I will rate croissants (1 to 5), since we have one in
every country.
London England:
I only had a day here, but I still loved it like I did the first time.
The city is so clean and for the most part everyone is really friendly.
It is like a cleaner version of New York, but with funny accents. I love
their accents. Even taking the tube (their version of the subway) was
good. It wasn't scary and dirty like it is in our cities. We walked
around and everything is so old and beautiful. It is nice seeing all of
the different buildings and old landmarks instead of skyscrapers.
Croissant rating - 2
Lisbon, Portugal:
I loved Portugal way more than I was expecting to. I did not know what
to expect, but I really liked it. The streets and quarters of the city
were so nice and small. It was like walking around a little old town
that you read about or something. The people were friendly and many
spoke English. I did learn some Portuguese though. The homes and
buildings were really colorful and I loved the brightness. I was also
fascinated and in love with the tile work and the insanely detailed
ceilings and buildings. I wish I could post pictures, but these emails
can't handle attachments. I really liked wandering around Lisbon and
finding new hidden things down old small streets. There was a lot of
history in the city and it was cool seeing things that had been around
since the 13th century. The one thing I did notice that I did not like
was all of the cigarette smokers. Almost everyone. And what I hated even
more is how they just threw them on the ground and dropped them
everywhere. I also liked how the older women (like grandma age) had
their hair dyed like blue and purple. It was interesting. Croissant
rating - 4
Bilbao, Spain:
I liked Portugal way better than Spain. It was not the country that I
had imagined, but I guess because I was in Basque Country and not the
cities. It was not a scenic by the port but once you got into Bilbao it
was really nice. The buildings were really old and close together. It
sort of reminded me of London. It was quieter and there wasn't as much
to do as the other places. It had a bunch of little streets and shops. I
had a lot of trouble eating in Spain. I could not get used to their meal
times (like dinner at 9-11). When we were hungry for dinner, it was hard
to find a meal. We usually could only find tapas. For the most part I
did not like the tapas. I am not a seafood eater so it was harder for me
to find food. I also hate mayonnaise which they seemed to use a lot of.
The rest of the area was really nice. It was very mountainous and had
tons of greenery and really great views to look at. Croissant rating - 3
Biarritz and Saint Jean de Luz, France:
Saint Jean de Luz was not that exciting and basically everything was
closed. This is also were we got lost in France. Compared to Biarritz it
was not very great. So Biarritz, was awesome. Everyone loved it. it was
basically a beach town and the views were insane. There were tons of
huge rocks out in the ocean and tons of little downtown-ish and beach(y)
shops and places to eat. Compared to being in Paris before, it was such
a huge difference to city. I really liked it there a lot and it was nice
to see a different part of France. Croissant rating - 5
"To the Window to the Wall"
Yesterday we left port at 6 and then went a little bit and dropped
anchor. The port is still visible and we found out they did this because
A. they had to leave the port and B. if they stayed close they could
have satellite still to stream the world cup game. So we are still in Spain.
Last night was really interesting because of sitting in the middle of
the water. We were rocking from side to side and like crazy. Our stuff
was falling over and our drawers were closing themselves. JoEllen began
singing the song that goes like ... "to the window, to the wall, to the
wall" because we were literally sliding in our beds as our room sea-sawed.
anchor. The port is still visible and we found out they did this because
A. they had to leave the port and B. if they stayed close they could
have satellite still to stream the world cup game. So we are still in Spain.
Last night was really interesting because of sitting in the middle of
the water. We were rocking from side to side and like crazy. Our stuff
was falling over and our drawers were closing themselves. JoEllen began
singing the song that goes like ... "to the window, to the wall, to the
wall" because we were literally sliding in our beds as our room sea-sawed.
Adios!
So Sunday we took a shuttle ride to Sopelana (hope I am spelling that right) for a festival. It was pretty cool. It started off as a parade that everyone basically followed and then they went to church. JoEllen and I went in search of food and wandered the streets and found a cool candy store with some interesting things. At about 12 they had little vendors set up with crafts and toys for the kids. JoEllen got her hair wrapped and I added to my dream catcher collection with one in the colors of the Basque flag. Afterwards there were children that danced and the festival continued again.
Yesterday we had our wine tasting in La Rioja. It was not what we thought it would be. We visited 2 wineries and in one we went into the wine " cemetery ". It had wine from every year since the place opened. Everything was covered in mold, like covered, some of the bottles could barely be seen. The wineries and vineyard were really pretty and there were so many of them. We only actually tasted 2 wines on our wine tasting experience, which was strange. We had lunch and I had veal for the first time. After we went back to the port and got on the shuttle to the town in Bilbao. In every country we have been trying to collect a key chain. We want one from every country and then we can make something at the end. Unfortunately, I am already missing a country. I could not find one for Spain. Maybe I'll have to order a cheap one off of Amazon for Bilbao, Spain. (Dad if you are reading this you should help me out). I fell asleep really early and now classes are started again.
We are actually half way through classes already which is crazy. After class we plan on sitting up on the main deck, and yes mom I am using sunscreen and purell. We have a project and test tomorrow and 2 papers due this week. Overall, I liked Portugal way better than Spain. I found myself starving everyday in this country. They eat at way different times than us and I did not really like the food here. We are still docked in Spain and will be leaving for Scotland next. We should be in Glasgow by Saturday.
Yesterday we had our wine tasting in La Rioja. It was not what we thought it would be. We visited 2 wineries and in one we went into the wine " cemetery ". It had wine from every year since the place opened. Everything was covered in mold, like covered, some of the bottles could barely be seen. The wineries and vineyard were really pretty and there were so many of them. We only actually tasted 2 wines on our wine tasting experience, which was strange. We had lunch and I had veal for the first time. After we went back to the port and got on the shuttle to the town in Bilbao. In every country we have been trying to collect a key chain. We want one from every country and then we can make something at the end. Unfortunately, I am already missing a country. I could not find one for Spain. Maybe I'll have to order a cheap one off of Amazon for Bilbao, Spain. (Dad if you are reading this you should help me out). I fell asleep really early and now classes are started again.
We are actually half way through classes already which is crazy. After class we plan on sitting up on the main deck, and yes mom I am using sunscreen and purell. We have a project and test tomorrow and 2 papers due this week. Overall, I liked Portugal way better than Spain. I found myself starving everyday in this country. They eat at way different times than us and I did not really like the food here. We are still docked in Spain and will be leaving for Scotland next. We should be in Glasgow by Saturday.
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