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.
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