[taken from Travel journal entry for March 3, 2010]
Today was one of the craziest travel journeys I've ever had. Travel as in anything that could have gone bad, did. We almost missed our trains, purchased tickets that actually didn't exist, almost lost Mike, stayed in an underground for three hours which ended up being more like a wind tunnel, and once we finally made it to Frankfurt, Germany's worst looking city ever, we realized we missed the crucial bus we needed to take us the hour-journey ride to the Ryan Air Airport, which is inconveniently located no where near Frankfurt. The next bus would end up arriving at the airport an two hours later, giving us a stressful 10 minutes to run through check-in, customs, and security before the gate closed. And that's just what we did, run. The only part that ended up being humorous was when we realized they thought my boots must have been some sort of security problem because I was treated like they must have hidden a bomb. Of course, upon further inspection, they realized, I was no terrorist but just a tired and hungry traveler who just had buckles on her shoes.....oi vey.
Thankfully, the plane was still loading passengers, and we made it safely on. We left Germany as snow began to fall and landed in Finland to more snow than I could have imagined. My luggage had a hard time keeping up with me as I trudged through the snow where my friend Lynda and her friends greeted us with big grins and signs (literally, it was an authentic Welcome Wagon). We then enjoyed the most peaceful ride back to their home where delicious chili awaited my starving body. That night all of Lynda's friend's threw us a grand get-together and we ate good food, met good people, learned some Finnish and played some Finnish games similar to games from my Comedy Improv class.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Northern Exposure
"The world is a book and those who never travel only read one page."
[taken from my travel log, dated Feb. 28, 2010]
We leave for Finland tomorrow morning. Tonight, however, we take the late night trains all the way to Frankfurt...a city I'm only aquainted with because I sometimes have to fly out of there with Ryan Air. Currently, Chelsea and I are waiing for Mike at our favorite resturant/bar. Oddly enough, it's locatd in the bahnhof. Laugh if you must, but apart from it's deep wood tables, frosted glass windows and stained glass lights, this place is special to me for it's charming atmosphere. Here you'll find locals as well as out-of-towners, enjoying some good food or their favorite drinks while they wait for their train. Everyone from the dapper gentleman on a business trip to the local bohemian artist in the corner, you are bound to find something interesting. To me, it's the perfect place to people-watch.
Until next time, I shall say Ciao! And hopefully, Finland welcomes me! Unfortunatly, it'll have to welcome me with snow covered arms, but eh, that's part of it's charm, no?
[taken from my travel log, dated Feb. 28, 2010]
We leave for Finland tomorrow morning. Tonight, however, we take the late night trains all the way to Frankfurt...a city I'm only aquainted with because I sometimes have to fly out of there with Ryan Air. Currently, Chelsea and I are waiing for Mike at our favorite resturant/bar. Oddly enough, it's locatd in the bahnhof. Laugh if you must, but apart from it's deep wood tables, frosted glass windows and stained glass lights, this place is special to me for it's charming atmosphere. Here you'll find locals as well as out-of-towners, enjoying some good food or their favorite drinks while they wait for their train. Everyone from the dapper gentleman on a business trip to the local bohemian artist in the corner, you are bound to find something interesting. To me, it's the perfect place to people-watch.
Until next time, I shall say Ciao! And hopefully, Finland welcomes me! Unfortunatly, it'll have to welcome me with snow covered arms, but eh, that's part of it's charm, no?
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Just One Step Closer
Tonight I'll be eating dinner in a bus station, and taking a midnight train to Frankfurt. A few restless, and yet relaxing hours at the airport and we'll be taking a flight to Finland. From there, Stockholm, Ireland, Scotland and back to Germany to meet up with Dani, who's coming at the end of March. A whole month of travel and I feel somehow impatient for it to start. I guess that's how I am now. I like the thrill of booking flights, riding trains and walking around a city I've never seen before.
I just noticed recently how much I love riding trains. A friend said it makes the best sound. Planes are so muted and consistent whereas cars make so much noise and one has to deal with the surrounding noise of traffic. But trains are different. And it's something I know I'll miss when I go back.
Speaking of going back, I just booked my flight back. It was a relief only because I finally bought the stupid thing. It ended up being 500$ because we waited so long. I fly back on July 30th. Thankfully, it's later than I expected. Although, now I only have less than a month to pick classes, move into a new dorm/apartment, see family, get my car...oh, and deal with culture shock. Yea, that'll be fun =].
I suppose I'll keep tabs on what I've been up to on my travels. I have a journal and hopefully I'll actually remember to write in it.
Ciao!
I just noticed recently how much I love riding trains. A friend said it makes the best sound. Planes are so muted and consistent whereas cars make so much noise and one has to deal with the surrounding noise of traffic. But trains are different. And it's something I know I'll miss when I go back.
Speaking of going back, I just booked my flight back. It was a relief only because I finally bought the stupid thing. It ended up being 500$ because we waited so long. I fly back on July 30th. Thankfully, it's later than I expected. Although, now I only have less than a month to pick classes, move into a new dorm/apartment, see family, get my car...oh, and deal with culture shock. Yea, that'll be fun =].
I suppose I'll keep tabs on what I've been up to on my travels. I have a journal and hopefully I'll actually remember to write in it.
Ciao!
Friday, February 26, 2010
The One I Love by Greg Laswell
But I should probably say that I'm unsure why I'm running
running away from
the only thing I want
Yeah, I should probably say that I'm unsure why I'm running
running away from the one i love
running away from
the only thing I want
Yeah, I should probably say that I'm unsure why I'm running
running away from the one i love
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Vienna
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsEBGhbSKVc
Great vacation, with some great people. I learned that Vienna really doesn't like dogs without muzzels on, their buildings are beautiful, they have famous chocolate called Mozart kugels, and they'll always be helpful to you. I met a man who sang opera and wished to visit America, a man who had too much to drink and a few sweet ladies at a traditional sweet shop. We tasted famous chocolate cake, famous ice cream and some delicious cinnamon chocolate covered almonds. Oh, and if you're able to go, make sure you see the cemetary. Some of the most famous classical composers are buried there, so you shouldn't miss out. =]
Great vacation, with some great people. I learned that Vienna really doesn't like dogs without muzzels on, their buildings are beautiful, they have famous chocolate called Mozart kugels, and they'll always be helpful to you. I met a man who sang opera and wished to visit America, a man who had too much to drink and a few sweet ladies at a traditional sweet shop. We tasted famous chocolate cake, famous ice cream and some delicious cinnamon chocolate covered almonds. Oh, and if you're able to go, make sure you see the cemetary. Some of the most famous classical composers are buried there, so you shouldn't miss out. =]
Friday, November 27, 2009
Thanksgiving
Celebrated Thanksgiving twice this year. And although each time was full of good food and merryment, I realized that the only thing I'm really thankful for is something I don't have here in Germany. Friends. Ok, I have Chelsea and Mike, so I have my family. =] but there's something that each of my friends donate to my life that I don't like living without. Even those who I don't talk to on a regular basis are special in some way. I can't wait to come back home. Seeing my friends again will be like a Brazilian watching his soccer team wining the World Cup. =]
In other news, besides studying German, finding new easy and delicious recipes for dinner, planing out Christmas markets and chocolate festivals to visit (I know, what a chore!), I've been watching How I Met Your Mother online. At first, it took me awhile to cosy up to it seeing as though I have so many other wonderful shows to keep up on. But How I Met Your Mother is a pleasant change to my typical 30 Rock. It has just enough drama to keep you interested, but has more humor and wit then the average show. Plus, lately it's been delving into some interesting topics of discussion which leave me thinking, "Hmm, why haven't I thought about that before?" All in all, a delightful treat that I recommend.
This weekend I have the opportunity to go to Esslingen for the Christmas market with a few friends. Although it'll be great, I've ironically already planned to go with another friend in a week or so. We'll see what ends up happening. I'm also still trying to post pictures from Italy, but Facebook is making it difficult to comply with that wish.
And, still waiting for a birthday package that was sent from my family three weeks ago. =/ I'd really like to get some love via mail soon. Feeling a bit lonely during the holidays without hearing from my friends. I know some letters are coming for us, I just want them to get here already! It really brightens my day to see my friend's handwriting.
In other news, besides studying German, finding new easy and delicious recipes for dinner, planing out Christmas markets and chocolate festivals to visit (I know, what a chore!), I've been watching How I Met Your Mother online. At first, it took me awhile to cosy up to it seeing as though I have so many other wonderful shows to keep up on. But How I Met Your Mother is a pleasant change to my typical 30 Rock. It has just enough drama to keep you interested, but has more humor and wit then the average show. Plus, lately it's been delving into some interesting topics of discussion which leave me thinking, "Hmm, why haven't I thought about that before?" All in all, a delightful treat that I recommend.
This weekend I have the opportunity to go to Esslingen for the Christmas market with a few friends. Although it'll be great, I've ironically already planned to go with another friend in a week or so. We'll see what ends up happening. I'm also still trying to post pictures from Italy, but Facebook is making it difficult to comply with that wish.
And, still waiting for a birthday package that was sent from my family three weeks ago. =/ I'd really like to get some love via mail soon. Feeling a bit lonely during the holidays without hearing from my friends. I know some letters are coming for us, I just want them to get here already! It really brightens my day to see my friend's handwriting.
Monday, November 9, 2009
The first sign of snow in Deutschland!
Today while in my Aufbaukurs (German Grammer class) I glanced drausin (outside) and beheld a wonderous sight! Snow! Yes, that's right. Granted, it didn't stick, and felt more like wet mush, but it means that snow doth approach! Anyway, weekend update: I went to a painting party, where my friend had purchased two large canvases and wanted his friends to paint him pictures. We also wore white shirst and he brough some markers that we could color our shirts with. The next day, Chelsea, Mike and I visited a nearby town called Walenbuch (literally translated, Forestbook...amazing!) and went to the Ritter Sport Chocolate Factory! I guess we couldn't actually get a tour of the chocolate-making process BUT we bought a load of chocolate for really cheap! Mmmmm sehr lecker! (very tasty!) I'm pretty sure you can find Ritter Sport in America, but it might be a bit more pricy. However, wenn du Lust hast (if you want) you should buy some, I promise you won't regret it!
Tonight, I'm going to try out a belly dancing class, haha. Then I'm going to a movie tonight with a bunch of friends. Every monday, the Blau Brucke Kino (Blue Bridge Movie Theater) plays a special movie (in Deutsch of course) and with the price of entrance (6.60 Euros) you get a glass of Champagne. What a fun way to see a movie, right? How classy =) Afterward, I'll be continuing my homework of reading a bunch of articles about cultural differences in Germany vs. America, and reporting on my findings. Easy enough, just time consuming.
Next week is Chelsea and my birthday! Haven't a clue what I'm doing though. We want to see Wicked, The Witch from Oz in German, b ut the cheapest ticket is on Weds. nights, so this weekend is still wide open. Since my very close friends aren't here with me, I'm not totally motivated to do much for my birthday. I think we'll probablly go to Stuttgart that weekend and stay with our Swedish friend who lives there now. In any case, it'll be a fun day and I'll enjoy whatever happens. =)
That's about it, for now. Love you all!
Tonight, I'm going to try out a belly dancing class, haha. Then I'm going to a movie tonight with a bunch of friends. Every monday, the Blau Brucke Kino (Blue Bridge Movie Theater) plays a special movie (in Deutsch of course) and with the price of entrance (6.60 Euros) you get a glass of Champagne. What a fun way to see a movie, right? How classy =) Afterward, I'll be continuing my homework of reading a bunch of articles about cultural differences in Germany vs. America, and reporting on my findings. Easy enough, just time consuming.
Next week is Chelsea and my birthday! Haven't a clue what I'm doing though. We want to see Wicked, The Witch from Oz in German, b ut the cheapest ticket is on Weds. nights, so this weekend is still wide open. Since my very close friends aren't here with me, I'm not totally motivated to do much for my birthday. I think we'll probablly go to Stuttgart that weekend and stay with our Swedish friend who lives there now. In any case, it'll be a fun day and I'll enjoy whatever happens. =)
That's about it, for now. Love you all!
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