I arrived back into London yesterday and am now alone to travel around for the next 5 and a half weeks. I'm spending the first 5 days in London, then I'm heading over to Iceland to see my wonderful friend Elin! I'm very excited to see her! And the not so new little one she has!
Ireland was absolutely wonderful. I mastered driving stick shift, and even driving on the other side of the road, even in rush hour traffic and on fairly steep hills! Can't say I want one when I get home, but I now have the skill of driving one which is nice. I drove around the Ring of Kerry in the southwest part of the island, and I even got to kiss the blarney stone! Kissing the blarney stone at Blarney Castle gives you the give of eloquence. Yea!
For the most part we stayed near Killarney the first 3 days, it was a nice area to be based out of and we had a wonderful B&B. We moved on to outside of Cork on Wednesday after visiting Blarney, we went to Kinsale which is on the very south, south of Cork..we took a harbour cruise tour, which was wonderful, of course, I forgot my camera in the car as we were in a rush to get to the departure point in time. It has some wonderful postcard views as I call them.
Then Thursday morning was not so great...I woke up feeling awful and I'll leave it up to your imagination..I was sick. I couldn't walk very far without being dizzy and nauseous. Luckily we got to another B&B near Waterford which is where we were going to stay and got some medicine and I slept most of the afternoon and evening. I felt better the next morning and we were back on our way. We went into Waterford and went to the Waterford Crystal Factory...it was really neat to see them make the crystal.
Leaving the Crystal factory we headed to south of Dublin where we stayed friday night. Saturday we flew out, no damages to the rental car and it was definitely brought back with an empty tank..which was requested, 33 km left to drive on the estimate gauge. We got back into London, made it to our hotel and this morning I took my parents to the airport and they should be home in a few hours. I'm back at the hostel in London and I've done my wash!!! (VERY EXCITING!) and now checking internet for cheap! I've missed it greatly! Who knows what's in store for this week...still to be determined!
I'll write about my other places on the cruise at some point. Miss you all.
Love.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Sunday, August 19, 2007
I've reached Ireland
Well I know I haven't posted since Russia, and I will get back to the remaining countries and the cruise soon...but today I'm in Ireland!
We reached Ireland last night and much to my surprise...driving on the other side of the road in a manual car (which I have not really driven before) isn't as bad as I thought it would be. I had a rough start, but we are getting the hang of it and it wasn't as bad as it could have been. Of course it's because of Adam's Wonderful driving lesson a few weeks ago. This would have been terrible without that! But it's going well, only a few hiccups.
Moving south from Shannon and Limerick to Killarney this afternoon...I will write more later, miss you all!
Love
We reached Ireland last night and much to my surprise...driving on the other side of the road in a manual car (which I have not really driven before) isn't as bad as I thought it would be. I had a rough start, but we are getting the hang of it and it wasn't as bad as it could have been. Of course it's because of Adam's Wonderful driving lesson a few weeks ago. This would have been terrible without that! But it's going well, only a few hiccups.
Moving south from Shannon and Limerick to Killarney this afternoon...I will write more later, miss you all!
Love
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Russia and Estonia!
Wow, is about all I can say for my time in the former USSR. Russia was just amazing! The buildings were so facinating...I can't say I want to live there, but a must to visit and experience if you ever have the chance!
Russia is full of a solid line of buildings, it's hard to describe...hopefully pictures when I have them will help explain, I comented that I couldn't see the city from our ship...I said it looked like a big wall, and that is basically what each street looks like. Very interesting. The palaces were amazing, exactly what I wanted to go see. And can you believe that I never had to get Russian roubles...everything can be paid for in US dollars...crazy!
Estonia is a mid-evil sort of town...I toured around the "old city" today..walking tour, was very nice. I saw so many interesting buildings...different from Russia, but you could see the presence of the former USSR. I found many souviners from Estonia...said I helped their economy. I can't wait until I can post pictures to show you, it's so hard to describe in words.
I'm loving every minute of this trip...and it's still so early! I hope you all are doing well and miss each and everyone of you!
Lots of Love!!
Russia is full of a solid line of buildings, it's hard to describe...hopefully pictures when I have them will help explain, I comented that I couldn't see the city from our ship...I said it looked like a big wall, and that is basically what each street looks like. Very interesting. The palaces were amazing, exactly what I wanted to go see. And can you believe that I never had to get Russian roubles...everything can be paid for in US dollars...crazy!
Estonia is a mid-evil sort of town...I toured around the "old city" today..walking tour, was very nice. I saw so many interesting buildings...different from Russia, but you could see the presence of the former USSR. I found many souviners from Estonia...said I helped their economy. I can't wait until I can post pictures to show you, it's so hard to describe in words.
I'm loving every minute of this trip...and it's still so early! I hope you all are doing well and miss each and everyone of you!
Lots of Love!!
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Quick message from the Baltic
Hello everyone, not much time as the internet is very expensive on board the ship! I miss my high speed, cheap internet!
I've been to Sweden, Germany (Berlin) and Finland thus far, it's all been amazing! Tomorrow we are docking in St. Petersburg, Russia for two days. The immigration is very tight, so not much I can do if I'm not on the tour. I'm hoping to get some neat souviners. Sweden was gorgous. In Germany we went to a concentration camp and then saw the sights around Berlin. I love Germany! Today we stopped off in Helsinki, Finland...again a beautiful country. Loads to tell...but not much time...I will write more when I get back to the UK.
The ship and cruise are amazing! The 5 star dinners and treatment we get is just amazing...I'm going to miss it when we leave. I can't believe it's almost half over! I've seen some wonderful shows...met some fun people, but with the tours, we are worn out! Sleeping is a minimum...which isn't so good!
Love to all....Till next time!
P.S. Love you my little one!!!
I've been to Sweden, Germany (Berlin) and Finland thus far, it's all been amazing! Tomorrow we are docking in St. Petersburg, Russia for two days. The immigration is very tight, so not much I can do if I'm not on the tour. I'm hoping to get some neat souviners. Sweden was gorgous. In Germany we went to a concentration camp and then saw the sights around Berlin. I love Germany! Today we stopped off in Helsinki, Finland...again a beautiful country. Loads to tell...but not much time...I will write more when I get back to the UK.
The ship and cruise are amazing! The 5 star dinners and treatment we get is just amazing...I'm going to miss it when we leave. I can't believe it's almost half over! I've seen some wonderful shows...met some fun people, but with the tours, we are worn out! Sleeping is a minimum...which isn't so good!
Love to all....Till next time!
P.S. Love you my little one!!!
Sunday, August 5, 2007
On Board and set sail
Hey from the north sea!
I made my way yesterday from London to Dover where I set sail on my cruise. The ship is just HUGE!!! I boarded and found my parents sleeping in the room...they had arrived a couple hours earlier and were jet lagged and very tired. After our Muster drill (like a fire drill) to practice getting off the ship in case of an emergency...we organized our small (but big for a ship) room. There is tons of storage, and we've got everything put away like we live there.
We had our first dinner last night with our table. 11 people at our small table...fun, all british except us. So that made for a fun night! We finished up dinner around 11pm and walked back stopping to listen to some music before heading back and to bed..still jet lagged (my parents).
Today we slept till 1pm...well we lost an hour, so it was really noon. Then got ready and went to lunch...and then to a presentation over the Baltic States...hard to understand the guy..he jumped around a lot.
Tonight is a formal dinner event, I will go get ready for it soon! Then who knows what...so much to do..so little time! Tomorrow we will arrive in Helsingborg, Sweden for a day of sightseeing! More about that later
Not much time on the expensive internet...so posts will remain somewhat short! Love to all and miss you!
Love
I made my way yesterday from London to Dover where I set sail on my cruise. The ship is just HUGE!!! I boarded and found my parents sleeping in the room...they had arrived a couple hours earlier and were jet lagged and very tired. After our Muster drill (like a fire drill) to practice getting off the ship in case of an emergency...we organized our small (but big for a ship) room. There is tons of storage, and we've got everything put away like we live there.
We had our first dinner last night with our table. 11 people at our small table...fun, all british except us. So that made for a fun night! We finished up dinner around 11pm and walked back stopping to listen to some music before heading back and to bed..still jet lagged (my parents).
Today we slept till 1pm...well we lost an hour, so it was really noon. Then got ready and went to lunch...and then to a presentation over the Baltic States...hard to understand the guy..he jumped around a lot.
Tonight is a formal dinner event, I will go get ready for it soon! Then who knows what...so much to do..so little time! Tomorrow we will arrive in Helsingborg, Sweden for a day of sightseeing! More about that later
Not much time on the expensive internet...so posts will remain somewhat short! Love to all and miss you!
Love
Friday, August 3, 2007
London
I arrived in London at 9:30pm last night, got through customs and got my luggage without any problem. I took the underground to my hostel which was quite an adventure with 3 rolling suitcases, being female in London at 11:30 at night. But it all worked out well. I put my big pieces of luggage into luggage storage, which was quite an ordeal...seeing as I had to carry my 3 pieces of luggage up and down stairs...not easy. Then it was SOOO hot...not hot when I stopped moving, but no air conditioning..they really don't need it, but I was sweating like none other! Got all my liquids that I couldn't have on the plane transferred over to my carry on, so that I had a small piece of luggage with me and found my room.
My hostel is pretty nice, the best I've stayed in. I'm in a dorm area with 6 beds, 5 other girls filled it up last night, but I believe any sex can stay in the rooms..not sure though. Talked with a few of them this morning, traveling around and are from Germany. I got up and ate breakfast...I was STARVING! Really no dinner last night. Then went back up and laid down for a little while longer. I didn't have any need to get going early. I've been to London many times, so the main touristy sights aren't as big a deal, especially when I'm coming back for a few days at the end of the month.
When I finally left, I hopped on the tube...tried to be Londonish...not touristy. Only having my purse and trying to know where I was going. Fun! I went into Victoria station, a national rail link. I want to get a young persons rail card which would save me 30% on travel, now I need to figure out a local address, since you have to list one...eeeh! Then I went and got a mobile phone. Went to the Orange store, picked out a phone...and on my way I went.
From there I walked down the street to Buckingham Palace.....I realized at this time..that maybe it would have been nice to grab a map..I didn't really know where I was, just had an idea from when I've been there before. I figured out where I was and headed to Big Ben and the Parliament. Oh while in St. James Park...I played with and set up my new phone. I hope I'm good to go! Then walked around, making my way around across the Thames and to Waterloo station, where I hopped back on the tube and am now back at my hostel.
Had a scare...thought my debit cards weren't working (my only way of money really), but I tried them both and should be good to go...talk about dangerous! AH
Tomorrow I head to Dover to board the Cruise. Hopefully I'll be able to find my parents without to much trouble...but who knows. Could be interesting..I'll have my 3 pieces of luggage yet again! Yuck! Oh well can't wait till they are not being used.
Much love to all...Missing everyone! Don't know when I'll blog next, but will as soon as I can!
My hostel is pretty nice, the best I've stayed in. I'm in a dorm area with 6 beds, 5 other girls filled it up last night, but I believe any sex can stay in the rooms..not sure though. Talked with a few of them this morning, traveling around and are from Germany. I got up and ate breakfast...I was STARVING! Really no dinner last night. Then went back up and laid down for a little while longer. I didn't have any need to get going early. I've been to London many times, so the main touristy sights aren't as big a deal, especially when I'm coming back for a few days at the end of the month.
When I finally left, I hopped on the tube...tried to be Londonish...not touristy. Only having my purse and trying to know where I was going. Fun! I went into Victoria station, a national rail link. I want to get a young persons rail card which would save me 30% on travel, now I need to figure out a local address, since you have to list one...eeeh! Then I went and got a mobile phone. Went to the Orange store, picked out a phone...and on my way I went.
From there I walked down the street to Buckingham Palace.....I realized at this time..that maybe it would have been nice to grab a map..I didn't really know where I was, just had an idea from when I've been there before. I figured out where I was and headed to Big Ben and the Parliament. Oh while in St. James Park...I played with and set up my new phone. I hope I'm good to go! Then walked around, making my way around across the Thames and to Waterloo station, where I hopped back on the tube and am now back at my hostel.
Had a scare...thought my debit cards weren't working (my only way of money really), but I tried them both and should be good to go...talk about dangerous! AH
Tomorrow I head to Dover to board the Cruise. Hopefully I'll be able to find my parents without to much trouble...but who knows. Could be interesting..I'll have my 3 pieces of luggage yet again! Yuck! Oh well can't wait till they are not being used.
Much love to all...Missing everyone! Don't know when I'll blog next, but will as soon as I can!
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Europe bound
I'm leaving very soon for the great world beyond our borders! It's been a busy week, but a big week! The last week consisted of packing, moving, all over rushing around, cleaning, sweating! finishing up my Thesis and hanging out with friends!
Sunday was a big day of moving! Tiring, Completely! The day started at 6am...with taking apart my bedroom set, and finishing up everything else so that when Zach came to get me, I was ready for the move. I was actually quite happy, because for once in my life I was actually ready, having everything packed. Zach came to get me and we got a bigger Uhaul truck for 10 dollars less!! YEA! Very good! Then my move took a total of 5 hours, which was pretty good. Then off to Zach, Rick's and Billy's where we continued to move. It was a long and very tiring day, but I was glad to have it done.
This week has been full. Cleaning, trip planning, ect. I finalized and uploaded the final version of my Thesis on Tuesday just before Lunch! Then a celebratory/goodbye lunch with Yuter. Then cleaning before a BBQ at the Parkers! A fun night! I even got to play the Wii! Good times!
Today was again busy, errands to finalize for the trip. Lunch with the Jordan hall group, and then dinner and drinks before I leave! Everyone's leaving while I'm gone, so Raleigh won't be the same when I get back. Adam and Miranda will still be here though, so I will get to see them!
So in the next 5 hours, I need to finish packing and do some stuff before heading off into the great unknown of life for the next 8 weeks. I will be blogging as much as possible during my trip. Check back for updates! Miss everyone already!
Love!
Sunday was a big day of moving! Tiring, Completely! The day started at 6am...with taking apart my bedroom set, and finishing up everything else so that when Zach came to get me, I was ready for the move. I was actually quite happy, because for once in my life I was actually ready, having everything packed. Zach came to get me and we got a bigger Uhaul truck for 10 dollars less!! YEA! Very good! Then my move took a total of 5 hours, which was pretty good. Then off to Zach, Rick's and Billy's where we continued to move. It was a long and very tiring day, but I was glad to have it done.
This week has been full. Cleaning, trip planning, ect. I finalized and uploaded the final version of my Thesis on Tuesday just before Lunch! Then a celebratory/goodbye lunch with Yuter. Then cleaning before a BBQ at the Parkers! A fun night! I even got to play the Wii! Good times!
Today was again busy, errands to finalize for the trip. Lunch with the Jordan hall group, and then dinner and drinks before I leave! Everyone's leaving while I'm gone, so Raleigh won't be the same when I get back. Adam and Miranda will still be here though, so I will get to see them!
So in the next 5 hours, I need to finish packing and do some stuff before heading off into the great unknown of life for the next 8 weeks. I will be blogging as much as possible during my trip. Check back for updates! Miss everyone already!
Love!