Tuesday, July 12, 2005
JETLAG!!! I love to travel, but the time difference is killing me. I am about 8 hours behind what I am used to. So when I was in Europe, I was going to sleep between 2 - 3am and waking up @ 11am or 12pm. Which doesn't work to well when you are trying to be a tourist. Now that I am home I am going to bed between 5:30 - 6:30 (which is about 2 -3 in London) and wasking up between 4 - 5am. As my friend Kjerstin was so happy to point out was that it was because I was getting old! Well going to bed @ 5:30, I do feel like an old lady. So some friends at work want to go see a movie Friday nite. One reason why is just to keep me up past 9pm. I was instructed by my friend Michelle before I left work to start practicing and stay up until 8pm tonight. It has been very difficult, but I just have an hour to go. I might just might make it.
Monday, July 11, 2005
Back in the good 'ol USA!!!
It does feel good to be home, but all I have really done since I have been home is sleep. I think my body is almost figured out what time it is. The trip home was pretty uneventful. All flights were on time, and Homeland Security let me back in the country. The first time I went to Europe in '94, I pretty much got the interrogation coming back into the US. Apparently, I did not look like someone that could have spent a month in Europe. OH Well.
So in Amsterdam as we were taxing out to the runway (which I swear is about 2 miles. They probably could have just driven me home faster) there's a service road that runs along side where plans are coming in and taking off. Along the entire road people were just out there watching their planes. Some people were w/ their families and were having a picnic, some w/ lawn chairs, w/ binoculars, and cameras. It was kind of amusing to see. Because you no one in the US could be that close to a runway.
Also when I got home I heard on CNN, that's they arrested 3 people @ Heathrow Sat. They said that the arrests could not be connected to the bombings at this time until there was further investigation. So perhaps from the outside security looks like it is relaxed, but there is more going on behind the scences then you realize. However, knowing that I did not set off the metal detectors at all during my entire trip makes me a wonder. The girl filled w/ metal always sets those things off!
I'll be posting more pics later. So stay tuned.
It does feel good to be home, but all I have really done since I have been home is sleep. I think my body is almost figured out what time it is. The trip home was pretty uneventful. All flights were on time, and Homeland Security let me back in the country. The first time I went to Europe in '94, I pretty much got the interrogation coming back into the US. Apparently, I did not look like someone that could have spent a month in Europe. OH Well.
So in Amsterdam as we were taxing out to the runway (which I swear is about 2 miles. They probably could have just driven me home faster) there's a service road that runs along side where plans are coming in and taking off. Along the entire road people were just out there watching their planes. Some people were w/ their families and were having a picnic, some w/ lawn chairs, w/ binoculars, and cameras. It was kind of amusing to see. Because you no one in the US could be that close to a runway.
Also when I got home I heard on CNN, that's they arrested 3 people @ Heathrow Sat. They said that the arrests could not be connected to the bombings at this time until there was further investigation. So perhaps from the outside security looks like it is relaxed, but there is more going on behind the scences then you realize. However, knowing that I did not set off the metal detectors at all during my entire trip makes me a wonder. The girl filled w/ metal always sets those things off!
I'll be posting more pics later. So stay tuned.
Saturday, July 09, 2005
More pics from Norway:
1. Jonathan (Pia's youngest son) He will be 2 in a couple of weeks. He has a mind of his own already. He does a very good job at pointing and ordering you to do something. It is really funny. Sometimes when he wants his mom, he yells "PIA".
2. G-Man (Gaute is his real name, but it is too hard to pronounce so we call him this instead. This is Pia's Man). This is in their new bathroom. It even has heated floors!
3. Changing of the guard in front of the Royal Palace in Oslo.
4. Pia, Kjerstin, and myself in front of the Palace.
1. Jonathan (Pia's youngest son) He will be 2 in a couple of weeks. He has a mind of his own already. He does a very good job at pointing and ordering you to do something. It is really funny. Sometimes when he wants his mom, he yells "PIA".
2. G-Man (Gaute is his real name, but it is too hard to pronounce so we call him this instead. This is Pia's Man). This is in their new bathroom. It even has heated floors!
3. Changing of the guard in front of the Royal Palace in Oslo.
4. Pia, Kjerstin, and myself in front of the Palace.
Friday, July 08, 2005
Getting Home Round 2
Well I hope this is better than Round 1. I sailed through Oslo, I get to the gate w/ an hour to wait. We get told we ae going to board and then it delayed for an hour. An hour later told we are going to board, and then delayed for another hour. Apparently, the flight crew was fogged in at an airport in western Norway, and they had to drive them in. They finally arrived and everyone applauded when they walked through the gate. So I get to my hotel in London @ 12am and wake up @ 5am (never will you see me do this on a Sat). So if you do the math that is $30 per hour to sleep.
If you expect the worse, things can only seem really good. I got to the airport early thinking things would be pretty hectic here and security would be a pain. I arrive @ the airport at 6:25, and I am sitting @ Starbucks by 6:45. My flight leaves @ 8:30. I'm not sure if I should be relieved or concerned that I got through so fast.
Well I hope this is better than Round 1. I sailed through Oslo, I get to the gate w/ an hour to wait. We get told we ae going to board and then it delayed for an hour. An hour later told we are going to board, and then delayed for another hour. Apparently, the flight crew was fogged in at an airport in western Norway, and they had to drive them in. They finally arrived and everyone applauded when they walked through the gate. So I get to my hotel in London @ 12am and wake up @ 5am (never will you see me do this on a Sat). So if you do the math that is $30 per hour to sleep.
If you expect the worse, things can only seem really good. I got to the airport early thinking things would be pretty hectic here and security would be a pain. I arrive @ the airport at 6:25, and I am sitting @ Starbucks by 6:45. My flight leaves @ 8:30. I'm not sure if I should be relieved or concerned that I got through so fast.
On the road again....Well I am leaving Norway!;-( I had such a wonderful time. The weather was amazing and the scenery is absolutely beautiful. I had such a wonderful time w/ Pia, G-man, Sebastian and Jonathan. The kids are so cute and funny too! I also got all my favorite foods (thanks to Pia)..Norwegian meatballs, pancakes, hot dogs, and cake. YUMMMMMMM!!!!!!
It was fun to see everyone I know, and meet some new people. Everyone is so friendly, and even though some usually don't speak English until the Americans come around they all did very well. That is until they start have a few adult beverages. Then it gets really amusing.
Yesterday we went to tour the Norwegian Palace. According to European standards it is fairly modern. It was built in the 1800's. It was still very beautiful and ornate. I also learned some Norwegian history.
Well I am flying to London, and then catch my flight home Sat AM. Hopefully things in London have settled down. I am also happy to report that Bridget and Eryk are safe and sound! ;-)
It was fun to see everyone I know, and meet some new people. Everyone is so friendly, and even though some usually don't speak English until the Americans come around they all did very well. That is until they start have a few adult beverages. Then it gets really amusing.
Yesterday we went to tour the Norwegian Palace. According to European standards it is fairly modern. It was built in the 1800's. It was still very beautiful and ornate. I also learned some Norwegian history.
Well I am flying to London, and then catch my flight home Sat AM. Hopefully things in London have settled down. I am also happy to report that Bridget and Eryk are safe and sound! ;-)
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Norway....Finally an internet connection. I am in Oslo staying w/ my friend Kjerstin. It has been nice and relaxing here. Earlier in the week I was in this small little town called Kapp staying w/ my friend Pia and her family. It is so quiet there. It is great. I went to Lillihammer Monday, and got to see all the Olympic stuff minus the snow like it was 11 years ago when I was here. I like it much better in the summer. Today I took the train from Gjorvik to Oslo. Kjerstin and I met up w/ Lisbeth and Hannah (the other 2 girls that I met in Seattle) for dinner at the harbor. It has been such beautiful weather here. Everyone was out today. Tomorrow, we are going to tour the kings castle. Then I will be heading back home!! ;-(
Friday, July 01, 2005
London Heathrow:
This place is a zoo! You don't know what gate your plane is at until they post it on the reader board. So the entire terminal is 1 HUGE shopping mall. If I didn't have to get on a plane I could go shopping crazy. So I am forced to sit here and wait for the gate posting. Once that is done it can take up to 20 minutes to get to some of the gates. This is just insane! At least I found the Starbucks!
Speaking of Starbucks, I have 2 new cups to add to my collection, London and Northern Ireland.
This place is a zoo! You don't know what gate your plane is at until they post it on the reader board. So the entire terminal is 1 HUGE shopping mall. If I didn't have to get on a plane I could go shopping crazy. So I am forced to sit here and wait for the gate posting. Once that is done it can take up to 20 minutes to get to some of the gates. This is just insane! At least I found the Starbucks!
Speaking of Starbucks, I have 2 new cups to add to my collection, London and Northern Ireland.
London Last Day
Well today it rained. It felt like home. However, unlike home I am usually not walking in it. Oh Well! Went to Kensington Palace today (where Princess Di used to live) I ended up taking the really long way there. I thought going to Notting Hill would be the faster route there. Once I get there I realized I was really a lot closer than I thought I was. Just down the street as a matter of fact. Oh well! I got a little more of a tour of Notting Hill. I then went back to the Tate. Yesterday, Bridget and I went, but we got there about a half an hour before it closed. So I was able to spend a little more time there and see the main collection. I then went to St. Paul's which is just over the millennium Bridge from the Tate. I love this church. The architecture and the detail is amazing. Nothing like you will ever see in the US. Just as I got there they started a service and the choir singing. It was really nice.
I met up w/ Bridget after work. We went to her flat (which is really cute), and she fixed a fabulous dinner. We first made a stop off at the grocery store, where she showed me all the weird stuff in a can. Breakfast All Day (eggs, cereal, sausage, and more disgusting stuff) EWWWWW. And I thought Spam was bad. We then watched English soap operas (which are really cheesy and bad acting).
I am off to Norway Friday. Not sure how connected I am going to be But I will try to update when I can. Before I sign off I have to say a BIG THANKS to Bridget and Eryk!!! They were fabulous tour guides in Dublin and London. Their hospitality went beyond the call of duty. They made my trip even more enjoyable. Cheers!!
Well today it rained. It felt like home. However, unlike home I am usually not walking in it. Oh Well! Went to Kensington Palace today (where Princess Di used to live) I ended up taking the really long way there. I thought going to Notting Hill would be the faster route there. Once I get there I realized I was really a lot closer than I thought I was. Just down the street as a matter of fact. Oh well! I got a little more of a tour of Notting Hill. I then went back to the Tate. Yesterday, Bridget and I went, but we got there about a half an hour before it closed. So I was able to spend a little more time there and see the main collection. I then went to St. Paul's which is just over the millennium Bridge from the Tate. I love this church. The architecture and the detail is amazing. Nothing like you will ever see in the US. Just as I got there they started a service and the choir singing. It was really nice.
I met up w/ Bridget after work. We went to her flat (which is really cute), and she fixed a fabulous dinner. We first made a stop off at the grocery store, where she showed me all the weird stuff in a can. Breakfast All Day (eggs, cereal, sausage, and more disgusting stuff) EWWWWW. And I thought Spam was bad. We then watched English soap operas (which are really cheesy and bad acting).
I am off to Norway Friday. Not sure how connected I am going to be But I will try to update when I can. Before I sign off I have to say a BIG THANKS to Bridget and Eryk!!! They were fabulous tour guides in Dublin and London. Their hospitality went beyond the call of duty. They made my trip even more enjoyable. Cheers!!
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