World Adventure 2018

DAY’S 1 AND 2 – Tuesday, August 21 to Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Here I go.  I’m on another solo travel adventure abroad; this time for 16 days.  I’m doing the Contiki Scandinavia (End Helsinki) Tour from August 24, 2018 to September 5, 2018.  I decided to fly into Berlin, Germany, the tour start city, a few days early so I could explore myself. 

How did I get here? Let me tell you…

It started back in 2016, when my Contiki friend Emma Hardy and I were talking about how much we miss the tour we just did.  We met on the Contiki Great Britain and Ireland Tour.  We had a blast, and we bonded for life! Well, in August 2017, we finally decided to do Contiki Northwest Passage, which was supposed to go around Canada.  In October 2017, Contiki canceled and discontinued that particular tour.  We got our money refunded, and for a couple months we didn’t know what we wanted to do.  We just couldn’t decide.

I began researching other companies and tours, because I knew I was going to travel regardless.  I wanted this next Contiki to celebrate my 30^th birthday.  It was also meant to be…kind of a last hurrah before I get married in August of 2019.  However, at the time, I wasn’t engaged yet.  Through my research, I fell in love with Contiki Scandinavia.  I told Emma which tour I was leaning towards doing, but she wasn’t interested.  You see, Contiki Scandinavia is practically ALL HOSTELS, and she doesn’t like staying in hostels.  She didn’t want to go, and was a bit indecisive, so I booked it and decided to go on my own.

In January 2019, I booked Contiki Scandinavia.  Originally, the tour cost $2,619.00, however, when I booked it, the tour was on sale! It was about $800 off the original price.  I then got another $400 off for being a return traveler with Contiki.  The tour was looking to be $1,419.00.  I had to book!! How could you not pass up that price! The tour itself was 12 nights and 13 days, with 16 meals included!! My travel agent friend, Trisha Kovaly, also found me a plane ticket through IcelandAir for $700 round trip!! It was just all aligning, and I had to jump at the opportunity.

I’m so excited! I also added a few days on to Berlin, so that I could explore Berlin myself.  Day’s 1 and 2 were basically travel days.  IcelandAir actually canceled my flight, but put me on Lufthansa.  I flew from Denver to Munich, Germany and then connected to Berlin, Germany.  When I got into Berlin, I kept the first day relaxed.  I ventured out and took the subway to the Hard Rock Café, so I could get my City Pin.  I collect those from all around the world.  This trip I hope to also get the Copenhagen, Denmark; Oslo, Norway; and Helsinki, Finland City Pins. 

Today, (day two), because of the eight hour time change, I did dinner at a cute restaurant in a garden and shopped around.  I then headed back to the hotel and called it an early night.  Tomorrow, I’ll wake up early, enjoy breakfast at my hotel, and go on a City Walking Tour of Berlin.  I also plan to go to a Russian Tea House for a Russian Tea Ceremony. 

DAY 3 – Thursday, August 23, 2018

Today, I woke up at 8:00 AM and enjoyed a nice relaxing breakfast at the hotel.  I’m staying at the Westin Grand Berlin.  This hotel is first class! I’m surprised my travel agent got me such a great deal! It’s nice to have a hotel, because the rest of the trip, while on Contiki, I’ll be in hostels.  Following breakfast, I joined up with my City Walking Tour of Berlin.  We saw everything!

Berlin Cathedral (German: Berliner Dom) is the short name for the Evangelical Supreme Parish and Collegiate Church in Berlin, Germany.  The current building was finished in 1905, and is a major work of historicist architecture of “Kaiserzeit.”

Neue Wache – Central Memorial of the Victims of War and Tyranny – The Neue Wache (New Guardhouse) was built in 1818, on behalf of the Prussian King, Frederick William III, according to a design by Karl Friedrich Schinkel.  From 1818 to 1918, the Royal Palace guards were located here.  In 1931, the Prussian Government had the guardhouse redesigned.  Heinrich Tessenow created a “memorial to those who fell in the world of war.”  In the center of the room, designed to invite reflection, stood a block of granite with a silver wreath of oak leaves.  Shortly before the end of the Second World War the Neue Wache was severely damaged by bombs.  In 1960, it was restored to serve the GDR as a “Memorial to the Victims of Fascism and Militarism.” In 1969, an eternal flame was lit in the middle of the room; the mortal remains of an unknown soldier and an unknown concentration camp prisoner were laid to rest there.  They are surrounded by earth from the battlefields of the Second World War and from Concentration Camps.  Since 1993, the Neue Wache has served as the “Central Memorial of the Federal Republic of Germany.”  The interior design from the time of the Weimar Republic was largely restored.  An enlarged replica of the structure by Kathe Kollwitz, known as “Mother with her Dead Son,” stands in the center of the memorial.  It was made by hand by Harald Haacke.

Berlin Wall, (German: Berliner Mauer) – This was a guarded concrete barrier that physically and ideologically divided Berlin from 1961 to 1989.  Constructed by the German Democratic Republic (GDR, East Germany), starting on August 13, 1961.  The wall cut off (by land) West Berlin from virtually all of surrounding East Germany and East Berlin until government officials opened it on November 9, 1989.  The demolition officially began on June 13, 1990, and was finished by 1992.  I was 4-years-old in 1992! That was so interesting to see! How shocking history is! Germany is filled with so much history…most of it quite upsetting.  I couldn’t imagine going to work in East Berlin one day, and losing my job due to the wall going up the next.  I can’t imagine going to West Berlin to see a friend, and being stuck there for years, because I can’t get home due to a wall! It really hasn’t been that long since the wall has been gone! Only, 26 years! WOW!

Check Point Charlie – (Also known as Checkpoint C), was the name given by the Western Allies to the best-known Berlin Wall crossing point between East Berlin and West Berlin during the Cold War (1947-1991).  Soviet and American tanks briefly faced each other at this location during the Berlin Crisis in 1991.  That was the last major politico-military European incident of the Cold War about the occupational status of the German Capital City, Berlin, and the post-world war II Germany.  Checkpoint Charlie is the 3^rd checkpoint.  There’s also Checkpoint Bravo (or Checkpoint B) and Checkpoint Alpha (or Checkpoint A).

The Jewish Memorial (or The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe) – Also known as, the Holocaust Memorial; this memorial in Berlin is for the Jewish victims of the Holocaust and was designed by architect Peter Eisenman and engineer Buro Happold.  It consists of a 4.7-acre site covered with 2,711 concrete slabs, arranged in a grid pattern on a sloping field.  The slabs vary in height, and they are organized in rows.

Brandenburg Gate (German: Brandenburger Tor) – This is an 18^th Century neoclassical monument in Berlin, built on the orders of Prussian King Frederick William III after the (temporarily) successful restoration of order during the early Batavian Revolution.  One of the best-known landmarks of Germany, it was built on the site of a former city gate that marked the start of the road from Berlin to the town of Brandenburg an der Havel, which used to be capital of the Margraviate of Brandenburg.  Throughout history and its existence, it was often the site of major historical events and is today considered not only a symbol of the tumultuous history of Europe and Germany, but also of European unity and peace.

What a tour! It was fantastic! Following the tour, I went on to explore the city.  I went to Tadshikische Teestube, a Russian Tea House and had Russian Tea.  It was beautiful inside.  From there I went back to the Berlin Cathedral and climbed to the top of the dome to see the beautiful views of the city.  I then went to dinner at an Italian Restaurant called, Sagrantino.  Maybe it was the fact that I didn’t really eat since breakfast…but this place was so good! I shopped around some and found some cool clothes, as well as, a pair of earrings.  It was a busy day.  Tomorrow is another early start.  I’m just so excited, it’s hard to sleep!

DAY 4 – Friday, August 24, 2018

I’m at the hostel! I’m with Contiki! OMG! Tonight, I explored around East Berlin and I saw the Berlin Wall that has all the art work on it! It’s pretty cool, and the wall goes on forever and ever!  Following that I had dinner by myself at an Asian Fusion restaurant called, “Umami Indochinese Asian Fusion.”  It was so good! I also had a nice glass of wine…or two.  The way I think of it is I’m on vacation.  I’ve skipped lunch the last 3 days! So, I’ll do nice dinners.  This evening was nice and low key.  The day itself was busy!

Today, I did a Holocaust Memorial Tour.  I went to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, in Oranienburg.  It was a Nazi Concentration Camp primarily used to house political prisoners from 1936 to the end of the Third Reich in May 1945.  After World War II, when Oranienburg was in the Soviet Occupation Zone, the structure was used as an NKVD special camp until 1950.  NKVD is a camp used by the Soviet occupying forces to detain political prisoners.  This camp also had Nazi functionaries held there.  By 1948, Sachsenhausen, was renamed Special Camp No. 1, which became the largest of three special camps in the Soviet Occupation Zone.  The camp grounds and remaining buildings are now open to the public as a museum. 

It was a very moving experience.  I enjoyed it a lot, and I also learned other things that I did not know! I learned that prisoners were only allowed to use the restrooms and sinks/baths in the mornings and evenings after roll call, occasionally during the midday break.  Whenever they were permitted to, they would only have a few minutes.  Sick, weakened, or older inmates, who might have fallen down in the rush, were trampled by others and remained on the floor covered in excrements.  Anytime, anywhere – including the lavatories – the SS staged regular acts of torment.  Prisoners, who were unable to work, had to stand, without moving a muscle, all day long in this unaired space.  Some inmates have actually been drowned by SS men in the water closets.  The bathrooms were just as bad as the lavatories.  At certain times, up to 400 men would be squeezed into a barrack.  They had only 30 minutes for waking up, rations being handed out, washing, then on to roll call.  Consequently, 8 to 10 people would be standing at only 2 basins with only cold water springing – like a fountain – from the middle.  The washrooms were another site of terror.  SS guards are known to have drowned prisoners in the basins for washing feet.

I also learned that one thing that started at this camp, was making fake doctor offices and killing inmates.  Prisoners would be told that they are going for a checkup or that they need their uniforms re-measured.  So they would go in for something that seemed normal, but when their height was measured… they were shot in the head! There was a gap between the measuring equipment and a gap in the wall it was against.  Two SS officers would be in another room, and would fire the gun into the head, killing the person.  If it wasn’t that office visit…other fake scenarios were done to lead them to gas chambers.  So horrific! I learned about the Holocaust a lot in school.  I really found the topic interesting, but even today, I learned something new.  I am so glad that I had the chance to experience this.  It was great to get to pay my own respects in a way.  I just… I hope the world can change and we can all LOVE!!

Tomorrow I’m off with Contiki to Copenhagen Denmark!!

DAY’S 5, 6, AND 7 – Saturday, August 25 to Monday, August 27, 2018.

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK!!!

Contiki and I took the Ferry from Berlin to Denmark and drove into Copenhagen.  The first night there we enjoyed dinner at our hostel and went out to Stereo Bar, a local favorite.  The following day was a busy one, and we all did a lot.  The day started with a city walking tour, and then we had our own “Me Time”.  Following the walking tour I went to the Church or Our Savior.  Built, I believe in 1732, this church has a dome that you can walk to the top of the Cathedral.  It’s an outdoor climb, and beautiful! The city views of Copenhagen were stunning! Contiki actually used one of my photos that I posted to my Instagram (a social media site where you post photos), and shared it on their Instagram!! It was gorgeous!

More about the Church of Our Savior – (Danish: Vor Frelsers Kirke) is a baroque church in Copenhagen, Denmark, most famous for its helix spire with an external winding staircase that can be climbed to the top, offering extensive views over central Copenhagen.  When Christian IV planned Christianshavn in 1617, it was intended as an independent merchant's town on the island of Amager and it therefore needed a church.  A temporary church was inaugurated in 1639, but construction of the present Church of Our Saviour, the design of Lambert van Haven, did not start until 1682.  The church was inaugurated 14 years later in 1695 but important interior features like the altar had a notoriously temporary character and the tower still had no spire.  The church got its permanent altar in 1732, but plans for construction of the spire was not revitalized until 1747 under the reign of Frederik V.  The new architect on the project was Lauritz de Thurah. He soon abandoned van Haven's original design in favor of his own project that was approved by the King in 1749.  Three years later the spire was finished and the King climbed the tower at a ceremony on 28 August 1752.

Following the church, I went to Christiania.  It’s an island, separate from Denmark and really has become an artist’s playground.  There is many artists’ selling their own art, as well as, creating it.

More about Freetown Christiania – Also known as Christiania (Danish: Fristaden Christiania or Staden), is an intentional community and commune of about 850 to 1,000 residents, covering 34 hectares (84 acres) in the borough of Christianshavn in the Danish capital city of Copenhagen.  It was temporarily closed to residents in April 2011 by the Danish government, but later re-opened. 

Christiania has been a source of controversy since its creation in a squatted military area in 1971.  Its cannabis trade was tolerated by authorities until 2004. Since then, relations between Christiania and Danish authorities have been strained.  As of 2018, cannabis trade is ongoing and Danish police officers are in place to disallow the use or trade of other drugs like cocaine and heroin.

The area of Christiania consists of the former military barracks of Bådsmandsstræde and parts of the city ramparts.  The ramparts and the borough of Christianshavn (then a separate city) were established in 1617, by King Christian IV by reclaiming the low beaches and islets between Copenhagen and Amager.  After the siege of Copenhagen during the Second Northern War, the ramparts were reinforced during 1682 to 1692 under Christian V to form a complete defense ring.  The western ramparts of Copenhagen were demolished during the 19th century, but those of Christianshavn were allowed to remain.  They are today considered among the finest surviving 17th century defense works in the world.

Following Christiania, I went to a popular juice chain called, “Joe & the Juice.” It is original to Denmark, and it was pretty good! Ginger Shots should be an everyday thing!  I just need a Joe & the Juice in Denver! Once I drank my smoothie, I dashed over to the Hard Rock Café and got my City Pin.  WOOHOO!

I also saw the Little Mermaid Statue! It’s a bronze statue by Edvard Eriksen, depicting a mermaid.  The sculpture is displayed on a rock by the waterside at the Langelinie promenade in Copenhagen, Denmark.  Based on the fairy tale of the same name by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, the small and unimposing statue is a Copenhagen icon and has been a major tourist attraction since the unveiling in 1913.  In recent decades it has become a popular target for defacement by vandals and political activists.

The statue was commissioned in 1909 by Carl Jacobsen, son of the founder of Carlsberg, who had been fascinated by a ballet about the fairytale in Copenhagen's Royal Theatre and asked the ballerina, Ellen Price, to model for the statue.  The sculptor Edvard Eriksen created the bronze statue, which was unveiled on August 23, 1913.  The statue's head was modelled after Price, but as the ballerina did not agree to model in the nude, the sculptor's wife, Eline Eriksen, was used for the body. 

Carlsberg Brewery – This global brewer, was founded in 1847 by J. C. Jacobsen, the company's headquarters is located in Copenhagen, Denmark.  Since Jacobsen's death in 1887, the majority owner of the company has been the Carlsberg Foundation.  The company's flagship brand is Carlsberg (named after Jacobsen's son Carl).  It also brews Tuborg, Kronenbourg, Somersby cider, Russia's best-selling beer Baltika, Belgian Grimbergen abbey beers, and more than 500 local beers. 

Tivoli Gardens – Tivoli is an amusement park and pleasure garden in Copenhagen, Denmark.  The park opened on August 15, 1843, and is the second-oldest operating amusement park in the world, after Dyrehavsbakken in nearby Klampenborg, also in Denmark. 

With 4.6 million visitors in 2017, Tivoli is the second-most popular seasonal amusement park in the world after Europa-Park.  Tivoli is the most-visited theme park in Scandinavia, and the fifth most-visited theme park in Europe, only behind Disneyland Park, Europa-Park, Walt Disney Studios Park and Efteling.  In fact, it was Tivoli that inspired Walt Disney to create Disney Land and Disney World.

Copenhagen, Denmark has been a blast!! We did a lot in just a few days!  Contiki Scandinavia is off to Oslo, Norway in the morning with a 6 ½ hour drive!

DAY 8 – Tuesday, August 28, 2018

OSLO, NORWAY

What can I say? Norway is beyond beautiful!! Most of the time, I felt like I was driving around Colorado, but then you come to one of the many fjords and your mind is just blown by how beautiful everything is! We arrived yesterday, and our time in Oslo stated with a city tour. 

We also stopped at the Gustav Vigeland Sculpture Park which was pretty amazing!  The Vigeland Park is the world's largest sculpture park made by a single artist, and is one of Norway's most popular tourist attractions.

The unique sculpture park is Gustav Vigeland's lifework with more than 200 sculptures in bronze, granite, and wrought iron.  Vigeland was also in charge of the design and architectural layout of the park.  The Vigeland Park was mainly completed between 1939 and 1949.

HISTORY:  In 1919, the City Council in Oslo decided to build a new studio for Gustav Vigeland at Frogner.  The final contract, signed in February 1921, stated that Vigeland would bequeath all his works to the City Council in return for the right to continue using the studio until his death.  It was also decided that the studio would become a museum to house Vigeland’s works after his death, and to build an apartment on the 2nd floor of the building.

In 1924, Vigeland moved into the apartment at Frogner where he was to lead a quiet and uneventful life with his wife Ingerid.  He was completely absorbed by his work and was seldom seen outside the studio.  In the evenings he preferred to sit in the library drawing, reading or making woodcuts.

Vigeland was associated with many highly skilled craftsmen; both plaster casters, stone masons, and smiths.  The number of craftsmen in residence varied depending on his needs.  They helped build the iron armatures inside the sculptures and roughly covered the larger sculptures with clay according to the sketches. His assistants also carried out plaster casting and stone masonry.  The efforts of these assistants were decisive for the realisation of the Vigeland Park.

Vigeland lived at Frogner until his death in 1943.  His studio was reopened as a museum in 1947.  At present the museum has approximately 1,600 sculptures, 420 woodcuts and 12,000 drawings, in addition to a collection of the artist’s notebooks, several thousand letters and his large library and collection of photographs.

Today was a busy day.  Our day started with a stop in Oslo City Center.  This hub is surrounded by hotels, train stations, and shops.  It’s also home to a tiger.  This 4.5 meter bronze tiger made by Elena Engelsen is something Norwegians are familiar with.  The city’s nickname Tigerstaden (The Tiger City) was first used by Norwegian poet Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson.  His poem "Sidste Sang" from 1870 describes a fight between a horse and a tiger; the tiger representing the dangerous city and the horse the safe countryside.

Since then Oslo has been known as "The Tiger City", but these days it's not necessarily meant as a negative thing. "The Tiger City" can be an exciting and happening place rather than dangerous.

There’s also another statue of Thor’s hammer hitting a swastika.  It was sculpted to express Norway’s stance on WWII.  They were against the war and the actions of Hitler.

From the Oslo City Center we walked to Oslo Cathedral (Norwegian: Oslo domkirke) – formerly Our Savior's Church (Norwegian: Vår Frelsers kirke) – is the main church for the Church of Norway Diocese of Oslo, as well as, the parish church for downtown Oslo.  The present building dates from 1694-1697. 

The Cathedral is also home to a small red heart.  The memorial that stands out front of the church is for those who died in the 2011 Norway attacks.  There were two sequential lone wolf terrorist attacks by Anders Behring Breivik against the government, the civilian population, and a Workers' Youth League (AUF)-run summer camp.  The attacks claimed a total of 77 lives. 

From our city walking tour, we met our friends at Viking Biking! Yes, I wore a Viking bike helmet, and biked 8 miles all around Norway!! It was a lot of fun.  We were split into two groups, and biked to the Viking Ship Museum.  We saw two Viking Ships.  The first ship had a curly-q type bow, and it was practically intact! It was called the Oseberg Ship.  The Oseberg Ship was found in a large burial mound at the Oseberg farm in Slagen in Vestfold County in 1903.  The ship was built in western Norway around AD 820 and had been in regular use for a number of years before it served as a grave ship for two prominent women in AD 834.  Their bodies were placed in a burial chamber in the center of the ship, along with a rich assortment of grave goods.

The ship is built of oak and measures 22 meters in length and 5 meters in width.  The ship was rowed, as well as, sailed, however, wasn’t designed for long sea voyages.

The second ship we saw there was the Gokstad Ship.  It had a missing sail, and with the remnants looked like a small cross to me.  Anyway, this ship was found in a large burial mound on the Gokstad farm at Sandar in Vestfold County in 1880.  The ship was built in AD 890 and had been in use for some years before a local chieftain was buried in it around AD 900.  His many grave gifts included beds, boats, a tent, a sleigh, dogs, and horses.  This ship is built of oak and measures 24 meters high and 5 meters in width.  It was the largest of three ships, with space for 32 oarsmen. 

The third ship we saw, I didn’t see a name of it.  It was just ruins, but still really neat! The Viking era is so fascinating!

Viking Biking continued around Oslo’s greenbelt area.  Basically it was a portion of land near the city center, that is entirely filled with farms, trails, and wooded areas.  We stopped at the beach, and saw one of the beautiful fjords, and then made our way back to the city. 

Upon arrival, Shuchita and I decided to check out Akershus Fortress (Norwegian: Akershus Festning) or Akershus Castle (Norwegian: Akershus slott) is a medieval castle that was built to protect and provide a royal residence for Oslo, the capital of Norway.  The castle has also been used as a military base, a prison and government offices.  Sadly, while we were there it was closed for renovation, but we were able to walk around the grounds.  It is not known exactly when the construction of the castle started but it is believed that it took place around the late 1290s, by King Haakon V, replacing Tønsberg as one of the two most important Norwegian castles of the period (the other being Båhus).  It was constructed in response to the Norwegian nobleman, Earl Alv Erlingsson of Sarpsborg’s earlier attack on Oslo that occurred in 1287.  In the aftermath of the attack, it became clear that the city’s existing defenses weren’t effective and therefore, a stronger defensive center was needed.

The castle is mentioned in written sources for the first time in 1300 in a letter from King Haakon to a church in Oslo. However, the letter does not mention how far the construction of the castle had progressed by then.

The fortress has successfully survived all sieges, primarily by Swedish forces, including those by forces led by Charles XII in 1716.

We continued our day with a visit to see Oslo City Hall.  The municipal building in Oslo is open to the public, and it’s beautiful inside.  The building constructed between 1931 and 1950, is home to beautiful frescos.  It’s also home to the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony which takes place every December. 

Before dinner, Shuchita and I dashed to the National Museum of Art, Architecture, and Design in Oslo.  Its right near the Hard Rock Café in Oslo, where I got my third city pin!  We made a quick stop at the museum to see the classic painting, “Scream” by Edvard Munch.  Painted in 1893, Munch's The Scream is an icon of modern art, the Mona Lisa for our time. As Da Vinci evoked a Renaissance ideal of serenity and self-control, Munch defined how we see our own age - wracked with anxiety and uncertainty.

Essentially The Scream is autobiographical; an expressionistic construction based on Munch's actual experience of a scream piercing through nature while on a walk, after his two companions, seen in the background, had left him. Fitting the fact that the sound must have been heard at a time when his mind was in an abnormal state, Munch renders it in a style which if pushed to extremes can destroy human integrity.

Shuchita and I enjoyed dinner at an Indian Restaurant, and then concluded our night with a walk to the Oslo Opera House.  It was beautiful.  We walked to the top of the Opera House and saw beautiful Oslo at night.  We finally got back to the hostel at 10:40 PM, after probably a 13 hour day.

DAY 9 – Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Today, Contiki Scandinavia took us to Voss, Norway.  We departed early and made a stop at Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Ski Jump Tower, near Oslo.  This was awesome to see! The museum expressed Ski Jumping history in Oslo, and you could even take and elevator to the top of the Ski Jump Tower.  The views of Oslo were spectacular!! I always wondered how ski jumpers got to the top of those hills!

From there we drove through Hardangervidda Plateau.  We made our way to Voss, Norway, with multiple photo stops along the way.  My favorite stop along the way to Voss was at Voringsfoss.  It’s like two water falls that fall and flow into a river, in the middle of a canyon.  It’s stunning! 

The night in Voss, Norway was a quiet one.  We did a Polar Plunge into a lake, just out back of our hostel, and we all enjoyed a quiet evening relaxing. 

DAY 10 – Thursday, August 30, 2018

We had an early rise, with bags to coach by 7:00 AM! We left Voss and drove through more beautiful Norway!! We had many photo stops of the breathtaking fjords, mountains, and even glaciers! That’s right! One stop was at another waterfall called, Tvindefossen.  It was a waterfall that fell down the side of a mountain.  It was so neat, because we all got up close and personal with it! We had lunch at Boyabreen Glacier, and marveled at the majestic blue of the jaw dropping glacier!  Passing through more fjords, we ended our driving day in Hellesylt.  A number of us (including me) did a second Polar Plunge!! This time into the Hellesylt Fjord!! There was a diving tower at the end of a dock, and we all jumped off of it into the fjord waters!! It was amazing!! Now I can say I did a polar plunge into Loch Ness in Scotland and into a fjord in Norway!! What an amazing trip this is turning out to be!

DAY 11 – Friday, August 31, 2018

Today was the day we’ve all been waiting for! A cruise on the Fjords!! We woke up early to make our 8:00 AM cruise of the Norwegian Fjords.  This cruise was just for us! It was all Contiki Scandinavia, which felt so neat! We were able to enjoy hot chocolate, and the unbelievable scenery! My photos can’t even capture how stunning and breathtaking this cruise was! We started on the Hellesylt Fjord and made our way to Norway’s iconic Geiranger Fjord!! Enjoying this journey has been amazing! It’s nice to just “BE” in a place, and not have to buy souvenirs or gifts, just to enjoy the moment. 

Following our cruise we embarked on our journey to Gjovik, Norway.  First, we stopped at a beautiful photo area, where you could see the Geiranger Fjord from above!  We then made a lunch stop in Lom, Norway, where we saw a 12^th Century Stave Church, completely made out of wood and enjoyed pastries from a famous bakery; Bakeriet I Lom, which literally translates to Lom Bakery! Haha! 

From Lom, Norway, we made one last stop in Lillehammer, Norway, home of the 1994 Winter Olympics!  We stopped at the Lillehammer Bobsled Track, where each and every one of us took part in a bobsled ride!! NO JOKE! This was one of my favorite moments of the entire trip so far! Riding an actual bobsled, down a real bobsledding track! Let me tell you…I wish I could bobsled every day! It was so fun!! Our stop in Gjovik was short and sweet; really we just had dinner and enjoyed a quiet evening, because the next day, we’d make our way to Stockholm, Sweden!

DAY’S 11 AND 12 – Saturday, September 1 to Sunday, September 2, 2018

 STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

I’m back!! I was in Stockholm, Sweden in 2016, as part of my big #WorldAdventure around Iceland, Holland, England…before I joined the Contiki Great Britain and Ireland tour.  This part of Contiki Scandinavia was basically a repeat for me.  The day we arrived we had a Smorgasbord Feast of traditional Swedish food, and afterward we went to an Ice Bar! It was the same exact Ice Bar that I went with my friend Rachel Cullimore in 2016.  NO JOKE!! I turned the corner, and knew exactly where I was.  It was so crazy! This time in Stockholm, I had a more leisure visit. I went back to the ABBA Museum and I went back to the VASA Museum.  I don’t care that I had already been to those museums; it was nice to experience it again in a different way.  At VASA, we had a guided tour, so that was really neat! At ABBA, I was able to enjoy more of the interactive portions of the museum.  I also was able to go back to Glama Stan (the Old Town) and walk around more.  The last time I felt rushed at moments.

Glama Stan is the Old Town, or original Stockholm.  It’s beautiful! I enjoyed walking around the small, cobble stone streets, and getting lost in the cute shops.  This time, I also went to the Medieval Museum, where you could see the old, old, Stockholm, where current Glama Stan sits.  It sounds confusing…

The Museum of Medieval Stockholm (Swedish: Stockholms medeltidsmuseum), centrally located north of the Royal Palace, was constructed around old monuments excavated in an extensive archaeological dig (dubbed Riksgropen, "National/State Pit") in the late 1970s.  Part of Stockholm's city wall, dating from the early 16th century, was also found.  In order to make the finds accessible to the general public, a planned subterranean garage had to give way to the Museum of Medieval Stockholm, which was inaugurated in 1986.  Museum director Margareta Hallerdt created a visionary state-of-the-art museum, designed by artist Kerstin Rydh, which received both national and international acclaim and won the European Museum of the Year Award in 1986.

The museum enables visitors to experience medieval Stockholm, with its brick houses and booths, workshops, harbor and gallows.  It relates the medieval history of the city from the 1250s to the 1520s.

DAY’S 14 AND 15 – Monday, September 3 to Tuesday, September 4, 2018

Following the morning in Sweden, Contiki Scandinavia boarded a cruise ship! We took to the Scandinavian seas and enjoyed an overnight cruise on a luxury boat and sailed across the Baltic into Helsinki, Finland!! The night on the seas was nice and calm, which was good! We had rooms below the water! NO WINDOWS! We were stuffed into these small cruise ship rooms, four to a room.  Luckily, I had fun roommates.  We enjoyed a fun night aboard ship.  We enjoyed the top deck with drinks, and took in the views, before we went to dinner.  Our included buffet dinner came with all you can drink and eat! I enjoyed 3 big glasses of wine that night! Oy vey! We then went to the onboard night club for karaoke and dancing on the seas, before crashing in bed in the early morning hours.  We enjoyed a wonderful buffet breakfast before disembarking the ship at 10:00 AM.

HELSINKI, FINLAND

We really only had Tuesday in Helsinki, since we all flew out or continued on traveling the next day.  As the end of the trip draws near, the sights were still out there to see!

Once we got off of the cruise ship, we boarded the coach, and drove around Helsinki, Finland.  We stopped at Senate Square and saw Helsinki Cathedral.  If you know the classic Techno song, “Sandstorm,” these church steps, is where the music video took place! I actually have a fun story about “Standstorm.” In high school, at every single theatre cast party it was tradition to play it! We’d all RAVE to it as we danced and laughed!! Such great times!! So, seeing the site of the music video was actually pretty cool!

We also saw the Government Palace, which of course houses the senate of Finland. 

From there we went to the Sibelius Monument in Helsinki.  The Sibelius Monument (Finnish: Sibelius-monumentti) by Eila Hiltunen is dedicated to the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius (1865–1957).  The monument is located at the Sibelius Park.  The sculpture eventually won a competition organized by the Sibelius Society following the composer's death in 1957.  The competition took two rounds after one early winner was abandoned.  Originally, it sparked a lively debate about the merits and flaws of abstract art and although the design looked like stylized organ pipes it was known that the composer had created little music for organs.  Hiltunen addressed her critics by adding the face of Sibelius which sits beside the main sculpture.

It consists of series of more than 600 hollow steel pipes welded together in a wave-like pattern.  The purpose of the artist was to capture the essence of the music of Sibelius.  A smaller version of the monument is located at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris. A work with a similar concept, also designed by Hiltunen, is located at the grounds of the Headquarters of the United Nations in New York City.

From there we drove back to our hotel (that’s right! We have a hotel now), and checked in.  We actually had a hotel in Stockholm too! We were still four to a room, but at least we had amazing breakfasts!! Once we were all settled, we embarked on Helsinki.  Everyone went to see the Church in the Rock!!  It’s beautiful!!

Temppeliaukio Church (Finnish: Temppeliaukion kirkko) is a Lutheran church in the Töölö neighborhood of Helsinki.  The church was designed by architects and brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen and opened in 1969.  Built directly into solid rock, it is also known as the Church of the Rock and Rock Church. 

From the Church in the Rock, Shuchita and I, along with our friend Steph, wandered around Helsinki.  I found the Hard Rock Café, where I got my fourth City Pin!! YAY!! I didn’t get the one in Stockholm, because I found the Hard Rock in 2016.  We went to the Train Station and walked around, as well as, found our way back to the Helsinki Cathedral.  We enjoyed lunch at the local market, and even did a 4D Flying Over Helsinki movie ride experience.  This was actually perfect, because it showed me everything, even the sights I ran out of time to see.  It was a wonderful day!  Helsinki doesn’t have as much to do as Stockholm or Oslo, but Finland in general I’d love to visit again.  Finland is home to Europe’s most forested lands and Europe’s most land with lakes!  I’m sure outside Helsinki, Finland becomes beautiful like Norway.  I’ll have to find out sometime.

The day in Helsinki ended with a gathering at a local restaurant/bar, where we said our, “Goodbyes."

DAY 16 – Wednesday, September 5, 2018

Goodbye, Helsinki, Finland.

I woke up first at 3:30 AM to say goodbye to one of my new friends, Kelly Brooks from Tennessee.  Then I woke up at 6:30 AM to say goodbye to Shuchita Mehey from Edmonton, Canada.  I sat with her in the restaurant as she enjoyed breakfast, and then I went back to bed.  I myself didn’t eat breakfast until around 9:00 AM.  A bunch of us flew out in the afternoon, like me, so I was able to enjoy breakfast with Lucie Muddell from London.  I didn’t walk around Helsinki, because I really didn’t have a lot of time.  It turned out that two Contiki friends were on my flight from Finland to Iceland, so we made our way to the airport together.  We enjoyed our time (thanks to Kurt) in one of the airport lounges.  He had “guest passes”!! We had some wine, enjoyed a nice lunch, and it was all FREE! We were all taking IcelandAir to Iceland where we then caught our connecting flights to Washington D.C., Toronto, and Denver.

It was a great trip.  I enjoyed it!! I’m so glad I did this, and I did make some new friends! I will definitely keep in touch with Shuchita, Steph, Kelly, and Lucie! They were all sweet girls! I’m thankful for this experience, and I’m blessed to have been able to go.  Even the radio station still paid me, even though I didn’t really have vacation yet.  My boss was so kind, and I will never forget this #WorldAdventure!

Thank you!!

Love,

Jennifer

Where's My Mr. Darcy?

Where’s my Mr. Darcy?
Today is a sucky day,
where my thoughts of you
just won’t go away.
I don’t want to start over,
with someone new;
when I know deep in my heart,
it’s chosen you.

Where’s my Mr. Darcy?
Is he you?
Someone good hearted?
Someone true?
Someone genuine, loving, and kind?
Oh, how I can’t get you off my mind.

Where’s my Mr. Darcy?
The holder of my heart?
Have I met him already?
Or have I lost him instead?
The questions swirl
round and round in my head.
They make me unfurl.
They make me feel dead.

Where’s my Mr. Darcy?
Where can he be?
I know he’s out there,
looking for me.
I’ll wave my hands,
jump up and down,
shout from the rooftops,
“I’m here to be found!”

Where’s my Mr. Darcy?
Is he you?
Someone good hearted?
Someone true?
I pray that he finds me, and very soon.
I want my heart free, from its cocoon.

Where’s my Mr. Darcy?
The man meant for me.
I see our future clearly,
it’s filled with glee.
I’ll treasure it dearly,
keep it safe and warm.
This is my promise to you,
but in due time.

Where’s my Mr. Darcy?
A question I don’t know.
I’ll keep on waiting,
for our time to glow.
I know it’ll be magic,
just wait and see.
With you by my side,
it’s guaranteed.

Where’s my Mr. Darcy?
Is he you?
Someone good hearted?
Someone true?
I’ll love you forever, I already do.
Until then I’m waiting, for a me and you.

💜☘

World Adventure ~ Live 2016

I wasn't able to journal while I was abroad, but I've posted it below.  The thoughts and experiences of Jenn! Although...this is super long, if you're curious to know how my travels were, you now can read my thoughts.  Enjoy. 

DAY 1 – Friday, March 18, 2016

Hello!

I am on a plane to Reykjavik, Iceland as I write this.  I’m flying to Iceland via Icelandair.  Can you believe that? Me, on my own.  It’s exciting! How did I get here? I’ll tell you…

It started one day in January 2015.  I was really feeling burnt out with my job in Fort Morgan, Colorado.  It was a day where I felt it was time to move on, job wise.  I knew that I had to do something new. 

Forever I’ve wanted to travel, “take a trip around the world” I’d say.  One day, I knew I’d “maybe” get the chance to travel.  Funny how that is…how a thought can turn into an action, this then turns into reality. 

I finally decided to act on my thought.  I searched for travel agencies online one day in August 2015, and I came across Trisha Kovaly at New Horizons Travel in Greeley, Colorado.  What began as emails on what a trip would cost if I chose to visit this place and that soon turned into an actual plan.  Soon it became a, “You need to make a deposit by this date.” I thought about things for a while, and talked to a lot of friends… Suddenly, deposits were made and dates were set!

Months until a trip, turned into weeks, which turned into payments on the trip.  Finally the last payment was made, and the last weeks turned into days.  Fast forward to March 2016.  I had given my notice at work on February 18, 2016, and my last day was March 9, 2016.  I moved out of Fort Morgan on March 10, 2016, and today I’m on a plane!  This week went glacierly slow in anticipation.  I was so excited.

A lot of change has happened in the last couple months…if you know me, I’m not a fan of change.  If I can’t control my “change” then I have a hard time transitioning into the “next chapter” of life.

This time…I controlled most of it.  It still hasn’t been easy, but I know that everything will be fine in the end.  Everything will be worth it in the end.  Last night I finished up a bit of packing, and then I finally headed to bed.  I probably hit the pillow at 12:15 AM this morning.  My cat Freya had a different idea of “sleep” last night.  I’m pretty sure she knew I was packing to go somewhere.  I feel so bad leaving her for 33 days, a month.  I love her so much! I feel so sad, but I know she’ll be okay.  She’s safe at my parents’ house, and they love her just as much as I do.  Well…she wanted to play more than normal; bringing three of her favorite toys to bed, walking all over me, meowing, keeping me awake.

“It’s bedtime my baby girl; bedtime.” I’d say.

“Meow.” She’d reply. 

I tried to play some, but I was so tired, and eventually I fell asleep…maybe two hours later.  Last night was one of those, “I know I slept, but it definitely didn’t feel like it” kind of nights.  It was a night where I felt like I was awake all night, where I really couldn’t get to REM sleep; a night where my eyes were just closed.  By morning I was stressed; half freaked out that today had come, and half freaked out that I’m actually embarking on this adventure.

I got through the day, with a few stressful moments (sorry mommy), and suddenly the drive to the airport was happening.  Seeing my mom drive away, I at curbside outside Icelandair…was bittersweet.  It was sad that I won’t see my parents for a month, but I was excited to start this journey. 

I walk in, and I see a slew of people, “Where is Icelandair?” I thought to myself, “It has to be here somewhere.” I got in line, looked up and saw Lufthansa.  “Nope, wrong line.” I stepped a few steps over to my correct line, and waited patiently to get my ticket. 

Soon I was on my way, walking to security, and saying, “Oh my gosh,” thinking “breathe, just breathe”.  Deep breaths and thoughts of what I’ll get to see all filled my head.  “Oh my gosh, I’m actually here.  I couldn’t believe it at first, but here I am on a plane! This 7 hour 20 minute flight is about 2 hours and 55 minutes from landing.

This flight is EASY in comparison to flying to Hong Kong.  Hong Kong is like 14 ½ hours from San Francisco! This one is 7 hours and 20 minutes straight, non-stop from Denver.  I’m actually surprised at how fast this flight is going.  While Icelandair didn’t give you food, it does give you FREE complementary entertainment.  Each seat is equipped with a TV, probably 10 inches by 9 inches in size.  We have about 50 movies to choose from plus tons of television shows and music.  It’s fantastic! Today, I watched, the “Peanuts Movie”, “Live as We Know It”, and now (as I write) “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”.  It’s been enjoyable. 

I can’t wait to land and jump into my adventure.  I’m hoping to grow as a person; to discover more about myself.  I know I’m brave and strong, independent and stubborn, passionate and driven; but it’ll be nice to discover even more of that inside me.  I want to prove, “I can do this!” I know I can do this.  I’m doing it right now! I’m flying internationally by MYSELF!  This will be an amazing 33 days, and I can’t wait to tell you all about it.

Stay tuned! This adventure is just beginning! ~ Love, Jenn

DAY 2 and 3 – Saturday and Sunday, March 19 and 20, 2016

The time in Iceland so far has been magical! I took off from Denver, Colorado at 5:15 PM, on March 18, and landed at 6:35 AM, March 19.

I met Rachel Cullimore at baggage claim, and we took a taxi to Reykjavik, Iceland.  Iceland only has 340,000 citizens, and 8% of the population is foreigners.  It is said everyone is related, to some degree.  Our taxi driver said the same thing! That you have to make sure you’re not related before you start dating.  When we arrived at the hotel, our room wasn’t ready…so we immediately left and explored! We enjoyed breakfast as a nice restaurant, and then took in some of the sights.  We walked everywhere.

We saw Hallgrimskirka, which is a very unique church in Old Town Reykjavik.  We went to the top of the church, and saw the amazing views of the city.  We also went to the Harpa, which is their arts center! The ballet, the opera, as well as, a really neat 360* degree experience is located.  Rachel and I did the “360* degree Icelandic Experience” and that was neat! It was about a 20 minute show that showed you the sights of Iceland.

With our day we walked around the stores.  I was looking to buy an Icelandic Wool Sweater, but I didn’t find one that I loved.  We finally were able to check in to our hotel around 11:30 AM or noon, and after hanging out around the room, we decided to explore some more.  We saw the Sun Voyager; it was a statue of a boat, which represented the Viking influence.  We ended our first day with a stop at Viking, a bar that makes their own Icelandic Beer! It was pretty good! After beer, we went to a really nice restaurant and enjoyed a six course gourmet Icelandic cuisine meal.

That was an interesting experience.  We tried Puffin, which is a type of bird.  People think its penguin, but it’s not.  We also tried Whale! Yeah, whale! Both were interesting, kind of rubbery, and…good to say I tried it, but not again. 

Today, Rachel and I did a tour of the “Golden Circle”.  We saw Pingvellir National Park, which Icelander’s see as the most important sight, in terms of history, culture, and geology.  We also saw where the tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia split and drift apart.  We saw Gullfoss which was pretty! It’s like Niagara Falls (which I still need to see)…but Gullfoss is also called, “The Golden Falls”.  We then went to Geysir, a geothermal area where we saw Strokkur Hot Springs.  It blasts out water every 5-7 minutes up to 20 meters high!

We stopped at the Icelandic Horse Park, Fakasel, and saw the Icelandic Viking horses.  They are really unique looking, and make me think of Clydesdales horses.

We were hoping to see the Northern Lights…but nope.  The weather is too cloudy, and isn’t improving.  I’m sad and depressed…I wanted to see them SO bad! Maybe another time…who knows…this item will still be on my bucket list.

~ Love, Jenn

DAY 4 – Monday, March 21, 2016

Today is a great tour.  After a nice breakfast at the hotel, Rachel and I joined a tour called, “Volcanic Peninsula”. 

This tour is very fascinating.  It’s a geology based tour, where we visited the iconic places that really show Iceland’s landscape.  We picked up a tour in Reykjavik and took the tour out of the city. 

First we saw where they dry fish heads and bones.  Africa, specifically Nigeria, and other countries like the dried fish for snacks.  So, Iceland dries it and sends it to them. 

We then stopped at an area called, Syoristapi.  We saw the black sand beaches, made from all the lava and also fresh water lakes that have formed over the years. 

After that, we drove to Seltun Krysuvik, a hot springs! Cool ground water seeps down to where it is heated up by magma or a magmatic intrusion.  On its way up to the surface again, the hot water dissolves various substances in the rock.  As it nears surface level, the water begins to boil and releases hot spring gases, above all carbon dioxide, hydrogen and hydrogen sulphide – the sources of typical hot spring smells.  Sulphur forms at steam vents as hydrogen sulphide meets air.  Where there gases rise through surface water, sulphuric acid is produced and increases water acidity.  That water dissolves rock resulting in the mud pools and their surroundings.

Iceland is also known for their fishing industry; in fact that is one of their main stays in Iceland.  At first people would farm and fish in the winter.  Now it’s prominent.  In the 1800’s fishing became more commercial.  For lunch we stopped at “Bryggjan” a small café on the harbor of Grindavik.  We all at Lobster Bisque, which was very tasty!

We made another small stop and saw the lava fields which are quite typical in Iceland.  The lava fields are covered in moss.  This time of year, because of the rain, it was a pretty green color and fluffy.  Iceland gets earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.  It has over 200 active volcanos! Hawaii in the U.S. only has four.  Just to put things into perspective.  Iceland sees an eruption every 3-4 years, or more occasionally.  They also see earthquakes every 8-10 years.  It’s very interesting. 

We then stopped and saw Gunna, another hot spring.  This one derives from the name Gunnuhver, a ghost.  Folklore is very active and passed down through the generations. 

The story goes… Guorun Onundardottir (Gunna), who mentioned in the Ami Magnusson’s census of 1703, then a crofter near Kirkjubol in Sandgeroi, owned by lawyer Vilhjaimur Johsson.  When Gunna failed to pay rent Vilhjaimur took away her only property, a cooking pot.  Gunna became angry, and refused to drink holy water, and dropped dead.  At her funeral people said they heard her say, “Don’t bury me deep.  I won’t be staying long.”  Soon after that the body of Vilhjaimur was found in the lava fields, dead.  Gunna is said to gotten her revenge.  After that, Vilhjaimur’s wife soon died.  The whole peninsula became haunted by Gunna.  It is said she still haunts Gunnuhver Hot Spring.  People say they still hear her screaming.

The tour Rachel and I are on is very intimate, only eight of us total, plus the tour guides…so 10 total, including us.  I like it! I hear what’s being said, and can remember better.

We also visited a Geothermal Power Plant, which is also fascinating.  It’s great that they do “Green Energy”.  I love that.  The coolest part of today was seeing the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.  We stopped at a bridge that symbolically represents both plates.  I got to straddle the plates, and the plates, and was in Europe and North America at the same time! It was a really cool experience. 

The Eurasian Plate is Earths largest continental tectonic plate.  The plate contains some of the oldest rock formations in the earth’s crust, in East Siberia on the most expansive plains on Earth. 

The North American plate is drifting to the west, away from the Eurasian plate, widening the Atlantic Ocean in the process.  The North American plate is Earth’s sixth largest continental tectonic plate.  Around 200 million years ago, it was joined with the Eurasian, African, and South American plates until this super continent, known as Pangaea, started to break apart.  The Atlantic Ocean began to form to the south between Africa and South America about 135 million years ago, while the separation of the Eurasian Plates began around 65 million years ago. 

Following the tour through Sterna Travel, Rachel and I were dropped off at Blue Lagoon! It’s a geothermal hot springs that is located in a volcanic crater and lava field area.  It was gorgeous and such an amazing day. ~ Love, Jenn

DAY’S 5 to 9 – Tuesday, March 22, 2016 – Friday, March 25, 2016

It’s been a busy few days! Leaving Iceland, it was an early day.  Rachel and I got up at 3:50 AM, so we could make it to an early flight!

That was an adventure.  A bus through Icelandic Excursions picked us up at 5:06 AM.  The transfer that way, via bus, to the airport was $25.00 USD or 2800 Icelandic Krona.  Coming out, when we arrived, we made the mistake and took a taxi.  It cost $156.00 USD!! If you ever visit Iceland, DO NOT take a taxi to Reykjavik.  Well, once we got picked up, we drove to the busses main terminal, and then transferred to a bigger bus.  Once we made it to the airport, it was super busy! We made it through security and onto our plane to Amsterdam, Holland.

Amsterdam, Holland in the Netherlands was amazing! Amsterdam is a great city! So beautiful and interesting! The city is filled with so much history, yet it’s very modern.  The first day we arrived we walked around the Red Light District, and just explored the city.  Rachel wanted to see the Red Light District so we saw the streets considered that area.  Apparently, there are 909 working windows in the district! Meaning…prostitution is still an active “legal” industry in the city!

We also walked down and all around the iconic neighborhoods surrounding the canals.  Amsterdam is the Venice of the North, and for good reason! Also, known as the biking city, everyone bikes everywhere.  There is no shortage of bike parking, that’s for sure.

On Wednesday, we took a canal cruise.  We got a unique look at the city, and were able to explore via boat, the canals.  Back in the day, each canal street was known for a different industry; like textile goods, flowers, the flea market, the fish market…it was very interesting.  For a city rooted with so much history, they were ahead of their times on forming ways to deal with all the water that surrounded the town; thousands of bridges connect you to where you need to go.  Before now, I never saw a “car seat” for a bike! People rode around with no helmets, and even had “bike seats” for babies and toddlers.  It was crazy! 

Wednesday afternoon, Rachel and I did a tour that took us out of Amsterdam to the windmills! We visited a town called Zaandam, Netherlands.  It was a little farming town, where the iconic windmills are still used to produce goods.  The one we visited was called, “De Kat Mill” on the Kalverringdijk at Zaanse Schans in Zaandam, the Netherlands.  It produced paints; mineral colors.  Artists all over the world, even in Japan order and use these paints on their works.  It was fascinating to go inside, and see that it still works the way it did hundreds of years ago! We also saw a cheese factory, and finished the day at the nearby harbor.  It was really neat to dive more into the Dutch culture, and learn about the people who settled and formed the Netherlands.

Thursday was crazy busy! Rachel and I started the day at the Van Gough Museum! We saw a lot of Vincent Van Gough’s works of art.  We dove into his life, and went on a journey that took us through his, although short life as an artist, but his impact on art all together.  It was wonderful.  I even saw a Claude Monet painting, who was one of Vincent Van Gough’s influences on his work.  Van Gough worked in the art industry before, and at the age of 27, he decided to become an artist himself.  So he went to school, studied all he could, and became friends with many influential artists, as well!

From there we went to the Rijksmuseum, which is another art museum, but focuses on all art from the Dutch.  We saw work from Rembrandt, Monet, Van Gough, and many others! I have to say…if I chose a museum, Van Gough was my favorite.  The Rijksmuseum is huge, and so overwhelming! How cool though to have all this history in your country!

Thursday afternoon we joined a tour called, “The Anne Frank House and Jewish Amsterdam”.  This was my favorite tour we did! I have always been fascinated by the Holocaust, and how one man could be so cruel! The story of Anne Frank has always impacted my life, from the moment that I read, “The Diary of Anne Frank” in eighth grade.

Rachel and I went by the Anne Frank House at 9:30 AM on Wednesday.  The house which opens at 9:00 AM has people lining up as early as, 6:30 AM! No joke! By the time we got there, the wait was already 6+ hours! We were shocked! No way were we going to waste a day in line!

“Let’s go see if there’s a tour that includes it!” Rachel said.

“Great idea!” I responded.

We went right into a tour office and booked the “Anne Frank House and Jewish Amsterdam Tour”.  We paid like $91.00 UST, but we got guarantee entrance to the museum, plus we got to see more of Jewish Amsterdam.  Our tour guide, Andy, is Jewish.  He was fantastic! He spoke like five languages; Hebrew, Dutch, English, Spanish, and even German! It was crazy; I wish I could speak that many languages! The tour started at Gassen Diamonds, a company started in like 1897, by a Jewish family.  It is still active today! From there we saw the Jewish Historical Museum, and the synagogue that was one of the original four built in that area.  We learned more about the religion, and even some of my questions were answered.  The culture has always fascinated me, through my interest of the history of the Holocaust and European History in general.  I soaked this up! From the Jewish Historical Museum, we went to the Portuguese Synagogue.  This one is lit by candle, and survived the Second World War.  It was beautiful inside, and I even saw their eternal flame!

From there we FINALLY got to see the Anne Frank House.  We went inside the house, and saw the original bookcase that hid the Franks! The museum even had original pages from Anne’s diary, and the original diary itself! They had filmed interviews with those who helped hide the Frank’s and their friends for almost two years, as well as, from childhood friends themselves!

It was a very moving experience. I cried at hearing Otto Frank talk about his family…he is the only one who survived.  He made it his mission to get Anne’s voice heard! To tell her story! All her “what if’s” are our opportunities! If only we could have a world that is free from such hate and pain; a world that is united and that loves each other, for whom we are! That’s my wish too.  So much bad happens, I wish that wasn’t the case.

I’m so grateful for my life, and the opportunities I’ve had, will have, and what I will get to still experience.  For so many…that didn’t happen.  Day’s like this day make me realize again how thankful and grateful I am for what the world is like today.  Through heartache, new life and beauty forms.  It was a day where I am reminded that my life is mine.  Not anyone else, MINE! I get to do what I want, date who I want, do whatever career or job I want.  I get to make my own decisions.  I get to experience my own experiences. 

I get to live.

I get to live, and I certainly won’t mess anything up.  I won’t miss any opportunity to grow.  No matter where life takes me, I will continue to live an extraordinary life.  I promise this to myself.

Today, Rachel and I travel to Stockholm, Sweden! The journey continues!

~ Love, Jenn

DAY 10 and 11 – Saturday and Sunday, March 26 and 27, 2016

After Rachel and I landed in Stockholm, we took the Arlanda Express, a train, to our hotel, the Sheraton at Stockholm.

What a nice city! A little slow moving, but that’s Europe for you in general.  They’re very relaxed.  We checked into our hotel and immediately hit the town! We wanted to see all we could since we only really had 48 hours in Stockholm before traveling on to England.

That afternoon, we walked to Old Town.  What a beautiful area of Stockholm.  Old Town was the original city that was founded when the Viking’s landed in Sweden.  I wish I could have walked around there more. 

We visited the Nobel Museum, the museum dedicated to the Nobel Peace Prize for peace, leadership, science, technology, etc. It was so interesting, I loved it.  After that we went to dinner at a really nice restaurant.  We had Swedish Meatballs and mashed potatoes! Um…yummy! After dinner we wanted to go back to the hotel, but ended up getting lost.  At least we got to explore some more.  The people in Stockholm are so nice! A few people saw us navigating by our maps, and helped us on our way. 

We ultimately made it back to the hotel briefly before we headed to Struecompagniet.  It’s one of Stockholm’s oldest and most legendary night clubs for young people.  It was so fun! We danced until 2:00 AM and then went back to the hotel.

On March 27, 2016, we did a Hop-On-Hop-Off tour of the city.  We saw Skansen, an old Viking town that they still have preserved, filled with cute stores, restaurants, and activities.  It was super cute.  We also saw the Abba Museum and Swedish Hall of Fame.  That was awesome! I LOVE ABBA!

From there we visited the Vasa Museum, a museum dedicated to the ship Vasa.  Vasa sank on August 10, 1628, in Stockholm Harbor on her maiden voyage.  Over time, her location was forgotten, but in the 1920’s, a group of divers applied for the black oak timbers.  During the 1950’s, a private researcher, Anders Franzen, began to search for her.  He knew that wooden ships are preserved in the blackish water of the Baltic.  In more salty waters, wood is rapidly destroyed by the shipworm, Teredo Navalis.  Vasa was found, excavated, and now in the museum, 333 years after she sank! The museum was definitely a highlight! So cool!

Saturday night we also went to Ice Bar, by the Ice Hotel Stockholm! That was better than Vegas’ Ice Bar! After the ice bare, we went around the town a little more, and then ended up at Struecompagniet again for more dancing! We couldn’t stay away! Rachel wanted to go out again, so we did.

We made a new friend! His name is Jonathan Kall.  He is a lawyer, born and raised in Stockholm.  He just came over to our table and asked if he could join us.  He was alone, and his friends were busy with Easter holiday activities.  Of course we let him join us.  He was really nice.  He has family in the U.S., so he visits periodically.  He even danced with us, and we even became friends on Facebook!

It’s so cool to meet new people, and make new friends.  I had a “sad” night Friday.  I actually cried a little.  I think it was a little bit homesick, and a little bit, “I miss my kitty Freya”… mixed with pent-up emotions.  This is the part of the journey that I was waiting for, and knew would happen eventually; healing.  I’m healing after a breakup, quitting my job (Media Logic Radio), and moving back home…so much change! I know this will take time, but it will be worth it in the end.

I’m soul searching too.  I know I need to do what will make me happy.  I know that some of my choices or moments in life may take me away from those I love…but my love for everyone will never end.  They’re not going anywhere, and if I don’t ever like something, I can always quit.  You can always change what you don’t like, and go back to what is comfortable. 

I’m hopeful.  God had a plan, and what is His will, will be. 

I’m on a plane to London! Where in the world is JSO?! The adventure continues!

~ Love, Jenn

DAY 13 – Monday, March 28, 2016

Today was a rough start.  Rachel and I called yesterday to re-confirm our tour, “Simply Stonehenge” through Golden Tours.  It’s a company of Grey Line. You think it would be great!

No. No it’s not.

We woke up at 6:00 AM, and were told to meet at the hotel, Kensington Close Hotel, by 7:20 AM for a 7:30 AM pickup.  They were prompt picking us up, which made us think we have an 8:15 AM or 8:30 AM departure.  We were told to transfer to our tour bus at a tour meeting point.  When we got to Victoria Station, it was raining, and we had to exchange our voucher for our tickets.  Rachel and I paid 44 pounds, or $62.34 USD per person.

Once we got our tickets we were told to line up behind our tour #229, Simply Stonehenge.  Time now? Probably 8:20 AM.  We thought we only had 10 minutes before the tour left.  Well, no one told us anything! We’re standing in line, out in the pouring rain, and we have no idea when we’re heading to the bus.  The time ticks by…still we’re waiting to get on the bus.  There were a ton of people.  Victoria Station was a huge gathering place for all tour companies; Evans Evans Tours, Big Red Bus Tours, Golden Tours, etc. No public restrooms, the cold and rain, you could tell people were getting annoyed.  It was disorganized.  We finally got on the bus at 8:57 AM!! The drive to Stonehenge from London took 2 hours.  We had 2 hours there, and then it was 2 hours back.  Despite the rough morning, I am excited to see Stonehenge.

Stonehenge has fascinated people for thousands of years.  The monument dates back so far that it is surrounded in mystery.  For thousands of years people speculated over the true purpose of the massive structure.  Some of the most popular theories include: built as a religious temple?, an astronomical clock?, a Bronze Age burial ground? The site has stumped the world for more than 5,000 years.

Getting to see Stonehenge was amazing! I’m so excited and happy that I got to see it! One of the wonders of the world! So cool! My heart is so happy!

~ Love, Jenn

DAY’S 14 to 17 – Tuesday, March 29, 2016, to Friday, April 1, 2016

Hello! What a busy last few days.  Let me catch you up!

On Monday, Rachel and I had tea following our “Simply Stonehenge” tour at a cute bakery called, “The Muffin Man.” We then got lost in Harrods for a few hours and did dinner at an amazing place nearby.  If you get a chance to see Harrods lit up at night, that’s a must see!

On Tuesday, March 29, 2016, we did our own thing.  Rachel did a “London in a Day” tour.  I chose to go see Highclere Castle.  If you don’t know what I’m referring to, it’s Downton Abbey! Only the best UK show of all time!

My tour was fantastic! We first went to the town of Bampton, and saw the village of Downton Abbey; where the hospital was or where the Countess Dowager (Maggie Smith’s character) lived.  We learned the secrets of how it was filmed.  After a village tour we went to Highclere Castle itself.  What a surreal experience.  It was so neat!

I was super excited to have gotten to see inside the castle! Apparently, a bad storm came through the area, and the castle was closed to the public! Not on this day! I saw the dining room, the living room…the iconic places filmed for the show.  I also walked around the grounds and gardens.  I was in awe.  It made me love the show even more than I already do!

After Downton Abbey I met my Aunt Cobelle’s sister, Macille To, her husband Franklin, and their children Tiffany, Ainsley, and Christopher for dinner in China Town.  Ainsley’s girlfriend Vikki was also there.  What a nice evening! I’m so glad I was able to see everyone!

On Wednesday, March 30, 2016, it was Rachel’s last full day in London.  She would leave the next day. 

We did a “Making of Harry Potter Tour”! We went to the Warner Brothers Studios sound stages and went behind the scenes.  We saw Dumbledore’s Office, the Great Hall, Hagrid’s House, the Gryffindor Common room, and Boy’s Dormitory, along with other props and other sets! It was epic! We saw Diagon Alley, and even a full scale model of Hogwarts! We totally loved it!

Wednesday night we went to “The Artesian” the #1 rated bar/club/lounge in the world! (Four years and counting).  The drinks were 18 pounds or $25 USD; that is if you wanted the specialty drinks.  We had fun; it was a great experience, even if it was expensive.  “When in London!” we exclaimed.

Thursday, March 31, 2016, Rachel left to fly home, and I took my suitcase to the new hotel, where I was meeting Contiki.  Contiki is a tour company for 18 to 35-year-olds, who want to travel all over the world.  Their mantra is: #NoRegrets.  You have one life, one shot, make it count. (I’ll tell you more in a bit.)

Once I got checked in, I made my way to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre! I walked across the Millennium Bridge, also known as the Harry Potter Bridge, because it’s the bridge destroyed in the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows movies.

Well…as I walked across the bridge and saw the Globe, I was speechless.  Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre was so cool to see! As an actor, I can’t even express how happy I was to see it! Shakespeare is such a huge part of theatre, the English language, and society.  I literally teared up, because I was so happy to be there.  The Globe is the third theatre there.  The first burned down, and the second was forced to close (I believe), so the one on location now is the third and most modern.  It is however, the most authentic to what the Globe would have been like in Shakespeare’s time.  It was awesome!

After the Globe, I made my way back to the Royal National Hotel, and walked around Russell Square Garden, before a welcome meeting.  They told us what to expect for when we leave, and what the tour entails.

Thursday night I met my roommate, Kara Durham from Portland, Oregon.  She’s 31-years-old, and is a graphic designer for NIKE! She’s super nice, and we clicked right away!

Today, April 1, 2016.  We all met and left London at 7:30 AM.  We did a city tour of London, before making our way to Liverpool! The birthplace of the Beatles! When we arrived, we had the remainder of the day to do what we wanted.  Many went shopping…I went to Liverpool Cathedral; absolutely stunning.  I also climbed to the top of the tower, and saw the beautiful panoramic views of the city.  I also walked around their China Town, and then stopped at a café on Albert Dock to journal (where I am now).  In a bit I’ll go walk around the dock, before meeting the tour for a dinner (which is one of many included on the tour).

After dinner, we’re all going to the “Cavern Club”, which is the hot, hip place to go to see up and coming artists perform.  The Beatles themselves including many others have performed there! It’s like the “Bluebird” in Nashville or any iconic venue for artists.  It was pretty epic! Tomorrow, we’ll do a “Beatles City Tour” all focused on the Fab Four! I can’t wait! ~ Love, Jenn

DAY 18 – Saturday, April 2, 2016

After checking out of the hotel, we all got back on the coach and did a driving tour of the Beatles.  It wasn’t exactly, what I thought we’d get to see.  We saw where the Fab Four went to school, the neighborhoods where they grew up, and places where they used to work before they were famous.  Although, we didn’t see everything, the highlight for me was seeing “Penny Lane”! We were able to get off the coach and take our picture by the “Penny Lane” street sign.  I’ll have to go back to Liverpool with my mom and dad, they’ll love it!

We were soon on the road again, on our way to York.  Tonight we’ll do a Ghost Walk, and later today we’ll have our own “free time” to do what we want.

I’ve been making so many new friends on this tour, and having time to myself too! My feelings of homesickness are gone.  I had one moment the day Rachel went home, before I met up with Contiki.  I’m now rejuvenated and I have a new look on life.  Kara, my roommate, let me read my 2016 Astrology year look.

I know I’ll find love again this year, and I know I’ll find a new job.  I know the year will bring amazing things (it already has), but it will continue to change and I’ll continue to grow. ~ Love, Jenn

DAY 19 – Sunday, April 3, 2016

York is a very cute town! We arrived and took a small walking tour.  We walked down the most popular street in England; “The Shambles”.  It was a street where back in the day butchers lived on.  The road was built with a special ditch.  Butchers would cut up their meat and display it on a hook, hanging outside their door for the day.  It was to show what they were selling that day.  All the blood and guts would run down the ditch.  Back then in the 1500’s and 1600’s they would also dump their chamber pots down the ditches, to wash away the blood and guts…so just imagine how dirty, smelly, and gross everything was!

On our way down the Shambles we stopped at the York Minster.  It was a Catholic Cathedral that took 300 years to build.  They built it to instill fear, because people were rebelling against it.  It was pretty, but I didn’t pay to go inside. 

I chose instead to visit Clifford’s Tower and castle wall.  Clifford’s Tower was a castle that was actually built by William the Conqueror.  York Castle was what it was called and served as a prison and royal mint in its time.  It was once the center of government for the north or England.  In the 11^th century Timber Tower on the top of the earth mound was burned down in 1190, after York’s Jewish community, some 150 strong, was besieged there by a mob and committed mass suicide.  The present 13^th century stone tower was then used as a treasury and later a prison. 

There were tensions between Christians and Jews and it increased in the 12^th century.  Mostly because many people were in debt to Jewish money lenders and there was crusading propaganda directed not only against Muslims, but also Jews. 

Later on in 1596, a public scandal arose when the alderman of York accused the gaoler Robert Redhead, of trying to diminish the derelict tower and sell the stone for lime-burning.  Contemporary correspondence about these events contains the first recorded use of the name, “Clifford’s Tower”.

The name is sometimes interpreted as evidence that the Clifford family claimed the post of constable to be hereditary.  Alternatively, it may refer to the rebel Roger de Clifford, who was executed after the Battle of Borough Bridge in 1322, and whose body was displayed on a gibbet at the castle.

The tower was really interesting.  There is so much history on it.  It was part of what is seen today as Old York. 

After seeing Clifford’s Tower, I walked around the old castle walls.  That was pretty cool too! Seeing the old town mixed with the new modern town, was beautiful.  I like York, WAY more than Liverpool.  Both towns were nice, but York is so much cuter!

Last night we all went on a Ghost Walk.  For two hours, we walked around the streets, court yards, and small alley ways of York.  We heard a few of the hundreds of ghost stories, and it was fascinating!  We heard about the murders, the massacres, decapitations, and tortures that happened in the 1500’s and 1600’s; things from people who were punished and killed for not denouncing their catholic faith.  We heard about all kinds of stories of spirits who still linger around the streets and homes of York.  It was actually a bit scary for me! Just thinking about everything, but it is so true! So much happened in those times that it makes sense.

Today we’re on our way to the Lake District! We’re going to take a cruise on Lake Windermere and explore more!  I’ll be doing a ropes course later today as well!

As I sit here and write on the bus…I see myself and feel myself growing.  I thought I’d be reading a lot and finish a couple books, but I’ve not read at all! I’ve been writing more, or exploring these towns; making new friends.  Rather than reading, I find myself reflecting on this adventure instead.

I absolutely love this tour.  Contiki Vacations is amazing, and I definitely will be doing another tour with them again.  It’s wonderful, and I love it!

~ Love, Jenn

DAY’S 20 to 22 – Monday to Wednesday, April 4 to 6, 2016

The last few days have been amazing! Let’s catch you up!

The cruise on Lake Windermere at Bowness in the Lake District was awesome! It was just relaxing and nice to take in the scenery.  Following the cruise we drove to another Lake District town called, Keswick.  As an excursion I decided to do a Ropes Course.  Most of the people on the tour decided to join in on the fun! It was a blast! I’ve always wanted to do a ropes course, and I’m so glad I did this.  Not only do you bond with your tour group, but you challenge yourself.  I love heights and thrills, adventure, and trying everything once.  How will you know you don’t like it, until you try?

The ropes course was great! I close my eyes and see myself walking high above the ground…finding myself slightly challenged to conquer some of the tasks.  Some even challenged me! It just felt amazing to conquer! The course ended with a zip-line drop.  So amazing! I stretched my arms out to my sides, like wing! Flying through the air and feeling the wind rush over me was utterly amazing! Truly, I can’t wait to do a ropes course again.

It’s a nice reminder that life is filled with challenges.  Even at times, if you feel defeated or beat down, sad or burnt out…the ropes course opened my eyes to see that no matter the “challenge” you will get through it.  You will conquer all the “obstacles” and you will succeed.

You. Will. Always. Succeed.

You will be a better person for it too! Your confidence, your bravery, and you will grow too. 

Following the ropes course we walked to Castlerigg Stone Circle.  The stones were ruins, similar to Stonehenge, but not as grand and mysterious.  It’s near Keswick in Cumbria, North West England.  It is one of around 1,300 stone circles in the British Isles and Brittany.  It was constructed as part of a megalithic tradition that lasted from 3,300 to 900 BC, during the Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Ages.  The views surrounding Castlerigg Stone Castle itself were breathtaking and very serene!

Sunday night we stayed in Carlisle, and enjoyed a fun night with our new friends!

On Monday, we made our journey to Edinburgh, Scotland!

We started our day with a visit to Gretna Green.  It’s a place just half a mile from the boarder of England.  Couples for 303 years or more would cross the border to get married.  England had high standards or strict rules, but Scotland was much more relaxed.  The age in England to get married was older than the age in Scotland too! So…many young couples would run away and go home married.  A black smith at Gretna Green performed the marriages, which were recognized by the Church of England! It was very interesting!

After Gretna Green we visited the site of Hadrian’s Wall!

The Homesteads Roman Fort is the most complete Roman Fort in Britain.  Almost 1,900 years ago it was a fortress on the frontier of the Roman Empire, today known as Hadrian’s Wall.  Its ruins now, but it’s so cool! All the history I’m seeing, and learning about! It makes my life feel so rich with knowledge and cultures.

We finally made it to Edinburgh, Scotland where we stayed two nights.

The first night we went to Murrayfield Hotel and House for a traditional Scottish evening experience.  I tried a traditional Scottish juice/soda drink called, “Iru Bru”.  It’s like orange soda, but not a fizzy.  I tried haggis! Yeah…look up what it is…I liked it.  Where we went for dinner, they had the best haggis in town! (Apparently) so…I ate some.  I also tried a traditional Scottish dessert.  It was a dessert that had the iconic shortbread cookies, called Cream Crowdie.  I loved it! So good!

I love all the foods I’ve been trying.  I’ve loved all my afternoon teas, and walking around everywhere! I love it here…I want to go home to see my cat and family, but I love traveling! I love it here! The dinner even had a performance from a bag piper! Andy, was his name.  He was so cool, very funny, a total Scotsman!

Yesterday was a free day in Edinburgh.  The day started off with a walking tour of Edinburgh Castle.  That castle is the home (now) to many museums! It was also where Mary Queen of Scots lived for some time.  She gave birth to her only son.  King James VI there too.  After the castle tour, my new friends and I explored Edinburgh more.  When we got here, we picked up eight more people who joined the tour.  They’re all super nice!

Well, my new friends and I went and did tea at a place called, “Clarinda’s Tea Room”.  After tea I walked over and toured Holyrood Palace. 

Holyrood Palace was the home of Mary Queen of Scots! I actually saw her actual bed chambers! It was so fascinating! It’s also still a working palace, and Queen Elizabeth II stays there every summer when she visits Scotland.  It was so cool to see! I am so glad I got to see it!

Once I was done seeing Holyrood Palace, I walked over to Arthur’s Seat.  It’s a dormant volcano, and you could hike to the top.  I didn’t go to the top, because I didn’t have too much time by this point, but I still walked it a little.  I ended up seeing some friends and walked back down with them.  We shopped around a little, and I walked around the city, found the Hard Rock Café, got my city pin, and then we went and toured the underground.

I don’t know if you know this, but Edinburgh build a newer Edinburgh on top of the old Edinburgh.  Read more about it online, it’s really neat!

Today, Wednesday, April 6^th, it’s sunny and blue skies! A rarity on this trip! We are driving through the Scottish Highlands! We stopped at St. Andrews where the world renowned golf course is.  It’s also where Kate Middleton and Prince William met! I went to the café where they would go for coffee dates, and got a chai.  It was so cute! I also saw St. Mary’s on the Rock Cathedral, or the ruins of it.  We walked along the beach and saw the ruins of an old castle too.  I then walked down to the St. Andrews Golf Course, and saw the Swilken Bridge, which is where the green jackets are given to those who win.  It was cool; I know it’s a golfer’s dream to see.  I’m glad I got to see it too.  Even though I don’t play golf, I can still appreciate it.

Now, as I write, we are heading to Loch Ness! We’re going to do a cruise, try to spot the Loch Ness monster, and enjoy the Scottish Highlands.  Tonight we’ll be staying in a town called, Inverness.  We’ll probably try Scottish Whiskey too!

~ Love, Jenn

DAY 23 – Thursday, April 7, 2016

What a wonderful night last night was!

Jumping into Loch Ness was like, what I imagine the “Polar Plunge” is in Colorado.  It was the coldest water I ever felt.  I jumped in wearing my swim suit; others used their clothes if they didn’t have a swimmer (as our tour manager Ian Lyne would say.)

I’m so glad I jumped in! It was so exhilarating! After the Loch Ness cruise we checked into our hotel and then quickly got ready to go jump into Loch Ness.  It was so cool.  Just doing something like that, not only do you live life, but…you also form an unforgettable memory.  Isn’t that what life should be about? The unforgettable memories; the moments of utter happiness.  I’m always going to remember that.  It was freezing cold and afterward my toes were so swollen.  You felt warmer on land, than in the water, but the smallest amount of hot water or something warm was extreme to the skin.  Only until it warmed back up itself then you were fine. 

The hotel that we stayed at looked like a Colorado Mountain Lodge on tartan steroids.  Tartan is the Scottish word for their plaid.  Each clan has their own style of tartan, and this hotel was very proud of it.  We called it the Tartan Palace.  WiFi only worked in the Bar/Lounge area, otherwise we were “off the grid” like camping.  That’s another reason why it made me think of a Colorado Mountain Lodge.  Loch Ness, aside from the lake, is a small town.  We as the tour had a quiet night in.  The hotel gave us a nice meal; we played games, and did trivia.  It was like a night away at camp; just fun with friends.  It’s been so long since I really had a night like that.  It was just wonderful.

Today has been a driving day.  We got up early, left the hotel, and began driving all around the Scottish Highlands! At 400-700 feet above sea level, their mountains are foothills compared to Colorado Mountains, but the scenery is still beautiful. 

We drove to the Isle of Skye, and also saw Loch Alsh; another big body of water like Loch Ness.  We took some photos at various points where beautiful sights were viewed.  Panoramic views for days! My photos don’t do the Scottish Highlands justice! It’s gorgeous here!

We also stopped and saw Eilean Donan Castle.  It’s Scotland’s most romantic castle, and is actually still a family home! It was the castle used in the Patrick Dempsy movie, “Maid of Honor”, when everyone fly’s to Scotland for their friends’ wedding who Patrick Dempsy’s character secretly loves.  (You know Romantic Comedies); it’s a beautiful castle! 

We then saw the Fort William Commando Memorial and Scotland’s tallest mountain, Ben Nevis.  The memorial was tribute to those who fought a battle at Ben Nevis.  Some of the Royal Army even came down to Scotland to fight this particular battle.  It was a battle that occurred during World War II.  The mountain Ben Nevis is located in the distance.

Tonight we’re staying in a Scottish fishing town called, Oban.  We’ll be doing some Scottish Dancing at a place called, “Skippinish”, and enjoy some seafood for dinner.  I can’t wait to dive into the culture even more. 

The drive today, has given me time to reflect.  It rained some, but cleared up and the sun was out too.  A lot of the scenery makes me think of Rocky Mountain National Park and the mountains in general, but at the same time it’s all different here.  Moss grows on everything, and it rains so often, the ground is so wet and muddy.  That aside, everything is so green and greenery is so full.  I found myself gazing out of the windows, trying to make a mental memory of everything.  I hope I can remember everything! I wish you could see how beautiful this drive has been!

I’m so glad I’m traveling, and seeing all of these sights! I’ve decided…I’m going to try to do a trip a year (depending on funds)…just for me.  I want to continue to see all that I can see! ~ Love, Jenn

DAY 24 – Friday, April 8, 2016

Hello from Glasgow, Scotland! Today is a new day, and a fun one it has been.  We drove to Stirling, Scotland today and I saw the Wallace Monument.

The Wallace’s in Colorado would be proud! It’s their ancestor! The National Wallace Monument is Scotland’s best-known landmarks.  It tells the story of William Wallace, Scotland’s first national hero, for over 145 years. 

Sir William Wallace was a patriot and martyr.  He led and won the battle of Stirling Bridge and although he wasn’t seen as a hero at first, is a key role to Scottish history.  Scotland’s victory at this battle has inspired generations of Scots, who saw Wallace as the spirit which drove him to fight oppression and injustice.  We even saw the Sword of Wallace on display at the monument! It was amazing!

From there I grabbed a quick bite to eat and saw Stirling Castle.  That’s where Mary Queen of Scots was coronated at almost a year old as Queen of Scotland.  Her son year’s later King James VI was also coronated there.  It’s a pretty cool castle.  I didn’t have time to go inside, but I hear it was neat.  I did Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, and those were the top ones I wanted to see.

Now for a serious reflection:

Last night at Skippinish, the Scottish Dancing Club…we learned traditional dances.  It was fun, but I didn’t get to dance a lot.  Everyone had to be in pairs or couples, and it was tough for me to break out and ask the very few guys on the tour to dance.  I just felt uncomfortable, left out, and sad.  I hate when my mind does that! It gets all “woe is me” and ruins everything.  I’m very in my head as it is, and I over analyze everything in general.  I have to tell myself to not do that sometimes, and other times I can’t get out of my funk.  I’m not depressed, but being someone who is generally happy, bubbly, and positive…when I’m sad or mad or bummed…it’s a 180* degree shift. 

Last night was one of those nights, triggered by my recent breakup.  The last time I was dancing was October 2015, when I was with my love at our friend Emily’s wedding.  The day I realized how deeply I'd fallen in love with him.  Last night’s dancing triggered the fact that we won’t have that again (well you never know the future, but from the looks of things now…); instead of telling myself, “Hello! You’re in Scotland! Dance with the Scottish men!” or “You’ll meet someone even better!” I was stuck in the doldrums.  I left the club, and walked to the harbor, cried, and composed myself.

I cried twice on this world adventure, and both were triggered because I saw something that reminded me of something else… Breakups suck…especially if you wanted a future with who you were dating.  I know I’ll find and meet my soulmate.  He’s just taking forever to come into my life.

This is a random thought…one room number in the tons of rooms I’ve stayed in was #129! You know 129 is my number! It was the address of my apartment when I lived in Fort Morgan, and it’s my birthday.  It’s my lucky number.  129 in my mind, when I see it, tells me I’m doing the right thing.  I believe it’s God subtly easing my mind; telling me that I’m on the right path.  I’m doing the right thing.  Seeing the number 129 put’s my mind at ease…and tells me all will be okay. 

No more repeats of last night. ~ Love, Jenn

DAYS 25 to 27 – Saturday to Monday, April 9 to 11, 2016

Hello from Ireland!

Friday night was fun.  We went to a few pubs and said goodbye to those who were not traveling on to Ireland.  I made friends with a couple from Singapore, Herrick and Celeste.  They’re very nice, and it’s sad that they left, but now I know some people to visit in Singapore.

Saturday was a travel day.  Not a ton happened.  We drove to the P&O Ferries and took the Ferry across the Irish Sea to Ireland.  That day we had a welcome dinner to greet those who are joining the tour for Ireland.  After dinner we went and enjoyed a Guinness beer! We are in Dublin!

Sunday we had a big day! We went to Kilkenny, Ireland, and did a bike ride around town.  Oh my goodness was it cold! It was pouring rain and so windy! It was brutal…but the bike ride was cool.  I hadn’t ridden a bike since 2006.  It’s been a good 10 years, because my bike needs to be fixed.  It makes a weird click-noise.  Anyway, we rode around for 90 minutes in the rain and wind! By the end of the bike ride my hands and feet were wet and frozen.  Even in gloves…it was cold.  My jeans were wet and mud splattered…it was not pretty.  My hair was all wet and tangled…because my hood on my coat wouldn’t stay up.  It felt miserable, but once we were warm again, I’m so glad I did it.  I completed it too! It was definitely hard, not a hard bike ride, but hard due to weather. 

While biking around Kilkenny we saw the first catholic cathedral in Ireland (or maybe it was in Kilkenny…) anyway it was called, “The Black Abbey”.  It has a beautiful stained glass window that is one of the largest in Ireland! It was pretty! We also saw Kilkenny Castle! I’m sad it was so cold and wet, because I didn’t get a ton of pictures.  I wish I could have gotten more.

Ian Lyne, the tour manager said it best, “The rain may dampen our skin, but not our spirits!”

It makes for a great memory.  We finally warmed up, and traveled to Midleton, Ireland, where we toured the Jameson Distillery.  We learned all about Irish whiskey, and how Jameson is made.  It was so interesting! We saw how the barley was heated and dried, and learned about the different stages of the process.  Jameson Whiskey is aged at least three years before it’s distributed around the world.  Some of their specialty whiskeys are aged for 12 years! Others longer, even 30 years! As the whiskey continues to age, the darker it becomes, and the more the flavors change and morph as well.  It was fascinating!

At the end 1 hour 20 minute tour we were led to a bar where we were able to get a drink of Jameson.  Many of us chose a “Whiskey Mac”.  In the states it’s called an, “Irish Mule”.  Anyway, what the Whiskey Mac is is Jameson, ginger ale, and lime.  I really liked it! I may have found my new “go to” drink! In fact…yes, I know it will be! When in Ireland!

After the distillery we headed into Cork, Ireland for the night.  We enjoyed a nice included dinner and live music at another pub afterward.  Scotland and Ireland both have big pub lives.  I love pubs!

Today, April 11, 2016, we drove out of Cork to the small town of Blarney, Ireland.  We walked around Blarney Castle and kissed the Blarney Stone, which is said to give you the gift of gab and eloquent speech, and walked around the gardens.  It was beautiful.  The gardens were gorgeous as well and so serene! ~ Love, Jenn

DAYS 28 and 29 – Tuesday and Wednesday, April 12 and 13, 2016

The Cliffs of Moher were breathtaking!! Photos don’t do them justice.  I can’t express how beautiful they are! When you see them in the movie, they look just as majestic as in person.  We arrived and immediately went on to explore.  The park had barriers set up, because over the years, people have actually fallen off the cliffs.  So, we had to remain behind the current barriers.  It had rained a lot, but this particular day the sun was coming out, and it was beautiful weather! There was one moment where you could climb over the barriers, and get some epic photos! I can’t wait to frame some of mine!

Tuesday, April 12, 2016, was a busy day! We made it to Galway, Ireland, where Monday night we went out to a couple pubs for live music.  It was fun, and our tour manager and bus driver Ian and Will joined us too! I drank a “Whiskey Mac” with my new friends, and enjoyed the night.  On Tuesday morning, we woke up, tired from the night before, but excited for our day at the Aran Islands.  We took the coach to the pier, and boarded a ferry.  It took us to the Aran Islands, and we spend the day on Inishmore.  It’s the biggest of the three islands that make up the Aran Islands. 

Last summer, Golden, Colorado put on the play, “The Cripple of Inishmaan”, and that island is part of the Aran Islands.  I was so excited to get to go to Inishmore! When I think of Ireland, I think of these islands.  Filled with beautiful scenery and fresh air! It was a little cloudy, but it later cleared up, and the sun came out.  Oh, how blue the sky was! I haven’t seen a super blue sky in so long! No joke! It’s been cloudy, partly cloudy, and rainy most of the time.  It was a gorgeous day! So sunny!

When we arrived we were told the best way to see the island is by bike.  So for 10 Euros for the day, that’s what we did.

We probably biked like 15 kilometers that day or 9.3 miles; we biked around the whole island.  We started off biking along the coastline, where we saw a seal colony.  We pedaled around all the homes and little streets, it was a blast! We ended at Dun Aonghasa.

Dun Aonghasa is one of the finest prehistoric fortresses in Western Europe.  It consists of three dry-stone ramparts, and the remains of a fourth, the outermost of which encloses an area of 11 acres.  Outside the second rampart there is a 30 foot band of upright stones forming a defensive band or “chevaux de frise”.  Considerable alterations were made in the 19^th century when the buttresses in the inside wall were erected. 

It was amazing! It was built on cliffs, and we could get right up to the edge! We got some epic pictures! It was a moment of amazing happiness.  The views of the ocean and cliffs were beautiful and grandiose.  I wanted to stay there forever.  What a wonderful time to sit, relax, reflect, and enjoy life.

Once we were done we grabbed a quick lunch, and headed back to town.  We biked back, checked out the Aran Islands Sweater Market, and enjoyed a pub.  It was a wonderful day, and it was the most fun to bike everywhere.

Time for some reflection:

I’ve been so active this trip.  I’ve not turned on the TV, let alone think about it in weeks! I’ve not texted friends, driven a car, or done any thinking about a job… I’ve been seeing this beautiful world that we live in! I’ve seen some wanders, and even others I didn’t know about! It’s been absolutely wonderful. 

This trip has changed my life! I want to continue to do and see all that I can! No matter where life takes me, I want to see it all! I know I’ll be traveling again on my own.  I plan on doing more Contiki’s while I still can.  I want to see some amazing things, and Contiki has the possibility to do that, at reasonable prices.  Maybe Greece or Australia and New Zealand are next!

Going home to Colorado and seeing the end of this world adventure will be so surreal.  It’s crazy! I can’t wait to see my kitty and family.  I just hope I transition with the outlook on life that I have, and that I don’t revert back to where I was before I left.  I’m happy and in love with the world.  I don’t want to go home and feel lost again, or overwhelmed, or sad.  I want to go home and be excited for what is next; jobs, love, happy times, all of it.

I will not let anyone one or anything influence my mind; if you don’t like it, too bad.  Suck it up, and get on board.  I’m doing what I want, when I want from now on!

Wednesday, April 13, 2016, has been a long driving day.  We’re on our way to Derry/Londonderry.  Once we arrive, we’ll partake in a city walking tour; staying the night in town as well. ~ Love, Jenn

DAYS 30 and 31 – Thursday and Friday, April 14 and 15, 2016

Today is Friday, April 15, 2016, and I’m nearing the end of my world adventure.  I can’t believe it.

Yesterday we drove from Derry/Londonderry to Belfast.  The Derry/Londonderry tour was amazing.  It’s part of Northern Ireland which has seen so much unrest for so many years.  It stems from a division in those who wanted Ireland to be separate from England, and those who wanted to stay loyal to the King.  All these years there’s been a division between the Protestants and Catholics.  We did a city walking tour which was so interesting! It concluded at the Peace Bridge, which was built to show that there can be peace amidst hostility. 

Derry/Londonderry had the Peace Bridge, and Belfast had the Peace Wall.  Both places in Northern Ireland, are clearly trying to move forward…things are improving little by little.

In Belfast, which is the capital of Northern Ireland, the division is still visible there too.  It’s so divided that schools are still segregated! Protestant kids versus Catholic kids.  Apparently, it’s so segregated that some people go their whole life not meeting anyone Catholic or Protestant, or they just don’t cross the river.  It’s sad, but it’s their reality.  It is much better than before, but it will still take more generations to fully be okay.  We spent time at the Peace Wall in Belfast, tagged a message on the wall too!

I wrote: “Love and Peace, NOT HATE!” ~ Jennifer, Colorado

It’s true.  We need to live our life with love and peace.  We need to be the change we wish to see in the world.  We need to live united together.  It is only together that we will be able to make the world better.  “Where the Streets Have No Names” by U2 is a song about Belfast.  It’s a song of hope, peace, love, and unification, where we can all live happily together without conflict.  Something I wish the world had.

Wednesday night in Derry/Londonderry we had time on our own.  We did dinner at the hotel, which was really nice, and then we went to Monroe’s Bar and listened to live music.  So fun!

Thursday we drove from Derry/Londonderry to Belfast, but first we stopped at Giant’s Causeway.  Giant’s Causeway is an area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic eruption.  It is also known as, “Clochan an Aifir” or “Clochan na bhFomhorach” in Irish, and “tha Giant’s Causey” in Ulster-Scots.

It’s located on the northeast coast of Northern Ireland, and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986 and a national nature reserve in 1987 by the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland.  In 2005, Giant’s Causeway was named as the fourth greatest natural wonder in the United Kingdom.  It is so fascinating.  Most of the columns are hexagonal, although there are also some with four, five, seven, or eight sides.  The tallest are about 12 meters (39 feet) high, and the solidified lava in the cliffs is 28 meters (92 feet) thick in places. 

Giant’s Causeway was formed around 50 to 60 million years ago, during the Paleocene Epoch, Antrim was subject to intense volcanic activity, when high fluid molten basalt intruded through chalk beds to form an extensive lava plateau.  It was so neat to see!!

Following a city tour of Belfast and the stop at the Peace Wall, we all went to the Titanic Quarter.  We saw Titanic Studios where Game of Thrones on HBO is filmed.  This area of Belfast was also where Titanic was built.  The Titanic sank 104 years ago, today, April 15, 2016.  We went to the “Titanic Experience”.  It is an experience for sure.  It’s not like a museum with artifacts, it’s an experience.  Still good, but not like phenomenal.  I’m not sorry I did it, it was still fun.

Last night concluded with a night of karaoke.  That was fun.  We did dinner on our own, and then we all hung out for a night of fun.  This world adventure has been so fun! I’m doing things I wouldn’t normally do, and that’s great! That includes karaoke!

A moment of reflection:

Ian Lyne, the tour manager periodically walks down the aisle of the coach and asks everyone, “Any questions?”

“Can you stop time?” I said.

“What?” He responded.

“Can you stop time? I don’t want this to end.” I said.

“Quit your job and do another tour with us.” He said with a smile.  “Just have a new debit card sent over and stay.  Where there’s a will, there’s a way Jenn.  Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Ian smiled again, before continuing on down the aisle.

While heading back to Dublin, Ireland on this last full day of the tour…and I’m once again journaling on the coach, what is on my mind is what Ian said.  “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”  I haven’t heard that saying in quite some time…I find Ian very nice, positive, and energetic! ~ Love, Jenn

DAYS 32 and 33 – Saturday and Sunday, April 16 and 17, 2016

The rest of April 15^th was wonderful.  We made it back to Dublin, and enjoyed the Guinness Storehouse.  Ireland is known for Guinness too, and I’ve only ever tired it here and there.

On this day, we toured what is one of their breweries.  It was awesome! We learned about the process to make beer, and more about Guinness through the years.  Guinness was started by Arthur Guinness.  He is fondly regarded as the 5^th magical ingredient of Guinness.  Aside from the hops, barley, water, yeast, he was a bold man.  Those remember him as a visionary thinker and philanthropist.  He made a huge impact on the community of Dublin, the people, and the business of Guinness.  The tour included a private tasting of beer, and later a pint of Guinness in their bar/lounge. 

I chose to go to “Guinness Academy” and learn how to pour my own Guinness.  It’s quite the technique.  The logo of Guinness is a harp, so on your special Guinness glass you use the harp as a guide.  You hold your glass at a 45* degree angle, and pull forward on the tap.  Let the glass fill then slowly raise the glass up vertical and continue to fill the glass until the beer reaches the bottom of the harp.  Then you set it aside for a couple minutes.  Once the Guinness has set, and you see the separation of the beer and the frothy foam on top, you can top off your beer.  So to do so, you push back on the tap, and it releases beer at a slow amount.  Fill your glass to the very tip top, and set aside once again.

Once the beer looks complete you can enjoy it.  There is a technique to drinking Guinness too. 

You want to drink your beer below the foam.  The goal is to have the foam at the bottom of your glass when your beer is gone.  The way to enjoy Guinness is to take a mouth full, let it coat your mouth and tongue, and then swallow; all while noticing the flavors that are in Guinness.  Also, a pint of Guinness is like 160 calories or something, so it’s less than like a glass of orange juice.

Following the Guinness Storehouse tour, my new friends and I went and walked around Trinity College.  We went into the Old Library, and it was so grand and gorgeous! It was like the library at Hogwarts in Harry Potter.  Perhaps it was inspiration.  The Library of Trinity College Dublin is the largest library in Ireland and the library is the permanent home to the famous Book of Kells.  Two of the four volumes are on public display, one opened to a major decorated page and the other to a typical page of text.  The Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript Gospel book in Latin, containing the four Gospels of the New Testament together with various prefatory texts and tables.  It was created in a Columban monastery in Ireland or may have had contributions for various Columban institutions form both Britain and Ireland; believed to be created in c. 800.

From there we walked to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and that was beautiful too!

Friday night we all enjoyed a farewell dinner at “The Merry Ploughboy Pub”.  It was SO cool! We enjoyed traditional Irish music and dance.  Irish Step Dancing is a form of dance that I still would love to learn.  The show also included a three course meal, and an included drink.  Being there with all my new friends enforced the feeling of how fast this has all gone.  We all said goodbye to each other and went back to the hotel.

A group of us traveled with Contiki back to London.  My roommate Kara and I, along with most of the original London group traveled back together.  We drove from Dublin to the port and took the Ferry to Wales.  From Wales we drove back to London.

When we got back everyone one so depressed.  Goodbyes suck.  It was very hard to say goodbye, because you were just with a group of people for 17 days, 24/7. 

Let’s reflect:

I went into this very shy, but excited.  I immediately clicked with my roommate, and quickly made other friends too.  I’m very grateful that this tour was a positive experience.  It has changed my life.  I can’t express how amazing the tour was.  It pushed me out of my comfort zone, and it made me fall in love even more with the beautiful world we live in.

I didn’t expect to make lifelong friends, but I did.  We all bonded over our love for travel.  We bonded when we tacked the ropes course, and we continued to bond as we all jumped into the freezing cold water of Loch Ness.  Our deep friendships were solidified with the night of trivia and games following Loch Ness.  It was wonderful, and I thank God for this experience, for this adventure, for my new friends.

When we all said our goodbyes and took those last photos, my emotions were very raw.  I was trying to fight back tears and moments of utter sadness, and trying to focus on the memories, adventures, and friendships that formed.

When I walked into my hotel room…that’s when it hit me; that this was ending.  I walked in and saw a single bed, in this single person room.  I was alone.  Everyone had gone their own way, and were either traveling on or flying home.  Before I left the drop off point, those staying around said, “We’re doing dinner at the Royal National Pub at 7:30 PM”.  I pushed the sad moments aside, and went to dinner.

This was the same place where we all went to dinner the first night we all met.  The night before the tour started, just after our welcome meeting.  How everything has come full circle.  We were all sad…we all tried to eat, but for me and a few other people, our appetites were just not there.  We were all depressed. 

Once we said our final goodbyes, we went our separate ways saying, “This isn’t goodbye, but rather ‘see you later’”.

We all look forward to when our paths will cross again, and we’ll get to see each other again.  Perhaps we will go on other Contiki tours together.  That’s something I’m definitely thinking about.

Today I woke up, showered, and made my way to the airport.  I flew out of Gatwick Airport, and it was very smooth today.  No major crowds or crazy security lines.  I’m on the plane now writing and I realize that this is my final “solo travel” entry.

What a crazy ride this has been.  There were a few sad moments, but everything has been so amazing.  All of the happy moments outweigh the sad.  My mind is filled with beautiful sights, and experiences.  Remembering all the new foods I tried, all of the cultures I’ve seen, and all the laughter I’ve had.

The whole “world adventure” has been phenomenal.  I’m glad I decided to do this.  I definitely will again too. 

Ian said it best, “I hope you guys travel again soon an often.  The greatest gift in life that you can give yourself is the gift of travel; especially while you’re young.  So travel as often as you can and life with NO REGRETS.”

I truly see that I’ve changed for the better.  I want to take what I’ve learned about myself and continue to grow.  There are still things to reflect on, that I can’t put into words.  All I know is that I’m ready for the next chapter of my life.  Whatever that may be, I will continue to live my life with #NoRegrets.  I am now part of the Contiki family, filled of people who love the world, to travel, love to explore, grow, and live.

Until next time, I better say, “goodbye”; not forever, but for now.  Thank you for going on this World Adventure with me. 

I love you.  ~ Love, Jenn