Friday, October 31, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
it is almost noon
When I get home to Portland I am probably going to sleep for ages. Today is my last day. I thought that I would wake up and feel almost happy about this...actually I am rather sad. The past two months have been so powerful, I cannot put a specific word on it. When I took off on the first of September, I sat across the plane and a few rows back from my travel partner. I sat there on the phone until the very last moment balling to my dad. I couldn't believe what I was about to do. I wasn't frightened of the first 20 days, just the next 40. Alone. There was a lot of fear in my viens that morning. When I saw Courtney that first morning in PDX I knew this was no mistake. I knew there was no turning back. I also knew that if I couldn't go on I could always come home early. It wasn't asthough I was taking off for some remote area with a population of cows and 3 people. It wasn't asthough the food was going to be green with mold. Or that no one was going to speak English. I don't know why but I was rather intimidated by the concept of traveling alone. I guess that was a little silly of me. When I planed the trip, well bought my tickets, it hadn't really dawned on me that I was going to be alone. But, I have survived. Well, so far. I still have a long journey home. I am leaving my magical bed and wonderful family this evening around 10.20 and heading on a night train to Oslo. Then flying back to Frankfurt and spending the night in the airport. Cetching my flight the next morning to Dallas and then PDX! I should get home in the early evening on the 29th, well see how that goes. When I said I would ''sleep for ages'' in the first paragraph I was refering to the fact that getting home is going to last from the 27th to the 29. I guess for most of the world that is pretty typical though.
I don't have much longer in Norway. It is now past noon and all I have done today is pack my bag for the final time, had a good breakfast, and picked out the clean clothes I am going to be wearing for the next few days. Incase I look different, they are the same ones I was wearing the morning of the first of September. Maybe this time I will appear slightly more confident in them, less teary. But, maybe not. I think it is now sweater time and possibly a visit to the oil museum.
I think that this will be my final post before I return to Portland. Then I will put a few pictures up... Courtney has already put some on facebook so, you can always look at my pictures there if you cannot wait. Most of them are just me looking at pornographic images at the sex museum. But... So yes, thank you for reading my blog.
To be continued.
Love,
Claire
I don't have much longer in Norway. It is now past noon and all I have done today is pack my bag for the final time, had a good breakfast, and picked out the clean clothes I am going to be wearing for the next few days. Incase I look different, they are the same ones I was wearing the morning of the first of September. Maybe this time I will appear slightly more confident in them, less teary. But, maybe not. I think it is now sweater time and possibly a visit to the oil museum.
I think that this will be my final post before I return to Portland. Then I will put a few pictures up... Courtney has already put some on facebook so, you can always look at my pictures there if you cannot wait. Most of them are just me looking at pornographic images at the sex museum. But... So yes, thank you for reading my blog.
To be continued.
Love,
Claire
Saturday, October 25, 2008
updated
just to let you know, the following five posts were just added. i got a little behind..but, everything is up to date!
oh doesn't it feel nice to be soaking wet? du du du dud duuuu
Stavanger, Norway. After my bench, I mean bed...I think anything looks comfortable. But man oh man, this bed I have in this warm house, it has magic dust in it or something. When I sleep, I am in a deep and everlasting sleep, only getting up to post to this blog and eat a few bananas. Again, what can I say. Family is family, and family is wonderful. It is sad having relatives live half the world around, but at the same time they provide you a bed with magic dust in it when you arrive in their neck of the woods.
I am a little tired these days and art museumed out at the moment. I think home is in the frontal lobe. But, still I am content and happy to be here. Oh, but getting here...that was a wild ride. And I am not joking around. I was so happy that I played JV soccer for those two years at St. Mary's. If it weren't for my dedication to the Hail Mary with Allison freshman year, I think I may have died a few days ago. I opted to take the bus to Stavanger over the bus because of a reduction I recived with my Eurail is was slightly less really expensive. But, I got to take a boat for a short portion anyway. I was actually writing in my little moleskine, Alpine Black, when the captain came on an said something in about 45 different languages. I didn't really understand the English translation because he said that one last and I was distracted. All I heard was hold on to your bags. I didn't. Just kept writting away. Then my pens started flying everywhere. Then I started flying everywhere. I had to hold onto my seat with my weak arms, otherwise the floor would have become my spot. I felt like I was on the Titanic minius the romance and giant ice cubes. It was, I don't know. The boat would literaly fall. I would see a wave coming, grab my stomache and chair and clench my eyes and pray and feel the boat fall onto the next wave. Basically, it wasn't the ride I had in mind. I looked around it see if anyone was sick or dead or anything. They were all just sitting there watching movies and reading the morning paper. When the waves would calm down for a few minutes I would crawl around on the floor and retrieve my pens. I actually lost one.
But, I did survive. I was even dry when I got off the boat. But, I a afraid I am wet now. Have have tomorrow and the next day here then I start the journey back to my favorite city on earth, Frankfurt, Germany.
High School Musical 3, saw it! Good and colorful food. Little children who like to tell stories! Picking out the sweater.
Love,
Claire
I am a little tired these days and art museumed out at the moment. I think home is in the frontal lobe. But, still I am content and happy to be here. Oh, but getting here...that was a wild ride. And I am not joking around. I was so happy that I played JV soccer for those two years at St. Mary's. If it weren't for my dedication to the Hail Mary with Allison freshman year, I think I may have died a few days ago. I opted to take the bus to Stavanger over the bus because of a reduction I recived with my Eurail is was slightly less really expensive. But, I got to take a boat for a short portion anyway. I was actually writing in my little moleskine, Alpine Black, when the captain came on an said something in about 45 different languages. I didn't really understand the English translation because he said that one last and I was distracted. All I heard was hold on to your bags. I didn't. Just kept writting away. Then my pens started flying everywhere. Then I started flying everywhere. I had to hold onto my seat with my weak arms, otherwise the floor would have become my spot. I felt like I was on the Titanic minius the romance and giant ice cubes. It was, I don't know. The boat would literaly fall. I would see a wave coming, grab my stomache and chair and clench my eyes and pray and feel the boat fall onto the next wave. Basically, it wasn't the ride I had in mind. I looked around it see if anyone was sick or dead or anything. They were all just sitting there watching movies and reading the morning paper. When the waves would calm down for a few minutes I would crawl around on the floor and retrieve my pens. I actually lost one.
But, I did survive. I was even dry when I got off the boat. But, I a afraid I am wet now. Have have tomorrow and the next day here then I start the journey back to my favorite city on earth, Frankfurt, Germany.
High School Musical 3, saw it! Good and colorful food. Little children who like to tell stories! Picking out the sweater.
Love,
Claire
i built a snow man in 10 second.
In his attempts to be the friendly famous man on the block, Petar suggested we take the train to Bergen. We already had our tickets but, we thanked him for the suggestions none the less. This is the ride everyone talks about, the ride from Oslo to Bergen. The bible even mensions it, Europe on a Shoestring that is... It wasn't a beautiful day. But, that is expected because I am in the country. I hae been told several time that I bring bad weather, a dark rain cloud follows me. That sounds like the title to a really cheesey song. I'll work on that at a later date. But, the ride to Bergen. I sat with my two new bestfriends. It was nice to have some clothed company on the long ride. It had been about a month.
I really cannot tell you about the ride with my own world. I am afraid I am not a writer in that regards...it was ___________ (fill in the blank with the most beautiful word in the world, probably my name). You pass by all sorts of country. You go into long and dark tunnels and when you pop out the environment has changed. We went from ran. To sun. To overcast. To a light dusting of white stuff. To a thicker layer of snow, with some falling. To a thick layer of snow with giant flakes falling. To a massive layer, just kidding. To no snow. To rain. To waterfalls. To Bergen, it was raining there too. That was mainly just the weather. I think my pictures will do the work for the shapes and other coatings of the lands. At one point I jumped off the train, while it was moving. Actually, it was stopped for a few moments- but, I built a snow man. I little man. And I ate some snow, about the same as home or Ohio I would say. It is nice to know the taste of snow is pretty universal, that has been a life long question of mine. What does snow in Norway taste like?
I finally cordinated with my couchsurfing host and we met up by about 7. I actually didn't save anyone money staying with her becaus she lived far away from the city center and had me go to events with her. This is nice, I guess. I saw a pretty bad movie and an interesting concert. The concert was free for her, 13 USD for me! So, I was a little bitter. And my bed, I mean bench. It was fine though. You win some you lose some.
The most calming church in the world. It rained. Saw some blue sky for .21323423 second. Had a Frankfurt-esque breakfast. Hmmm. Family in Stavanger.
Love,
Claire
I really cannot tell you about the ride with my own world. I am afraid I am not a writer in that regards...it was ___________ (fill in the blank with the most beautiful word in the world, probably my name). You pass by all sorts of country. You go into long and dark tunnels and when you pop out the environment has changed. We went from ran. To sun. To overcast. To a light dusting of white stuff. To a thicker layer of snow, with some falling. To a thick layer of snow with giant flakes falling. To a massive layer, just kidding. To no snow. To rain. To waterfalls. To Bergen, it was raining there too. That was mainly just the weather. I think my pictures will do the work for the shapes and other coatings of the lands. At one point I jumped off the train, while it was moving. Actually, it was stopped for a few moments- but, I built a snow man. I little man. And I ate some snow, about the same as home or Ohio I would say. It is nice to know the taste of snow is pretty universal, that has been a life long question of mine. What does snow in Norway taste like?
I finally cordinated with my couchsurfing host and we met up by about 7. I actually didn't save anyone money staying with her becaus she lived far away from the city center and had me go to events with her. This is nice, I guess. I saw a pretty bad movie and an interesting concert. The concert was free for her, 13 USD for me! So, I was a little bitter. And my bed, I mean bench. It was fine though. You win some you lose some.
The most calming church in the world. It rained. Saw some blue sky for .21323423 second. Had a Frankfurt-esque breakfast. Hmmm. Family in Stavanger.
Love,
Claire
Petar
I sat in a swirling cafe with my two new best friends. We had just seen some old stuff, followed by an expensive bus ride, followed by a visit to the nearest Kiwi. We were in Oslo. The two girls are from New Zealand and surfing the same couch as me. I must have looked lonely because they intived me to explore with them. Ironicly we were taking the same train to Bergen the following day. But, that is not important. So we sat at a metal table stuffing our faces for the day. We talked about all sorts of topics. However, our conversations were rather circular and kept returning to home and food and sheep. These two girls live on farms, one of them lives in a small town of 31. Not 31 billion, million, or thousand. Just 31 people. It was nice because they are my age and also taking a gap year, two things in common right from the very start. I don't know why but we really hit it off. They were completely absorbed in excitement and curiosity about halloween. I had lots of questions about sheep.
There were other people at near by tables, concidering we were in a corner and my back was to them I wasn't in a prime seat for people watching. We talked for sometime. I have problems sitting still and continualy shifted in my seat. Eventually I decided that it was most comfortable to lean against the wall, this exposed my profile. We continued to talk. Then I glanced and noticed an artist of some sort out of the corner of my eye. This glance sparked a life long friendship. My newest best friend was painting me. Actually, he was in the early stages. He was only sketching me... He started to talk. And talk. And talk. He is famous. There is an 1.5 hour documentary about him. Everyone knows who he is and he doesn't know them, just that famous. a book just came out about him. What else, what else? As soon as he signs the painting it is worth 10,000 kroner, before that-it is worthless...his name is just that big. Petar P. Tale, do you know that name? I didn't. He gives excellent compliments. When I smile, "it looks like 100 teeth are coming out of my mouth." And there is something in my eye...I can't remember what though. I almost lost it at the teeth coment, i mean compliment. And then I looked down at my face. This was after he asked if people paint me often. ''Only in the nude,'' I said. Not really, still haven't warmed up to that topic. But, my face, i looked like a man! Complete with facial hair. And this man was calling himself famous? What else. I started crying when we finaly left I was laughing so hard. It felt so good, haven't laughed like that since a fine meal home from Lowry when Chelsea declared she used to cover herself in mud...had to be there. He gave me his web site. He is also a collector, has a museum named after himself! Bought his first Picasso at age 17. We looked him up and he is legit. Real legit.
Next time you're in the MoMA look for my face, this version may or may not have facial hair...I have heard traveling can change you...your gender?
The famous ride to bergen, yet to come. Ran. Wind. Cheap, yet expensive chocolate. Running shoes cost about 250-300 USD in this country! A bus ticket, eh. 6USD for an hour.
Love,
Claire
There were other people at near by tables, concidering we were in a corner and my back was to them I wasn't in a prime seat for people watching. We talked for sometime. I have problems sitting still and continualy shifted in my seat. Eventually I decided that it was most comfortable to lean against the wall, this exposed my profile. We continued to talk. Then I glanced and noticed an artist of some sort out of the corner of my eye. This glance sparked a life long friendship. My newest best friend was painting me. Actually, he was in the early stages. He was only sketching me... He started to talk. And talk. And talk. He is famous. There is an 1.5 hour documentary about him. Everyone knows who he is and he doesn't know them, just that famous. a book just came out about him. What else, what else? As soon as he signs the painting it is worth 10,000 kroner, before that-it is worthless...his name is just that big. Petar P. Tale, do you know that name? I didn't. He gives excellent compliments. When I smile, "it looks like 100 teeth are coming out of my mouth." And there is something in my eye...I can't remember what though. I almost lost it at the teeth coment, i mean compliment. And then I looked down at my face. This was after he asked if people paint me often. ''Only in the nude,'' I said. Not really, still haven't warmed up to that topic. But, my face, i looked like a man! Complete with facial hair. And this man was calling himself famous? What else. I started crying when we finaly left I was laughing so hard. It felt so good, haven't laughed like that since a fine meal home from Lowry when Chelsea declared she used to cover herself in mud...had to be there. He gave me his web site. He is also a collector, has a museum named after himself! Bought his first Picasso at age 17. We looked him up and he is legit. Real legit.
Next time you're in the MoMA look for my face, this version may or may not have facial hair...I have heard traveling can change you...your gender?
The famous ride to bergen, yet to come. Ran. Wind. Cheap, yet expensive chocolate. Running shoes cost about 250-300 USD in this country! A bus ticket, eh. 6USD for an hour.
Love,
Claire
Walking to Sweden
Getting to Stockholm was not easy, a train to a place that starts with an ''F.'' Take a vintage bus, probably used in a war-there were bullets shots in the rusty tin- to Torino. Walk to Sweden. reset clock and exchange Euro. Get on a double decker bus to Lulea. Walk around for a few hours-locate bread and cheese. Finally, board night train to Stockholm. From leaving Rovanemi to actually arriving in Stockholm lasted from 9am on the 15th to 7am on the 16th. I was a little tired and welcomed into Stockholm by some nice showers. honestly, it felt good to be rained on. I was in need of a bath- probably could have just taken one in the street. I don't think anyone would have minded or have been bothered by my nudity.
I have relatives in Stockholm. Not just the ones from 100's of years ago who are now in the earth. Living ones. I am not sure how we are related but, family is family. According to the books there is a connection. When Gunilla bought me lunch the first afternoon I wanted to start crying, there was so much food...a very balanced meal too. I think that maybe I will go off brown foods when I get home. bread, chocolate, cheese- i guess this generally isn't borwn, but in norway they have some special cheese, brown cheese.
Stockholm was wonderful. I sat on the water studying a lone rose in front of city hall. I couldn't help but imagine myself living there, or atlest a similar city. It is clean-despite Gunilla's remarks. It is fall now, the leaves are so fresh and the air almost spicey crisp. It is historical and modern. Outdoorsy and urban. Bike and bus friendly. It is a comfortable place. Perhaps I felt some sort of calling because of my Swedish roots. I don't know. I think I was influenced by the warm home and the company of another human being.
Autum. A ship that sat in the baltic sea for 333 years. Coco ball. Architecture museum. Churches and lots of pillows.
Love,
Claire
I have relatives in Stockholm. Not just the ones from 100's of years ago who are now in the earth. Living ones. I am not sure how we are related but, family is family. According to the books there is a connection. When Gunilla bought me lunch the first afternoon I wanted to start crying, there was so much food...a very balanced meal too. I think that maybe I will go off brown foods when I get home. bread, chocolate, cheese- i guess this generally isn't borwn, but in norway they have some special cheese, brown cheese.
Stockholm was wonderful. I sat on the water studying a lone rose in front of city hall. I couldn't help but imagine myself living there, or atlest a similar city. It is clean-despite Gunilla's remarks. It is fall now, the leaves are so fresh and the air almost spicey crisp. It is historical and modern. Outdoorsy and urban. Bike and bus friendly. It is a comfortable place. Perhaps I felt some sort of calling because of my Swedish roots. I don't know. I think I was influenced by the warm home and the company of another human being.
Autum. A ship that sat in the baltic sea for 333 years. Coco ball. Architecture museum. Churches and lots of pillows.
Love,
Claire
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