5th of November

I requested to be escorted to the bus stop this am as I was carrying bags and had no idea where it was.  Phillipo was kind enough to take me at 530.  I catch the bus that goes straight to the airport.  So there were a few stops to pick up folks!  I had too much energy to sit still so I walked around at the airport. My flight was delayed, so I kept walking and finally just sat and focused on writing in my journal.  An 830 trip became 855.  I left, one hour from Bergen to Oslo. 


I reached Oslo to only learn that IcelandAir didn't open up till 1130.  Had to wait 1.5 hours, so I did! Journal time.  I get my tickets (I was third in line and waited for nearly 20 minutes).  I get through security, though they did have to check my bags because they though lotion equated to liquids.  Anyways, I had some Norwegian money so I bough myself a neck pillow, even though Taz could get one for free, I needed it-my poor neck did not like the flights.  So second flight was from Oslo back to Iceland.  2.5 hours.  I got food from Oslo, which was made with cheese.  I requested it to be re-cooked and the person was rude and on top of being rude she under-cooked my food.  Maybe she had a bad day, but yet again, I couldn't eat anything.  The layover in Iceland was not to long but I got a souvenir from Iceland and got on the plane for the 6.5 hour flight home.  I wrote a tad bit in the journal.  I didn't have a blanket so I was fairly cold but survived.  I watched movies and got a banana and apple juice.  I made it home and went through the longest customs process in the world!  Thankfully, my only issue with baggage was in Denver, as I got my stuff.  1 hour after customs I was out and met by my parents who took me home.  I unpacked and did some fall cleaning.  I went through my files and old papers and trashed stuff that I no longer needed.




Now since I'm writing this blog and the last 2 on the 16th of November, I gather that most have probably seen my pictures on Facebook and don't need them here.  However, if you would like to see more photos here just write it in a post.  Next adventure is South Korea!!!!




Till the next adventure!

2nd-4th of November

2nd of November


Time for the cruise!  It was amazing my own room, my own bathroom, and a crew ship!  I was so exhausted, I took pictures of the ship and then slept through the departure and probably for a good 1.5-2 hours.  I found a place that could make me food!  I had 3 cups of a apple, pumpkin, raisin tea, I think!  I was surprised to the raisin but it was delicious.  I also had 3 cups of water.  I didn't like my bread from yesterday too much!  I got chicken, salad, bacon, and fries.  I just was so delighted to be in this great ship and be surrounded by fjords and just stunning views.  There was even a gym and an outdoor pool, that I didn't use but I was glad to have the  option available.  I went to the 8th floor for the great views and the internet where I studied for my LCSW exam.  In the evening I went back to my wonderful lunch place and got hot soy milk.  I had someone fix the tv in my room.  I ended up watching a movie that was on about a shipwreck- why!?!?!?! I don't know, but I did.  I went to sleep.


3rd of November


I took a nice shower this morning and was informed that checkout was at 10.  They had a luggage area so I put my big bag there and went back to picture taking and studying.  I got the same lunch as I did yesterday and then watched the views from 12-1400.  After we docked, I felt like I was back at an airport with how luggage was being put out, thankfully I just carried mine.  It was cool to see the cars be driven out.  I asked a security guard how to get to the visitor center.  I went the direction he told me and it was leading to a highway.. I turned asked someone else.  About 4 people later, in the rain, and cold, I found the visitor center.  Sadly, the visitor center closed at 4, so back in the rain I went!  I did sight see a little.  Then I had some yummy Tanzanian food: Pilaf but instead of chicken or beef, it was with fish and coconut cream!  My tummy was happy!!!!!


4th of November
Same issues with obtaining directions.  People were sometimes rude or simply didn't know their way around. Also, like Taz said, places were not labeled! So the map did not correspond with what we saw and then there were names of places that were not on the map or did not seem to be in accordance with how I walked.  Anyways, I saw the Fantoft Stave Church ( I took a bus there) and walked from there to the king's palace.  There was a pre-school at the stave church who were helping the kids work on gross motor and fine motor skills by having them walk on the rocks and the rough path covered with wet leaves.  One youngen fell and looked at me crying so I gave her my hand and helped her a bit of the way and then slowly let it go.  It is so funny how you can determine and see a child's personality despite being so young in age.  So attempt to go to the King's place.  Some people tell me 10 minute walk others say 30 minutes.  I asked about 5 people and finally take a scenic route, in the middle of nowhere.  I find the King's Place only to be informed that they are doing construction work on it so no tours.  After a decent walk of 30-40 minutes.  So I ask for directions back to the church, hoping to receive a path that wouldn't be to long or difficult to figure out.  This guy was right until the crossroads, he told me to go left and my gut said right.  The kids were like we don't know we are not from here.  I asked an elderly fellow who led me on the right path, and as I began my walk I saw the bus station, voila! I returned to Bergen!  I toured Bergen and got all my souvenirs.  Sadly, all the museums opened around 11 and closed at 3.  I missed them.... so I found all the churches.  I got Chinese for dinner.  Hot and sour soup was taken literally- it was "hot" and "sour."   I preferred the spicy chicken and rice with veggies!  Then I looked up a bjj school.  It was right next to a cardio kick/muay thai self-defense school.  I found the BJJ school and they were doing no gi.  I was the only girl and they put me with a beginner who was a "light weight."  Very nice folks!  I think they didn't expect a girl to be comfortable in a no-gi class.  I had to guys even roll with me.  One I had to keep in check so that he didn't bust my knee as I had no brace :O  After that great workout I returned to my room and relaxed-watched movies and packed.

1st of November 2014

Oh yea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I made it to Trondheim and saw my cathedral.  The guy at the front said I could take pictures as long as I wasn't disruptive.  Thankfully, I have a silent option on my camera.  I finally saw the one church that I wanted to see the whole trip-the gothic church!!!!  I also went to Bryggen-an old quaint part of town.    I was really hungry-no breakfast.... there was a food bizarre and I got bread only to be dismayed at the fact that it was frozen.  So I kept touring the area- I found the library and updated my blog.  I finally went back to the food bizarre and got the famous hot dogs; sadly the bread had milk so I had to throw it out.  I also got a fruit smoothie but it was too heavy to handle.  I met up with some Ugandans, who were having a gathering!  I met a Norwegian who went to Uganda and he and I got along with the kids and played with them.  I finally got some yummy food!!!!!!I helped them at this meeting and explained the importance of a website and a Faceboook page and helped them create it.  I think I hit the bed at 2/3 in the morning!

Happy Halloween from Norway

Time to tour the town we got lost in!  We made oatmeal this morning... since I was unable to confirm my cruise b/c the bank card didn't go through, I had to wait three hours to call the bank and give them permission (which should have been done already).  Well I called them and finally was able to get my ticket.  So it was funny, I warmed up water in a microwave that was hidden above the fridge and required that I stood on a stool!!!!! So high, and I felt so tall climbing it.  We added sugar, cinnamon, and persimmon into our oatmeal.  yum..... so while I was on the phone for 30 minutes, on hold might I add, we hiked up the hills to see the Olympic site.  We get there.  May I say, my call to reserve my cruise was much faster, maybe because they were making money ;).  Anyways we walked around in 2-3 degrees Celsius.  We went to Maihaugen which is a town created by a dentist whose hobby was to collect homes!!!! It was closed so we had to see everything by peaking through window.  It was so cold that half-way through we went to the bathroom and warmed up our hands by running it under hot water.  However, time escaped us and Taz had to catch her train. Of we went to the station, but not before stopping at a coffee shop that had hot chocolate that I could have!  So I waited for my train to Trondheim.  I had to warm up my food in front of the fireplace b/c they wouldn't warm it up in the kitchen.  A nice elderly man came and sat across of me and we started chatting about my travels and said to keep doing it!  He was very pleasant, one of the few that I met in Norway.  He envied Taz and I's adventures and told me to keep at it.  He left and I ate!!!! yum!!! luke warm, dehydrated food (the stuff I saved from last nights dinner).  It started to snow!!!! That is how cold it was. 

So oddly, my ticket did not state which gate to leave from, but I asked and got my train- no window seat but still managed to catch pictures.  The guy I sat next to left after 30 minutes and then I took the window seat and relaxed.  I got to Trondheim and relaxed and my place of stay.

29th of October & 30th of October

Today we toured Oslo and Taz was the navigator.  We started around 10ish and went all around and by the end I had tripped and my knee was sore.  I needed ice :/ but I saw everything I wanted to see. We saw the Parliament, the fort, where I took a picture with the statue like guard who barely nodded to say it was ok to take a picture.  We passed the national theatre  and saw the Vigeland Sculpture park.  We found it interesting that being primarily Catholic, this park was allowed.  We learned that we couldn't do the norway in a nutshull due to a flooding in the West.  So we planned to go east- Lillehammer, then Trondheim, then a boat to Bergen and then home.  The online reservation didn't work so we dashed to the metro to take it to the main centre and got our train tickets for the next afternoon (around 2300)

We then went to a bar/tea shop where we stated till about 1 AM.  The bus we were informed to take was wrong so we looked our map and were able to get to our destination.  our host told us to the follow the river back.  Well, the river split so we did our best to follow it.  I saw a fitness centre sign and our host is next to one (and it is crossfit) so we kept following it.  About 30-40 minutes later we had created our own path to his house.  I got an ice pack at the tea place so I iced down and researched the remainder of our trip, got us a place to stay for at least tomorrow, and signed up for couchsurfing.  I slept around 3:30/4.  We had our dehydrated food and home made hot cocoa for dinner!


30th of October
We woke up around 9.  Finished all we bought from the grocery store for breakfast and then went to the grocery store again.  We got chickpeas, tuna in oil, and spagetti noodles.  We took the metro to Oslo Centre.  We looked at the Opera House from the outside and toured in the mini mall in the metro ( sooo cool).  We then took a the train to Lillehammer!  We took a small nap and woke up to the Oslo Fyord.  We had some snacks for lunch.  We arrived to Lillehammer and it took me forever to convert money; this girl and I just arranged for me to giver her my money for hers!  We left our bags and I repacked mine a bit.  We left them in the lockers as we were coming back the next day-we took what we needed.  We wanted to get our tickets for tomorrow but my card didn't work.  So, Taz used hers.  But she got my ticket for 1 AM.  So we had to go to the store get her to fill out a form, cancel the ticket and we had to mail the form for Taz to get a refund.  Then I tried again and was able to get my ticket. 
Taz had a picture of the directions to our guesthouse.  We walked till a shell, asked for directions and then kept walking until we ended up at a dead end (really it was an unsafe unpaved road).  We walked back where this nice middle aged lady led us to the path that would take us to the destination.  In the middle of no-where we go all the way down the path, nada!  We walk a bit up and there is our place ( it was already pitch dark).  Taz and I cooked the pasta that was at the guest house with, the tuna, her olives, and the chickpeas.  I got dehydrated food and the tea.  We left the dehydrated food for tomorrow but devoured everything else. 
I booked a ticket from Bergen to Oslo and planned out Trondheim.  I couldn't get the boat reservation b/c there was no English option so to bed I went around 23/24.

28th of October

We woke up at 5!!!!!! So I had like 3/4 hours of sleep.  We had to drive back to the airport.  It was pitch dark and the sound was Taz and I singing in the car.  We did not see a car for 55 minutes!  There were no northern lights last night nor through the drive.   I pulled out the map to see where we were conidering we had to get gas (below a quarter and we needed to know where the next town was).  We stopped in Borgarnes and got our gas, Taz got coffee and a pastery and I had my fruit bars.  As we got to the city we stopped at a grocery store which wasn't open.  We went back to get a little more gas, we just wanted to use a credit card and went to three gas stations and then finally went back to the first one- he slid his card, we quoted a price and he watched us till we were done.  We got to the airport and couldn't check in so we planned Norway.  Taz could not take my extra box of luggage so we fit it into my duffle bag and hers.  I checked into my flight ( we are on seperate flights),  We used the last of our change to buy bread/crackers and chips for lunch.  We went through security and I got a beep for the first time and got checked and was fine.  We decided to meet in baggage claims.  We arrived to Norway and had to convert 40 dollars to N.Kr because we couldn't get a metro ticket otherwise; we only got 140 kr :O   Anyways we also got our train ticket. 

We get to Oslo Central, sent a text to our host who told us where to go next.  Onward.  We met with him, and then his friend and brother at a bar.  I got a coke.  We chatted about the cultural differences of U.S. and Norway.  We also discussed politics (socialist vs. democratic), health care, education, and units of measurement.  They took us to a grocery store later around 2130 and we got smoked salmon, eggs, and soy milk (yea).  We made scrambled eggs with salmon and had our bread from yesterday and I had some soy milk and then we slept!

sunrise in iceland occurs around 9:30-10

Welcome to Norway

MMMMMM dinner!

27th of October

Taz and I try to get tons done in a day!  Our morning started with our host Julia.  We had a nice cultural discussion.  I pulled my laundry out of the car and let it dry on the heater.  Only a few fit on the heater so I put some on the heater and some I left around the room and then I swapped them....  Wohooooo for laundry being dry and having clothes :)  Yes it is the small things.  We had tea-coffee and discussed studying and being in the U.S. and how she came to be where she is.  She showed us the lambs they selected; they painted one green so that they could keep an eye on it.    We talked about ham and how some can be so inexpensive and some can be so expensive.  It is based on weight so sometimes water is put in to add weight.  She also told us that the government wants to make sure their people are healthy and put all nutritional values on items and are always have information presented.  Apparantly, Julia used to get Cocoa Puff but Iceland created a lower fat version (by lowering the sugar)of it b/c there was too much sugar.   So, we left.

We had a quarter tank of gas so stopped for the first time in our whole trip!!!!!  It was freezing 1 degree/ 2 degree Celsius.  The tank was like frozen shut but I got it open.  However, the machine did not take my credit icard.  Apparantly, I had to go inside, quote a price, get a money card and stick that in.  So we did.  We had an hour and made it to the caves.  They didn't see our reservation b/c their windmill was down and henceforth, their electricity, but Taz had a picture.  We went through the 4 parts of the cave that was created by a volcano eruption, more specifically the lava!  We saw the water cave, the troll cave (where trolls lived, the spirit hall (which used to scare folks), and the guts where I got to drink water from the fountain of youth.  I will forever be and look young!  ahahahahah.  We went to the Hellner Visitor Center where we learned from other tourists that yes, the northern lights did show up, just around 2300-2400 :(  They said it may come out tonight!  Hope!  We continued on to Djupalonssandur.  A beach that has no sand but pebbles!  There are rocks that we attempt to pick up to determine if we are farmers and we both are.  The pebbles-marbles also have the remaints of ship wreck on them!  It was very slippery but a I found an area to practice my Hapkido and balancing!  Taz and I lost each other, but we assumed that the best place to find each other is at the car.  So there we went, to the car and we found each other.    We continued to Amarstapi, a beautiful formation of rocks.  We drove to Buoir but were to tired and cold to hike so we just took pictures.  The glacier hike was closed but we went through the mountain, and got rain, ice, hail, and snow covered roads.  We made it back just fine and had a lovely dinner of boiled fish, with the sauce being lamb fat, and a nice side of mashed potatoes.  I stayed up till 2 to finish things and try to see the northern lights.  No lights  :(

Climbing to the top of the canyon yesterday

Not up yet

still going

cave

cave safety

I am a farmer

where is the sand?!?!?!

Run back here if we get stuck!

Glacier

26th of october

Today is a traveling day to the western part of Iceland.  We stopped at Glymur waterfall.  We hiked to the log and they were taking it down so were unable to continue the trail, but we were told that we could go up the canyon and see the top.  So I told myself, "yes I can."  Up steep muddy hills, the rocks, and ice, and some cold, I made it!  Now Taz got the final picture and she had to help me down.  Somehow we got of the trail- we saw two people and tried to catch up with them but the disappeared. We ended up in shrubbery- Taz felt comfortable following the river; I wanted to follow the road and the poles.  To the river we went!  Through shrubbery, swampy like area, and dead ends being trees.  Eventually, we went with my instinct and saw a guy with a dog.  We were about to ask him, but saw our car next to the... Poles!!!!!!  Taz is getting used to me being all over the place with my thoughts- too hyperactive.    Anyways since we were lost for an hour in the cold, we had to dash to our couch surfing destination such that we would not be lat for dinner so off we went!!!!!

25th of October

Today was the town of Reykjavik!! We went To Perlan for breakfast and to see the view.  I could only have a meat soup but a it was not too yoummy.  Went back to my snacks!  I was navigator again!  We went from here to the Harpa!  A beautiful piece of architecture, creativity and color with awesome views.  Thereafter, we went to the flea market and got some cheap bread that I can eat!  Sadly, my food is bread, popcorn, and the chocolate chips with lots of tea and sometimes dehydrated food!    We. Went to saga museum and ended with dehydrated food again for dinner- chicken and rice and tea.

24th of October

Today was a day of traveling and me being navigator!!! Today as Golden Circle! We changed our Friday and Saturday itinerary.    We started with formations of rocks.  We continued to Bingvellir.    Here an elderly woman asked Taz for help because it was very icy and she needed help getting across a bridge.  I later helped another  elderly lady get to the grass.  We may have had a language behavior but nonverbal cues!!!we learned a lot about the culture and the Vikings.  I loved it!!!  Afterwards we went to the Geysir!  Volcanoes.  I wanted to hike and needed someone to help hold down the seesaw ladder.  I made it up fine for the spectacular view but Taz helped me down.   There was a girl before me who came down the ladder cause she was so nervous.  I told her I would spot her and she said, "thanks, I trust you."  For lunch I had line nuts and found dairy and nut free chocolate chips!!! Wow so that and popcorn, but I didn't eat it all.  We proceeded to the Gullfoss waterfall.  There was an area blocked but we still crossed as was everyone else.  It was icy but I made it.  We ended with Kerio Volcano Crater.    I walked around the crater but going down was too steep for the knee so Taz went down for the picture.  I gather it will take me three years before I am able to hike like I once did without a spotter.  We had our dehydrated beans and rice for dinner and watched Frozen!  We also went to a church but I had used up my first memory card by this point.

23rd of October

Sorry folks pics will come later!!!  For now I will post my friend's pictures.  Mine will come around later.

So, Taz and I are off!!!! There was a guy at the library who wanted me to hang out with him but I'm off to Iceland.  So I waited for Taz at the airport before checking in as I was going to check in her bag.  So she came we checked in.  And then I met all her co-workers.  We then got her checked in.  While waiting for her though,  there were these 5 kids who had these huge kayaks; this lady thought I was with her but I told her nope I'm backpacking with a friend.  She is a lawyer and her sister and brother-in law are going to Iceland too; they said they would give us a ride.  So, Taz got a ticket for a seat behind me but she switched spots with another girl who was supposed to sit with me.  Taz got me dinner because she gets a discount at the airport.  I was quite hungry cause all I ate was the rest of my Pho and a larabar for lunch.  We had to wait for the train to get air bound before eating.  I watched two movies and then slept.  It was hard to sleep because of all the noise but luckily Taz gave me her eye cover.  We arrived, me with a sore neck.

We arrived at 6:30 in the morning to complete darkness.  It was 3 degrees Celsius and we took a shuttle to some cheaper car rentals.  The ones at the airport were to expensive.  We found our car and got a manual as it is cheaper and Taz knows how to drive them b/c that is her car in the U.S.  But guess what I became the navigator with the handy dandy maps!!  So today, we in pretty much darkness, saw the following:

• Bridge between continents
• Gunnuhver / Hopsnes
• Blue lagoon

 We did make a few u-turns but overall we managed the rain, cold, terrain, etc... We got to the blue lagoon and saw a random snow pile.  I was able to buy popcorn only.  Going to the entrance of the lagoon was freezing but the water was warm and smelly!  I did sit on the lounge chair and enjoyed sun bathing for an hour and sleeping.  I woke up and took a shower.  My hair was so hard despite all the conditioner.  Taz and I started the drive to the capital Reykjavik, but had stop at Yo Yo to get directions.  We took a picture of the map.  We got to our guest house and settled in and then drove to town and found a parking.  We walked to find food- fish and chips.  Hard to find in blistering cold weather, rain, and then hail!  We were soaked but found the placed and had some delicious Fish and chips.  They charge extra for sauces!  Our guest house said no food in the rooms :/. Till tomorrow!

  

Denver: 19th of October- 22nd of October

18th of October

As always, I seek adventure.  On the 18th, I did my awesome training at OSA.  Then, I did a seminar at a church with my awesome business partner, Dante.  I continued onward and bought new hiking boots and the new and upcoming Springfield Town Center.  They will have a Dave and Busters, a Hard Times café, and they already have a Movie Theatre with reclining chairs.  Everything in one area!  Who can ask for more.  I got to meet up with Krissy and Alex here.  Krissy was about to lend me her shoes but I found some that covered the ankles.  Knowing my clumsiness, I better buy the ones that protect my ankles.  Afterwards, I met up with Maria to discuss G.A.L.!!!  It is up and coming.  We started developing a mission statement, a vision, costs for services, and a website!!!!!  I got home around 10:30 and began packing.  I may have slept 1 hour and was up and ready to go at 3:30. AM.

19th of October

So, of course, I try to fill out my time sheet, and it gives me problems.  It wouldn't accept my PTO.  I don't know why, but I do know it wouldn't stop giving the error. :/  So as I'm leaving, I'm doing my checklist, and can't find my passport.  Early morning does not suit me.  However, luckily, I knew it was in my day pack and it was, at the bottom.  ahahaha.  I get to Reagan.  I go through the security and was famished.  Luckily around 6, I was able to get a vegan protein bar.  The stand only accepted credit cards and it was like $3.00!!!!!!!!    So I walked around b/c I couldn't sit still and finally was able to board.  Luckily, I didn't have to wait more than 30 minutes.   The first flight I didn't really sleep b/c it was only 30/40 minutes.  Plus, I had to dash out of this flight to get the next one, as the layover was only 30 minutes.  Thankfully, I found some ladies who were concerned about getting to the Denver flight as well.  We all stuck together to make it the other flight and we did!  En route I met many people of all ages, moving, traveling, backpacking, or hunting.  My flight from Denver was one of sleep (minus the picture taking).

 I just crashed.  I arrived in Denver, and my friend Laura (Taz) found me!  Wohooo, however, the sign that says that luggage arrives 20 minutes from you landing, was not so accurate.  My luggage did not come.  The poor guy at claims had to deal with so many people that morning.  So, I asked him about mine, and apparently it was still in D.C.  It hopefully would come by 3.  So Taz provided her cell phone number and address as she would pick up my stuff before coming home.  However, she did want me to meet her colleague, Joel, who is Kenyan and wanted to meet up.  He is from Meru!!!! Wow.  He took me to the bus Kiosk.  However, the next bus did not leave till 12:20.  It was 11.  I was told that it is about a 35 minute drive to downtown (not including traffic).  So thinking it through, that meant that I would get into downtown around 1:15/1:30.  And then Taz would get me in about 3 hours.  Eh.... I decided to stay at the airport.  I had breakfast (my time)/lunch (Colorado time).  It was an Einstein bagel with sausage.  Not to tasty (didn't feel cooked).  Taz and I looked at her pictures from India.  Then I took her IPAD and researched Norway for about 2 hours (in the event that my luggage did not come today). I went back down to claims and the guy told me they put on the flight and it should arrive at 3:15.  So, of course, what was I left to do but tour the airport and the stores and so I did.  I also got a slurpy, coke!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And, was reminded of my students who know how hyper I get when I have one. 

3:15 rolled around and I got my bag and closed out my claim!  Wohoooo.  Laura and I went home.  I repacked my bag and consolidated things into plastic bags.  Laura and I cooked dinner.  We made fried rice (I used a rice cooker :O).  We mixed it with veggies and scrambled egg.  We also had bread with hummus.  Uh oh, tooo many carbs.  Eh, just having fun!  We both crashed around 7 PM.  I sent a message to my college friend, Beth who was a Peace Corps volunteer when I was.  She said she couldn't meet tonight.   Nor could she join us on the trip-sister's wedding.


20th of October

I woke up to the sun shining through the window, at my own pace.  No alarm-no work.  Simply peace.  I had cereal (no milk), juice, and raisins for breakfast at around 8.  I woke up Taz's brother, Matt to start our journey.  He too has never toured Colorado since his move here from Jersey.  So onward!!!!!  I was the navigator.  We decided to go to Dinosaur Ridge.  We get to the visitor center and they had a museum and a bus that went around the trail.  However, I wanted to hike it.  We asked for directions on how to get there, well, they were WRONG! 

We ended up at the Zorro Trail, thinking it may intersect with the Dinosaur Ridge.  We do the whole thing, up hill, over rocks, down  hill and then hit another trail.  However, I realized if we did that trail we would never make it back to our car.   So we tried to find roads back to our car.  Everything was a dead end.  The only way back was by doing Zorro again.  So up the trail we went.  We met another group of people who were returning; they did not complete the trail as one lady just had surgery.  She had her meniscus taken out.  She doesn't have one, nada, nothing!!!!! I offered her my cream to relieve the pain and she said no.  However, eventually, my left knee was hurting because of the overcompensation, and the right was swollen.  But I made it down!!!!! 

We then proceeded to the Red Rocks.  En route we find the entrance for the Dinosaur Ridge trail.  The Red Rocks are beautiful and have a school that is on its foothills.  I initially did not want to hike, but Matt convinced me.  En route we asked people how long the hike is;  we got 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, and 40!!!!!  AHAHAHAHAHAHAH  Well I think it took us 1 hour and 30 minutes just because I was into picture taking and moving a tad bit slow.  Knees hurting coupled with no food since 8 am (it was like 2).  But, I made it to the Amphitheatre!!!  I didn't go further to the Visitor's Center.  I needed to relax.  The Amphitheatre is awesome.  People are very health conscious as the before you hike up the stairs to the top, there is a sign that says burn 40 calories going up the stairs. :O  I was like I already burned more than 40 calories today.  People were running and doing cross fit exercises up all the rows of the Amphitheatre.  We come back down and I saw a street and said to Matt that street will take us back down to the car and won't have to worry about the rough terrain of a trail.  En route, I saw another guy who was on the trail with us (he was touring the area) and Matt and I asked him for a ride down and he agreed.  Yeaaa. 

We drove home and played a card game called flux.  Taz came and we decided to meet up with Beth.  Beth did got confused and thought that 22=10PM (as I told her we were leaving on the 22nd).  She was free.  So Taz, Beth, and I met up for dinner.  I didn't think I would have all my dinner, but given that it was around 4:30/5 and I had eaten last at 8 AM and hiked all day, I finished all my food!  I went home and Laura and I crashed.  We talked about being single and then she made the comment:  "scream like a girl, and you'll get a guy."  A nice joke to the end of the day.  I ended up put cold towels on my knees and on my neck (I slept wrong in the plane).

21st of October

So today Matt told me he couldn't really hike due to sun burn.  I was cool with it-could give my knees a chance to relax.  We drove out to Boulder.  We started at the Visitor's Center, who gave us a guide of things to do for the day and gave us a coupon for a box of free tea at Celestial.  We first went to Pearl Street to check out the mall.  I saw some cool stores and met this awesome Nepali who gave me discounts.  I bought gifts for Taz and Matt for hosting me, but then Matt got me something.  He said that we need to be kinder to each other and lead life peacefully and happily.  I agreed.  We went into a book store and you know I go into a book store, I can't leave without a book.  AHAHAHAHAH.  After having my 2 hours at the mall, we went to the Dushanbe Teahouse.  People were rude about giving directions, but we still got there.  People were rude when we talked to them; they just ignored us.  However, for the most part, I must say, people in Colorado are kind, active, and rarely on their cell phones.  From here we went to Chautauqua the base for all the hikes.  So I got some awesome pictures.  My favorite pictures ended up being ones with the color variance and the hills with the shadows reflected on them.  After taking in this beauty we went to Celestial Seasonings Tea Company which is on Sleepy Time Road.  AHAHAHAH i'm sleepy.....  We got there around and the next tour was at 3.  We didn't want to wait as we wanted to go to the Candy Shop in Denver for free candy (again I haven't eaten lunch yet; breakfast was at 8 am post hapkido/judo workout).  We tried all the different teas and I loved the pumpkin flavored one and that is the one I got for free as well.  We started the drive for the Candy Shop which we didn't go to because the free tours and candy end at 3.  So we went and got linner (lunch & dinner).  We got Pho.  The bowls were huge- I didn't finish my food.  I took it home.  Taz and I packed and then went to the library.  We booked a hotel in Iceland.  We will do Norway bookings during our Iceland stay.  She got her flight tickets.  We then went to target as I needed to get tape for my journal and replace that I used of Taz.  Taz got some medication to numb her mouth.   We made a tuna fish salad on toast for dinner and then crashed. 


22nd of October

Did my hapkido/judo training and meditation this morning-very peaceful.  Ate the rest of my pho for breakfast.  At the library, updated the G.A.L. website and this awesome blog, and hopefully will get some LCSW studying in.  Of to the airport around 2.  Departure at 6:30 PM.   Soooooooo exciting, not that you can tell.

Good bye D.C.

Climbing up Zorro.  Here we begin

View from Zorro Peak

 

View from Zorro Peak

Red Rocks Trail

Red Rocks Trail:  Are these the stairs?  Nope

Red Rocks Amphitheatre



Boulder view; that would have been the trail we hiked

Boulder view continued



Boulder view on the way home

Tornado!!!!!!!!!!!

The city, the homes, the mountain and the colors!

 

15th of October

Taz (short for Tasmanian Devil) and Trob (short for Trouble).  Who is who?  Well Taz is planning the Iceland trip:  glacier hiking, blue lagoon fun, northern lights, volcanoes, and hopefully whale watching!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


I am figuring out Norway.  Can you believe no library has a lonely planet guide for Norway!!!!!!!! :O :O :O  I am left with the Internet.  Norway is small but so big, and can be hard to navigate.  Just the way I like it- adventure!

Next Trip 5th October 2014

So initially it was between India, Thailand, and Iceland.  It started with India.  It changed to Thailand when we thought a friend of ours would be joining us.  4 ladies on a great adventure.... now it's just the 2 of us (Taz and Trob) the dynamic duo!  Iceland we agreed on.  Initially we thought Sweden but we changed that to Norway.  Just got my tickets like about a month ago.  Planning, well, lets say it is going to be spontaneous.  My trip starts in Denver, goes to Iceland, and ends in Norway.  Lots of hiking and beautiful sights and freezing weather ahead of us.  However, we will be singing and doing martial arts the whole way!  Quite excited. 

Sunday 1st June

Since I had to arrive at the airport by 4:30 AM, I took naps throughout the evening, but pretty much stayed up.  Nikki went Liming with Andre and came back at 3 AM.  We started to pack the last bit of stuff.  I took some of the chenna mix to go.  She dropped me off in front of the airport- so I could get my tickets while she found parking.  So when I get my tickets, I'm informed that my flight from Panama City to home was a standby ticket.  I asked why?  They over booked by 5 people.  I told them that is not my fault.  They informed me that when I get to Panama City, I had to go straight to the gate.  Nikki and I hung out till like 5:00 and then we parted and cried.  It was hard to leave my friend.  I had such a fun and great time with her and her friends.  I asked Nikki to call the airlines to see if she could address the situation.  However, they didn't open till 8 AM.  I even asked if I could do an upgrade and they said "no."  So when I got to Panama City, my bus to the gate had already left so I had to walk there.  My knee cramped up but I got there.  I had to go through security.  Everyone assumed I spoke Spanish.  I got through the security and then went to the main desk.  There was a family of four (2 young kids), and gentleman and his wife before me.  People tried to cut the line, but I told them I'm first.  I was told to wait b/c I'm on standby.  However, I saw my name on this sheet o paper and I told the lady that is me.  I got my ticket and boarded my flight.  While leaving I saw another individual on standby start to cry.  I kept going, thanked my stars that I was fine!  I also texted Nikki at the same time, who stated she was being directed to voicemail.   That same lady that was crying was sitting next to me.  I fell asleep on the flight b/c the first one I didn't sleep to well on due to the standby.  I had my last kosher meal with no cuts!  When the flight landed, I checked my surroundings, and I saw nothing left.  I went straight to the bathroom and then to customs.  Got through customs.  Got my luggage!  Yea, it made it :D.  Then there was another security check, for customs, that line took forever.  I started chatting with a girl from Israel who was here to do an internship.  I explained to her how to make a long distance phone call to the US.  I finally got through.  I got picked up by Dante and his son.  We discussed the school and my adventures!  And his awesome Brown Belt achievement!  I got home and started unpacking to only realize that my camera was gone.  I called the airport lost and found (both of them) and left them voicemails.  The airline stated that I had to email.  I got a response rom the airline stating that it takes 25 days to receive information.    The next day the airport called me (one lost and found) and said there is nothing and that means nothing will show up later :(.  I asked for a direct line to the other lost and found.  I called them and they said they will call me back.  I later called Laura (Taz) who stated that 25 days is about right and that they recover lots of items that are left behind.  Well positive thinking!  I can't wait till the end of June!

Friday 30 May 2014

Wow May has flown by!  So today I had an apple for breakfast.  Andre came and visited for a little bit. After he left, we left for Saint Bennedict Monastery.  I had some dates which made Nikki go crazy as she felt I would go crazy; I just had 3. The whole car ride to St. Bennedict was marked by Nikki and I singing and dancing in the car until we arrived.  The place was beautiful.  It overlooked the the city and was breathtaking.  Nikki and I broke rules and went through the monk's home (we just looked from the out side.  we saw the church, got some snacks and proceeded back the way we came.  The monks dress up in all white.  It took Nikki and I some time to leave as the view was spectacular and it is sooo peaceful, but we did after we pulled ourselves away from relaxing and taking pictures.  I bought a small card on Archangel Raphael as he is a healer and ensures good travels!!    We drove to the temple on the the sea in Waterloo.  En route we stopped for Doubles.  Doubles is like a small tortilla, but fuller/thicker with chickpeas and lots of spice inside.  You find Kiosks all around.  So Nikki and I are waiting patiently in line but are never called.  Now this cute, part Asian gentleman helped us out by handing us a napkin and telling us where to wait and he took a picture of us.  We talked a bit about the football team he supports.  Shucks, forgot his number!   Ok so we get to the temple!   Now the this is a Hindu Temple.  It is also Indian Arrival Day.  Indian Arrival Day honors the day when Indian first came to the islands.  It is a huge celebration.  They put up a plaque in honor of this day.  The last individuals surviving from this day were there.  One was 102!  People were taking pictures and enjoying :D  So we go to the temple and it is like a mix of dry and slush.  Looking far north you could see the ocean and boats.  We asked why it was like this; b/c of the dry season and that the tides are low :(  We went inside  to see the large statues.  I knew most of them, but there were two I didn't recognize.  I asked for information, and the lady said we would have to give a "donation" to get information.  Now to my knowledge a donation should be provided as something one wants to do, not forced to do.  I gave 1 TT.  We got our information and left.  We then tried to find the big statue of Lord Ganesh!  We asked all these people.  It was quite far down aways.  However, Nikki asked me to ask for directions this time around and no one could understand my accent.  When we were going to the Temple on the Sea, we asked the guys from a Kiosk directions.  When we returned we asked for water, and as Nikki asked if anyone of us needed anything else, I took her water bottle and put it around the face as the outside was cool.  The guy laughed and told me to buy a water and throw the water on myself.  The Lord Ganesh statue was huge!!!!!!  Nikki asked what the coconuts are for.  I said they are for fertility.  I also looked it up, and when you break, it is supposed to break the ego.  It is also used to help spiritual growth.    As we left I developed hives on my arms and felt very weak and cold.  I took my Clorox wipes, that I bought at the supermarket here, and wiped down everything, to clean everything off.  I put lotion on to cool the itching.  But I still felt, eh.  We got to Fort George at which point I felt very dizzy.  I still managed to climb hills, and see everything.  The view of Port of Spain and beyond was amazing.  However, I knew I needed food.  So we went back down and went to the the next available spot.  I got chicken.  I took a picture of the place, which was right next to a bar.  A lot of folks were drunk, one was dancing in the middle of the road.    So, as I was taking this picture, one of these guys videotaped me.   Then he proceeded to videotape all the girls that were there (our backs/bottoms).  One of the girls looked at me and then looked at him and was like what are you doing and I told her not to worry about it as safety is always first.  Why start a fight that doesn't need to begin.  While we were leaving to our next destination, a man asked us for money.  Nikki's mom packed some chicken for him, which he smelled and gave back.  We saved it for the dogs!  I also got a Sprite.  So the food and soda kicked in, and we were singing again!  This time to Bollywood stations.  We got to the Caroni Bird Sanctuary.  We didn't go to the Pitch Swamp as they weren't calling us back to confirm our visit, and we didn't want to drive that far to have it be closed, considering it is a holiday today!  However the Sanctuary was an awesome 2.5 hours of seeing animals, birds,snakes, fish, snails, etc.  We also had a baby who was very cute and playful so Nikki and I found her to be the highlight of this adventure.  Our guide pulled over to give us information and to also inform us to lower our voices so that we could see the birds; noises make them fly of.    The biggest attraction was to see the national bird.  We got to a tree and all the birds flew in.  The blue and white birds went inside the bush and the red stayed on the outside.    On the way back to the entrance, I began singing Hakuna Matata and Lean on Me to which Nikki did the dance moves and the beat. So, it was too early to just end the day (it was 6:30 PM).  So the plan was to go to the pool and swim or watch a movie, neither of which happened, because we met Nikki's paternal grandparents and aunt.    Nikki's aunt's birthday is tomorrow and she is so proud of her age and the fact that she does 4 miles 3x a week.   We went home and then to Santa Rosa to pick up supplies for Nikki's event on Saturday.  Unlike the U.S., where you hardly get greetings, here you have to plan out visiting people here b/c you may be around for an hour just chatting!  Just like when we visited Nikki and Andre's friend, it was unscheduled.  We just showed up and sat there and chilled in the car for about two hours.  That rarely happens in the U.S.  We are to focused on the dependency on technology.  We came home and made homemade mango juice.  I freaked out this am when Nikki's mom used her hand as a cutting board!  I told her I'm a bumsee when it comes to cutting.  After taking out the seed and the skin, you blend the mango, with water and ice.  You just mix in a bit of lemon, sugar and biter, and that is all!  So sweet.

Oh and I burned my eye but touching it after eating food which had spices in it :/  Luckily it wasn't too bad!

Well tomorrow is the last day here :( so sad.  Will make the most of it!

At the Monastery 

Temple on the Sea

Fort George

Sanctuary