Going home

Heading back to the US today

Stuck in the UK

After a world tour I finished in Paris and England. I was to fly home today but due to the flight bans I will not be able to get home until April 22. This is only if the flight ban doesnt last longer. However, now I am missing 2 days of class, which is about a months worth of classes. So pray that I get home and thank the Lord that He allowed me to be in a place that I have friends and a place to stay. I can't wait to get home.

Norway and Hamburg, Germany: Sorry for the late update

Here is a photo updated of the last 2 weeks of Norway and Hamburg, Germany. The study abroad is now done but if you like feel free to follow me to Paris and England for my last 2 weeks before going back to the states.
Norway

Tromso, Norway
Bearded Seal at the Polaria Museum, Tromso

Northern Lights over the city of Tromso


Spitsbergen at 78 degrees North Latitude.

Standing on Frozen Sea Dog Sledding

Hamburg, Germany
On top of St.
Michael Cathedral
Luneburg

Exploring Berlin

At the Botanical Gardens
With Dinos in the Natural History Museum
Aquarium
Jellyfish at the aquarium
Palace
Humboldt University
March 17, 2010
Happy St. Patricks day! Ok woke up and got breakfast and got the room ready for class. People came and we had class for about an hour and a half. After that I had lunch in the room and got on the internet for a bit.
At 1pm I was ready to go and we headed out and got the bus to Charlottenburg. We then took a tour of the palace. The rooms are designed like a French palace. So took get to another room you have to go through the first one. Much of the palace is restored due to the bombing in WWII. A few piece in different parts are original. The ceilings had elaborate paintings on them. But they chose to not try to restore them because there was very few pictures of them.
We then walked the part that Fredrick the Great used. It looked like marble but it was all plaster work. It was really cool. I had the audio guide but it was hard to follow and would have taken twice as long to finish the tour. I picked up some postcards afterwards to send to people. After that I waited outside until the rest of the group finished.
We then walked behind the palace to the gardens. They are neatly trimmed gardens. In the distance I could see the trees growing more wild. We then tried to walk to the picnic building but it was already closed. So we headed back on our own.
I stopped at the thrift store with a few people. I was able to find one long sleeve shirt. Tomorrow I still plan to go shopping since it is really hard for me to find pants. I was getting hungry as always.
Clay and I had Korean BBQ because no one else wanted to. It was really good. We had pork and beef. Kinda pricey but it was worth the price. Then headed back to the hotel to use the internet and write postcards. Later in the evening I headed out with some of the group and went to a bar and had a drink to celebrate St. Patrick's day. Everything is very expensive, even the beer.

March 18, 2010
Free day! So was up early and had breakfast. Started by myself and then more people showed up. During that time I asked about seeing a performance today. So it was decided to go. Almost everyone wanted to go.
I then did some laundry and finished my travel essay. That I had a light early lunch.
It was shopping time! Me, and a few of the girls headed to H&M. I found a pair of pants and long sleeve purple shirt. I was unsuccessful in finding a watch but I should be fine I think. I then headed to Starbucks for coffee and free internet. Its cool how they do it here. If you plan to stay they give you a mug of the size. Such a wonderful idea because it saves on waste of paper cups.
Then headed back to the hotel and finished more work. I was getting hungry so I headed out for food. I stopped at a store and ended up finding a cute pair of purple heels. I also got a hat that is cute as well as warm. I have a whole new outfit now. I then got fast food Chinese. It was ok, I met Denny and a group on the way back.
At 7pm we headed to the concert. I took the underground, railway. We then got to the theater and it is just beautiful. I know I use that word a lot but it really was. In the main area high up were the different Greek and Roman gods. Underneath were the busts of famous composers and musicians. We were in the choir loft but still had good sound. There was a few pieces I did not know but they did play Vivaldi and Mozart. During the pause there was drinks. I shared champagne with Sigrid. After the pause I was able to change seats to the side and was able to see almost everything except for some violins that I had seen before. That sound was awesome! There is a pipe organ and on the other side is Greek columns that are white and gold. The concert was very nice and I am glad that I went.
We then walked towards the Holocaust memorial. I walked through it and it was very emotional. The ground looks even but its not and it was not what I was expecting and made me a little uncomfortable, scared and sad. It is supposed to be uneven and changing because all those had to deal with the confusing ups and downs that was happening to them. There are blocks that look like coffins starting almost flat and getting taller.
We then walked to the Gate and saw the place that the Berlin wall was. Finally we caught the bus. We got off and were going to get another one but it was faster to walk. I ended up by myself but I have been very confident and unafraid of anything happening. It was also nice to be able to go off alone and not worry because most of the time people do not know I am a foreigner. I have a new trick now too. If someone tries to speak English to me and I don’t want to I can say I don’t speak English in Spanish, the only Spanish I know, and then they will leave me alone I think.
Anyways made it back to the hotel. Cleaned up and took a shower. Shirts dried but not my socks or pj pants. Anyways supper tired and going to bed.

March 19, 2010
I was up early and it must be due from getting up early that my body is getting use to it. We had class but it was very short so that we could do different things. We took the underground to an art gallery.
We saw some paintings and drawings about Humboldt s travels and some of his own drawings and letters to the artists. It was interesting. We got on the 200 bus and headed to the museum that has the Egyptian stuff.
We couldn’t get in. This time we were told they only have so many group tickets and you have to call ahead to get them. So didn’t get to go in again. Oh well it wont kill me for not seeing it. We grabbed a bus and headed for lunch. For 3 euros I got a Vietnamese box of noodles. It was right next to a train station. There was a memorial there for the trains that went in and out of there. It was trains of life and trains of death. During WWII they were used by those to go about everyday life as well as taking people to there deaths. Really sad while eating..
Took the underground to the Natural History museum. It was cool but most of the top floor was closed. All the fossils were on display. The dinosaur bones were cool.
In the evening I went to a concert. It was Mozart’s Requiem along with a piece from Bach and another person. I enjoyed it very much. It was different from the requiem I sang at Hiram. This one was much darker and intense.

March 20, 2010
Today was a free day. I was up early and planned to go rent a bike and bike the parks in Berlin. Well scratch that because it is raining today.
I made a lunch and then got ready to go to the aquarium instead. I went with Anh. We walked all the way to the Zoo Aquarium. First we stopped and got umbrellas at the Euro store. I am trying to put color into what I have and wear so I got a dark green umbrella.
At the Aquarium we got student priced tickets. The regular price is like 12 euros and we got it for 9 euros. The aquarium was nice. It wasn’t very big. Most of the tanks were small ones with the fish in them. They had lionfish, puffers, boxfish, cowfish, clown fish, triggerfish and much more. They also had freshwater fish. They had some really big fish from South America. Oh in one tank was a electric eel and then one of the larger tanks had a green moray.
The sharks were in small tanks and it made me sad and angry. They had a sand tiger shark that had to be over 6 feet. It was huge and had no room to swim. There was nurse sharks, leopard sharks, black tip reef sharks, and guitar sharks. On the top floor was reptiles.
In the big area was turtles and crocodiles. The one was huge and I felt bad that it had such a small space. I am not an animal activist but at least give it room so that it can have some space away from people. I went back down and saw a whole bunch of Jellyfish and some deep sea fish. They were called flashlight fish. On the bottom of their eyes are these lights that they use for a variety of things.
After the aquarium I looked at some boots but didn’t find any, which was a good thing in the end. I took the 200 bus and got off at the park. Then I walked the park. In one of the ponds was a nesting swan. I snapped a photo at a safe distance. What I really wanted was to find a place quite but it never happened. In one area I was walking behind the zoo and was able to see some birds, Llamas, camels and ostriches.
I was then out of the park and had plenty of time on my hands so I went to the train station to get my ticket. The ticket from Hamburg to Paris was twice the amount I had planned for! It was 93euros, which is about 126 USD. So know I have to figure out what to due with less then 500USD for the rest for the rest of the trip and still have to pay for the hostel in Paris. I need to remember that God will provide. I did have enough to get a bell from Berlin.
When I got back to the Pension I found out that David, Sigrid and Denny were going to go to hear a choir at the Kaiser Wilhelm Church. I went along and it was a boys choir from England. It was very good and the organist played excellent on the pipe organ.
After that I got dinner with the professors. I got a beer and the lady asked if I wanted it opened and I said yes. Then as she was opening it she stopped and asked my age. I told her but I was laughing because that was the first time I have been asked since this trip started. All in all not a bad day.

March 21, 2010
Another free day. Was up by 7:30am to have breakfast by 8am. At 9am I went with Denny, and two of the girls to the Dome cathedral to have church and listen to the choir again.
Grabbed the 100 bus and made it in time. It is a beautiful Lutheran church that was rebuilt after the war. Of course I couldn’t understand much because it was all in German. I did sing along with the songs. At the end of service Denny told us a little about what the sermon was about. Then headed back to the hotel.
I then made lunch and worked on a few things. Then headed to starbucks for internet. I got more stressed because my future roommate wrote and told me the college didn’t have my deposit. Ahhhh! I hate that things cost so much here!
Was going to go to a concert but I was stressed and didn’t feel like it. I was trying to distress myself but it wasn’t working. Becky got me to relax by helping with fish id in photos.
We then headed out to get kebap. We were able to distress for a short time. Then we got pastries. we talked and laughed the rest of the way back to the hotel. Good distress time.
Then I worked on stuff and felt much more relaxed

March 22, 2010
Last day in Berlin. It was breakfast first but I had a hard time waking up. Also I wasn’t very hungry today. We had class from 9:30am to about noon.
I had lunch in the room, since I still had bread, peanut butter and jelly leftover. After that I got ready to go to the Botanical Gardens. We took the underground and then the S bon to the gardens.
They are gardens that have a variety of plants. The first section we stopped at had a whole bunch from the US and most were like what grows in Ohio. It was really nice. Also the sun was shining and it was very warm out today. We walked towards the hot house/greenhouses. I lost some of the group so I started to go through them myself.
I got some wonderful pictures. There was cactus in one area that I started at. There was also tropical and it made me feel back in Thailand. A lot of flowers blooming. In one area was a variety of birds. They were singing away making it feel like spring. After going through the houses I walked outside and enjoyed the sunshine. I felt like I was in something like the Huntington Library Gardens. If I had known this was so easy to get to I would have come on my own earlier, but then again today was the perfect weather.
Then got back to the street I am staying on and went to the post office. I got stamps and then walked back to the hotel to put them on the postcards. The Pension staff was really nice and offered to put it with their mail so I wouldn’t have to walk far to send them. Then I grabbed my laptop and headed to star bucks for internet. I got a few things done, like classes for the fall. I also got to talk to Nee-san, Erin.
I then went back to the Pension and started packing since I cannot due it last minute or I stress. I guess that is a good and bad thing lol. So now all packed up and relaxed. I just have my prompt 3 to finish and then the blog when my group gets together. So mostly caught up on work. Oh and some observations need to be done but I am not feeling so stressed now.
Tomorrow its off early to Norway.
March 24, 2010
Now in Tromso Norway. Its cold with lots of snow on the ground but I like it. The place staying is a cute little hotel. It allows us to cook our own food because it has a full kitchen. I cant wait to explore the place. 2 more weeks of the trip left and then 2 weeks after that in Paris and London.

Turkey to Berlin

At a horse farm in turkey
In Ephesus
Waterfall in Turkey
At the site of Troy
March 6, 2010
Travel
Arrive in Turkey at around 7pm. It is very cold and the long underwear is getting pulled out along with the heavy coat and gloves. It was late but we still went and had dinner. The hotel is super nice and feels like high class to me due to being in the different places. Although the hotel the last night in Bangkok was really nice as well.
Dinner was under a bridge. There were a bunch of restaurants there. Aysen got us to one of them and we had pasta and meat along with soup and salad. Here soup is served and then salad. So its almost always a full course meal.
When back at the hotel I packed my backpack for the next 2 nights. Turkey feels like luxury now due to the nice hotel. Have to head to bed because its an early day tomorrow.

March 7, 2010
Breakfast was wonderful. It had the bread and cheese still but there was scrambled eggs and coco puffs. I loved it but I still would like some good French toast or a omelet filled with cheese and ham. After breakfasted headed to the bus and we made it out on time at 8am, no more Indian and African time! We were on the bus for about 2 hours before getting on a ferry to take us to Canakkale. There we headed out to see the ruins of Troy.
When we got to Troy it was cold and windy. It was very exciting to see Troy because of translating Virgil’s Aeneid in High School. The Iliad and the Odyssey were talked about more because is talks more about the location and the reason why Troy was found. It has about 9 cities on the site. Omar and Virgil’s Troy was most likely 6 and 7 Troy because that was when the time fits and during the 7th the doors are barricaded along with huge water jars and small houses. The reason it was buried is because the houses were of mostly mud brick and the brick when broken was just left in the city. The sea is now far from the city due to soil kept falling into the bay causing a marsh to appear causing mosquitoes to come making people leave the city. The horse used in the production of the movie Troy is in Canakkale as a gift from the people who made the film. Aysen kept telling us we were going to see Brad Pitt until we got to the horse.
We then went to the Hotel Helen. There we had dinner. For desert there was a wonderful mouthwatering chocolate pudding. It was very good. After dinner we had a short class and then given free time to work on things. The town is very cute. In Turkey Greeks were living and then after the World War I the Greeks had to move to Greece and the Turks into Turkey so a lot of the building have Greek look to them.

March 8, 2010
Got up and had breakfast at 8am. Then I packed up and got to the bus. We headed to the University.
We were given a tour of the Agua culture and oceanography labs. After that they gave a presentation of the underwater world. It really made me want to come back and dive the waters here. Tea was served as well. After that we headed off to lunch.
Lunch was hamburger. It was ok but it did satisfy my hamburger cravings. After that we were off for a long bus ride again to the hotel that was about 3 hours away.
So most of the day was stuck on the bus. When we were almost thee we had to stop because the bus had problems. It got fixed and we were on our way in less then a half hour. Car problems just seem to be following the group.
When we got to the hotel we had tea before dinner. The dinner was good, except for the cold veggies. I was so full that it was hard to eat everything. Then Aysen presented 2 chocolate cakes for Ladies/ Womens day. I ate as much of the slice as I could. In the end I was so full that it hurt. We also got olive oil and soap as a present from Aysen and her husband.

March 9, 2010
Woke up refreshed and had breakfast at 9am. I got my day pack together and headed to the bus for a long day.
The first stop was a island to see a Greek church. The island had a small Greek fishing village look and must be busy in the summer. I watched as a cat and dog had a little fight with barking and hissing going on. Denny pulled us away saying we are not here to observe cats and dogs. There are lots of cats here in Turkey, almost more then in Egypt. The church is suppose to be restored but nothing is happening. It was pretty but the rain was making it no fun to be outside.
We got back to the bus and drove about an hour, I swear I am seeing most of Turkey from a bus. We stopped at a place that makes olive oil. In the old building there was a small museum. We took a look around and the owner explained a little about what the different machines did. Then he took us to the new building and showed us how it was made. The making season is over now but during the season they have about ten tons of olive oil made a day. It was then taste testing the oil. It is a lot like wine testing and was funny watching people try it. I was hungry and I am sure others were too so we left in order to get food.
Lunch was very filling made by Aysen husband. Food just kept coming of meat, bread and pasta. We were suppose to have a picnic but the weather is cold and was raining earlier so we where in a heated gazebo. By the end I was very very full. At least I got to walk it off as we took a jeep up the mountain. We then hiked down to a beautiful waterfall.
It was fun to explore on our own. I loved being out in the environment like the old days. I miss the days of outdoor days like Alaska, Hawaii, the field trips in India, Maldives and Tanzania. So refreshing to be outdoors. A few of the boys got in the freezing cold water like crazy people. Then it was hike back up time and I had no problem YAY!
All of us were cold so we went back to the lunch spot and had tea and warmed up by the stove. Then back on the bus to the hotel. Relaxed until dinner. Dinner was good but for the cold veggies again.


March 10, 2010
Same wake up time but had to make sure I had everything with me this time. I had breakfast and then got on the bus again for another long ride.
We headed toward Bergama to see Pergamum. In Bergama there are over a thousand Greek houses and they are not allowed to be torn down by anyone here. Also on some of the houses were names at the tops made by the Greeks when they felt because they hoped to return again. I saw numbers on the houses as well and I wonder if they were the numbers for the Greek houses in the City. We stopped at a old temple that was turned into a basilica and now mosque with some areas of ruins. It was cool to see but I would have liked to explore inside it.
We then went to Acropolis of Pergamon. We had a guide that not bad. He kept saying my dear guest or dear friends when he wanted our attention. It was interesting to see this city on the hill that looked out over the land. In the distance was the old remnants of Roman aqueducts. The city was taken over many times but was mostly Greek. Then when the Romans came it was given by a Greek King to the Romans as a gift. There is an area that the alter of Zeus stood. It was taken down piece by piece by a German and now is in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin. It was cold and windy and once again I was hungry. We headed down the mountain/hill to the city.
Lunch was a buffet of Turkish food. Some of it I had tried before but some was new. It was a good meal. When finished it was back on the bus to see the first Ancient Hospital ruins. That was very interesting but still a bunch of ruins. The only reason it could have been abandoned is because the Acropolis was. I like seeing these ancient ruins that most people think are only in Greece, Rome or other places.
Back on the bus for another long 3 hour ride. We go to the hotel and had dinner. The place is very touristy. Dinner was ok but I think the other hotels had better food.

March 11, 2010
I was so tired last night that I slept like a log. As soon as I hit the pillow I was out. This morning I was up by 7:30am because I wanted to have breakfast at 8am to be ready to go at 9:15am.
The bus ride was a lot shorter, about an hour. We stopped and used the ATM and then headed towards Efes which is the biblical Ephesus. It was so wonderful to see the place that the Apostle Paul went to. The city was a mix of Greek and Roman because there was Greek writing and Latin as well. Sorry Mr. Rossbach but my Latin translating skills have gone down. I did recognize the word for noble. We walked through the streets and looked at different parts of the city.
On a funny note when we got to the toilets that have been mostly reconstructed all of us students sat down and took a group photo. It was really funny. Liz is getting back to her old self with jokes and singing again. We took a group photo at the library and then headed to the amphitheater.
At the amphitheater David and other were trying to get some people to sing. They kept asking other and finally I semi volunteered to sing Amazing Grace to show the acoustics of the place. So it came to be Becky, Me, Liz, Nate and Allen. We sang it and it was thrilling. If I could have remembered the rest I would have continued. It was thrilling to hear the sound. I loved it and kept getting louder because the sound was so beautiful. I was really proud of myself. Amazing Grace was then stuck in my head for the rest of the day. Look what this trip is doing making me almost fearless of certain things like singing in front of a huge audience or climbing mountains of unstable sandstone.
After that I picked up some postcards and then went back to the bus. When I got on Aysen put on my wrist a bracelet that she had gotten for me and the girls for having courage and singing. It’s the evil eye, that in Turkey is like a protection, with green beads and a lion with moons and keys. The boys got magnets. Singing paid off because now I have a souvenir and some bragging rights.
We had lunch and then went to the St. John Basilica. Supposedly the body of the Apostle John was buried here but not coffin or body has been found. It was a beautiful set of ruins. Most reconstructed due to an earthquake leveled the place. It was used as a mosque when the Turks invaded. After that we went to the place that supposedly is the house of the last day of Mary, Jesus mother.
Anyways we then headed back to the hotel and I repacked and worked until dinner. Dinner was good today. There was chicken off the bone and French fries! It s was good and I have been eating too much. Tomorrow we go to an Alumni house and then start the trip back to Istanbul.

March 12, 2010
Today was a early morning as well as a long day. We were out of the hotel by 8:30am for the long drive.
The first stop was at the house of an Alumni. It was their horse farm and vineyard. Melis, her husband and parents showed the group their horses. They have thoroughbreds and some Arabians. They breed the thoroughbreds and have about 120 horses all together. One of their Arabians just one a race yesterday. It was a good time being with the horse and petting them.
After looking at the horses we were showed the winery. They have just started and have their 2008 and 2009 wines for sampling. The 2008 they made by hand and the 2009 was made with help of machines. In 6 to 10 years look for the company Mosaic because it was good wine. I got to try the 2009. It was really good wine.
We then headed to lunch with Melis and her family. They were very kind and paid for the group and well as gave us wine for the bus ride. We then walked around the small town. We stopped because these were some pastries that tasted like donuts that people were handing out. It is a tradition that after 40days after a death in the family the family members pay for a company to make these and hand them out to people. The daughter asked us over and said that her father would have been very happy because he always loved feeding people. It was very tasty.
We then got back on the bus and had the 5 hour drive to the hotel. I was going to go crazy after awhile. We did have some goodies, wine and juice on the bus. It seems every time we are on the bus I am getting fed something. We finally made it to the hotel around 8:30pm
It is really nice hotel, even nicer then the last few. This is 5 star and the dinner was delicious that once again I ate way too much. Afterwards a group all went down to the thermal pool for about 10 minutes. As soon as I got in it was super nice. The water was look warm and felt really good after being in the bus for so long. Unfortunately we couldn’t stay long because it was closing but it was nice for those few minutes.
have lots of work to do and hopefully I can get it all done before leaving Turkey.

March 13, 2010
Was up by 8am and down at breakfast around 8:30am. I was one of the first ones there, even beat Denny, who is an early riser. We left the hotel at around 10:30am. We are in Bursa and went and saw the Green Mosque, which is a tomb and then the mosque built after the tomb. The town was really cute but at the same time had some New York flare to it.
Then at a 2 hour bus ride to the ferryboat. It was a 45minute ferryboat. On the boat Denny handed out chocolate and then got us grilled cheese sandwiches. I like the ferry and did not like having to get back on the bus. The final bus ride was 2 hours to Istanbul.
We then stopped to view the Bosporus that separates the Europe and Asia side of Turkey. We are staying on the Europe side now. We went over a huge bridge from the Asia to Europe side. Before going to the hotel we went to the bazaar. It is one of the largest bazaars in Turkey. The group was given 2 hours to explore. was fun but I felt like 2 hours was too long of time. All the shops got repetitive and the prices where high with many not willing to barter with you.
It was then time to go to the hotel and then dinner. At dinner I had chicken kabobs. They gave us soup, then salad and dips for bread before the main meal and then fruit for desert.

March 14, 2010
Woke up for breakfast and then headed out around 10am to go sightseeing. The first stop was the Hagia Sofia. It is an old Christian church from when Istanbul was Constantinople. It was beautiful and the restoration is making it really interesting. When the Turks conquered they covered with about 5 layers of plaster. They have uncovered a few of the mosaics that were very nice and its would be cool if they uncovered them all because I think they are much nicer pieces of art then the painted flowers. After being there 2 hours many people were ready to go and I was getting hungry.
We then waited for prayers to end to go into the Blue Mosque. It has another name but I don’t remember what it was called. It was very pretty with the ceramic tiles. It was hard to get good pictures because of the way the lighting was. I was very hungry and other people must have been too because then we headed to lunch.
Lunch was pizza and I finished one just by myself. The people at my table started complaining about free time so finally I got tired of the complaining and asked Denny. At first David and him said no due to having to have class. In the end we got free time until 7:30pm, which was dinner. I went with Liz, Brenna, Becky and Allen. We got some scarves and then went and got candy. It was this thing that tasted like bubble gum and ice cream. It was soft and very good. We then went and dropped off postcards then headed to find a café with real coffee and pastries. We found a ice cream and café. I had a cappuccino and raspberry cake. It was mouth watering, delicious cake that put a smile on my face. Wow that was redundant lol. The others got stuff and it was really good to lighten the mood. I was very much happy by the end.
It was then back to hotel. Had dinner around 7:30pm. Lots of food again and Aysen brought sweets. After that we had class.

March 15, 2010
Today woke up early compared to some people. I had breakfast and then headed back to the room to finish some homework, which I am still behind in. I went to find a post office but couldn’t find it. It was a really nice day today and it was refreshing to go out and walk. At around 10am Denny gave out food money. We had to find our own lunch. Its good because people have been bitching about not being able to go and find their own food.
I found a place that made a kabob sandwich and took it back to the room for lunch. I ate it there and finished more work be for going down to meet the bus.
The was the fasted we had ever gotten on something. The bus was blocking traffic so we all rushed and threw the stuff on and headed out in about 10minutes or less. We then drove to the airport where Aysen said goodbye. The plan went to Latvia and we rushed off due to a late departure and it turned out that flight was delayed as well. We got sandwiches because Airbaltic does not even give free water! We arrived in Berlin around 8pm. I changed money and sadly the dollar is no longer an advantage. We then took the public bus to the hotel.
The hotel is Pension Funk. It was a set of apartments for rich and now a hotel style place to stay. It really is nice and it feels like I stepped into something from pride and prejudice. All the rooms have antique furniture and the pillows are feather pillows and feather comforters. It was to be 5 girls in the room but one girl moved to a room to make it a triple so now only four girls.
After everyone got settled in we headed out to find something to eat. I wanted a pub but it didn’t work. One of the girls wanted Pizza and I spotted one place that said Pizza for 1,50 euros. So we all went there instead of McDonalds. It was good. I was able to get pizza and a coke for about 3 euros. It was fun to relax and laugh with people.
In the art gallery there is an artist featured that was a graduate from Hiram.

March 16, 2010
Class was held from 10am to about noon. David talked about Berlin and its history and such. Denny then presented us with our transportation passes and maps. I marked out a few places that I wanted to go but that might be scratched. At the zoo is an aquarium that I want to go to now. So maybe Thursday is shopping and then the zoo on Saturday and then church and gardens on Sunday.
We then got on a bus to the center hub of buses and trains. Got on a free double decked bus and went to old East Germany and stopped near the opera house and Humboldt University. The first stop was the memorial that was originally made by the east Germans to those oppressed by the Third Reich. After East Germany and West Germany came together it was turned into a memorial of those oppressed by tyranny, aka the east Germans. So the statue replaced the eternal flame. It was very interesting to see and hear the history.
Then it was to the museums. First was to be the Egyptian and then Pergamon but a huge crowd came ahead so we decided to do the Pergamon first. It was awesome seeing the alter of Zeus and pieces from Athena’s temple after seeing the Pergamon site in Turkey. There was also the Gate of Ishtar and other Babylonian artifacts. I was glade to see those because I have only seen them in pictures.
We then headed to the Egyptian Museum but they wouldn’t let us in : ( so we headed back to the hotel. Took the bus again and headed back to the hotel. Once there I washed some clothes and then headed out to dinner.
I went with Liz, Caitlin and Matt. We walked a lot trying to find a place. Finally 3 of us got currywurst, fries and coke. Liz got a vegetarian meal and joined us. It was really good. The lady who ran the shop knew very good English and we found out that she was from Greece originally. She was really nice and I wouldn’t mind going back before leaving Berlin. Liz and I then headed back trying to find a place for internet. Turns out Starbucks gives free wifi. I got some star bucks and then we went back to the Pension Funk. I talked a little with the other American group saying how happy we were to hear English and understand what someone is saying.
Then went back to Pension Funk and cleaned up my area and organized a little bit so it doesn’t look to bad when we have class in the room tomorrow.

The White Desert
Sand Dunes in the Black Desert
Giza Pyramids
On the Nile River

March 3, 2010
Been in Egypt for 3 days now and haven’t done any writing about what has been going on. So here is the facts.
March 1, 2010
-Arrived at 2am at Cairo airport. The plane ride where much harder on me then before. People from the hotel met us with a bus and we headed to the hotel in Downtown Cairo. The architect here is very different from the other places and has a mix of old British style and ancient Egypt flare.
Woke up at 7am and took a shower and then headed for breakfast that was bread and cheese. There was also tea as always. After Breakfast I was able to get myself ready to go to the Egyptian Antiquities Museum. I was so excited because I have always wanted to come to Egypt and go to the museum. Also this time I get to have lots of time to free explore. The last time I was with a big group in New York I wasn’t with people that were into the museum so this will be nice because it seems that mostly everyone has a keen interest in the museum.
We are right across from the museum and we walked across the street with cars coming at us. There was a lot of security and cameras were not allowed inside the museum. So I had to leave my camera at the hotel so no pictures to document the time spent. Spend from noon to 2pm looking at the bottom floors with Denny, David and Sigrid because they had the map and the guidebooks. That was just the first floor. Its not as well organized as some museums because some things have descriptions and then new stuff is just placed in front of it with little or no description of the piece. The guidebook helped with the major pieces but most of the time those had descriptions on the display.
At around 2pm went out for lunch but I wanted to see King Tut’s exhibit so I walked back on my own and didn’t really have any problems. Saw the King Tut gold mask along with his coffins. The mummy isn’t on display due to the fragility of it. Two of the girls paid for the royal mummies and I wish I had. It was fun to see because some of the treasures I saw in 2008 in Michigan so I was able to focus my attention on the things I had not seen, which were a lot. After seeing King Tut I looked around more and there are just so many coffins and treasures everywhere. At 4pm I left still not seeing everything but very happy and I would love to come back with my sisters because I know that they would enjoy it very much.
Headed back to the hotel and got on a bus to go on a tour of the Nile. Was on just boats with seats and food was already prepared in takeout style. But still fun because I can say I was on the Nile River. The boat I was on stalled for some time so we were attached to the second boat until we got the motor up and running. It was a short trip but now I can say I was on the Nile River. When I think of the Nile I picture the ancient Egypt and it was hard for me to realize I was on the Nile with all the huge buildings and bridges on the river.
-Headed back to the hotel and then went to the Windsor for drinks. Went through the shopping area and people were out and about with there families. This was at like 9pm at night and it is so different from India and Thailand. I feel much safer here and the streets are much cleaner and have a New York feel to it. If it weren’t for the girls in headdresses I would have forgotten I was in Egypt. The time at Windsor was nice. It was a bar that was once an officers club during the British control. I enjoyed the time to relax and just talk with people about this and that. If there was more time I would like to come back but I don’t think I will be able to.
Got back to the hotel and was going to work on school but was too tired and just relaxed and checked email.

March 2, 2010
Today was a full day of touring the pyramids of Egypt. We were on a huge tour bus and had a guide with us who spoke pretty good English. The first stop was Memphis.
At the Memphis open air museum I saw one of the 2 statues that was found of Ramses the second. It was found in Aswan and had been in the mud so one side has a lot of erosion. After that we were given free time to look at the different statues and other artifacts. They are not sure how big Memphis was because all original walls are no longer there and this was just one site where they found things.
After Memphis the group headed of toward Sakkara. There we were able to go into one of the oldest tombs found. The Pyramid is just sand now due to erosion but the tomb is intact. I had to bend down to walk inside and we were not allowed to take pictures of the hieroglyphics on the walls. It is very small and only has 3 chambers that are small. The coffin is still there. In one of the chambers it had an eco to it. It was then time to head out because of all the things we had to see. I had to bend down again to go up and out of the tomb. It is easier to go out then to come into the tomb.
Next was the Step Pyramid and the Temple that was part of it. There was such amazing details and the stonework was beautiful. The Pyramid itself is being restored but we were able to see the outside. I always thought that pyramids were like the ones in Giza with strait sides and it was fun to learn that they were like steps going up. In the distance was some of the first pyramids constructed with the strait sides so the sides are leaning a little bit.
After that we headed for lunch before going to the Giza Pyramids. Lunch was at a touristy place but the food was good and I was very hungry. Then we got to the Giza Pyramids. There are 3 large pyramids and then 3 small ones of the queens. I really wanted to go inside the biggest one but we didn’t have time to go and see it. It was weird being on this ancient site and having the booming modern city right next to its landscape. One of the exciting things was there has been some resent discoveries of tombs of some of the builders of the pyramids and sphinx. There was some smaller tombs but we didn’t get told much about. I ended up asking and it was tombs of nobles. I wish I could have explored more but the sights were closing so we had to move on.
The final stop was at a papyrus museum/ art gallery. We learned about how papyrus paper is made and then they tried to sell us stuff. We did get good discounts because we are students. My student Id card came in handy for the places that were visited. After that we headed back to the hotel through the terrible traffic of Cairo. I had dinner at the hotel because the day made me super tired again.

Today
Got up and out of the hotel by 8am to head to the Bahariyya Oasis. We were on the bus for about 6 hours and finally got in at around 2pm. We had lunch and then were taken to the hotel.
it’s a small hotel but its clean and air-conditioned, which we didn’t need, and that is what counts. We were only at the hotel for about a half hour before we got picked up by the land cruisers for a tour of the Oasis.
The first stop was the center of the oasis at the date palm grove. At the Oasis they grow dates and apricots as well. In the ancient times the water was on the surface now they have to pump about 1 thousand meters to reach the water. Also the water comes out hot not cold as some people would think. Its were to see the green and right next to it is a hill of sand. After that we went to look at the salt lake. The lake is too salty to be of use to anything but flamingos come and eat from it at certain times of the year.
We then went to another side of the oasis. It was fun to be driving on the sand. The drivers are really fast in order to get across the sand and that is one of the only was to get to certain areas. We reached a mountain that looked like a pyramid of sandstone. I climbed to the top and was very proud of myself. By the time I was close it was like I was on a drug or something wanting to get to the top. I wasn’t as tired after that and it felt good that my old self would not have done that before. The change is mental and physical for me now. Caitlin and I took to long so we got slightly scolded by the drivers.
We then saw the old pump for the new pump for one of the spring. It goes down over a thousand meters to get water. It was really neat to see it. Almost every year a new one has to be put in. After that we headed to an area of shale and watched the sunset and got a panoramic view of most of the oasis.
Then back to the hotel and had dinner. Some people went into the pool. I just watched because I forgot my swimsuit and was to tired to go in and try to dry my clothes.

March 4, 2010
Ate breakfast and then headed out after having some class time. We went to the black and white desert.
We had to go offloading to get a site in the Black desert but the desert stretches for a long way so while driving to other sport we were still inside the black desert. It is basalt that is the black layer over the landscape. It was cool to see and it makes me wish to go back into geology. Its too bad I cant minor in it.
We then went to a Sand dune. It was huge and so cool. I have learned about sand dunes but this just blew me away. The one side of coming off the mountain and slowing narrowed and then there was s steep drop before the dune started again. We climbed to the top and it is harder then I thought. The sand is very soft so my feet were falling up to the ankles. I got to the top and looked down at those who didn’t come up and they were very small. We took picture and then walked down. I tried to slide down but it didn’t work so I walked down. I had to lift my feet every time to get them out of the sand to move down. It wasn’t that scary to go down.
We then entered the white desert that is a national park. The first stop was an area that was formed from Quartz and Mica. It was really nice and I love seeing the quartz formations. After that we headed towards the campsite. The stone around there is limestone. So the bottom is eroding before most of the top causing the mushroom look. I got in a slight heated debate over Tim calling it chalk because when in geology class chalk and limestone were 2 different things.
We got to the campsite and hung out around the fire and then had dinner. It was rice and chicken. After that there was music and dancing by the fire before bed. Liz and I stayed in a tent in hopes to keep the bugs away. The only thing is the tent to far from the rest of the group.

March 5, 2010
Got up around 6am. It was so cold last night that I couldn’t keep warm so I kept waking up and going back to sleep. The tent did keep the bugs out because some of the people that slept outside had bug bites. There was fox tracks from a few foxes that came out at night to see what was up. I guess Swaffy woke up with one right in front of him.
We then had breakfast and headed out of the White desert. We stopped at a few sites and found fossils of seashells and acorns. It just proves that the area was underwater at one time and that means that there was a flood. We then headed back to Cairo. It wasn’t that bad this time and we made it in the 4 hour due to no stops and no traffic. Along the way a new part of towns were coming up and then after that there was a lot of farmland in the area.
It felt weird being in that big bus in the middle of the city. I hate standing out and looking like the typical tourist. When we got back I headed out for dinner. It was very cheap and good. It was Egyptian food so it was fun to get local flavor.

March 6, 2010
Travel
Arrive in Turkey
Have dinner and stayed at a really nice hotel
For those who have read the news about the earthquake in Turkey just to let you know that it was in the east and I am on the coast in the West so it did not effect me and the group.

Update for Mumbai and Tazania

Photos from Tanzania



















Feb. 18, 2010
Around 4am finally got to Max Chinai’s house. At 8:30am I got up to have tea with Max and his son. The tea was a lot stronger then the others I have had in India. I was asked to introduce myself and say what my expectations were. To be true I really don’t have many. Not that I don’t expect anything just I want to try and not worry about getting things done. Live day by day as if the Lord is coming that day. Although it is really hard and I still am kicking myself for not having my Bible or remembering verses. I remember a few but never a reference. I have been having praise songs come into my head, Thank you AWANA!
I worked on a few things. I fixed one of the guys shirt. It was nice to but my skills to use. I then napped for here and there. I then wanted to go eat but didn’t want to go by myself so Anh was kind enough to come with me and we headed to subway that is super close to the house. How much have I been craving a sandwich that I even had turkey on it! I am so proud of myself for being adventurous this trip.
I finished hand washing few things I didn’t give to the washman before working on different stuff. Then I headed to the area looking down on the beach. I was able to watch a beautiful Indian Sunset over the shore. It was interesting to see the beach full of people. Its as if the live revolves around the beach at sunrise and sunset. People were playing soccer, cricket and other games. Some were just walking along the shore and some sitting on and around rocks. Twice I saw people riding horses on the shore in the surf zone, not something seen in the U.S. that’s for sure. Some people were walking their dogs. One had a German Sheppard which is the first I have seen since getting out of the U.S. I hung out on the lawn for awhile and then Sigrid let us go to her room and make phone calls home.
It was really hard not to start crying over the phone as I called mom and dad for the first time since Hawaii. It was like 6am for them but they seemed happy that I called them. I was limited to 5 minutes and went about 6 minutes. I really wish I had more time and I wish I asked Mom to pray with me but I ran out of time. I think tomorrow I am going to ask if I can call and ask right away to have mom pray with me. After that I headed back to the room and got some dinner at subway again.


Feb. 19, 2010
Having Just called my parents I am feeling much better. I have felt a hunger for the Lord and been feeling very down and having a hard time with being in a area that is against God and around people who openly defy and make fun of my Lord and Savior.
So today at 7am we had tea with Max and his son. It was nice and they talked about some of their Hiram experience. We then headed out for downtown sight seeing.
Downtown
-Gopi’s washing clothes. It was an area that all the clothes come and are washed. Some people were waving to us. Once again we were badgered by people to get us to buy things.
-University but couldn’t get into the library because the guards said no even though everyone else told us we could. It was just them pushing their weight around on us.
-Saw the Mercy and Justice statues: Justice as a one eyed monkey messing with the scales.
-Victoria Terminal. It was really crowded to get to but it was a pretty station and looked better then all the other stations. It’s a huge station and also a world heritage site.
-Gate of India. It was a gate made for one of the kings to come into Mumbai. Its right next to the water. Right across form it is the Taj Mahal Hotel were a terrorist attack happened where guests were shot in there rooms and the place was lighted on fire. A gruesome attack on foreigners.
-Taj Mahal Hotel: We went inside and had to go through a ton of security and got into the new building. Its really an upclass hotel and expensive. We went to the staircase and Denny told us a little about what happened. Some people felt uncomfortable being there and I don’t blame them.
-We then headed Leopold for lunch but couldn’t get lunch but some did. Oh well. I then got some scarves for people and didn’t haggle very well. I also got some Indian garb for myself. They need some tailoring because they are cheap. I think when I get home I am going to go to the fabric district and find some scarves material that matches the embroidery on them. The pants will need some work as well but I didn’t mind getting them and it give me something to work on when I get home. Maybe Nee-san will come with me.
We then headed back to the taxis and went to the shore drive area before heading to the hanging gardens. The gardens are very well kept for India and I think its due to Mumbai having a lot of richer people and it is a richer city altogether.
I got back and had coffee with Max. David, Sigrid and Denny. It was could to visit even if I didn’t really say anything. I was then able to make a phone call home and had mom and dad pray with me.
-Got ready for the wedding
I went to eat with the group. Maybe I have been skimping on the meals but at the same time I look at the price before my stomach and don’t splurge on things, if it looks too pricy I will go somewhere else. Here I am fine with subway but people keep thinking I am not eating enough. I am its just I try not to spend too much to save. Also that means in the end of each place I can eat better ; )
Got back and went on the balcony until the bride showed up. She was wearing red with the dress just covered in jewels and glitter. She has henna on hands and feet and bangles, some that tangle down like bells and look really heavy. The groom is in a ivory with glitter stuff on it. Max son introduced us and the Bride spoke in English to me. This wedding is the reception part. Basically everyone just comes and eats and greets the bride and groom. They have been standing since 10pm and its past midnight. Supposedly they don’t eat until most of the other people have eaten and when they eat people are watching them and they have to eat slow so that people can take pictures.
One of the girls got surrounded by the kids while others by university students. One little girl asked me my religion, which was very interesting. I answered Baptist because that is the closest to what I am. How interesting because I just had mom and dad pray for me today. Have some irritation to the group and I think its because I am so tired and my mind and body are under stress.
So tea tomorrow at 9am and then hopefully brunch/breakfast and then group agreed that we have to finish the blog after breakfast and then start on the second blog after lunch. I hope to caught up on journals, blogs, letters and my essay.

Feb. 20, 2010
Tea at 9am this time due to the late night last night. The lawn is just a mess with trash everywhere. I feel sorry for the people who have to pick it up.
I’m not feeling good and just emotions are all jacked up right now. I was able to call home and talk to mom, Paula, Nee-san and Mrs. Smith. It was good but mom fell and hurt herself at work. I shouldn’t worry but I am. It will all work out in the end.
. The group got together and it went blah and I am frustrated so I took it to David for a review. In the end I ended up blowing up at my group and slammed the door and walked out. I really shouldn’t have done that.
Got in dress for pictures and Swami G. I was still upset and must have looked like a spoiled kid. Swami G came and I listen but started to fall asleep. Fell a little bit, oops! Some of the kids were interested and some weren’t but for the different reasons then the one I was making it hard for me to talk about it.
Mood was much better when heading out with some of the group to dinner. and was able to have a good conversation with one of the girls about movies and one of the guys gave me a small bag of Gummi bears!
Dinner was dumplings and noodles. So much food that I couldn’t finish.
Walked back and took a shower and packed up and found my brush which I couldn’t find most of the day..

Feb. 21, 2010
I woke up very refreshed and ready for tea. We then found out that it wasn’t until 9am and not 8am. As soon as my head hit the pillow I was back asleep. My body and mind were more tired then I thought. We then had tea and Max and his shared more about their time at Hiram.
Walked with one of the girls and headed to ATM. Pin wasn’t working so I couldn’t withdraw but my card still works because I found that out a lunch.
I then worked on essay and finished it and turned it in. That’s one less thing for me to worry about. Worked on more stuff before heading to lunch. That was getting to be bad because I had to pay with my card due to using some of the cash Denny had given to me. Finally Swaffy and Tim came with me to the Winery and ate there. There was a later dinner at 10pm so lunch was at like 3pm
Slept for at least 2 hours before getting up and finishing the blog to put it up.
Went to get blog up loaded. That was just disaster. I finally got the page up and the pictures didn’t show up. So I tried to upload them and it didn’t seem to be working. I did it 3 times and then stopped. Well they did upload they just weren’t showing me that it was finished until I refreshed the whole page. Then the pictures were to big and wouldn’t work on the page. Needless to say I had been working on it for an hour. So I was pissed and had a blow up again. I yelled at the others and sulked. Well the others are working on it now but how hard was it for them to help the first time? They kept saying I don’t care, so finally if they don’t care then we can all get F’s.
Went up for dinner, which was curry. It reminded me of the curry my mom first made when she started making curry, just no chicken in it. Nate talked to me and calmed me down. Then Denny came out with a cake and we started singing. I was looking at Max and said his name when I heard Swaffy and my name said. They had 3 cakes! And our names were on one. Nate brought mine out and I was able to blow out the candles. It was a mocha cake, chocolate truffle cake and pineapple cake. I was just so shocked that it made me super happy. Now I feel really bad about acting so bad earlier.
Harish and Max talked and then his son started talking about his mother and how he wished she could be here. He then opened a box and had each of us take a necklace or pair of earrings his mother had made. I started to tear up but due to the mad tears I didn’t have much left. It was just so wonderful to be here even if the rawr parts came out, but those were due to reasons not of this place.
Now heading to bed.

Feb. 22, 2010
Woke up at 2 and headed to the airport.
Airport. I had no problem getting through immigration but others did due that stamp again. I had some coffee and food and then plane.
Fell asleep and had some very weird dreams and then was woken up to food. We then landed in Ethiopia for a short layover. Ethiopia then plane to Tanzania. We stopped in Kenya for refueling and stayed on the plane.
We got to Tanzania and when I got out of the plane and it was raining and cloudy outside with some humidity.
Immigration was a hassle because you had to show that you had been vaccinated for yellow fever and such.
Got on the bus and got to the compound around 3pm. it’s a catholic compound and has a high school at it. I napped for a little bit.
Dinner at Pepes. We had pizza, pasta and fish.
Now going to bed in a mosquito net.

Feb. 23,2010
Woke up for breakfast around 7am. I then consolidated what I needed for 2 night in the bush and then locked my big bag and had it stored with everyone else’s bags.
At around 11am the safari vehicles came. They are land cruisers and can hold 7 in the back and then the driver and another person in front. Our driver is Simbo. When we got in he said Simbo or Simba worked as well. All the way he talked and pointed out stuff for us along the way.
It was then about a 2 hour drive to the first safari area. Along the way when I was in the nodding off stage of sleep I heard an terrible noise come from the back on the car. The tire had blown out and we were going over 50. Simbo did good and got us to the side of the road safely and we all got out. The tire had stripped and the inside had torn in an area. It looks like one of the smog pipes got damaged as well. It was scary because he could have ended up worst. The Lord was there protecting us that was for sure, even if the others in the car didn’t realize it. All the cars stopped and quickly worked on getting the spare on. They are full tires and each vehicle has 2. Some Masai Warriors stopped and inspected the vehicle as well. As they were fixing the tire a few people stopped to see if everything was ok and it was.
We then headed to Lake Manyara. Along the way we stopped and people came to the car and tried to sell us stuff. They wanted to then trade but they wanted my watch for other things. I cant part with that because I need it and it would have been worth 5 of those necklaces. We then left.
We got to Lake Manyara for the first Safari. The top of the vehicle goes up and we stood and saw the view around us. There was so much wildlife to see. The excitement just kept growing.
The first things I saw was gazelles and they had a young with them. It was clear they knew we were there and they just kept looking strait at the vehicle. We then moved on toward the hippo pool. At the Hippo pool was a whole bunch of hippos in the water. Some were out and about. At times there was grunts that came from them that is a type of communication. Also at the pool was stork all around the water. I just kept thinking of my Caitlin how she likes hippos and how she would have liked to see these creatures. Never in my life did I think I would see one in the wild. After that the driver heard that there was some tree lions out and about so we went off to find them.
Along the way I saw giraffes! They are so adorable! Also we found an elephant right on the road grazing. We got all excited and took lots of pictures as if it was the only one we would see. We then moved along and ran into about 2 herds of elephants or it might have all been one. There was male and females along with some baby elephants. Simbo said that the female was the leader of this group it seemed. So more of a matriarchal community. There was also zebras and giraffes with baby giraffes! On the soda lake was what looked like a band of pink. It was a band of flamingos! They were hard to get a good picture of but it was such a sight to see. I never would have thought to see this in my life. I can hardly believe that it is real.
In the end we never found the lions but another group did. Simbo was sad but it was ok and we headed out of the park towards camp.
Got to camp. Had beds in the tents! I thought I was going to be roughing it but I guess not. It doesn’t feel like I am camping. These two nights should be fun. We had dinner around 7pm and while we were eating we lost power. Lol go figure. So we pulled out flashlights but all the bugs swarmed the lights and the food as well. By that time I was mostly done with dinner so it didn’t matter too much. The bathrooms are new and we are the first to use them and they are still building some as well.
There is another American group that is here. They don’t have a professor and are in Tanzania and then Kenya. It would be cool to talk to them but I don’t know if there will be much time.

Feb. 24,2010
Breakfast at 7am because it was a full day of safari. At around 8am to vehicles for Ngorongoro Crater. We had to go up the outer edge of the crater and stopped to take pictures looking down into the crater.
Ngorongoro Crater from like 10am to about 4pm. We headed down from the more forest into a savannah. Right at the beginning we saw elephants. They were eating the bark off of the trees. One elephant practically broke the branch off one of the trees and it was a big branch. We then kept going and got to a part were it had stripped trees from elephant activity. No giraffes are in the crater due to there being no trees for them to eat. We saw a lot of zebra and wildebeests together. They are together because the zebra has good eyes so the wildebeest follow them. According to Simbo its because the wildebeest are dumb. The zebras were also with the Buffalo.
The buffalo are much different from the ones in the US. That’s because the ones in the US are Bison not buffalo. These are black and have horns that come from the top of the head like a shield. There was also ostriches in the crater. They are very cool up close. I felt like I was at the Wild animal park in San Diego.
We saw some warthogs running along and we yelled PUMBA! So after that Simbo called them pumpas for us every time we saw some. At the end we saw a pumpa family with a momma, papa, and babies. I saw a ton of birds along with some more hippos and baboons.
The best part was when I saw the lions. Saw just 2 and got excited and then saw a whole pride. After that when heading to the lunch area I saw more and the male with a full mane stood up for us and moved. It was so awesome to see these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. The other great thing was the Black Rhinos. We saw 2 with babies from far away and then 2 closer. We had to turn around and got stuck in the mud. So my group had to get out of the car. We were able to get out almost in front of the Rhinos! It was awesome and I got some good pictures. There was so much to see that the pictures speak better then I can.
I was just tired and my face windblown. We had an early dinner and then had class before heading off to bed.

Feb. 25, 2010
Breakfast at 7:30am, was very refreshed when stepping out of tent. Drizzled last night so Anh and I had to put the flaps down. We loaded up the vehicles and headed out for the last day of safari. We went to Tarangire. At the beginning all there was birds and then some giraffes. We saw the river and other features.
I saw ostriches and there was these flies that got into the vehicle and started biting me and some of the others. They even bit through the clothing. So I pulled out my bug spray and started spraying. We also saw some water buck and a lizard in a termite mound. We then head to lunch.
Lunch was interesting. The food was good and I had most of it done but for a little. Then a monkey was walking out side the fence. It got up and we were like oh its going to beg for food. Nope it jumped so fast and grabbed my lunch bag that only had trash and little bit of veggies left. The Monkey and me got in a tug a war over my lunch bag and that guy would not let go. He got it as Simbo came up to throw rocks at it. The guy barred its teach and tore a hole out of the bag and ran off with the veggies that I had left over. It was a bad monkey. Simbo that started telling us how it sees us coming with the lunches and thinks it is feeding time, a very bad monkey. The other were warned and another group watched it happened and were warned. The monkey went for their food and the lady and the monkey started swinging back and forth. She ended up hitting it with the lunch box and some food fell out. It left and then came back for the spilled food. I felt bad at first for throwing rocks but it should be eating and learning things like that. When we got back in the car Simbo asked how was the monkey and we said it was a very bad monkey.
For the rest of the safari was saw elephants far away and up close. When they were close my camera battery died. We saw some Rock myarax, which look like ferrets. Also we saw a water monitor lizard come out of the water! I was tired by the end again and fell asleep on the way back.
Headed back to Arusha. We got back and boy was I tired. I thanked Simbo and the group in the vehicle took a picture with him. If anyone wants to go on a safari go on the Aardvark Safaris and get Simbo.
I then showered and packed a little. Dinner at Pepes again but it is really good food and the price isn’t bad because we share everything. After that we got ice cream to treat ourselves. Now its time for bed because I am super tired. Those safaris wear me out. My pictures are better then my words.

Feb. 26, 2010
Card still not working with pin number. Finally got internet but it was so slow I couldn’t send anything. Caitlin was going to let me use her phone but it wasn’t working but she was able to send an email thank goodness. After that people offered to let me borrow but I hate borrowing money. Well might have to and just write a receipt for them. I got some teary eyed and that needs to stop now.
Breakfast and then class which was literature and biomes class. After that 2 girls are gone to Kenya and are coming back before we leave.
The rest of the group then headed to Arusha for lunch. We had buffet style food and it wasn’t too bad. We then headed to market. The atm wasn’t working for me still. People are worse here then India. They follow you everywhere! The one guy wouldn’t leave us around and we got surrounded at one point. No harm was done but its not comfortable to be in having all these people following you and trying to talk in order to get you to buy something. They just follow you non stop until you go into something.
I met back up with Denny and got some postcards and sent 2 and now have one more to send. I then walked back with Denny and Caitlin and was planning to work on homework. I came back and was able to do laundry and get some work done but not as much as I would like. My body is just exhausted and wants to sleep.
I got super slow internet that frustrated me. But after that we headed to an Ethiopian restaurant for dinner. It was chicken, lamb and other stuff. You took bread that was kinda sour and placed what you wanted inside it. It was no a silverware style meal but I used it once in awhile. It was really good. We then walked back and I worked on some stuff but not as much as I would have liked. I cant let myself get this far behind again.
Oh and my toenail is now fully gone. Lol it doesn’t feel like it but when I look it is. I hope it will grow back before I get to Germany but who knows.

Feb. 27, 2010
Today was mostly rest. I didn’t eat breakfast and slept in as much as I could. Got internet and the lady over charged me so no I owe one of the girls money. I was able to work on some stuff and then went for lunch.
I had udon at a Japanese restaurant. It was very good. After that I packed up and worked on my blog and prompt. The blog is roughly done but needs much more work. The prompt isn’t due yet but I have a basic outline done. I am really glade that I have the travel writing done.
Dinner was at Pepes again. There was thunder rumbling in and as soon as we sat down the rain just started to downpour. It wasn’t bad because we were covered but man it rained like crazy. I was able to get a beer and am able to hold them down better and am adjusting to the taste and becoming picky about them.
Walked back and have been working on things. Its still raining hard again.

Feb. 28, 2010
Thank you mom so much! And Caitlin as well for letting use the internet on her phone! The card is working now! YAY! Thank you Lord! I need to remember not to freak out and trust that the Lord will work it all out.
Now at the airport waiting for the flight to Egypt.