going, going, going

Europe is such an interesting place... Each country has a unique personality to it, and each city a history of its own. Its amazing for me to see and walk around cities that have been in existance for much longer than the founding of my own country. While I was in France, a roommate of mine had it pointed out to her while she was visiting Spain, just how many other people have walked over where she was standing and how many events have taken place within the view of what she could see. Since she shared this story with me, it is as if I have seen Europe in a whole new light as well. There is so much to see and compare here.

Right now I am in Norway- where the majority of my family came from. And let me say it is sort of surreal!.... yeah :) After traveling from country to country, I have finally come to one that is a part of my history. And the fact that I am visiting distant relatives as I stay here makes that feeling all that much more real.

It is a beautiful country. Spread out wide with beautiful hillsides and forests lush with trees. Just today we went to the beach side and swam in a enormous lake. It was cold, but my Minnesota blood could take it :) I have come to appreciate days of rest while traveling. Really... just laying, enjoying company, reading, and socializing. Its almost like a self and relationship catch up. (I should specify as to say, not days when I am just figuring out my life via the internet--- no days primarily off the computer.) You feel at ease and ready to go on with the rest of the week. While I was in the Czech Republic I experienced a day like this too. I had been staying with a family of two of my friends from my home University and that Sunday it was planned to go to their camp (similar to a cabin). Here we layed in hammocks, unafraid of letting ourselves fall asleep, read, walked through the woods, took our time at enjoying the meal, socialized, and later played some rounds of cards (I love playing cards). It was great. It is definitley something I hope to make time for back when I am back in the US, and especially when school starts.

Anyways, travels have been good. I am sort of torn as my time here comes to an end. I am starting to become more anxious to come home but love how much I have been blessed to see and experience. Ha, I will definitley need to take a self catch up day right before I return though. So that when asked the "infamous" ---- how was your trip--- question. haha...

As far as what I have left before I return- I am with Liv, Ragnhild, and Ingrid until Friday- then Saturday I go see the fyords, next I visit a friend of my dads in Germany (ha but figuring out details and telling her when in particular I am actually coming!), and then go back to Paris a final time to say final goodbyes and catchups with friends and see last bits of the city! Then the 28th... home james :)

(will write a more interesting post soon... this one was just a -- whooo--- catch up!) ... hope you understand :)