Belgium

Antwerp was short lived. Paris called so Natalie (Iranian Audrey Hepburn) and (Californian, disorgabuzzed) Amanda and I took off for a French adventure. But you can bet we snagged some Belgian chocolate before hopping the train. Too much to say.

DAAAANMARK

As I said before, Copenhagen is the happiest place on earth. Crime doesn’t really exist – just bicycle bells and ferris wheels and impressive graphic design. I explored the art museums and the jazz festival with Molly from Portland. She’s one of my favorites – genuine and sarcastic…with an eruptive laugh somewhat like ‘Mt.. Saint Jena.’ It makes me feel at home ☺

The Magic School Boat

Ship buzz is all about how unbearable Professor Lynch is in his drawn out lectures during the (required) Global Studies course. But I eat that stuff right up. He looks / acts like Mr. Bean and wears a bow tie to class. It doesn’t get more entertaining than that. He means business though. Along with the rest of the academic board…Two students have been flown home for plagiarism. Cut throat!

Not hard to find in Russia:

tacky wedding dresses, mullets, roller bladers, mean mugs, ice cream stands, girls named Natasha, convenient store robberies, palaces, onion domes, bad maps, women in heels, statues of Peter the Great, European art, tourist scams, and vodka.

onward to RUSSIA!

Still charmed from Norway, we've said our goodbye's and are traveling at about 13 knots. Bergen, Norway has left me with vibrant memories of a dimly lit harbor that lasts til morning, troll statues on every corner, and lush landscapes passing as we rode the train to a local extreme sports festival. We should arrive in St. Petersberg before long. Professors are attempting to teach us the most important Russian phrases "I don't understand," "where is the U.S. embassy?" and "I don't speak Russian." I've learned a good deal about the history of Russia - a fascinating and confusing place. I have so much to share but have to now go take a biology exam. I'm told I can take it on the back deck as long as I'm careful not to let the scantron fly away with the wind. But I don't think I'd mind seeing it go.