That's right. I'm coming back to the US for a limited time only so get your Em-fix while you can! After nearly a year of international travel I am packing my bags once again and flying high over an ocean blue. I will miss so much about the great continent of Europe but it is time to visit the fam and friends. There is something about a person that changes with excessive travel. I have obviously fallen in love with every place I have traveled to, but as much as I miss Finland or Norway or Ireland, I am constantly aware of a stronger urge to go somewhere new. I keep adding to this list I have created of places I want to visit again, but I'm not sure that I ever will. The earth is full of fantastical places and given the short time I am allowed to live it seems such a waste to revisit old favorite spots versus discovering new ones. So recently instead of adding to my list of places to revisit, I have started a new list of places I want to go. Here's a sample:
The Marble Cathedral of Chile: It is rather challenging to get to, but anything worth having doesn't come without a bit of effort.
The Great Pyramid of Giza. Ok it doesn't necessarily have to be the Pyramid of Giza, any Pyramid will do. I suppose I just really want to go to Egypt.
New Zealand....mainly the mountains and remote site locations from LOTR.
The Great Barrier Reef. I will need to take some diving lessons prior to this excursion. Should be amazing!
This list could continue for page after page. Needless to say I have years of travel ahead of me, but at the moment I am taking a break from hopping about and intend to stay in Lapland for a year at Capelapland/Hetta Huskies. http://www.capelapland.com/. I miss my huskies too much to stay away and plan to return at the end of September. As for after Lapland, I have no plans at the moment and am open for suggestions! Also if you are aware of an amazing place on earth that you feel should definitely be on my list...please let me know!!! In the meantime, see those of you who live in the US in just 2 short days!
Em
Monday, August 1, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
The Rain in Spain...is nonexistent!
So...the last time I posted on my blog it was springtime in Ireland and I was all abuzz with flowers and green things. I suppose those of you who follow my blog have probably been wondering what I've been doing in the meantime. Well to begin I spent two amazing, wonderful, mind-blowing months in Norway and will never be the same. It is impossible for me to describe the sense of joy living in such a beautiful place gave me. From sea kayaking with seals to hiking under the midnight sun, everything I did was surrounded by surreal mountains of mist and glittering glass-like bays. Despite recent attacks in Oslo, Norway is still in my top 5 places to live the remainder of my life.
But Norway is in the past now and as I don't like to write about the past, I will have to skip over the more impressive parts of that trip and fast forward to present day. Now I am in Spain, roughly 22k from Vilafranca de Pendes, high in the mountains with views of the vineyards and distant peaks. Whereas in Norway I was managing a campground and renting out kayaks, here I am taking groups on bike tours through the countryside and tasting cava (spain's version of champagne) for a new review of the 50 greatest cavas in Spain. I also sample a selection of fine wines every evening with my gourmet meals. Yes my life is very hard indeed. In addition to my blissful work, the weather here is absolutely perfect. Warm, dry heat fills the afternoons and then tappers off to perfect cool evenings with light breezes carrying over to the following mornings, making my morning runs delightful! And this isn't just a rare occurrence to be treasured...this happens every day! You don't even need AC. I thought that Spain would be sort of miserable for me since I despise heat in any form, but I actually LOVE it here! I am already planning a more in-depth tour of Spain for next summer...any takers? Add-ons are welcome!
Unfortunately I only stay here for 1 more week before returning to dreaded Arkansas where I hear the summer weather has been abysmal. Oh well. At least I have a road trip to Cali to look forward to followed soon after by a return to the arctic. Dreaming of the arctic chill makes the Arkansas humidity seem a little bit more bearable...but only a little. For other blogpost updates from me, check out my blogs on www.winepleasures.com. See you stateside!
Em
But Norway is in the past now and as I don't like to write about the past, I will have to skip over the more impressive parts of that trip and fast forward to present day. Now I am in Spain, roughly 22k from Vilafranca de Pendes, high in the mountains with views of the vineyards and distant peaks. Whereas in Norway I was managing a campground and renting out kayaks, here I am taking groups on bike tours through the countryside and tasting cava (spain's version of champagne) for a new review of the 50 greatest cavas in Spain. I also sample a selection of fine wines every evening with my gourmet meals. Yes my life is very hard indeed. In addition to my blissful work, the weather here is absolutely perfect. Warm, dry heat fills the afternoons and then tappers off to perfect cool evenings with light breezes carrying over to the following mornings, making my morning runs delightful! And this isn't just a rare occurrence to be treasured...this happens every day! You don't even need AC. I thought that Spain would be sort of miserable for me since I despise heat in any form, but I actually LOVE it here! I am already planning a more in-depth tour of Spain for next summer...any takers? Add-ons are welcome!
Em
Friday, April 15, 2011
My Favorite Week of Spring
It is now mid-April and Ireland is in full bloom. The week I have been anticipating for 2 months is finally approaching and I am thrilled to be able to experience it before moving on to Norway. You are probably wondering to which week I am referring...well my dear friends that would be the magical week of spring where the leaves on the trees are bright green, the tulips are in their prime and the blossoms on the trees release a wonderful fragrance that ensnares the senses and awakens the soul. Yes indeed that week is finally here and I have been outside enjoying every minute of it. Pheasants run along the fields and rabbits hop between the rows of newly planted Irish potatoes. The songs of countless birds fill the air as towering, billowing white clouds roll across a fiercely blue sky. The luscious green grass is softer than the finest silk and makes a perfect pallet for an afternoon nap in the golden sunshine. I have spent so much time in the sun that its rays are beginning to appear in sun-kissed strands all over my head. Ireland is very much alive once more after a difficult arctic winter and I am thrilled to be a part of the transformation.
Now before you exit this page with a sense of enraged jealousy, let me assure you that not everything is perfect in my idyllic week of spring. I did unfortunately injure the head hen on Monday, something I am not very proud of, but karma has paid me a kind visit in return so the universe is balanced once more. How did I manage to hurt a hen? I’m afraid that is a story that must be told in person so you will just have to wait for the hilarious details. I also had to spend one afternoon removing gobs of hair from a poor pony with Cushing’s syndrome. Other than these two mildly unpleasant moments, I have been biking around the gorgeous countryside and hiking in the forest.
On Sunday, April 10th, I spent the day in Glendalough with Shella, the vet who owns Molly (the cart-horse who has been at the farm for 18 years and is 5 years older than me!). We had a fantastic afternoon exploring the surrounding Wicklow Mountains, visiting the two lakes formed by melted glaciers, and gorging ourselves on well-earned ice cream. It was a beautiful place that I plan to return to with Marion’s daughter Natalie before I leave. If you ever have a chance to visit Ireland, make sure you mark Glendalough as a must see on your tour. It is only about an hour from Dublin and I highly recommend it.
Next Thursday I will be traveling to Galway, the iconic gatekeeper of true Irish culture, where I will spend an afternoon exploring the city. On Friday I will then journey to Connemara, considered to be one of the most stunning, wild locations in all of Ireland. As I meet more and more Irish, however, I have found that everyone has their own idea about what parts of Ireland are the most scenic. I suppose will just have to explore them all and draw my own conclusions! Work work work :)
With only two weeks remaining I am starting to mentally prepare myself for another drastic culture change. It has been nice living in a country where I can easily communicate with everyone, but I am ready for another challenge. Hopefully Norway will be everything I have imagined and more. Time will tell. I will try to post again before I depart. Much love to everyone and see you stateside in less than 4 months! The time has flown by!
Em
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Spring time in Ireland
This is why I never keep a journal. I am absolutely terrible at updating anything that involves my day-to-day activities. Sorry folks! But in all actuality Ireland is relatively dull compared to my life in Lapland. I love it nonetheless, however, as I now have time to...read a book! Something I have not managed to do in years if you disregard the odd textbook on dna and mutagenesis. :) I have now read the Stieg Larsson series, Empress Orchid, The Help, some James Harriot books and the LOTR trilogy (yes I know I was amazed myself that I had not read it before the age of 23...I have no decent excuse). I don't know what I will read next but I have a pile of books in my caravan to choose from. I would say I'll keep you posted but you know how that would turn out.
For the past three weeks I have experienced incredible spring weather with sunny skies nearly every day and some wonderful horseback riding adventures around the farm. Not to mention many trips to the Kilkea Castle and the Mullagreehlen National Forest a few km up the road. But if I want to experience the beauty of the Irish countryside I need go no further than outside my door. The Kilkea Lodge Farm is several hundred acres (reduced from several thousand) with views of the Wicklow Mountains, the Kilkea Castle and endless blue skies and green fields. I have especially enjoyed watching the sunrise over the Mullagreehlen Forest every morning and watching it set upon the western horizon of the farm. I am at peace here in Ireland for it would take more of an effort not to be tranquil in a place as lovely as this. Marion, my host, can be a bit frantic at times, but on a daily basis my life is quite nice here in Castledermot where I can bike ride through the countryside and go for morning jogs through cedar groves. I have also developed a rather unhealthy addiction to fresh egg fried sandwiches which I eat nearly every day for lunch...I just can't help myself when I bring in a new batch of eggs from the hen house...I have to at least sample one to make sure they are fit for consumption right?
I wish I had more to tell you about my exciting Irish adventures but to be honest Ireland isn't that exciting...and that's exactly what I love about it. Everything here is simple, straightforward. People say what they mean and mean what they say. "There is a pleasure in the pathless woods" as Lord Byron would say and I have definitely found that pleasure here in Ireland. It draws you in until you have no desire to be anywhere else. I fear I will find it difficult to leave the comfort of such a place that nearly feels more like home than the grand ol' USA. My Irish roots called to me and I have answered them. This is a country I will continue to visit and love for all of the years I have left. Enough words now...I'll let the pictures do the rest of the talking.
Ok sorry no more photos 'til next time. They take to long to load! Love to you all and I will try to write again soon. Note I did say try...
For the past three weeks I have experienced incredible spring weather with sunny skies nearly every day and some wonderful horseback riding adventures around the farm. Not to mention many trips to the Kilkea Castle and the Mullagreehlen National Forest a few km up the road. But if I want to experience the beauty of the Irish countryside I need go no further than outside my door. The Kilkea Lodge Farm is several hundred acres (reduced from several thousand) with views of the Wicklow Mountains, the Kilkea Castle and endless blue skies and green fields. I have especially enjoyed watching the sunrise over the Mullagreehlen Forest every morning and watching it set upon the western horizon of the farm. I am at peace here in Ireland for it would take more of an effort not to be tranquil in a place as lovely as this. Marion, my host, can be a bit frantic at times, but on a daily basis my life is quite nice here in Castledermot where I can bike ride through the countryside and go for morning jogs through cedar groves. I have also developed a rather unhealthy addiction to fresh egg fried sandwiches which I eat nearly every day for lunch...I just can't help myself when I bring in a new batch of eggs from the hen house...I have to at least sample one to make sure they are fit for consumption right?
Ok sorry no more photos 'til next time. They take to long to load! Love to you all and I will try to write again soon. Note I did say try...
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
It's been a while longer...
Hi Folks!
Some of you may have thought I was kidnapped by an elf, some of you may have thought I married a reindeer herder, and the majority of you probably thought the wolves finally got me, but alas I have returned to the realm of the living and socially active (somewhat)!
I am now in Ireland at Kilkea Lodge Farm (www.kilkealodgefarm.com) where I work with horses instead of dogs, a rather drastic change from the arctic husky farm. I still follow basically the same routine, I muck out stables and feed morning and night, but in between I ride and train horses instead of dog sledding. It's brilliant good fun and in my free time I am learning a tremendous amount of Irish comfort food recipes to bring home with me and share! Stews, shepard's pie, plum pudding, ham and cabbage (sounds gross but is surprisingly delicious) and that's just in my first week! I think I'll be restoring myself to a more normal weight after the skeletor attack that happened in Lapland.
So a brief update I think is also in order for my last month in Hetta. Things died down a tiny bit after the holidays, thought it didn't feel much different physically or mentally. I went on an 80km snowmobile safari with Pasi and Charlie Patton (big time UK explorer who is training for a North Pole expedition in April) which was insanely awesome but I suffered incredible pain for the next week or so. 6 hours on a snowmobile through deep, soft snow with no track can be, well let's just say challenging. I also went on a snowshoeing adventure around Pallas with Lotte and Ben (two other guides) that included an overnight stay in an off-grid cabin that took us an hour to find and was so cold inside we might as well have spent the night under the stars. But all in all it was a great trip with some phenomenal views and a top 10 sunrise to finish off the trek. I also saw some pretty stellar northern lights with purple runners as they're called which was an exhilarating moment as well. In conclusion the final month was bitter sweet and leaving Lapland was difficult (made easier by the fact that if I didn't leave the Finnish government would deport me), but I plan to return again for next season if I can manage to obtain a long stay visa. Cross fingers!
And now I"m in Ireland with no more snow and lots of green things sprouting everywhere. It feels unnatural after the pristine of the arctic. The air is a bit easier to breathe since it is never below freezing and I can walk outside without having to put 7 layers of clothing on which is nice. Along with my attire, I will have to readjust my diet a fraction as well since I am used to shoving as many carbs in my mouth as possible to make it through the day. After leaving the huskies I feel out of step. Now I am constantly looking for something to do and can't handle sitting for longer than 15min at lunch time. I will adjust to my new slower paced lifestyle, but it will take a while. As much as I complained about my work load in Hetta, I am already yearning to return. Will I make it back or will it be New Zealand for Winter 2011? Time will tell...
Expect another update soon since I now have time to actually write on this thing. Love to everyone!!!
Em
P.S. I'll post some pics of Ireland soon. I'm only 300 meters from a castle....
Some of you may have thought I was kidnapped by an elf, some of you may have thought I married a reindeer herder, and the majority of you probably thought the wolves finally got me, but alas I have returned to the realm of the living and socially active (somewhat)!
I am now in Ireland at Kilkea Lodge Farm (www.kilkealodgefarm.com) where I work with horses instead of dogs, a rather drastic change from the arctic husky farm. I still follow basically the same routine, I muck out stables and feed morning and night, but in between I ride and train horses instead of dog sledding. It's brilliant good fun and in my free time I am learning a tremendous amount of Irish comfort food recipes to bring home with me and share! Stews, shepard's pie, plum pudding, ham and cabbage (sounds gross but is surprisingly delicious) and that's just in my first week! I think I'll be restoring myself to a more normal weight after the skeletor attack that happened in Lapland.
So a brief update I think is also in order for my last month in Hetta. Things died down a tiny bit after the holidays, thought it didn't feel much different physically or mentally. I went on an 80km snowmobile safari with Pasi and Charlie Patton (big time UK explorer who is training for a North Pole expedition in April) which was insanely awesome but I suffered incredible pain for the next week or so. 6 hours on a snowmobile through deep, soft snow with no track can be, well let's just say challenging. I also went on a snowshoeing adventure around Pallas with Lotte and Ben (two other guides) that included an overnight stay in an off-grid cabin that took us an hour to find and was so cold inside we might as well have spent the night under the stars. But all in all it was a great trip with some phenomenal views and a top 10 sunrise to finish off the trek. I also saw some pretty stellar northern lights with purple runners as they're called which was an exhilarating moment as well. In conclusion the final month was bitter sweet and leaving Lapland was difficult (made easier by the fact that if I didn't leave the Finnish government would deport me), but I plan to return again for next season if I can manage to obtain a long stay visa. Cross fingers!
And now I"m in Ireland with no more snow and lots of green things sprouting everywhere. It feels unnatural after the pristine of the arctic. The air is a bit easier to breathe since it is never below freezing and I can walk outside without having to put 7 layers of clothing on which is nice. Along with my attire, I will have to readjust my diet a fraction as well since I am used to shoving as many carbs in my mouth as possible to make it through the day. After leaving the huskies I feel out of step. Now I am constantly looking for something to do and can't handle sitting for longer than 15min at lunch time. I will adjust to my new slower paced lifestyle, but it will take a while. As much as I complained about my work load in Hetta, I am already yearning to return. Will I make it back or will it be New Zealand for Winter 2011? Time will tell...
Expect another update soon since I now have time to actually write on this thing. Love to everyone!!!
Em
P.S. I'll post some pics of Ireland soon. I'm only 300 meters from a castle....
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