June 30th...
Last night brought me something very unique and unexpected. Let me begin by telling you the main purpose of my coming to Korea. My aspirations for participating in this summer school program involve gaining an understanding of what it feels like to be in the minority; the feeling of walking down the street and not fitting in with my surroundings. I have had small accounts of that feeling when I lived in Louisiana and worked at a school that was predominantly African-American and Hispanic. I remember the kids questioning why I talked the way I did; they thought I sounded funny. That experience however, was merely looking different on the outside. I still spoke the language; I still felt comfortable and self-assured. At this point, I want to live in a society that is completely different than anything I have ever known, and discover how well I will adapt.
I am certainly acquiring that feeling. I have briefly described the accounts of the first couple of days that I was here, in which I had nobody to speak to and no way to find out how to live here. Since then I have met some of the students here, all of whom speak english at least at the beginner level. I'm slowly figuring out how things work and how to go about a routine. I have gone from a person who usually knows how to figure things out on her own, to one that sits back and observes others first before acting. I want to make sure that I follow cultural standards in the way they interact with one another both verbally and inverbally, so that I may be a polite guest while I am here. In Jyvaskyla I completely immersed myself within the group of the international students I went to class with, and didn't really take a lot of time to just "be" in Finland, and observe what it would be like to just live there. In South Korea, I am taking a different approach. I want to simply "be" and discover how others regard me as well as how well I am able to adjust to a culture that is so diverse.
Ola Joseph, an author and speaker from Nigeria, once said, "Diversity is not about how we differ. Diversity is about embracing one another's uniqueness". Last night after dinner I sat down at a bench in an area in which many people pass. I brought a book and just read for awhile. During that time I had a Korean guy, a couple years younger than I, approach me and talk with me about why I am here. He began to tell me that he is getting ready to graduate with a degree in Electrical Engineering because that is what his parents wanted for him, so that he could make a lot of money in his career. He confessed that what he has come to love is teaching, because he finds so much fulfillment in that, because He feels like he would be better able to serve God in doing something he loved. That lead to a great discussion about God and what it means for us to follow His will in our daily lives. It was just an amazing conversation, because I did not expect to have one such as that in Korea...not randomly. Then, maybe 30 minutes later, two middle-aged women approached me and gave me a complement, simply because they thought I seemed nice. I invited them to sit down next to me. Upon doing so, they saw the cross that I wear around my neck. (I recently purchased a small Celtic cross in Ireland) They asked if I was Christian and I proudly said, yes. After that their faces lit up with excitement, and we had somewhat of a similar conversation as I had with the other guy. They stayed maybe 15 minutes, as their english was somewhat limited, and told me how happy they were to meet me. I felt just the same.
I don't know how to explain these random encounters, except to know that God brought me so much comfort and hope because of them. Our world is very large, but through Him we are really brought together as one.
Monday, June 29, 2009
What About Recess?!
June 29th...
I started my first day of class today at Hanyang University! I signed up for Korean Language class in hopes that I could acquire a few skills to get around Seoul a little better during the month that I am here. There were about 15 people in the class, and then the teacher brought us all out individually for a test in Korean to determine the level we already attained. I was the first one to take my exam. It pretty much consisted of this: I walked into the room and smiled at her, she said something in Korean...I smiled at her again...she said something else in Korean...I smiled at her once more...then she wrote down "Beginner 1", and sent me on my way! I'm pretty much starting from the bottom up and am really excited to start learning a new language.
Well, that excitement started to fizzle a little bit after 4 hours of trying to memorize the vowels...their sounds and variations, how to write them and understand them...wow, it was mentally exhausting! I felt like a little kid again, trying to learn the alphabet. I tried to keep myself in the mindset that I did this when I was young, learning my letters for the first time...and I was only 4 or 5 years old. Clearly, as a 24-year old, I must have an extended capacity to understand this! Well...it's just not that simple! Part of me does enjoy being in that position again, like a little kindergartener...except that we don't get milk breaks or recess. I'm going to learn how to ask for that in Korean.
I started my first day of class today at Hanyang University! I signed up for Korean Language class in hopes that I could acquire a few skills to get around Seoul a little better during the month that I am here. There were about 15 people in the class, and then the teacher brought us all out individually for a test in Korean to determine the level we already attained. I was the first one to take my exam. It pretty much consisted of this: I walked into the room and smiled at her, she said something in Korean...I smiled at her again...she said something else in Korean...I smiled at her once more...then she wrote down "Beginner 1", and sent me on my way! I'm pretty much starting from the bottom up and am really excited to start learning a new language.
Well, that excitement started to fizzle a little bit after 4 hours of trying to memorize the vowels...their sounds and variations, how to write them and understand them...wow, it was mentally exhausting! I felt like a little kid again, trying to learn the alphabet. I tried to keep myself in the mindset that I did this when I was young, learning my letters for the first time...and I was only 4 or 5 years old. Clearly, as a 24-year old, I must have an extended capacity to understand this! Well...it's just not that simple! Part of me does enjoy being in that position again, like a little kindergartener...except that we don't get milk breaks or recess. I'm going to learn how to ask for that in Korean.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Random Memories
June 27th...
It's about 8:45pm in South Korea (6:45am-Saturday-back home)...and I just went for a little walk around Hanyang University. School hasn't yet begun, so I'm still just sort of hanging out by myself until everyone arrives and I meet people that I can talk to. It's been pretty quiet so far, clearly due to the language barrier, but I am enjoying it. It gives me a lot of time to just reflect. In doing so, I remembered a couple things that I thought I could throw in my blog...
I've been wearing the same Claddagh ring since I was 17-years old. It was slightly too big for my finger (as in, it would fly off if I waved my hand too hard), and it had a blue stone in the heart of 
the ring. It cost about $11, but it was the only jewelry I wore on my hands. For those who may not know, the claddagh ring has been a part of Irish tradition since the 17th century. The ring itself is made up of a heart clasped in two hands with a crown on top. The meaning of the three parts of the ring are that the heart means love, the hands mean friendship, and the crown means loyalty; it symbolizes overall faith, trust, fidelity, and commitment. To sum it up, I loved my ring and I am rarely ever without it. Then, two days prior to leaving Jyvaskyla, I leave my ring on the sink in the library. I returned to the library maybe five minutes later, but it was closed. The next day, it was gone. I felt so distraught. Silly as it may be I know, but I was very attached. Then it hit me...I was to be going to Ireland two days from then...I can get an authentic ring there! I still missed my ring, but it was a good time to lose it. So I dragged Tracey into every jewelry shop in Dublin (literally), looking at the same rings over and over. They had some absolutely beautiful rings, but I'm a simple gal...and when I found my plain, silver ring, I was completely satisfied. It was a happy day to have my ring back on my finger where it belongs!
the ring. It cost about $11, but it was the only jewelry I wore on my hands. For those who may not know, the claddagh ring has been a part of Irish tradition since the 17th century. The ring itself is made up of a heart clasped in two hands with a crown on top. The meaning of the three parts of the ring are that the heart means love, the hands mean friendship, and the crown means loyalty; it symbolizes overall faith, trust, fidelity, and commitment. To sum it up, I loved my ring and I am rarely ever without it. Then, two days prior to leaving Jyvaskyla, I leave my ring on the sink in the library. I returned to the library maybe five minutes later, but it was closed. The next day, it was gone. I felt so distraught. Silly as it may be I know, but I was very attached. Then it hit me...I was to be going to Ireland two days from then...I can get an authentic ring there! I still missed my ring, but it was a good time to lose it. So I dragged Tracey into every jewelry shop in Dublin (literally), looking at the same rings over and over. They had some absolutely beautiful rings, but I'm a simple gal...and when I found my plain, silver ring, I was completely satisfied. It was a happy day to have my ring back on my finger where it belongs!
Secondly, I left out something very important about Finland: strawberries. Truly, these are the most delicious strawberries I have ever eaten. They just melt in your mouth. For the first time, I could say that I wouldn't even want chocolate on my strawberries...and for a girl who loves chocolate on anything, that's really saying something about their natural flavor. I mean, wow, they were really fabulous!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Testing the Waters...
June 26th...(for real this time) 
Another funny story? Well, I learned how to say "thank you" in Korean. To me, that is one of the most important words to learn in a new language because it shows you are polite. I was so excited to use it today too! There's a man who works at the front desk of my dorm building, who always opens the door for me as I go in and out. So this time, as he smiled and opened the door, I politely nodded my head and said "thank you" in Korean. His response was: "I don't speak English". I felt like such a fool! Apparently I need to work on my pronunciation!
I finally got cash today! Apparently there is only one ATM machine on campus that will accept global credit cards, and it took me 2 hours to find it....but I finally have KRW! I really enjoy saying that I have 30,000 in my wallet...although it only converts to about $30. Still...it sounds a bit nicer right?!
I walked all over today and explored my territory, get this....without getting lost! As in...not at all, not once! Man, yall would be so proud of me! Anyone who knows me at all would believe this to be incredible! One thing I just assumed is that this experience would be like Finland, with people meeeting me and taking me where I need to go for the first time so I could get my bearings straight. I assumed wrong again! So what I decided to do as I'm getting around, is taking pictures of the street signs or popular buildings I pass...just in case I need to use them for reference when I return back home, or in case I need some help from others. I know where my limitations are, and I just have to do my best with what I know and embrace the fact that it's all up to me.
Another funny story? Well, I learned how to say "thank you" in Korean. To me, that is one of the most important words to learn in a new language because it shows you are polite. I was so excited to use it today too! There's a man who works at the front desk of my dorm building, who always opens the door for me as I go in and out. So this time, as he smiled and opened the door, I politely nodded my head and said "thank you" in Korean. His response was: "I don't speak English". I felt like such a fool! Apparently I need to work on my pronunciation!I finally got cash today! Apparently there is only one ATM machine on campus that will accept global credit cards, and it took me 2 hours to find it....but I finally have KRW! I really enjoy saying that I have 30,000 in my wallet...although it only converts to about $30. Still...it sounds a bit nicer right?!
I walked all over today and explored my territory, get this....without getting lost! As in...not at all, not once! Man, yall would be so proud of me! Anyone who knows me at all would believe this to be incredible! One thing I just assumed is that this experience would be like Finland, with people meeeting me and taking me where I need to go for the first time so I could get my bearings straight. I assumed wrong again! So what I decided to do as I'm getting around, is taking pictures of the street signs or popular buildings I pass...just in case I need to use them for reference when I return back home, or in case I need some help from others. I know where my limitations are, and I just have to do my best with what I know and embrace the fact that it's all up to me.
What Day Is It??
June 25... (I think, maybe it's the 26th) My days are all mixed up!
You know how I was talking about how I have to adjust more than I ever imagined? The thing is...I like that. I'm excited by it; intrigued even, because I'm going to have to really exert myself in order to really be immersed in this new culture. That is what I came here to do. I know that I could stay here a month and only go to class, then retreat to my dorm and stay in my comfort zone. But that is not me. I'm going to put my best efforts into getting out there and feeling what it's like to be in the minority. In Finland I felt that somewhat, but I had a close group of International students to be with. Right now, I am here along with only my own resources to get me by. I am just walking along and becoming familiar with the campus, and just experiencing the moment. I am truly in a new place and part of a new culture. Even just walking along campus feels so much different.
Another thing, apparently there's a new influenza floating around...Influenza A? It's something that foreigners are bringing to the country. Maybe my brother, Pat knows something about this. Well, because of that, I have to check my temperature twice daily and report to the doctor every morning for seven days. Since they won't know for sure if I don't have Influenza A, I have to wear a face mask while I'm in class with other Korean students. So next Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday...I'll have to wear a mask for seven hours each day. It kind of makes me feel like the little sick kid who nobody is allowed to play with! It's just all part of the new experience, so I will obey my instruction and wear the mask as I am told.
You know how I was talking about how I have to adjust more than I ever imagined? The thing is...I like that. I'm excited by it; intrigued even, because I'm going to have to really exert myself in order to really be immersed in this new culture. That is what I came here to do. I know that I could stay here a month and only go to class, then retreat to my dorm and stay in my comfort zone. But that is not me. I'm going to put my best efforts into getting out there and feeling what it's like to be in the minority. In Finland I felt that somewhat, but I had a close group of International students to be with. Right now, I am here along with only my own resources to get me by. I am just walking along and becoming familiar with the campus, and just experiencing the moment. I am truly in a new place and part of a new culture. Even just walking along campus feels so much different.
Another thing, apparently there's a new influenza floating around...Influenza A? It's something that foreigners are bringing to the country. Maybe my brother, Pat knows something about this. Well, because of that, I have to check my temperature twice daily and report to the doctor every morning for seven days. Since they won't know for sure if I don't have Influenza A, I have to wear a face mask while I'm in class with other Korean students. So next Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday...I'll have to wear a mask for seven hours each day. It kind of makes me feel like the little sick kid who nobody is allowed to play with! It's just all part of the new experience, so I will obey my instruction and wear the mask as I am told.
Cheap Bananas!
June 24th...
Well, my first day started off a bit rocky to say the least. I was about two hours away from arrival in Seoul when I started feeling sick to my stomach. So, I'm in a plane 37,000 feet in the air, I haven't slept in 2 nights, and I think I'm going to vomit. A few moments later I was doing just that in the nasty airplane toilets. Believe me folks, it was one of my finest moments. So badly I just wished I could curl up in a bed and go to sleep! But...Seoul was coming, like it or not, and they are just beginning their day. Perk up, Allison!
Well, my first day started off a bit rocky to say the least. I was about two hours away from arrival in Seoul when I started feeling sick to my stomach. So, I'm in a plane 37,000 feet in the air, I haven't slept in 2 nights, and I think I'm going to vomit. A few moments later I was doing just that in the nasty airplane toilets. Believe me folks, it was one of my finest moments. So badly I just wished I could curl up in a bed and go to sleep! But...Seoul was coming, like it or not, and they are just beginning their day. Perk up, Allison!
I arrived at my dorm, and I live on the 7th floor again, with an amazing view of the mountains! The tutor who picked me up from the airport walked with me to a nearby grocery store and I was very pleased to buy 5 bananas for only 1500KRW! That's just over $1, and about 3 times less than Finland! Woohoo! I love bananas! Maybe this really will work out...I thought I was in culture shock while I was in Finland, trying to read labels and street signs, etc. HA! Culture shock?! THAT was culture shock?! That is absolutely nothing compared to being here! If there isn't a picture of something underneath a sign or label, then I am clueless. Reading street signs, building names, or....anything, is completely beyond my abilities at this point...as a girl with no experience in the Korean language. Finland, while different than what I am used to, is still European and therefore something I could find somewhat familiar. The people pretty much all looked the same as I did, and I had a pretty good chance that most of them could speak even a little english. Well, I certainly don't have that anymore, not on the surface anyways. I guess I just assumed that many people here would at least know some english, or just enough so that I could get around. I assumed wrong! I wandered around for an hour and a half yesterday just trying to get to the library. I walked around with a small black and white map, asking others for help by pointing to the picture. They were so very friendly, although we couldn't understand each other well. Two of them even asked to take a picture with me. I don't know if that's a good thing or not...but I smile, laugh, and nod and go on my way! The whole saying..."just smile and nod" really does go a long way here!
Darned Seagulls
June 23rd...1:45pm...
I am currently in my plane and on my way to Frankfurt, Germany. I have about a 2 1/2 hour ride there, before an 11 hour flight to Seoul. Leaving Helsinki today was hard. It's not necessarily hard to leave Finland, but rather the people and the memories I am leaving with it. I spent the last 3 days in Helsinki, the capital city of Finland, and I greatly enjoyed it. This was probably due to the fact that there were lots of tourists and therefore lots of joyful, friendly faces! I am so glad I was able to experience Finland, because it allowed me to adjust to a culture with which I was not previously familiar. The way of life is just much different than I am accustomed to, and it wouldn't be something that necessarily I would enjoy adapting to for a great length of time. I found that the Finnish people I interacted with were very hospitable and polite, and I'm very appreciative of all the help I received during my stay!
Picture 1: Dad - I promised you I'd try a real German beer while I was there...so here you go! I confess that I gave it away after about 3 sips, but I did try it!
Picture 2: Here's Germany for you!
Want a funny story? Well, I thought it was funny anyway...Tracey doesn't agree. You can decide. So, Helsinki is right on the Bay of Finland and has a beautiful harbour. Our first morning there, we went to a local kioski and grabbed a pulla (an amazing Finnish pastry) and a kahvi (coffee). It was such a beautiful day so we decided to sit on the steps right near the bay and enjoy our breakfast. Just then, a seagull came right beside us and began to squawk. Tracey was really uncomfortable with that, but I just laughed it off. After all, I don't live by the water back home and I always love to see seagulls when I'm near the coast! Then out of nowhere, a whole flock of seagulls came flying up in our faces and literally stole the pulla out of Tracey's hand! I had never seen anything like it! Darn birds....they a nasty, vicious little creatures. Poor Tracey, apparently she had some logic in being afraid of those birds. But, it does make for a good story :)
Really, our whole week and a half together made for a good story. I never would have imagined it would be so much fun. I'm pretty sure that living with our Couchsurfer host in Ireland morphed us into even quirkier individuals than we already were, so I offer a forewarning when I come back to Kansas if I'm slightly more random and ridiculous than usual!
Now I'm about halfway to Seoul, South Korea; a land that is far different than what I've experienced. Everything I thought about regarding wanting a true minority experience is about to dawn on me. Even just waiting at my gate today in the airport - I felt like I stood out. I can't wait to see what happens in about seven hours when I get off the plane. Y'all will be proud of me - I actually made arrangements to have a tutor at the university pick me up and take me to Hanyang University, as opposed to me wandering around a city of 10 million people with no idea where to go. (I know my family is nodding their heads in approval right now). Your logic wears off on me once in awhile I suppose. There's no turning back now. Here I come, South Korea!
Want a funny story? Well, I thought it was funny anyway...Tracey doesn't agree. You can decide. So, Helsinki is right on the Bay of Finland and has a beautiful harbour. Our first morning there, we went to a local kioski and grabbed a pulla (an amazing Finnish pastry) and a kahvi (coffee). It was such a beautiful day so we decided to sit on the steps right near the bay and enjoy our breakfast. Just then, a seagull came right beside us and began to squawk. Tracey was really uncomfortable with that, but I just laughed it off. After all, I don't live by the water back home and I always love to see seagulls when I'm near the coast! Then out of nowhere, a whole flock of seagulls came flying up in our faces and literally stole the pulla out of Tracey's hand! I had never seen anything like it! Darn birds....they a nasty, vicious little creatures. Poor Tracey, apparently she had some logic in being afraid of those birds. But, it does make for a good story :)
Really, our whole week and a half together made for a good story. I never would have imagined it would be so much fun. I'm pretty sure that living with our Couchsurfer host in Ireland morphed us into even quirkier individuals than we already were, so I offer a forewarning when I come back to Kansas if I'm slightly more random and ridiculous than usual!
Now I'm about halfway to Seoul, South Korea; a land that is far different than what I've experienced. Everything I thought about regarding wanting a true minority experience is about to dawn on me. Even just waiting at my gate today in the airport - I felt like I stood out. I can't wait to see what happens in about seven hours when I get off the plane. Y'all will be proud of me - I actually made arrangements to have a tutor at the university pick me up and take me to Hanyang University, as opposed to me wandering around a city of 10 million people with no idea where to go. (I know my family is nodding their heads in approval right now). Your logic wears off on me once in awhile I suppose. There's no turning back now. Here I come, South Korea!
Cheers 'ol Buddy!
June 22nd...
11:50am...
I am currently on a ferry in Helsinki and on my way to Suomanlinna - a sea fortress on an island that was build after WWII. It's about 18 C and perfectly sunny and peaceful. Today is my last day with Tracey, and the finale to our week and a half long traveling adventure. It's really kind of funny how things worked out. Tracey and I are two very different people, but yet, we work. We like to describe ourselves by our two destinations, in the fact that I am Ireland and she is Finland. I love to talk to everyone (sometimes too much) and 
make friends with random strangers, while she prefers to have her bubble and be content. In the beginning, I don't think either of us knew how exactly our trip together would go; however, the moment that we entered Derek's funhouse house in Ireland, I knew that this was going to be an exciting adventure! We spent 10 days just doing whatever we wanted to do, exploring completely unknown territory just as we desired. Just like it's always been my dream to see Ireland, it's been one of her dreams to see Finland. Bless her heart, I dragged her to every single monument, church, sculpture, and landmark of any sort ALL over Dublin...and she just smiled and followed along. Actually, she would find it on the map and guide me...because we all know how poorly I am with directions. Then during Helsinki, I was able to do the same for her, and it was a blast! So to my Canadian friend (who seriously needs to learn to pronounce her words correctly! :), I can't wait to see you again one day! (If our luck runs right...we have until June 18, 2010). Cheers! (And stay out of the tabloids!) :)
make friends with random strangers, while she prefers to have her bubble and be content. In the beginning, I don't think either of us knew how exactly our trip together would go; however, the moment that we entered Derek's funhouse house in Ireland, I knew that this was going to be an exciting adventure! We spent 10 days just doing whatever we wanted to do, exploring completely unknown territory just as we desired. Just like it's always been my dream to see Ireland, it's been one of her dreams to see Finland. Bless her heart, I dragged her to every single monument, church, sculpture, and landmark of any sort ALL over Dublin...and she just smiled and followed along. Actually, she would find it on the map and guide me...because we all know how poorly I am with directions. Then during Helsinki, I was able to do the same for her, and it was a blast! So to my Canadian friend (who seriously needs to learn to pronounce her words correctly! :), I can't wait to see you again one day! (If our luck runs right...we have until June 18, 2010). Cheers! (And stay out of the tabloids!) :)Sunday, June 21, 2009
A Good Crack!
June 19th...
Today is our last day in Ireland. I cannot believe how fast it has gone and how much we have been able to do and see. Today we took the DART rail along the northern part of the coast and visited the Malahide Castle and the Howth Peninsula. Yesterday we mostly enjoyed all the beautiful green scenery of the country, which I was completely amazed with. But of course Ireland has so much beauty still left to offer! We took a hike right along the cliffs of the peninsula. The cliffs were still many beautiful shades of green, except this time it was in contrast with the blue color of the water. I could not ask for more...except to have my family with me. There have been so many times I have really wished that you all could experience just what I am experiencing. I know how much you would love it. If I could transport you all here beside me then I would do it in a heartbeat! Maybe the leprechauns can.... :) This is a trip that we have all talked about as far back as I can remember, and it just blows my mind that this dream has come true. 
There are so many moments when I thought about how much my dad would especially love to be here, because of the history. Walking through Killmanhaim Gaol, standing at the GPO or The Gresham, and doing research in the National Library are things I know he would love. I think about how much everyone would love the gorgeous countryside, the beautiful wild flowers, or even simply the cobblestone streets, the Georgian homes, or some traditional Irish music in a local pub. Everyone here is just s proud of their heritage and they all have a different story to tell. Each one of them, when they realized that I had Irish ancestry, said to me, "Welcome home". That's exactly what I have felt this entire trip. Home. God bless it. It's been a good "crack"! (Translation...good time)
There are so many moments when I thought about how much my dad would especially love to be here, because of the history. Walking through Killmanhaim Gaol, standing at the GPO or The Gresham, and doing research in the National Library are things I know he would love. I think about how much everyone would love the gorgeous countryside, the beautiful wild flowers, or even simply the cobblestone streets, the Georgian homes, or some traditional Irish music in a local pub. Everyone here is just s proud of their heritage and they all have a different story to tell. Each one of them, when they realized that I had Irish ancestry, said to me, "Welcome home". That's exactly what I have felt this entire trip. Home. God bless it. It's been a good "crack"! (Translation...good time)Ireland Is So GREEN!!
June 18th...
Today was perfect! We went on the Wild Wicklow Tour, which took us from Dublin through Wicklow County where we visited so many beautiful places! We made our first stop at Dun Laoghire harbour and walked along the sandy beaches. I collected a few seashells to bring home to my mom, but it's highly likely that they will be confiscated when I arrive to Australia. Apparently they are very particular about bio hazardous material entering their country...but that's definitely not going to stop me from trying!
(Photo from Dun Laoghire Harbour)
Today was perfect! We went on the Wild Wicklow Tour, which took us from Dublin through Wicklow County where we visited so many beautiful places! We made our first stop at Dun Laoghire harbour and walked along the sandy beaches. I collected a few seashells to bring home to my mom, but it's highly likely that they will be confiscated when I arrive to Australia. Apparently they are very particular about bio hazardous material entering their country...but that's definitely not going to stop me from trying!(Photo from Dun Laoghire Harbour)
Then we drove out to the countryside, which was even better than I expected! Wow - it was so green! It was absolutely breathtaking!! I have never seen anything like it! The pictures 
I show you won't even do it justice, but it can give a glimpse into the extraordinary nature I was a part of for a few moments. The bus stopped high up on the hills and the air was so crisp...and windy! I chose probably THE worst outfit to wear today, which was a very flowy skirt. I had a heck of a time keeping it from flying over my head, and surprisingly enough, with Tracey's help I was successful at doing so the entire day! Then as we stepped back onto the bus, the driver gave us all a shot of Jameson's Irish Whiskey - the best whiskey in all of Ireland. Personally I detest the taste of any and all whiskey, but as disgusting as it was, I can understand its charm...although I never intend on drinking it again. Sorry again Ireland...we're 0-2 on the alcohol.
After we were "liquored up", we moved on to Killiney and explored more beautiful countryside. The grass was just so short and so soft. I just laid down and thanked God for the beautiful nature and the fact that I am able to experience it. Lastly, we made our final stop to Glendalough, which was what I was really excited to see. It is famous for its 6th century monastery and old Celtic cross tombstones. Standing on that ground was so peaceful. I felt like I was just in a dream...you know that feeling when you see something for the first time...something that you though you would only see in pictures? And how amazing and
invigorating it is to actually see it with your very own eyes? That's how I have felt every moment of this trip. I feel as though at any moment I am going to wake up
and this will all have been a dream. But it isn't. Believe me, I've pinched my arm a few times and the result is the same...I really am here, and I'm so grateful.
I show you won't even do it justice, but it can give a glimpse into the extraordinary nature I was a part of for a few moments. The bus stopped high up on the hills and the air was so crisp...and windy! I chose probably THE worst outfit to wear today, which was a very flowy skirt. I had a heck of a time keeping it from flying over my head, and surprisingly enough, with Tracey's help I was successful at doing so the entire day! Then as we stepped back onto the bus, the driver gave us all a shot of Jameson's Irish Whiskey - the best whiskey in all of Ireland. Personally I detest the taste of any and all whiskey, but as disgusting as it was, I can understand its charm...although I never intend on drinking it again. Sorry again Ireland...we're 0-2 on the alcohol.After we were "liquored up", we moved on to Killiney and explored more beautiful countryside. The grass was just so short and so soft. I just laid down and thanked God for the beautiful nature and the fact that I am able to experience it. Lastly, we made our final stop to Glendalough, which was what I was really excited to see. It is famous for its 6th century monastery and old Celtic cross tombstones. Standing on that ground was so peaceful. I felt like I was just in a dream...you know that feeling when you see something for the first time...something that you though you would only see in pictures? And how amazing and
invigorating it is to actually see it with your very own eyes? That's how I have felt every moment of this trip. I feel as though at any moment I am going to wake up
and this will all have been a dream. But it isn't. Believe me, I've pinched my arm a few times and the result is the same...I really am here, and I'm so grateful.A City of Unique Charm
June 16th...
7:30pm...
Well I am sitting in the Temple Bar area outside of Haagan-Daaz, treating myself to two scoops of ice cream after what I just ate. One thing we were told to try here is the Traditional Irish Breakfast, complete with sausage, bacon, beans, tomato, fried egg, and black and white pudding. We came to find that the bacon is nearly raw and the black and white pudding is....animal blood. Yes. Animal blood. It was one of the most disgusting things I have ever tasted. I ate blood. End of story.
Today was a lovely day though! We walked along the River Liffey, which is actually the most polluted river in all of Ireland. We took the boardwalk down to Dublin 8, nearly all the way outside of the city. We stopped at the National Museum at Collins Barracks and then took a stroll through Phoenix Park. As we went looking for our next destination, we found ourselves in what would be considered Dublin's slums. Eventually we found the Irish Museum of Modern Art. Nearly an hour later we went to Killmainham Gaol, which was established in the 1700's. It was also the place where many of the men involved in the 1916 Easter Rising were executed. We took a tour, which led us through all the wings of the gaol. It was breathtaking in its own way and maybe one of my favorite places we've visited thus far. It was nearly epic, standing in the courtyard of the gaol, knowing how many men once lived exactly where I stood just 100 years
ago. When people arrived there, they received a blanket and a candle for warmth, and they lived 15 per cell. There was a Catholic chapel built by a 17-year old boy who was arrested for stealing a food cart, and eventually died there. It was such a solemn experience. The history is what makes this city so unique. There isn't anything about this city that modern architects or designers would consider beautiful. Walking along the city streets, the buildings are all cracked, the railings all have chipped and discolored paint, but to me it is absolutely charming. I admire and appreciate it because it shows that people have lived there. They have fought there. Standing on the steps of the General Post Office, the same steps Pearse read the Irish Proclamation - the first building to be seized in the Easter Rising. It still has bullet holes in the building. It hasn't been covered up. It's antiquated, and it shows. It gives the city a story and a sense of pride and character, which is what makes it truly beautiful.
7:30pm...
Well I am sitting in the Temple Bar area outside of Haagan-Daaz, treating myself to two scoops of ice cream after what I just ate. One thing we were told to try here is the Traditional Irish Breakfast, complete with sausage, bacon, beans, tomato, fried egg, and black and white pudding. We came to find that the bacon is nearly raw and the black and white pudding is....animal blood. Yes. Animal blood. It was one of the most disgusting things I have ever tasted. I ate blood. End of story.
Today was a lovely day though! We walked along the River Liffey, which is actually the most polluted river in all of Ireland. We took the boardwalk down to Dublin 8, nearly all the way outside of the city. We stopped at the National Museum at Collins Barracks and then took a stroll through Phoenix Park. As we went looking for our next destination, we found ourselves in what would be considered Dublin's slums. Eventually we found the Irish Museum of Modern Art. Nearly an hour later we went to Killmainham Gaol, which was established in the 1700's. It was also the place where many of the men involved in the 1916 Easter Rising were executed. We took a tour, which led us through all the wings of the gaol. It was breathtaking in its own way and maybe one of my favorite places we've visited thus far. It was nearly epic, standing in the courtyard of the gaol, knowing how many men once lived exactly where I stood just 100 years
ago. When people arrived there, they received a blanket and a candle for warmth, and they lived 15 per cell. There was a Catholic chapel built by a 17-year old boy who was arrested for stealing a food cart, and eventually died there. It was such a solemn experience. The history is what makes this city so unique. There isn't anything about this city that modern architects or designers would consider beautiful. Walking along the city streets, the buildings are all cracked, the railings all have chipped and discolored paint, but to me it is absolutely charming. I admire and appreciate it because it shows that people have lived there. They have fought there. Standing on the steps of the General Post Office, the same steps Pearse read the Irish Proclamation - the first building to be seized in the Easter Rising. It still has bullet holes in the building. It hasn't been covered up. It's antiquated, and it shows. It gives the city a story and a sense of pride and character, which is what makes it truly beautiful. A True Irish Experience
June 15th...
We went on a tour today! It was wonderful to actually learn the history of all the main buildings, sculptures, and events that led to the Ireland that is today. I now feel less like a typical tourist and more like part of the city. We walked into a bar in the Temple Bar district and sat with a bunch of middle-aged men and women from New Castle, England. They just invited us to pull up a chair, try some Guinness, and watch the local Irish band. It was just the type of experience I wanted. I couldn't believe I was in downtown Dublin at a local bar, listening to a band play "Oh Danny Boy" live. The one complaint I do have...is one that will probably get me banned from Ireland forever...which is the Guinness. I have one word for this beer, and that is: icky. It was absolutely disgusting! Moving on...
Tracey and I developed a new mission for our lives...which is to be Ice Cream Connoisseurs. We've sampled many delicious flavors and brands over the past month, and thought we should
make a hobby of it. I imagine that we'll probably use the money we save by living in Derek's playhouse, and spend it on ice cream. That's how I like to spend my money personally. So today, we tried "gelato" at a local ice cream parlor. I got two scoops of course, which were chocolate and nutella, and I was very excited to review this delicassy. We decided that it was definitely too pricey and the scoops were far too small... and thus we are continuing on our mission to find the best the world can offer!
We went on a tour today! It was wonderful to actually learn the history of all the main buildings, sculptures, and events that led to the Ireland that is today. I now feel less like a typical tourist and more like part of the city. We walked into a bar in the Temple Bar district and sat with a bunch of middle-aged men and women from New Castle, England. They just invited us to pull up a chair, try some Guinness, and watch the local Irish band. It was just the type of experience I wanted. I couldn't believe I was in downtown Dublin at a local bar, listening to a band play "Oh Danny Boy" live. The one complaint I do have...is one that will probably get me banned from Ireland forever...which is the Guinness. I have one word for this beer, and that is: icky. It was absolutely disgusting! Moving on...
Tracey and I developed a new mission for our lives...which is to be Ice Cream Connoisseurs. We've sampled many delicious flavors and brands over the past month, and thought we should
make a hobby of it. I imagine that we'll probably use the money we save by living in Derek's playhouse, and spend it on ice cream. That's how I like to spend my money personally. So today, we tried "gelato" at a local ice cream parlor. I got two scoops of course, which were chocolate and nutella, and I was very excited to review this delicassy. We decided that it was definitely too pricey and the scoops were far too small... and thus we are continuing on our mission to find the best the world can offer!Lots of Laughs!!
June 13th...Words cannot explain. Okay, so I'm in Dublin. That's the first bit of excitement. Well, in making plans for this trip I registered on couchsurfing.org so that we could find a place to stay for free. I figured that it would be too good to be true, but it would be the only way I could afford to come to Ireland. I ended up getting just a few positive responses, and I chose for us to stay with a man named Derek, who lived in a small cottage near the City Centre. He'd emailed me directions to his house, so Tracey and I took an AirCoach there after we got off our plane. Walking up to his door, we were both a bit nervous, now knowing what we were getting ourselves into. We knocked on the door....and no answer. We both just looked at each other, having no idea what to do. We didn't have a phone and we didn't want to walk with our heavy
luggage to find one. So Tracey sat with our luggage at a nearby bus stop and I went searching for a phone to use. I was feeling really discouraged. Reality started to set in and I thought I'd been so foolish for thinking that this would actually work. Then I heard, "Are you from Kansas?". I looked up and there he was on his bike. I felt so relieved!!Derek, Tracey, and I walked up to his nice little home, and words cannot describe what we saw. I'm going to do my best to provide an accurate description, but I guarantee you still won't be able to grasp it all. It was like a completely disheveled playhouse, with masks, crazy hats, and other random things on the shelves and walls. He had pictures of himself and other random images hanging randomly, the couch took up the entire living room, and everything was just completely random. His bathroom had "Ken" Barbie dolls, walnut oil, and a suit of armor. Yes, you read that correctly! I could keep going for hours writing about what we first saw and that would barely scratch the surface! Most people would probably think to themselves..."What have I gotten myself into? I cannot stay here for a whole week!" On the contrary, Tracey and I instantly felt completely comfortable. While his house may be a bit eccentric, Derek has such a genuine kindness that is very comforting. That night we had a dance party, complete with dress up, dolls, and a disco ball. I haven't laughed so hard and so long for a long time!
Our First Day in Dublin!
June 14th...
2:00pm...
How did this happen? How am I here, in Ireland? Wow! I just feel so very lucky! So on Sunday, Tracey and I walked to St. Patrick's Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland. It's a very traditional Anglican church, which reminded me very much of the Catholic church. It was built in the 17th century. I am fascinated by history and tradition, so simply being there left me a bit awestruck. There was a choir full of males ranging from age 8 to mid-20's. The young boys sang just so beautifully! We are going to walk around the city for a couple more hours and then attend mass at St. Mary's church near Derek's house. One thing I am really appreciating is the universality of the Catholic church. No matter where I go I seem to find a church in which I come together with other believers, just the same as I always have back home. This is great!
(St Mary's Church) 
(St. Patrick's Cathedral)
5:00pm...
Here I am, kneeling in front of the altar at St. Mary's Church, and I feel like I am home. I believe that we are here to find and fulfill God's will for us in our lives, and that way may be unique for each individual. With God in our hearts, we are always at peace. The celebration of the mass is something I greatly missed. I didn't realize how much I missed it until I walked through the doors of the church and smelled the faint fragrance of incense. I feel like me. I feel like this is where I belong. Everything I have known my whole life is coming back to me and it brings tears to my eyes. I know we all struggle at times wondering how we should fulfill God's will. I feel so blessed to know so many people with various Christian denominations that are living their lives to serve God. My family and closest friends have served as beautiful role models of living Christian lives. I hope that in some way I have been a role model for them as well, as I strive to live my life in a manner pleasing to God. His love is so much stronger than I could ever really imagine. I know that I have struggled in determining the exact path I should follow, or denomination to claim, but I have never lost my faith in what is most important to all of us - which is serving God.
11:30pm...
We came home after a very satisfying first day, ready to go to sleep....but that is not what we did. We opened the door to our temporary home to find Derek standing in red pants, red shoes, a red hula shirt, and a huge white fuzzy hat that resembled an old Tina Turner wig. He found a movie for us to watch that was a foreign animated film...two hours long! Oh dear...what a way to end the day!
2:00pm...
How did this happen? How am I here, in Ireland? Wow! I just feel so very lucky! So on Sunday, Tracey and I walked to St. Patrick's Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland. It's a very traditional Anglican church, which reminded me very much of the Catholic church. It was built in the 17th century. I am fascinated by history and tradition, so simply being there left me a bit awestruck. There was a choir full of males ranging from age 8 to mid-20's. The young boys sang just so beautifully! We are going to walk around the city for a couple more hours and then attend mass at St. Mary's church near Derek's house. One thing I am really appreciating is the universality of the Catholic church. No matter where I go I seem to find a church in which I come together with other believers, just the same as I always have back home. This is great!
(St Mary's Church) 
(St. Patrick's Cathedral)5:00pm...
Here I am, kneeling in front of the altar at St. Mary's Church, and I feel like I am home. I believe that we are here to find and fulfill God's will for us in our lives, and that way may be unique for each individual. With God in our hearts, we are always at peace. The celebration of the mass is something I greatly missed. I didn't realize how much I missed it until I walked through the doors of the church and smelled the faint fragrance of incense. I feel like me. I feel like this is where I belong. Everything I have known my whole life is coming back to me and it brings tears to my eyes. I know we all struggle at times wondering how we should fulfill God's will. I feel so blessed to know so many people with various Christian denominations that are living their lives to serve God. My family and closest friends have served as beautiful role models of living Christian lives. I hope that in some way I have been a role model for them as well, as I strive to live my life in a manner pleasing to God. His love is so much stronger than I could ever really imagine. I know that I have struggled in determining the exact path I should follow, or denomination to claim, but I have never lost my faith in what is most important to all of us - which is serving God.
11:30pm...
We came home after a very satisfying first day, ready to go to sleep....but that is not what we did. We opened the door to our temporary home to find Derek standing in red pants, red shoes, a red hula shirt, and a huge white fuzzy hat that resembled an old Tina Turner wig. He found a movie for us to watch that was a foreign animated film...two hours long! Oh dear...what a way to end the day!
Feels Like Home
June 20th...
11:45am...
I was without internet during my time in Ireland, but I kept a regular journal so that everyone could share the experience with me. What I am about to write is a summary of my personal, overall experience and growth process on the day I left Ireland. Following this summary, I am writing about my thoughts and feelings for each day...
When I considered writing in my blog about my trip to Ireland, I was going to approach it in the same manner I always do, detailing the ins and outs of each day's adventure one by one. I happen to like detail, so I will likely cover that as well. However, what I feel as though I experienced on this journey is far greater than any single event. This week has been one of the most intense, yet refreshing and exhilarating experiences I've ever had. It goes far beyond visiting old historical sites and castles, even beyond walking barefoot throughout the countryside. The most captivating aspect of this trip was a kind of rediscovery about myself - where I came from, my culture, and how I was raised - the roots of my unique identity. I am not just talking about the fact that I am Irish. I have fair skin, red hair, and green eyes, which makes it easy to remember. Beyond that, I rediscovered how much I love my roots as an Irish Catholic. I remembered how I once identified myself. There was a Catholic Church near the place where I stayed in Dublin, called St. Mary's. The day after we arrived, Tracey and I attended mass. When I walked into that church, the first one I had visited in a long time, I had but one thought - It felt like coming home. All throughout mass I felt such peace with myself. It felt like everything was coming together like a puzzle designed just for me; as though my whole summer was centered around my being here, at this moment, in this church. I thought about how I wanted to receive communion, but knew that I had so much on my heart I wanted to share beforehand...so I just sat through mass and enjoyed the moment.
Afterwards I thought I would ask the priest if there was any time he would be available to talk with me this week, and to my surprise, he said he would talk with me about it right then. So we sat together and I told him all about how I have thought and felt over the past several months. I told him about how I left the Church because I wanted to pursue a closer, personal relationship with God that I felt I couldn't do in the Catholic Church. To my surprise again, he told me that he was glad for me that I did, because it indicated how strong my desire is to know God and serve His will. I don't necessarily think that a person's denomination is the indicator of how strong their love is for God, and it is certainly not in my capacity to judge anyone but myself. I know that I have become a much stronger Christian in the past few months, and I am so thankful to have such amazing role models in my life.
I believe that all of those moments led me here, on this day, the feast of Corpus Christi. Upon hearing my confession, the priest went to the altar and brought me communion. My eyes filled with tears in awe of how truly amazing God's love really is. I feel so blessed to know that no matter where life leads me, He will always be with me. He will always be my strength and my purpose. I feel at home in the Catholic Church. It is where my heart is. It's like having an old friend; the one in which it seems as though no matter how much time may pass without seeing each other, when you finally do see each other again, it's as though no time has passed at all.
Sometimes it takes losing something to realize how much it means to you. In a similar way, I think about how this relates to my decision to become a teacher. I had always known since I was seven years old that I wanted to be a teacher. That became part of my identity and I never considered contemplating anything else. Then, two years into college - out of the blue, I realize that I have so many other options before me. I became convinced that I didn't want to be a teacher, and I researched everything else out there to find what I really wanted to do, and I chose accounting. I was all fired up about it too, and I know I could have done a good job. But was my heart in it? I remember a defining moment when my brother, Brian asked me one day, "Allie, are you okay with not identifying yourself with teaching?" That hit me. I wasn't. After one day of attending accounting classes, I walked over to the Department of Education and told them I wanted to come back. Ever since then I know that I am meant to work in a school. It took leaving to realize that and gain that strength.
That's where I feel I am now. I left the Catholic Church in pursuit of knowing God and following His will for me. It took leaving to realize just how much I am a part of the Church, and how much the Church is a part of me. It's how I have come to know God my whole life. I think that is his main purpose for all of us - to know Him and serve Him; to believe and have faith. I have spent my whole life raised on that ambition and I am so grateful for that. We all have our own unique identities in Him and we have to follow our own hearts to seek His will for us...and this is me following my heart.
11:45am...
I was without internet during my time in Ireland, but I kept a regular journal so that everyone could share the experience with me. What I am about to write is a summary of my personal, overall experience and growth process on the day I left Ireland. Following this summary, I am writing about my thoughts and feelings for each day...
When I considered writing in my blog about my trip to Ireland, I was going to approach it in the same manner I always do, detailing the ins and outs of each day's adventure one by one. I happen to like detail, so I will likely cover that as well. However, what I feel as though I experienced on this journey is far greater than any single event. This week has been one of the most intense, yet refreshing and exhilarating experiences I've ever had. It goes far beyond visiting old historical sites and castles, even beyond walking barefoot throughout the countryside. The most captivating aspect of this trip was a kind of rediscovery about myself - where I came from, my culture, and how I was raised - the roots of my unique identity. I am not just talking about the fact that I am Irish. I have fair skin, red hair, and green eyes, which makes it easy to remember. Beyond that, I rediscovered how much I love my roots as an Irish Catholic. I remembered how I once identified myself. There was a Catholic Church near the place where I stayed in Dublin, called St. Mary's. The day after we arrived, Tracey and I attended mass. When I walked into that church, the first one I had visited in a long time, I had but one thought - It felt like coming home. All throughout mass I felt such peace with myself. It felt like everything was coming together like a puzzle designed just for me; as though my whole summer was centered around my being here, at this moment, in this church. I thought about how I wanted to receive communion, but knew that I had so much on my heart I wanted to share beforehand...so I just sat through mass and enjoyed the moment.
Afterwards I thought I would ask the priest if there was any time he would be available to talk with me this week, and to my surprise, he said he would talk with me about it right then. So we sat together and I told him all about how I have thought and felt over the past several months. I told him about how I left the Church because I wanted to pursue a closer, personal relationship with God that I felt I couldn't do in the Catholic Church. To my surprise again, he told me that he was glad for me that I did, because it indicated how strong my desire is to know God and serve His will. I don't necessarily think that a person's denomination is the indicator of how strong their love is for God, and it is certainly not in my capacity to judge anyone but myself. I know that I have become a much stronger Christian in the past few months, and I am so thankful to have such amazing role models in my life.
I believe that all of those moments led me here, on this day, the feast of Corpus Christi. Upon hearing my confession, the priest went to the altar and brought me communion. My eyes filled with tears in awe of how truly amazing God's love really is. I feel so blessed to know that no matter where life leads me, He will always be with me. He will always be my strength and my purpose. I feel at home in the Catholic Church. It is where my heart is. It's like having an old friend; the one in which it seems as though no matter how much time may pass without seeing each other, when you finally do see each other again, it's as though no time has passed at all.
Sometimes it takes losing something to realize how much it means to you. In a similar way, I think about how this relates to my decision to become a teacher. I had always known since I was seven years old that I wanted to be a teacher. That became part of my identity and I never considered contemplating anything else. Then, two years into college - out of the blue, I realize that I have so many other options before me. I became convinced that I didn't want to be a teacher, and I researched everything else out there to find what I really wanted to do, and I chose accounting. I was all fired up about it too, and I know I could have done a good job. But was my heart in it? I remember a defining moment when my brother, Brian asked me one day, "Allie, are you okay with not identifying yourself with teaching?" That hit me. I wasn't. After one day of attending accounting classes, I walked over to the Department of Education and told them I wanted to come back. Ever since then I know that I am meant to work in a school. It took leaving to realize that and gain that strength.
That's where I feel I am now. I left the Catholic Church in pursuit of knowing God and following His will for me. It took leaving to realize just how much I am a part of the Church, and how much the Church is a part of me. It's how I have come to know God my whole life. I think that is his main purpose for all of us - to know Him and serve Him; to believe and have faith. I have spent my whole life raised on that ambition and I am so grateful for that. We all have our own unique identities in Him and we have to follow our own hearts to seek His will for us...and this is me following my heart.
Happy Birthday, Dad!
June 13th...
2:45pm...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD!!! I wanted to let you know I am thinking about you, thousands of feet in the air and on the way to where our ancestors originated from. I'll be sure to drink a pint of "the black stuff" for you!
This is surreal. I am currently flying in a big, green plane with a shamrock on the side, and it is taking me to a place that I have dreamed of seeing since I was a little girl. It's a place that I never thought I'd actually get to see with my own eyes. In two hours, I will be in Dublin, Ireland. This can't really be happening. I would ask the man sitting next to me to pinch my arm so that I wake up, but I don't anticipate that going too well. So to save myself from another strange look (you think I'd be used to them after being in Finland a month), I'll just continue dreaming.
When I made my plans for the summer, this trip was not included even in my wildest dreams. I have about 11 days between my study abroad in Jyvaskyla and Seoul, and I would have been perfectly content staying in Finland during that time. A few weeks ago I had heard some of my friends here talking about how cheap it would be to fly to London from Finland using a discount airline that flies only to and from selective locations. I thought I'd give it a looksie and discovered that it was in fact as cheap as they described. I began to deliberate this idea and talk with others about it. In doing so, I convinced a girl from Canada named Tracey that we should really take advantage of this opportunity together. After all, to fly to the UK from North America is way beyond my financial means. Over a week of going over and over the costs (the Jack Lemmon side of me was coming out again), we decided that we were going to do it! England here we come! We sat down at computers right next to each other, chose our flight, and just as we were getting ready to press "confirm", I told her I wanted to check one thing first. I looked at another site and found that we could fly to Dublin for the same price. I kind of looked at her from the corner of my eye and made this suggestion, hoping she'd feel the same way. She just looked at me with wide eyes and we said, "Let's do it. We're going to Ireland!".
Ever since that moment I have talked endlessly to these people here about how excited I am. My family ancestry is very important to me; an interest that was inspired by my dad. So much research has been done to learn about the Keegan's that originally landed at Ellis Island many years ago, and the fact that I am only moments away from the land they originated from is overwhelming. Ireland is where my roots began and the Irish traditions are what I was raised upon, which is why this trip and this moment holds so much meaning. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world right now and I'm truly grateful for all the people back home who have supported me and continue to support me while I take part in this journey. Even though I don't have you here to share this with, knowing you are all back home and you care is what heightens all of these moments.
3:20pm...
I am completely exhausted, but I can't sleep! I stayed awake with my summer school friends until 3am, and then took a "taksi" at 5am. I am running on pure adrenaline and excitement! Can't this plane go any faster?! I think I'm going to make a request to the pilot...
1:46 (Dublin time)
A thought just occurred to me...I'm going to experience darkness tonight! Woohoo!
2:45pm...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD!!! I wanted to let you know I am thinking about you, thousands of feet in the air and on the way to where our ancestors originated from. I'll be sure to drink a pint of "the black stuff" for you!
This is surreal. I am currently flying in a big, green plane with a shamrock on the side, and it is taking me to a place that I have dreamed of seeing since I was a little girl. It's a place that I never thought I'd actually get to see with my own eyes. In two hours, I will be in Dublin, Ireland. This can't really be happening. I would ask the man sitting next to me to pinch my arm so that I wake up, but I don't anticipate that going too well. So to save myself from another strange look (you think I'd be used to them after being in Finland a month), I'll just continue dreaming.
When I made my plans for the summer, this trip was not included even in my wildest dreams. I have about 11 days between my study abroad in Jyvaskyla and Seoul, and I would have been perfectly content staying in Finland during that time. A few weeks ago I had heard some of my friends here talking about how cheap it would be to fly to London from Finland using a discount airline that flies only to and from selective locations. I thought I'd give it a looksie and discovered that it was in fact as cheap as they described. I began to deliberate this idea and talk with others about it. In doing so, I convinced a girl from Canada named Tracey that we should really take advantage of this opportunity together. After all, to fly to the UK from North America is way beyond my financial means. Over a week of going over and over the costs (the Jack Lemmon side of me was coming out again), we decided that we were going to do it! England here we come! We sat down at computers right next to each other, chose our flight, and just as we were getting ready to press "confirm", I told her I wanted to check one thing first. I looked at another site and found that we could fly to Dublin for the same price. I kind of looked at her from the corner of my eye and made this suggestion, hoping she'd feel the same way. She just looked at me with wide eyes and we said, "Let's do it. We're going to Ireland!".
Ever since that moment I have talked endlessly to these people here about how excited I am. My family ancestry is very important to me; an interest that was inspired by my dad. So much research has been done to learn about the Keegan's that originally landed at Ellis Island many years ago, and the fact that I am only moments away from the land they originated from is overwhelming. Ireland is where my roots began and the Irish traditions are what I was raised upon, which is why this trip and this moment holds so much meaning. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world right now and I'm truly grateful for all the people back home who have supported me and continue to support me while I take part in this journey. Even though I don't have you here to share this with, knowing you are all back home and you care is what heightens all of these moments.
3:20pm...
I am completely exhausted, but I can't sleep! I stayed awake with my summer school friends until 3am, and then took a "taksi" at 5am. I am running on pure adrenaline and excitement! Can't this plane go any faster?! I think I'm going to make a request to the pilot...
1:46 (Dublin time)
A thought just occurred to me...I'm going to experience darkness tonight! Woohoo!
Parting Thoughts for Jyvaskyla
June 13th...
11:00am...
It's hard to believe that the first part of my study abroad adventure has come to a close. This morning I packed my bags and said my goodbyes to the city of Jyvaskyla and all the people in it. I began to feel the effects of closure last weekend when many of the international students returned to their homes. Coming into this experience, I really had no idea what to expect. I had no idea what it would be like to adapt to a new culture. I anticipated challenges with the language and with the Finnish way of life, which seemed very different from my own. I expected that when I would be leaving Finland, I would mostly be reflecting on what I learned about Finland, such as the customs, traditions, and parts of the language. Now that I am actually at the time for reflection, I find that what occupies my mind the most is the people I was able to share this experience with. It makes me think of the song lyrics by Dave Matthews Band in "The Best of What's Around", which state: "It turns out not where, but who you're with that really matter". More than ever I realize the importance of that statement. My time here in Jyvaskyla would not have been nearly as captivating if I wouldn't have formed such great relationships with the group of people that were here with me. In the same respect, I know I wouldn't be having such a great time if I didn't have my family back home to support me. I think that a little heartache in saying goodbyes is a good sign that you did something right. In just a short period of time I was able to form real connections with people who have lived their lives so differently from me. While we may be from many various countries around the world, we were all ultimately looking for the same thing: a means of comfortability and people that make you feel at home. Four weeks later I am confident to say that the majority of us found that comfortability within each other. I found people that I could share my feelings with, try new things with, and laugh with hysterically. I feel so lucky to have been a part of such a compelling group of people.
Another thing I'm beginning to realize even more is just how we never know when or how God will use people to work in our lives. I could very well see any of these people at another time in my life, maybe even months or years from now. So rather than saying goodbye, I will say "Nahdaan!", meaning "See ya!". And to any of my new summer school friends, if you ever visit the States, I have a couch and some homemade cookies to share with you!
11:00am...
It's hard to believe that the first part of my study abroad adventure has come to a close. This morning I packed my bags and said my goodbyes to the city of Jyvaskyla and all the people in it. I began to feel the effects of closure last weekend when many of the international students returned to their homes. Coming into this experience, I really had no idea what to expect. I had no idea what it would be like to adapt to a new culture. I anticipated challenges with the language and with the Finnish way of life, which seemed very different from my own. I expected that when I would be leaving Finland, I would mostly be reflecting on what I learned about Finland, such as the customs, traditions, and parts of the language. Now that I am actually at the time for reflection, I find that what occupies my mind the most is the people I was able to share this experience with. It makes me think of the song lyrics by Dave Matthews Band in "The Best of What's Around", which state: "It turns out not where, but who you're with that really matter". More than ever I realize the importance of that statement. My time here in Jyvaskyla would not have been nearly as captivating if I wouldn't have formed such great relationships with the group of people that were here with me. In the same respect, I know I wouldn't be having such a great time if I didn't have my family back home to support me. I think that a little heartache in saying goodbyes is a good sign that you did something right. In just a short period of time I was able to form real connections with people who have lived their lives so differently from me. While we may be from many various countries around the world, we were all ultimately looking for the same thing: a means of comfortability and people that make you feel at home. Four weeks later I am confident to say that the majority of us found that comfortability within each other. I found people that I could share my feelings with, try new things with, and laugh with hysterically. I feel so lucky to have been a part of such a compelling group of people.Another thing I'm beginning to realize even more is just how we never know when or how God will use people to work in our lives. I could very well see any of these people at another time in my life, maybe even months or years from now. So rather than saying goodbye, I will say "Nahdaan!", meaning "See ya!". And to any of my new summer school friends, if you ever visit the States, I have a couch and some homemade cookies to share with you!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Oink! Oink!
June 10th...
12:30pm...
We walked into Lozzi, our favorite lunchtime cafeteria...and the only item on the menu today
read: Pork Party. We all look skeptically at one another and wonder what that may entail. Shall we try it? Of course! We stand in line, grab our plates, and then our eyes immediately glanced to our left. Laying on a very wide table, was a giant pig. A giant, smoked pig. Staring at us. There was a man on the other side of this robust oinker, just carving into it and filling everyone's plates with chunks of pork. Now don't get me wrong, I've eaten pork-like foods before, but I never actually see the the animal itself, so I don't really associate my food with former wildlife. Although it was surprisingly quite tasty, I think I may revert to vegetarianism for awhile...
5:30pm...
Scratch that thought. Tonight we complete our final goal here in Finland. We're eating reindeer! Just as long as Rudolph isn't lying on the table in front of me, I'll be happy...!
12:30pm...
We walked into Lozzi, our favorite lunchtime cafeteria...and the only item on the menu today
read: Pork Party. We all look skeptically at one another and wonder what that may entail. Shall we try it? Of course! We stand in line, grab our plates, and then our eyes immediately glanced to our left. Laying on a very wide table, was a giant pig. A giant, smoked pig. Staring at us. There was a man on the other side of this robust oinker, just carving into it and filling everyone's plates with chunks of pork. Now don't get me wrong, I've eaten pork-like foods before, but I never actually see the the animal itself, so I don't really associate my food with former wildlife. Although it was surprisingly quite tasty, I think I may revert to vegetarianism for awhile...5:30pm...
Scratch that thought. Tonight we complete our final goal here in Finland. We're eating reindeer! Just as long as Rudolph isn't lying on the table in front of me, I'll be happy...!
Paljon Onnea Vaan!
June 9th...
1:30am...
I can't sleep. I'm sure it has nothing to do with the night sky being as bright as the day either. I honestly don't know what I'm going to do when I see the dark again. I may need to grab a set of night vision goggles or a heavy-duty flashlight for the hours between 9:00pm and 5:00am...you know, the time of day that most people naturally adjust to the darkness. Maybe I can't sleep because I am still so rejuvenated from an amazing night with the remaining twelve international students here in Jyväskylä. I've been placing a lot of blame on the perpetual daylight here...so for this time, I'll credit my insomnia to natural endorphins.
Today marked the final experience of the Finnish sauna, and I must say, we went out with a bang. We walked to Lake Kiviniemi, a very secluded area in the forest. It was equipped with a small cabin that smelled like Christmas trees and firewood, an old-fashioned grill, and another cabin that held both a regular sauna and a smoke sauna. The environment we were surrounded by was so incredibly peaceful. We spent about an hour just walking through the trees and gazing at the water...and I shared my ever-popular near-death experience with the alligator in Louisiana. Between that story and my display of wood-chopping, I am now viewed as a cross between Lumber Jane and the Crocodile Hunter: Jane Erwin. Yes, that has a nice ring to it. My mom and dad were clearly underestimating their daughter's rugged abilities when they named me Allison. =)
Now that we have that figured out, let's move on to the sauna. We began with having the girls in the regular sauna, and the boys in the smoke sauna. The girls and I decided that the regular sauna wasn't hot enough, so we squished in with the fellas at the other one...all 12 of us together. The difference between the two saunas, is that the regular sauna uses simply firewood and stays at a consistent temperature; while the smoke sauna is heated by coals, and one can throw water on those coals to receive an instant gust of heat. Just to clarify, when I say heat, I mean it instantly feels as though you are baking in an oven. You can even taste the heat. For this girl, I am used to running outdoors when it's 105-degrees outside, so this feeling was incredible! Once you get to the point in which you can't even breathe any longer, you run out onto the dock and jump in the lake, which sits at about 45-50 degrees. The moment you come out of the water, you experience such an invigoration that I can hardly describe! Wow...I'm still feeling the effects!
The intensity of that experience left us very hungry, which means it's time for....take a guess....Makkara! It's a fact that the Finns consume 25 million kilo of makkara (sausage) each year, and I am not surprised! We also celebrated the birthday of Kayi, a girl from Hong Kong. We sat around the table and sang the typical "Happy Birthday" song to her...followed by the same renditions in Finnish, Spanish, German, Dutch, Vietnemese, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Russian. It was such a special moment. I have become so used to being around these wonderful people every day, that I forget just how amazing it is that we have all come from our separate parts of the world. We all bring something completely new to each other, and being able to grow closely with these people has been the best part of my experience in Jyväskylä.
I know that I have the opportunity to learn something from every person I co
me in contact with; even if I am acquainted with them for only brief moments. If I really seek to understand and know people different than myself, then I can become one step closer to understanding more of the natural wonder of humanity. I am so thankful to be here and I am going to soak up the last few days I have with the friends I've made.
Paljon onnea vaan translates to...Happy Birthday. It's sung to the same tune you all know... give it a try!
1:30am...
I can't sleep. I'm sure it has nothing to do with the night sky being as bright as the day either. I honestly don't know what I'm going to do when I see the dark again. I may need to grab a set of night vision goggles or a heavy-duty flashlight for the hours between 9:00pm and 5:00am...you know, the time of day that most people naturally adjust to the darkness. Maybe I can't sleep because I am still so rejuvenated from an amazing night with the remaining twelve international students here in Jyväskylä. I've been placing a lot of blame on the perpetual daylight here...so for this time, I'll credit my insomnia to natural endorphins.
Today marked the final experience of the Finnish sauna, and I must say, we went out with a bang. We walked to Lake Kiviniemi, a very secluded area in the forest. It was equipped with a small cabin that smelled like Christmas trees and firewood, an old-fashioned grill, and another cabin that held both a regular sauna and a smoke sauna. The environment we were surrounded by was so incredibly peaceful. We spent about an hour just walking through the trees and gazing at the water...and I shared my ever-popular near-death experience with the alligator in Louisiana. Between that story and my display of wood-chopping, I am now viewed as a cross between Lumber Jane and the Crocodile Hunter: Jane Erwin. Yes, that has a nice ring to it. My mom and dad were clearly underestimating their daughter's rugged abilities when they named me Allison. =)
Now that we have that figured out, let's move on to the sauna. We began with having the girls in the regular sauna, and the boys in the smoke sauna. The girls and I decided that the regular sauna wasn't hot enough, so we squished in with the fellas at the other one...all 12 of us together. The difference between the two saunas, is that the regular sauna uses simply firewood and stays at a consistent temperature; while the smoke sauna is heated by coals, and one can throw water on those coals to receive an instant gust of heat. Just to clarify, when I say heat, I mean it instantly feels as though you are baking in an oven. You can even taste the heat. For this girl, I am used to running outdoors when it's 105-degrees outside, so this feeling was incredible! Once you get to the point in which you can't even breathe any longer, you run out onto the dock and jump in the lake, which sits at about 45-50 degrees. The moment you come out of the water, you experience such an invigoration that I can hardly describe! Wow...I'm still feeling the effects!
The intensity of that experience left us very hungry, which means it's time for....take a guess....Makkara! It's a fact that the Finns consume 25 million kilo of makkara (sausage) each year, and I am not surprised! We also celebrated the birthday of Kayi, a girl from Hong Kong. We sat around the table and sang the typical "Happy Birthday" song to her...followed by the same renditions in Finnish, Spanish, German, Dutch, Vietnemese, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Russian. It was such a special moment. I have become so used to being around these wonderful people every day, that I forget just how amazing it is that we have all come from our separate parts of the world. We all bring something completely new to each other, and being able to grow closely with these people has been the best part of my experience in Jyväskylä.
I know that I have the opportunity to learn something from every person I co
me in contact with; even if I am acquainted with them for only brief moments. If I really seek to understand and know people different than myself, then I can become one step closer to understanding more of the natural wonder of humanity. I am so thankful to be here and I am going to soak up the last few days I have with the friends I've made.Paljon onnea vaan translates to...Happy Birthday. It's sung to the same tune you all know... give it a try!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Confidence
June 7th...
9:35pm...
Today was my last Sunday to spend in Jyvaskyla, and I am so amazed at how fast the time has gone. It feels like it was just yesterday that I was standing at the Helsinki airport, waiting for my luggage to come around the conveyor belt...and feeling so absent and alone when it never did. I remember sitting at the Jyvaskyla Travel Centre and waiting on my Finnish friend to pick me up, having absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into. There was definitely a part of me that doubted my abilities to successfully adjust to such a new culture. I knew that I would get by, but I wanted so much more from this experience than to "get by". I want more from life than to just "get by".
It definitely feels like I'm nearing the end, because many of the people that I met in the beginning left yesterday, and there are only a couple handfuls of us left. So today I met with a few of the girls and we ate pizza and icecream, and walked around the very quiet city together. We went to the harbour and sat on a boat and just talked about our experience so far. We didn't just talk about what we have done and seen, but rather we talked about how we have changed in just the few short weeks we have been in Finland. We reminisced about our first day here and how exciting it was to go to the supermarket and not have the ability to read anything on the package labels...or how we'd laugh walking down the street without being able to read the street signs...and everyone around us was speaking Finnish. We talked about how much we didn't know or understand about the Finnish culture, but yet how enthusiastic we were to experience it.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, we also talked about the frustrations we felt when that enthusiasm died down. It's no longer exciting when you need to buy something and just can't find what you're looking for on your own...and there's a 50/50 chance that someone may or may not be able to help you. It's no longer just a funny story to tell when you walk down the street and say hi to the people you are passing, and not receive any recognition or response in return. The past few days we all felt a greater sense of loneliness than we had felt since we've been here. The weather was cold and consistently rainy the last few days, and it's as though you have to make yourself get out of bed. Yesterday I decided that I didn't care how miserable it felt outside; I was going to walk around the city. So I walked back and forth down the streets, with my arms crossed to keep warm and my head down somewhat to avoid the rain completely soaking my face. Even though I know that I look the same as everyone here, I felt as though I was such an outcast. I truly felt on my own. Then it hit me...I am on my own. 
That realization created in me a new mindset in this process. There will be times throughout the rest of my journey abroad when I do feel alone; but yet, I do not feel lonely. I feel confident. I am comfortable in my own skin and I feel so lucky to have this experience. I know that if this experience was easy the whole time, then that means I am not truly giving enough of myself. If I didn't struggle with belongingness or uncomfortability, then that means I didn't put myself out there as I much as I could have. I am getting ready to embark on my last week and my last class here in Jyvaskyla, and I will strive to continue immersing myself in this culture no matter how uncomfortable I may feel at times. On my best days, I will continue to say "hei" to the people that I pass in walking, for the chance that maybe one of those people will appreciate that recognition. Shoot, maybe one day someone will even say "hei" to me; but if they don't, I'm okay with that. After all, I am just a guest in a culture that is far different from my own.
9:35pm...
Today was my last Sunday to spend in Jyvaskyla, and I am so amazed at how fast the time has gone. It feels like it was just yesterday that I was standing at the Helsinki airport, waiting for my luggage to come around the conveyor belt...and feeling so absent and alone when it never did. I remember sitting at the Jyvaskyla Travel Centre and waiting on my Finnish friend to pick me up, having absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into. There was definitely a part of me that doubted my abilities to successfully adjust to such a new culture. I knew that I would get by, but I wanted so much more from this experience than to "get by". I want more from life than to just "get by".It definitely feels like I'm nearing the end, because many of the people that I met in the beginning left yesterday, and there are only a couple handfuls of us left. So today I met with a few of the girls and we ate pizza and icecream, and walked around the very quiet city together. We went to the harbour and sat on a boat and just talked about our experience so far. We didn't just talk about what we have done and seen, but rather we talked about how we have changed in just the few short weeks we have been in Finland. We reminisced about our first day here and how exciting it was to go to the supermarket and not have the ability to read anything on the package labels...or how we'd laugh walking down the street without being able to read the street signs...and everyone around us was speaking Finnish. We talked about how much we didn't know or understand about the Finnish culture, but yet how enthusiastic we were to experience it.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, we also talked about the frustrations we felt when that enthusiasm died down. It's no longer exciting when you need to buy something and just can't find what you're looking for on your own...and there's a 50/50 chance that someone may or may not be able to help you. It's no longer just a funny story to tell when you walk down the street and say hi to the people you are passing, and not receive any recognition or response in return. The past few days we all felt a greater sense of loneliness than we had felt since we've been here. The weather was cold and consistently rainy the last few days, and it's as though you have to make yourself get out of bed. Yesterday I decided that I didn't care how miserable it felt outside; I was going to walk around the city. So I walked back and forth down the streets, with my arms crossed to keep warm and my head down somewhat to avoid the rain completely soaking my face. Even though I know that I look the same as everyone here, I felt as though I was such an outcast. I truly felt on my own. Then it hit me...I am on my own.
That realization created in me a new mindset in this process. There will be times throughout the rest of my journey abroad when I do feel alone; but yet, I do not feel lonely. I feel confident. I am comfortable in my own skin and I feel so lucky to have this experience. I know that if this experience was easy the whole time, then that means I am not truly giving enough of myself. If I didn't struggle with belongingness or uncomfortability, then that means I didn't put myself out there as I much as I could have. I am getting ready to embark on my last week and my last class here in Jyvaskyla, and I will strive to continue immersing myself in this culture no matter how uncomfortable I may feel at times. On my best days, I will continue to say "hei" to the people that I pass in walking, for the chance that maybe one of those people will appreciate that recognition. Shoot, maybe one day someone will even say "hei" to me; but if they don't, I'm okay with that. After all, I am just a guest in a culture that is far different from my own.Saturday, June 6, 2009
Thankfulness
June 6th...
9:20pm...
It's been exactly 65 years since 160,000 Allied troops landed in Normandy and cracked Nazi Germany's hold on Western Europe. I've always had an interest in knowing the history and cultural development of our nation, and today I feel even more proud to be a citizen of the United States of America. I have a unique feeling of pride and responsibility on the anniversary of D-Day this year. Today was honestly the first day that I truly realized I am not living in the USA. I looked out my kitchen window and saw five of Finland's flags. I've been living in Jyvaskyla for over three weeks now, and today was the first time I saw a flag. This was a unique experience, because back home we have flags posted everywhere. We're all about proclaiming the stars and stripes. Looking out my window and seeing a white flag with blue stripes forced me to pause for a brief moment to grasp exactly where I am. Even though I may be physically separated from my home, I feel an even greater sense of belongingness to the USA than I have had previously. It makes me feel so proud that I am affiliated with people who served our country back in WWII. It is their valor, fidelity, and selflessness that has provided significant contributions to the freedom with which I am granted. Living in Finland and meeting people from all over the world has caused me to take a step back and look at my nationality from a new perspective. It's easy to take for granted what you have known to be true your whole life. In the 24 years that I've been a part of this world, I have only known one nation of freedom. And while there are always going to be facets of our country that are changing and developing in ways that I like and dislike, I will never cease in being loyal. It will always be a place I honor and defend. I'm glad to be living abroad this summer, because it challenges me to better my own knowledge and understanding of the nation I call home.
9:20pm...
It's been exactly 65 years since 160,000 Allied troops landed in Normandy and cracked Nazi Germany's hold on Western Europe. I've always had an interest in knowing the history and cultural development of our nation, and today I feel even more proud to be a citizen of the United States of America. I have a unique feeling of pride and responsibility on the anniversary of D-Day this year. Today was honestly the first day that I truly realized I am not living in the USA. I looked out my kitchen window and saw five of Finland's flags. I've been living in Jyvaskyla for over three weeks now, and today was the first time I saw a flag. This was a unique experience, because back home we have flags posted everywhere. We're all about proclaiming the stars and stripes. Looking out my window and seeing a white flag with blue stripes forced me to pause for a brief moment to grasp exactly where I am. Even though I may be physically separated from my home, I feel an even greater sense of belongingness to the USA than I have had previously. It makes me feel so proud that I am affiliated with people who served our country back in WWII. It is their valor, fidelity, and selflessness that has provided significant contributions to the freedom with which I am granted. Living in Finland and meeting people from all over the world has caused me to take a step back and look at my nationality from a new perspective. It's easy to take for granted what you have known to be true your whole life. In the 24 years that I've been a part of this world, I have only known one nation of freedom. And while there are always going to be facets of our country that are changing and developing in ways that I like and dislike, I will never cease in being loyal. It will always be a place I honor and defend. I'm glad to be living abroad this summer, because it challenges me to better my own knowledge and understanding of the nation I call home.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
More Hernekeittoa, Please!
June 4th...
4:30pm...
Today I sampled another Finnish tradition, which is that of eating Hernekeittoa on Thursdays. The tradition of eating ham and pea soup and pancakes on Thursdays is said to originate in the pre-Reformation era, as preparation for fasting on Friday. During World War II, the Finnish army was fed with hernekeitto. Finnish Defence Forces still retain the tradition, serving its conscripts pea soup, with pancakes for dessert, for lunch or dinner every Thursday. I was a bit skeptical by it's appearance...it was green and a bit lumpy, but today was cold and definitely a soup-eating type of day. Unlike my previously mentioned experiences about trying new candies here in Jyväskylä, this was actually quite wonderful. It was very interesting being combined with pancakes. The pancakes here are made on a giant sheet in the oven, and then cut into squares. They are a bit more eggy and less fluffy, and served with blueberry jam. I'm beginning to like Finnish foods now...and am still keeping my eye out for reindeer...
"Well I Was a Boogie Singer..."
June 3rd...
10pm...
There is one nice thing about cold, rainy days here in Jyväskylä, and that is that I don't have to worry about the nightly basketball players keeping me awake! Yesterday was pretty cold and rainy, but I was so excited because I assumed that the gray clouds would cause the night to be a little darker. For that reason, I was so excited at the thought of laying in bed at 11pm in the dark, and just drifting off to sleep naturally. This pleasant thought was slowly crushed as the hours drifted by and the sky just stayed the same....cloudy, yes, but dark...not in the least. So as usual I put on my eye mask, close my eyes, and try to mentally tell myself that although it appears to be 7pm it is actually 1am. Go to bed Allison....one sheep...two sheep...three sheep.... Whoever came up with the "counting sheep" concept ought not to be so notorized, because it does absolutely nothing in my opinion except for drive your mind crazy. Sheep? Why, Sheep? Why not cows? Tomorrow, that's what I'll do.
Last night was quite the night! The social program organized a Finnish Baking night at Opinkivi, where we would get to bake traditional Finnish blueberry pie, pancakes, and some other kind of appetizer that I certainly cannot spell. We also got to taste Karjalanpiirakat, which is similar to Karelian pie, and is especially common here for breakfasts during holidays. I ended up doing quite a bit of the baking, as most of the others lost interest in the preparation pretty early! This was not a problem for me whatsoever, because you all know how much I LOVE to bake! I hadn't been able to do that in such a long time either, so it felt wonderful to prepare food that people loved! Granted, it wasn't my recipe...but being able to put it together felt wonderful. The guys in
my group decided that they also wanted to take part in the baking process, and so we left them to bake one of the pies. I was pretty impressed when I looked at the final product before it went in the oven, until I saw the 1/2 dL of sugar they happened to forget to include. I slyly pointed this fact out to them, and what was their solution? Pour the sugar on top of the pie. Same thing right? =) Maybe similar to Jason's attempt at making No-Bake cookies..."Well, I knew it took 3 Cups of something...so I put in 3 Cups of sugar..." (For a recipe that calls for 3 Cups of OATMEAL and 1 Cup of sugar!) ...It was still delicious however, and very sweet =)
After the baking extravaganza, the group and I headed to a karaoke bar called Free Time. It had been awhile since I'd been to a karaoke bar, and I'd forgotten just how much fun it is! There is certainly some talent among the international crowd here! That being said, I am not one of them. At a karaoke bar I resemble the role Cameron Diaz played in "My Best Friend's Wedding". She may talk sweet and therefore people assume she has a sweet singing voice as well...but in all actuality, she's quite tone deaf. Knowing that, I still gave it my all while singing "Play That Funky Music"...
10pm...
(Edyta-with a beautiful voice-in the center...Daphne and I as backup dancers)
There is one nice thing about cold, rainy days here in Jyväskylä, and that is that I don't have to worry about the nightly basketball players keeping me awake! Yesterday was pretty cold and rainy, but I was so excited because I assumed that the gray clouds would cause the night to be a little darker. For that reason, I was so excited at the thought of laying in bed at 11pm in the dark, and just drifting off to sleep naturally. This pleasant thought was slowly crushed as the hours drifted by and the sky just stayed the same....cloudy, yes, but dark...not in the least. So as usual I put on my eye mask, close my eyes, and try to mentally tell myself that although it appears to be 7pm it is actually 1am. Go to bed Allison....one sheep...two sheep...three sheep.... Whoever came up with the "counting sheep" concept ought not to be so notorized, because it does absolutely nothing in my opinion except for drive your mind crazy. Sheep? Why, Sheep? Why not cows? Tomorrow, that's what I'll do.
Last night was quite the night! The social program organized a Finnish Baking night at Opinkivi, where we would get to bake traditional Finnish blueberry pie, pancakes, and some other kind of appetizer that I certainly cannot spell. We also got to taste Karjalanpiirakat, which is similar to Karelian pie, and is especially common here for breakfasts during holidays. I ended up doing quite a bit of the baking, as most of the others lost interest in the preparation pretty early! This was not a problem for me whatsoever, because you all know how much I LOVE to bake! I hadn't been able to do that in such a long time either, so it felt wonderful to prepare food that people loved! Granted, it wasn't my recipe...but being able to put it together felt wonderful. The guys in
my group decided that they also wanted to take part in the baking process, and so we left them to bake one of the pies. I was pretty impressed when I looked at the final product before it went in the oven, until I saw the 1/2 dL of sugar they happened to forget to include. I slyly pointed this fact out to them, and what was their solution? Pour the sugar on top of the pie. Same thing right? =) Maybe similar to Jason's attempt at making No-Bake cookies..."Well, I knew it took 3 Cups of something...so I put in 3 Cups of sugar..." (For a recipe that calls for 3 Cups of OATMEAL and 1 Cup of sugar!) ...It was still delicious however, and very sweet =)After the baking extravaganza, the group and I headed to a karaoke bar called Free Time. It had been awhile since I'd been to a karaoke bar, and I'd forgotten just how much fun it is! There is certainly some talent among the international crowd here! That being said, I am not one of them. At a karaoke bar I resemble the role Cameron Diaz played in "My Best Friend's Wedding". She may talk sweet and therefore people assume she has a sweet singing voice as well...but in all actuality, she's quite tone deaf. Knowing that, I still gave it my all while singing "Play That Funky Music"...
Monday, June 1, 2009
Go to SLEEP!!
June 2nd...
1:35am...
My only complaint about the night sky never really getting dark...is that people never really have a reason to go inside. I am fine with this concept, except for the five gentlemen right outside my window right now playing basketball and yelling as though it were 1:35pm. The sun will indeed shine again tomorrow fellas and you can continue your game! Apparently they didn't get the memo.
(The view from my room at 1:35am...
and the reason I am still awake!)
Simply Smile
June 1st...
11:55pm...
I was just getting ready to write an email to one of my professors at PSU, reflecting upon a conversation we had prior to my departure. We were discussing our perceptions of Finnish culture, and how my way of life my be misperceived while I am here. For instance, maybe the fact that I smile a lot at everyone will come across as though I'm a bit loony or a "floozy" in her words, because in Finland people don't just smile randomly at others. In my world, you smile at everyone, no exceptions. After all, "a smile is the universal language of kindness" (Aesop).
It has proven true that the Finns really do keep to themselves. Small talk is certainly not part of their daily agenda; especially small talk with overly-eager redheaded American girls that talk too much. In some ways it's actually kind of nice. For instance, I fit in really well at the supermarket. Walking through the checkout line I simply say, "hei", "kylla" (yes), and "kiitos" (thank you), and leave the store. That is all they expect, and therefore it wouldn't be recognized that I'm not actually Finnish. Now back home, going through the checkout involves a good amount of conversation with the cashiers. I typically ask how their day is going, or make comments about the weather, or anything else that may come to my mind to provide a bit of cheer. (I worked at McDonald's for 3 years and I understand how it can be working in customer service...I always appreciated an overly-kind customer!) I can't imagine just walking through the line at Walmart and simply saying "Hi" and "Thank you" with a simple, polite smile on my face. I shop there quite frequently and by now I'm pretty sure the cashiers would think something was wrong if I just walked through their line and simply greeted them.
This is not to say the Finnish way is "bad" or "wrong". I don't believe that at all. It is simply a different culture. One Finnish girl here said it is common for Finns to be stereotyped as robots; just going through the motions of the day without really acknowledging anyone else. At first, I'll admit, I somewhat agreed with that stereotype. I thought it was a bit egocentric to just be in your own world. I came to realize however, that in the same manner, Finns often perceive Americans to be superficial because we talk too much. In their minds it is better to only say what is necessary, but yet mean what you say. The fact of the matter is, we all have stereotypes and misconceptions about people and cultures we don't know. The only way to break down those stereotypes is to really try and see life from another point of view. The challenge is that the point of view you are trying to grasp may completely differ from your own. Sometimes I wonder how possible it really is when we are all so unique and have such strong values of our own. Maybe sometimes it doesn't work. Maybe sometimes we will fail. At the end of the journey however, I think the most important thing is that we step out of our comfort zones and try.
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