Speaking of traveling...our past weekend was spent spending 27 hours in a charter bus touring the sights and sounds of the Arctic Ocean...oh wait we spent so much time in cramped quarters that we could only see the Ocean for two hours.
We were on the bus for 14 hours on Friday and about 13 hours on Saturday. And I know you're wondering, "But Megan, how did you entertain yourself on such a long bus ride?" Good thing I will be providing a brief glimpse into how we piddled away a mere 27 hours.
1.) I was given the opportunity to listen to an assortment of traditional Finnish music. (The unfortunate thing is that the speakers above our heads had blown cones so it sounded like the traditional Fins were in a heavy metal show)
2.) I figured out a way to sleep while the gentle rocking of the bus lulled me to sleep. (Finnish driving is a bit different than U.S. driving. There area few things to note: a.) The hills of Norway are quite treacherous and have sharp turns. Imagine the hills of Tennessee or the Carolinas only much higher, colder, and you can't read the street signs. b.) Our driver was plowing through these hills and if we were in a charter bus race we totally would've taken the gold. c.) Reindeer and sheep are everywhere in Norway so just when you think you are almost asleep, BAM, you are hitting your head on the seat in front of you due to Santa's favorite pet walking across the street.
3.) We made friendship bracelets out of handmade yarn by the Lappish students.
4.) My DS provided a good hour or so of fine entertainment. In case you are wondering we are not Smarter Than a Fifth Grader.
5.) We played cards for hours. I was able to teach everyone Kemps, the up and coming popular card game most played by middle schoolers.
6.) Sara learned how to play hearts. It took a while but homegirl finally got it.
7.) Lots of chocolate.
8.) Sleep.
9.) Complain about the trip.
10.) Ohhh and Ahhhhh about all the sights.
11.) Complain about the trip.
Putting aside the fact that the trip consisted of far too many stops to souvenir shops and the limited time actually at the Ocean, the bus ride through Norway was truly beautiful. There really isn't a way to describe how clear the skies were or how surprisingly green the grass looked or how cold the water was on our feet. I just wish we could've spent more time there...
There is nothing else I can say to describe our trip so enjoy the photo montage below.
Watch out people! This is reindeer country!
Finally arrived at Alta, Norway! Walking down to the Ocean.
Fish smell = close to Ocean.
Falling rocks in Norway.
I'm on top of the world! Seriously though...at the top of the world.
This picture was taken around 1am. Sunset in Norway.
Marina.
Dave: The PhotoBomber.
Somehow the idea that swimming in the Arctic Ocean came about and the U.S. students were a little shy...so the Lappish tour guide showed everyone how a real Fin takes a dip. She literally just stood there and took off her clothes and jumped in. Nudity is not a concern in Finland. Obviously.
On our tour of Norway we also visited two museums, one on the way up and one on the way back. On the way back we stopped at the museum of rock carvings made by ancient Norwegians. This museum was actually quite interesting.
This was our 'rockin' tour guide....bwhaha.
This is a carving of a reindeer 'plussing' (+ing)
The inspiration for the blog title. The tour guide kept talking about the male and female carvings and the way to distinguish the two is by looking for the male's "third leg". Essentially all the men look like pitch forks.
Sara at the Arctic Ocean by the rock museum.
The last picture of Norway....
The trip was really fun and exciting. We were able to see some great pieces of nature and experience part of the world I never thought I would be able to see. I just wish we could've spent more time there. Two hours is definitely not enough time in Norway.
Kippis,
Megan
So two hours counts for your map at least! Yay! Didja meet any vikings? I didn't even realize Norway was on your list. Are you posting pictures anywhere else? Love ya...miss ya!
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