Finland!!!

I apologize for how long it took to put this blog up! I was running around for my last two weeks and had no time to write.

As a Christmas gift, I was given a plane trip to Finland from London and back. Shout out thanks to my parents for that! It was such a great trip and I enjoyed my time immensely! I got a flight over and it was very pleasant. The only downside would be that there was no gluten free food on the plane. Also, I misunderstood the Tube system yet again and got confused for about an hour. Luckily it didn't matter and I made it to the plane on time.

Landing in Finland was fine and I actually got through the border really easily. I didn't even realize that was really a border checkpoint instead of a passport one. Then I got my luggage and met up with Aunt Anne and Isabella. I honestly can say that Finland was the easiest country to get into so far. Anne was really nice to see again after 10-15 years. We got caught up after all these years.

Isabella and I went to school together on Friday morning and it was a really interesting. Of course I fell in the first 5 min I was there. Rookie mistake. I put on better shoes and we walked on the solid ice to the train. We made it to her school and it was unlike any school I'd ever been to. There were dogs running around the class since it's a animal specialty school. Of course everything was in Finnish so I didn't know what was going on. But the dogs were entertaining and there was time to write in my journal. It was actually really nice and I enjoyed every bit of it. The rest of that day we didn't do much but that was fine with me since I didn't feel much like moving. When I fell, my knee went out. So that was fun to walk on for a few days while also being on constant ice. Finland so so cold and icy! Should you ever visit, go in the summer.

The next day Isabella, Patrick and I went into Helsinki. We walked around to a few different places that I wanted to see. They were very patient with me and waited while I walked slowly and fumbled with words. Never the less, we had tons of fun and were able to catch up! I have decided that Finnish sounds a bit like the people talking on “The Sims”. Lots of strange sounds pieced together that somehow sounds nice and like a language. Also, I feel like all the tourist sites use photos of places with a wide angle lens. Because everywhere I went, the places were smaller than I thought they would be. Not less impressive, just much smaller.

For example, the Church of the Rock is a beautiful and very interesting work of architecture. It's built into the side of a mountain, sort of like a hobbit hole. While I obviously loved the place, it was about half the size I expected it to be. I also saw a modern museum of which I've forgotten the name. It had a lot of very interesting exhibits inside, including some paper that had been manipulated to look like rocks. There was also this other room that had drawings all over the walls, really cool! The modern museum also had some pictures that looked scary similar to the weeping angels of Doctor Who. Also Mom, there were some really cool weaving things that were visas or passports from different countries.

The next day, the cousins and I were supposed to go to Estonia. However after hurrying to the ferry and barely making it, we found out that I could not be the adult responsible for two children on a return trip. Apparently they need a parent or grandparent but a cousin doesn't count. Strangely though, if we were going on a one-way trip then they could go. I really don't understand that reasoning. I mean they can go alone to another country and any adult but not return home? How does that ensure their safety? Might have something to do with the amount of alcohol on board, but that doesn't seem to be a good enough reason. So instead of going to Estonia we went around Helsinki more. This time going to different parts where the ships were, Senate Square, and the Olympic Stadium.

We were walking along to Senate Square and I came up to the bay. The ships were moving about amazingly. I only say that because the water was totally frozen over. Giant sheets of ice covered everything. I honestly wasn't sure how they constantly kept moving with the amount of ice surrounding everything. There isn't really a way to describe it, so I'll show you!

As I said before, everywhere we went was wonderfully beautiful and yet so much smaller than I thought it would be. But there's one thing that wasn't small at all.

Overall, I had an amazing time in Finland! I got to see my family and from their side of the world! Not only did I finally get to see Finland, but I was able to experience yet another country. Which is exactly what this whole trip was about. Isabella and Patrick were amazing in showing me around and helping me through things while I looked like a confused tourist. Which to be fair, I was. I would love to go back sometime soon but in the Summer. I would really like to experience more of Finland but first I need to save up lots of money. Finland was hands down the most expensive place that I visited. Which was rather unfortunate since the Euro is closer in comparison to the dollar than the pound. Oh well though, I had an absolutely amazing experience! Thank you Mom an Dad for the opportunity!

My Last Day in Liverpool

My last day in Liverpool was really great. I started it off by finally going to the Cavern Club, made famous by the Beatles. The Beatles is why everyone knows the Cavern, but there have been tons of amazing artists that have played there. The Who, Adele, and the Rolling Stones to name a few. Needless to say, I was really excited to see this famous club and be surrounded by rock history. I took way too many pictures and not enough at the same time. If any of you have ever been around me when I'm in a Hard Rock or any place that has a lot of rock memorabilia then you know how long I take. Literally looking at everything and trying to memorize any facts I come across.

As I stood in the Cavern, I was just so overwhelmed by it's awesomeness. Pictures, artifacts and signatures lined the walls. Sadly though, this Cavern Club is not the original. The original had to be torn down and this one is in it's place. However, it is a pretty exact replica. So there's that. Being in the same place and listening to music as some of the greats is truly amazing for a music lover. I had no idea that Adele sang at the Cavern as well. Of course I was so excited to find that out since she's my favorite living artist. There were so many artifacts that I wanted to buy but I refrained. Personally I think it's an accomplishment that I only spent 7pounds in a place I loved so much!

Across the street from the Cavern Club is the Cavern Pub. That's where all the bands and artists have bricks on the wall. The bricks are on the outside so you don't have to pay to see them, which is really nice. I found Jimi Hendrix's brick and Adele's. Loved the fact that they were really close together! Made my life easier to find my two favorite artists. Shout out to Dad, I found a lot of artists that we both like and took pictures of their bricks. Mom, I found at least one of your artists as well. Ali, I tried for a good 15 min to try and find the Red Hots but couldn't for the life of me find their brick. I even had strangers helping me! Sorry dear.

After the Cavern I decided to take advantage of a very rare sunny day. Walking around Liverpool when the sun is actually shining is a wonderful experience! The city comes alive with life and warmth. Figuratively speaking on the warmth though. I enjoyed taking pictures that I can't usually take without sun.

Heading back to the house, I got ready for a night at the Bierkeller for the Uke Hunters' gig. That's the ukulele band Danny is in. The gig was actually the semi-finals for a music competition. The ukes went last and by far did the best of all 5 bands. They had the other bands standing up and cheering/ dancing along. They made it into the finals with ease. We were all really happy for them and went out to celebrate afterward. It was such a good day ended with a splendid night.

Waking up this morning was really sad since I had to pack up everything and leave Liverpool. Tears were shed and that's all I'm saying about that. Kim and Leah took me out to Costa coffee for a send off, which was so sweet of them! Thank you very much ladies, loved it! Laura hasn't been feeling well so she couldn't join us for that little jaunt. I won't be back during this trip, but I do love that city and I want to return soon! Now I've got tons of friends in Liverpool so returning shouldn't be a problem at all. If any of you Liverpool friends are reading this, come visit me too!

All in all, Liverpool has been an absolutely amazing experience for me! Not what everyone describes it as. Usually when you say Liverpool, people get a slightly disgusted look on their face. I honestly don't know why. Thank you everyone for making my time in Liverpool exceptionally special! Special thanks to Danny, Kim, Leah, and Laura!