Exhibiting!!!

As the title indicates, I am finally exhibiting the work I created in Ireland. Well, clearly not all of it but I was recently accepted into an juried art exhibit. I attempted to enter the nosy donkey and one of the smaller pieces that I created when I finally gave myself permission to never paint a landscape. I really didn't think it would get in at least not in St. Cloud but wouldn't you know, I was wrong. The donkey which I thought was a for sure thing, didn't make it. Clearly, I was wrong again. The best news however is that someone is interested in buying the nosy donkey! I hope it works out. At this rate, I would be a leg up on van Gogh. He sold only one painting in his lifetime and it was to his brother. Sure, I have not even sold it yet but if I do, I know I get some bragging rights since I won't be selling it to a sibling.

Pictures of London

Last day abroad

Today was the last day I had as a tourist. I walked a ton today. I went to an outdoor museum, a nordic museum, and the vasa museum. I actually had plans to make it to one more museum that had all the pippy longstocking stuff but frankly, my feet couldn't take it anymore. It was a lovely day. Ironically, I have had the warmest and sunniest weather here in Sweden than the rest of my trip. I am slightly sunburnt but I think it may actually turn into a nice farmers tan.

Tonight/this morning, a taxi will be coming to pick me up from Sarah's. I think this is the best choice since I would be completely lost if left alone to use the subway and catch a train here in Sweden. I was able to do it when it was in English but I won't lie to myself- it just won't happen here. Sarah even had to order my food for me tonight. If anyone is planning on coming to Sweden, most people do speak English but I recomend getting yourself a 'Sarah' to guide you and point you in the right direction because the signs are not in English all the time. Anyway, tomorrow is a long day of travel but my bed lies at the end of the journey and I can hear it calling my name. Yes. You are right, that is loud. Not only can I hear it across the ocean but I can also hear it over the Iron Maiden Concert that is playing very near Sarah's.

I made it to Sweden!

Yep. I did it. I am officially in Sweden. At least that is what I am told. I can't read the language so it is based on trust- well, that and the fact that Sarah was at the airport to pick me up. I am so grateful for that. I would still be in the airport if it wasn't for her. She brought me to her condo and she had cake to celebrate my birthday as well as a book for me(in Engligh) that is very popular in Sweden. Talk about sweet. Tomorrow I am going to be venturing out on my own which is a little scary. She will get off of work around four and then we will go out with 6 of her friends and then to see Mama Mia the movie. I am really excited about that. Right now, I am happy to be able to relax a little. I think tomorrow will be a big day for me.
Can't wait to see you all soon. Oh, Mom or Julie, do you know if Mrs. Woodstrom's second book has been published yet?

Bumpy ride

So, I left London yesterday (Sat) morning. My airport shuttle came early but luckily, I wasn't eating breakfast so I was ready to meet him at 6:30am. Much to my horror, I discovered that I was at the wrong airport when I couldn't retrieve my e-ticket. BLOODY HELL! So, the airport I was at didn't have any available seats so my only option was to try to catch the one I was supposed to be on. I took two trains back to the spot that I started in. I could have taken the tube from there to the correct airport but was told that would take me an hour, i.e. the time my flight was scheduled to leave. I took a taxi instead. So, roughly $120 later, I made it to the correct airport but there was a problem checking bags. That actually turned out to be a good thing because I wasn't the only one running late and therefore, the flight was delayed and I made it! Lets just say, I was thrilled to be leaving London at that point and moving onto a new venture.

Edinburgh is so much more for me. It's just a small fraction of the size so that helps. I can't figure out the bus system to save my soul but I don't care. I went to two modern art galleries when I got here and then the National Art Gallery. After, I bought a 24 hr ticket for a hop-on-hop-off tour. I rode it around the night before so that I could make the most out of today and I would have to say that it worked. I could always see more art but I am very satisfied with the things that I did see so I can't complain. I know that I ended up seeing more than I thought I would so that is really great.

Tomorrow morning I need to try to catch the bus back to the airport and then it's off to see Sarah in Sweden. I am getting really excited for this part. I am getting so desperate for seeing a familiar face that I keep seeing people who I am certain are doubles to my friends and family. Paige, I swear I have seen you several times in London as well as a former student, Eliza. In Scotland, the tour guide at the Edinburgh castle reminded me of a friend from Northfield. I could go on but you get the point. I am slightly nervous about not speaking Swedish but Sarah is going to meet me at the airport and take me by train to her place. Can you imagine me trying to get around in a country where they don't speak English? There were many times on this trip that I wasn't sure we were all speaking English.

I am looking forward to seeing you all very soon.

Tower of London

After a very unrestful night due to this absolutely ridiculous stomach thing, I went to the Tower of London. I had a ticket after all and I was not about to spend the day in this bloody hotel if I could help it. So, I skipped breakfast and loaded up on peptobismol. This seemed to help enough. I stood in line for 45 min only to find out, I didn't have to wait. Sort of funny since the people behind me were talkig the entire time about wishing that they have prepurched their tickets and it didn't occur to me. Oh well, I got in. I listened to the tour. He was very funny and I would recommend going on the tour to anyone who goes there- it helped orientate me. Then, I wandered around the rest of the towers for a while before I headed to the Kensington Palace. (I must insert a little notice here. I successfully took the tube to the Tower of London, stopped at Buckingham Palace, then proceeded onto Kensington Palace.) I must say, that I really enjoyed seeing Princess Diana's dresses. I know that is slightly silly given all that I saw today but it was the thing that I could relate to the most. Also near that display was an entire section on Debutants. I am just wondering, why did that go away? It looks like so much fun! I want a reason to wear dresses like that and no, chaparoning prom doesn't count.

I hate this bloody hotel!

This hotel is ridiculous! I just asked the desk attendant to call and confirm a shuttle pick up that I have already paid for. He wouldn't do it because it costs 10pence- bastard. I gave him my calling card and explained that I purchased a calling card so that I would be able to make a call but can't dial out on the cheap ass phone in my room. He dialed with my calling card but was not willing to stay on the line and told me to pay £1 to use the internet for 30 min. to write the company an email! On top of that, my room hasn't been cleaned yet since I have been here and I am reasonably certain that it wasn't cleaned before I got here either. It smells discusting and the walls are actually dirty. Oh, and this is 6 days of a stomach virus. I am getting incredibly weak and bitchy as you can tell.

Positives:
After the 'tour' this morning dropped us randomly at some stop, I was able to buy a ticket for the tube. I got to the museums and got back to this crappy motel. I didn't get to see the changing of the gaurds or westminster as my ticket that I paid for in May said that I would but I made it home.

I have a voucher for the Tower of London tomorrow, or at least I hope I do.

p.s. never use travel bound or Evan Evans travel. They over charge and feel it is ok to change the tour at any given moment with no notice or compensation.