from the basset hounds to the indescribably beautiful glacier-made mountains and fjords, Norway is on a completely different scale!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Everything is Bigger in Norway
from the basset hounds to the indescribably beautiful glacier-made mountains and fjords, Norway is on a completely different scale!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Busy Busy Busy
I've posted some on the group blog this week but forgot to post on my own (or remembered but was too tired). We've moved through another segment, staying in Sindal for three days. Sindal is a cute little town of about 4,000. I got to experience my second danish birthday with my hosts as their little girl had turned 7. Birthdays are a big deal over here! And unlike the 8 year old boy's birthday I got to participate in previously which included running about in the woods, riding atvs, and playing ball, this birthday was properly decked out in pink princess gear, had drawing and painting time, and a disco dance room.
We also took a day up to Skagen at the very top of Denmark where we attended the Skipperskole and took a "sandworm" out to the peninsula tip to see where the North Sea and Baltic Sea meet. It was cold, but I put my feet in the water anyway.
My vocational day was at Tankegang, a very modern multimedia firm in Frederickshavn. They produce most of the print marketing for the regional government agencies. I have to say that their government marketing is far more catchy and modern than most of that I've seen in the US. Tankegang also marks the second real discussion I've gotten to have about internet media, social media, and mobile media (apps). YAY, people who actually understood what I do!!!!
We are now hosted by the Rotary in Hjorring. We are staying out at Skallerup Klit, a hotel facility so we can have a day without scheduled program. Yesterday we gave a presentation to the 1440 district conference in Hjorring. Today we get to watch it rain (thanks weatherman) and enjoy the Roman Baths.
Tomorrow we have another vocational visit (for me this is the Hjorring Library which I also toured on Saturday, so I'm hoping something new comes out of it since I'm assigned to go again) and our regular club presentation in the evening.
We also took a day up to Skagen at the very top of Denmark where we attended the Skipperskole and took a "sandworm" out to the peninsula tip to see where the North Sea and Baltic Sea meet. It was cold, but I put my feet in the water anyway.
My vocational day was at Tankegang, a very modern multimedia firm in Frederickshavn. They produce most of the print marketing for the regional government agencies. I have to say that their government marketing is far more catchy and modern than most of that I've seen in the US. Tankegang also marks the second real discussion I've gotten to have about internet media, social media, and mobile media (apps). YAY, people who actually understood what I do!!!!
We are now hosted by the Rotary in Hjorring. We are staying out at Skallerup Klit, a hotel facility so we can have a day without scheduled program. Yesterday we gave a presentation to the 1440 district conference in Hjorring. Today we get to watch it rain (thanks weatherman) and enjoy the Roman Baths.
Tomorrow we have another vocational visit (for me this is the Hjorring Library which I also toured on Saturday, so I'm hoping something new comes out of it since I'm assigned to go again) and our regular club presentation in the evening.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Libraries, Ventilation, and Hercules
Our days in Aars were quite exciting as we got to visit a number of local businesses. These included the site of a new wind farm, a leading library and luggage sorting systems manfufacturer, a unique air systems manfucaturer, and the Royal Danish Airforce base at Aalborg International Airport.
The use of wind power in a nation like Denmark is a bit of a no brainer. It sits squarely in the path of windstreams which sweep across the peninsula. While the public politley does not state their wish to end dependence on middle eastern oil, the reasons for the Danes to find alternative and clean energies are much like the US. At this site outside of Aars, six new turbines are being erected, standing about 80 meters tall, and having blades 50 meters in length. You can stand up inside the blades and walk into them!
Our visit to the RAF base was really fun as well. We visited the search and rescue pilots and helicoptor as well as the home of the Dane's C130J's (also called the hercules!) We had a great tour of the hangars and also the control tower which negotiates the needs of both the civilian airport and the airforce. The Aalborg airport was created during the second world war by the German Luftwaffe and taken over by the civilian and RAF authorities after the occupation. The old bunkers are still used for testing the RAF's F-16 fighter jets. Many cold war elements still remain from the airport's role in security for Northern Europe. And yes, that's me at the helm of a C130J. There were a lot of buttons. Even a red one I was not allowed to push. :-)
I'm now in the town of Sindal, after saying goodbye to my awesome hosts in Aars (and their adorable cocker spaniel who tried to get in the car with me when we left). We are presenting to the rotary club in town tonight and will spend the next few days in the area, including a trip to Skagen, Denmark's most northern point.
The use of wind power in a nation like Denmark is a bit of a no brainer. It sits squarely in the path of windstreams which sweep across the peninsula. While the public politley does not state their wish to end dependence on middle eastern oil, the reasons for the Danes to find alternative and clean energies are much like the US. At this site outside of Aars, six new turbines are being erected, standing about 80 meters tall, and having blades 50 meters in length. You can stand up inside the blades and walk into them!
Our visit to the RAF base was really fun as well. We visited the search and rescue pilots and helicoptor as well as the home of the Dane's C130J's (also called the hercules!) We had a great tour of the hangars and also the control tower which negotiates the needs of both the civilian airport and the airforce. The Aalborg airport was created during the second world war by the German Luftwaffe and taken over by the civilian and RAF authorities after the occupation. The old bunkers are still used for testing the RAF's F-16 fighter jets. Many cold war elements still remain from the airport's role in security for Northern Europe. And yes, that's me at the helm of a C130J. There were a lot of buttons. Even a red one I was not allowed to push. :-)
I'm now in the town of Sindal, after saying goodbye to my awesome hosts in Aars (and their adorable cocker spaniel who tried to get in the car with me when we left). We are presenting to the rotary club in town tonight and will spend the next few days in the area, including a trip to Skagen, Denmark's most northern point.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
A bit more on Animal Resuce
Since many of my hosts and people I've met have asked what animal rescue is and why I support it, here's a video form the ASPCA explaining what they do.
If you can still read after watching that video: I have a basset hound who's life would no doubt be much different if she did not have an understanding owner. (Those of you who have met Glory know there are a few things less than normal about my dog. She suffers from several genetic faults from bad breeding which cause several of her internal organs to be small and shunted, leading to her inability to properly clean her bloodstream and her abnormal development. Other than the obvious issue with the organs themselves, some of those neural connections in the brain will never take place. The light is on but no one is home. But she has the most loving heart and sweet personality. If she had headed towards a hunting pack or other life, she would have likely ended up in a shelter, at a resuce, abandonded/lost (she can't find her way back home.) or dead because someone didnt take her to the vet when she was young to see what the issue was.
For Glory and the other dogs brought into the world by breeders just looking to make a quick buck, I support rescue. For all the hounds whose owners don't stand by them when they get ill, or don't take them when they move, or think having children and a dog at the same time is impossible, I support rescue. For all the old dogs whose muzzles are gray and steps are wobbly, I support rescue. I beleive our pets should be treated with dignity in their old age, provided the care they need, and made to know love.
The rescues I have the most connection with are the House of Puddles in Fredrick, MD and Senior Hounds Abound in Orlando, FL.
If you can still read after watching that video: I have a basset hound who's life would no doubt be much different if she did not have an understanding owner. (Those of you who have met Glory know there are a few things less than normal about my dog. She suffers from several genetic faults from bad breeding which cause several of her internal organs to be small and shunted, leading to her inability to properly clean her bloodstream and her abnormal development. Other than the obvious issue with the organs themselves, some of those neural connections in the brain will never take place. The light is on but no one is home. But she has the most loving heart and sweet personality. If she had headed towards a hunting pack or other life, she would have likely ended up in a shelter, at a resuce, abandonded/lost (she can't find her way back home.) or dead because someone didnt take her to the vet when she was young to see what the issue was.
For Glory and the other dogs brought into the world by breeders just looking to make a quick buck, I support rescue. For all the hounds whose owners don't stand by them when they get ill, or don't take them when they move, or think having children and a dog at the same time is impossible, I support rescue. For all the old dogs whose muzzles are gray and steps are wobbly, I support rescue. I beleive our pets should be treated with dignity in their old age, provided the care they need, and made to know love.
The rescues I have the most connection with are the House of Puddles in Fredrick, MD and Senior Hounds Abound in Orlando, FL.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Aars is for Art
For a small town, Aars certainly has a good arts scene. From the new nusic house to the commissioned art throughout the main street and schools, the municipality has a lot of it. I have to say I don't think all of it is the art I would prefer to have in my city or surrounds, but there is a great support for artists and their work in the region.
I am also quite lucky to be the guest of one of the town's attornies and his family for these four days. I've made fast friends with Adina the red cocker spaniel (who immediatley sensed I was a doggie pushover and would bend to her every whim).
In less exciting news I seem also to have cracked the sole of my sneaker so that my right foot can get wet from the bottom up. So random.... but it means that I will have to go shoe shopping because the liklihood of us having rain free days for the next two and a half weeks is slim to none. Fall in Denmark means rain and wind.
I am also quite lucky to be the guest of one of the town's attornies and his family for these four days. I've made fast friends with Adina the red cocker spaniel (who immediatley sensed I was a doggie pushover and would bend to her every whim).
In less exciting news I seem also to have cracked the sole of my sneaker so that my right foot can get wet from the bottom up. So random.... but it means that I will have to go shoe shopping because the liklihood of us having rain free days for the next two and a half weeks is slim to none. Fall in Denmark means rain and wind.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Catching up on Grenaa
Since we are about to depart Grenaa, an update on just what I have been up to. Our four days here have included two presentations to the Rotary Clubs, a visit to Terma, Technologika Institut, Martin Entertainment, and a day today visiting an 8th grade class in a regular school, a school for handicapped and austistic children, and a juvinille rehabilitation center (the danish version of juvie hall).
The time at Terma (who is integral to the new F-35 fighter jet as well as other air engineering projects), Technilogica Institut (who does rapid prototyping and compliance testing) and Martin Entertainment (they light the biggest entertainment venues and shows in the world like the olympics), was certainly the highlight of the vocational activities here. I totally got to geek out.
The time at the regular school was neat. The 8th graders were very excited to meet real americans and we got to explain how our schooling works. They could hardly beleive my schools had over 800 students at them. For students who attend all their years with the same 30 people, the numbers in american schools and classrooms are difficult to comprehend.
Our visit to the youth "jail" and that term can only be used very very loosley, was a bit disturbing. The facilities were nicer than those used by the students who had never committed a heinous crime. Non violent crimes harldy warrant any action at all for offenders under 18, so to even get to go to the luxury hotel "jail" one must do something pretty bad. We were shown a study that 81% of the youths who are sent to such centers return to a criminal life. The system obviously doesnt work. No effort is made to convince the inmates they have committed any wrongdoing or that they should be sorry for what they did. The system is supposed to support the human rights of the inmates, yet it prevents the victims of the crimes they comit from ever receiving justice. Sooooo, who's rights are really at risk?
On a bright note, the school for the handicapped was well equipped and progressive in their care. If only the money from the jail expendetures was going to the handicapped chidlren and the normal school children to help their schools and programs.
The time at Terma (who is integral to the new F-35 fighter jet as well as other air engineering projects), Technilogica Institut (who does rapid prototyping and compliance testing) and Martin Entertainment (they light the biggest entertainment venues and shows in the world like the olympics), was certainly the highlight of the vocational activities here. I totally got to geek out.
The time at the regular school was neat. The 8th graders were very excited to meet real americans and we got to explain how our schooling works. They could hardly beleive my schools had over 800 students at them. For students who attend all their years with the same 30 people, the numbers in american schools and classrooms are difficult to comprehend.
Our visit to the youth "jail" and that term can only be used very very loosley, was a bit disturbing. The facilities were nicer than those used by the students who had never committed a heinous crime. Non violent crimes harldy warrant any action at all for offenders under 18, so to even get to go to the luxury hotel "jail" one must do something pretty bad. We were shown a study that 81% of the youths who are sent to such centers return to a criminal life. The system obviously doesnt work. No effort is made to convince the inmates they have committed any wrongdoing or that they should be sorry for what they did. The system is supposed to support the human rights of the inmates, yet it prevents the victims of the crimes they comit from ever receiving justice. Sooooo, who's rights are really at risk?
On a bright note, the school for the handicapped was well equipped and progressive in their care. If only the money from the jail expendetures was going to the handicapped chidlren and the normal school children to help their schools and programs.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Wifi to the Rescue!!!
WHaaaaat???!!???! I have wifi!????! Yipeeeeeee!!!!!!
Not only do my awesome Grenaa hosts have wifi they have two cute little boys whos antics leave me rolling and a cuddly springer spaniel who is excited to have another person to pay attention to him (ball anyone????)
Before I left Ronde (I really wish I had the proper characters for these Danish names) I visited a pig farm (well to be exact i stayed on the pig farm but actually got to go in the barn buildings and held a 4 hour old piglet). They are so cute before they look like pigs and before they realize they are bacon.
We also visited some viking burial grounds which are called the stonehenge of denmark. If it hadnt been drizzling and chilly I definitley would have wanted to stay longer. We also had a short hike, also "dampened" by the weather. But most fun of our last day with our Ronde hosts was visiting the Royal tall ship, which was modified from a sail ship to a steam powered vessel, and browsing a glass art museum.
Pictures are.... um... forthcoming. I may actually be able to upload soon! HA!
Not only do my awesome Grenaa hosts have wifi they have two cute little boys whos antics leave me rolling and a cuddly springer spaniel who is excited to have another person to pay attention to him (ball anyone????)
Before I left Ronde (I really wish I had the proper characters for these Danish names) I visited a pig farm (well to be exact i stayed on the pig farm but actually got to go in the barn buildings and held a 4 hour old piglet). They are so cute before they look like pigs and before they realize they are bacon.
We also visited some viking burial grounds which are called the stonehenge of denmark. If it hadnt been drizzling and chilly I definitley would have wanted to stay longer. We also had a short hike, also "dampened" by the weather. But most fun of our last day with our Ronde hosts was visiting the Royal tall ship, which was modified from a sail ship to a steam powered vessel, and browsing a glass art museum.
Pictures are.... um... forthcoming. I may actually be able to upload soon! HA!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Castles that stand the winds of time....
After a sad goodbye to our Aalborg hosts we have arrived in Rønde. We took a short walk over a 500 year old stone road (not so flat these days) and visited a fort which used to house the King of Sweden. Of course the king was actually held as a prisoner there, so his prison tower was not so homey. While the castle withstood the wind, we were thankful for our rotary jackets which we chose for wind and rain proofing our journey.
And oh suprise suprise we had fish at lunch. And we negotiated the second attack of the prawns that keep appearing on my plate in seeking to make me authorize Corey to stab me with the epipen. Seriously!!! The restaurants have been very nice about the shellfish removal though we hear there is good healthcare here. Even so I would rather not use it. Ever. :-) (Sorry Corey.)
Marisa and I are now settled in with our host who has a fantastic farm with pigs. At least we think there are pigs since it is too dark to tell. We also took our first trip to a danish grocery to pick out our breakfast and snacks. Tomorrow we are off to a vocational day.
Picture will appear at some point.....
And oh suprise suprise we had fish at lunch. And we negotiated the second attack of the prawns that keep appearing on my plate in seeking to make me authorize Corey to stab me with the epipen. Seriously!!! The restaurants have been very nice about the shellfish removal though we hear there is good healthcare here. Even so I would rather not use it. Ever. :-) (Sorry Corey.)
Marisa and I are now settled in with our host who has a fantastic farm with pigs. At least we think there are pigs since it is too dark to tell. We also took our first trip to a danish grocery to pick out our breakfast and snacks. Tomorrow we are off to a vocational day.
Picture will appear at some point.....
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Aalborg by way of the forest
Hai! I've spent the last four days in Aalborg. Aalborg is the fourth largest city in Denmark and the home of 20,000 students at aalborg university. We have visited the zoo (which has the most awesome polar bears and baby tigers ever!) We also have gone to the monestary and the Guild of Christian the Fourth.
My hosts Leo and Hanne Eriksen have a lovely house in their own forest complete with reindeer. The animals and forest are beautiful.
This morning I had a meeting of the minds with Stofa one of the major internet and Telecom providers to talk about networks, content, and customer interaction.
Tomorrow we move on to Ostre. Hopefully with wifi :-)
My hosts Leo and Hanne Eriksen have a lovely house in their own forest complete with reindeer. The animals and forest are beautiful.
This morning I had a meeting of the minds with Stofa one of the major internet and Telecom providers to talk about networks, content, and customer interaction.
Tomorrow we move on to Ostre. Hopefully with wifi :-)
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Packing...
The packing continues! The hardest part was choosing which shoes to bring. No really...... I'm settled on a pair of peep toe pumps, a wedged dress sandal, an urban flat, and sneakers. I think that should cover all the things we will be doing. I don't want to be stuck walking about the Aalborg Zoo or out on a farm in heels, though it could provide entertainment for the animals.
The other prohibitive factor to packing is of course Glory the basset hound. She thinks my spacebags of clothes are the perfect spot to take a nap. I seriously doubt I will make it out of the US hair-free.
I do have to say I have found many more travel accessories (like my flight pillow) in pink these days. :-) If it werent apparent from my blog theme, pink is my favorite color. Then orange. Then blue. But mostly just pink.
Today is my day to finish up packing. And figure out which phone I will use in Europe. My only lament about switching to Verizon and the Droid is that it doesnt have the UMTS bands which would allow me to use it places other than the US. I've traded the snobbery of Apple and helplessness of AT&T iphone plans for the limitations of the Droid and Verizon's "global traveler" plans which are a major FAIL. If I were still working in telecom I would most certainly rant to someone about it.
And before anyone gets the idea I'm just a frilly girl with my shoe issues and love of pink.... tomorrow morning I have a 9:48 tee time at the golf course. Time to swing some clubs! And hopefully avoid the water hazzards. Last time on this same course I totally plunked one in the water. (ok, it was two into the water but it was on the same hole so thats really like doing it once right????........ right????)
The other prohibitive factor to packing is of course Glory the basset hound. She thinks my spacebags of clothes are the perfect spot to take a nap. I seriously doubt I will make it out of the US hair-free.
I do have to say I have found many more travel accessories (like my flight pillow) in pink these days. :-) If it werent apparent from my blog theme, pink is my favorite color. Then orange. Then blue. But mostly just pink.
Today is my day to finish up packing. And figure out which phone I will use in Europe. My only lament about switching to Verizon and the Droid is that it doesnt have the UMTS bands which would allow me to use it places other than the US. I've traded the snobbery of Apple and helplessness of AT&T iphone plans for the limitations of the Droid and Verizon's "global traveler" plans which are a major FAIL. If I were still working in telecom I would most certainly rant to someone about it.
And before anyone gets the idea I'm just a frilly girl with my shoe issues and love of pink.... tomorrow morning I have a 9:48 tee time at the golf course. Time to swing some clubs! And hopefully avoid the water hazzards. Last time on this same course I totally plunked one in the water. (ok, it was two into the water but it was on the same hole so thats really like doing it once right????........ right????)
Monday, August 30, 2010
Preparing for Take-off
Hello World (Yes, Wordpress, I stole that.)
Soooooooooo I'm finally getting around to actually adding a post to the blog about the fact that the rest of the GSE team and I will be heading to Denmark on Friday. Yep. Preparing for take-off.
So far my week of final preparations has included an ideterminable amount of trips to Target and Walmart for the things I forgot, and the normal girly stuff like making sure my hair will hold up over the next month without too much hassle. I'm convincing myself too that no matter how much ironing and starching I do now, things will be wrinkled by the time I get to Denmark. I hope the Danes don't mind a rumple or two.
I've also been doing quite a bit of snuggling with Glory, my basset hound, who I will sorely miss when I am away. My roomate has been warned that when I call or skype home he will need to hold the phone or laptop up so I can talk to my dog. A four pound bag of dog treats is sitting on the counter and kibble is stocked in the pantry, toys appear all over the apartment, but I will still worry!
I'll keep you all updated here, but also check out our GSE team blog at http://gseorlando.wordpress.com. We will all be updating there daily (if we stay on schedule).
Soooooooooo I'm finally getting around to actually adding a post to the blog about the fact that the rest of the GSE team and I will be heading to Denmark on Friday. Yep. Preparing for take-off.
So far my week of final preparations has included an ideterminable amount of trips to Target and Walmart for the things I forgot, and the normal girly stuff like making sure my hair will hold up over the next month without too much hassle. I'm convincing myself too that no matter how much ironing and starching I do now, things will be wrinkled by the time I get to Denmark. I hope the Danes don't mind a rumple or two.
I've also been doing quite a bit of snuggling with Glory, my basset hound, who I will sorely miss when I am away. My roomate has been warned that when I call or skype home he will need to hold the phone or laptop up so I can talk to my dog. A four pound bag of dog treats is sitting on the counter and kibble is stocked in the pantry, toys appear all over the apartment, but I will still worry!
I'll keep you all updated here, but also check out our GSE team blog at http://gseorlando.wordpress.com. We will all be updating there daily (if we stay on schedule).
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