Where the sun never sets

June 21st

I've entered the special world of the international flight. There are so many things that I didn't expect, and things that I did expect never happened, if that makes since. After a hectic dash through Portland airport (apparently everyone in the city decided to fly on June 20th) I found my window seat on my Delta flight to Amsterdam. I was worried about sitting for nine hours straight, but it wasn't a problem with two movies and a book to read. I only got up twice the entire time (for the necessities). What I didn't expect, however, was the fact that when I landed in Europe, it would be in the future. Because you see, they are NINE time zones ahead of Oregon. So on the plane, at about 6:00 pm Oregon time, the sun was starting to set, but it never did! It just rose again! Pysch! So poor little Kellie is expecting to go to sleep, and the flight attendants start serving breakfast! I was thoroughly thrown off. I ended up getting one measly hour of sleep on the first leg, then slept the entire two hours to Rome. I don't know how I am going to adjust to this time zone.

Pics:
1: Flying over Canada's frozen seas (in Quebec?).
2: The almost-sunset.
3: Flying into Amsterdam, the first sight of land in hours! (darn clouds) Not to mention, the first sight of Europe!
(NOTE: the guy next to me was from Amsterdam, and he asked me if this was my first time to Europe. When I said it was, he forgave me for how many pictures I was taking.)

One Day Left!

As I am leaving the United States in just one day (yikes!) I would like to ask one thing: any last minute advice? It's amazing how fast the last month has gone by. Well, not really that amazing when you factor in studio, working, moving, family time, and spending time with friends who are moving away :(. But alas, the time has come (the walrus said) and I am leaving whether I am ready or not (and yet I probably never could be ready). I am in a constant struggle between Oh my goodness! I am going to Rome! and Oh my goodness... I am going to Rome? I have spent today getting those most important accouterments like an eye mask. After all, I can't miss out on the effective afternoon siesta. Not to mention, I also finally bought my Eurail pass, which puts Europe at my fingertips with just one large expense. The idea of taking trips every weekend both thrills and overwhelms me, as it is unlike anything I have ever done, but I definitely look forward to the experience. As long as it doesn't involve stolen backpacks or missing trains. We'll have to see.