The Tumultuous Arrival To Barcelona

Yesterday´s perfect sunny weather turned to today's cloudy windy pensive day. Sitting on edge of the docks I stared out into the sea, watching the ships come in and out as the workers loaded and unloaded the cargo. The cool winds blew hard as the days continued to grow colder and shorter.

The Mediterranean was restless that day. I was leaving Sardinia on a ship to Barcelona. The tumultuous sea was carrying us away into the dark night. As we continued away from land, we encountered a storm so strong our twelve story cruise ship wobbled like rubber ducky in 5 year old's bathtub.

The boat kept rocking and it sure makes you  nervous when all around you can hear the squeaking and creaking from the walls of the ships as it tries to resist the force of the waves. Titanic Part 2?

My Meaning of Thanksgiving

I´m thousands of miles away from home on Thanksgiving, the only American in a hostel full of foreigners. In a desperate attempt to make some turkey and stuffing, still hoping to find some cranberries to make the sauce, I´ve taken over the whole kitchen in the process. The turkey is not even a turkey because when I asked Pedro from the meat store for some turkey, he insisted I make turkey kebabs.

"Hmm... I don´t know..."  as I pondered the idea of a turkey kebab Thanksgiving dinner

Nope, nope, he persisted that its the best way to eat turkey so he made pepper-apple-turkey kebabs on a stick for me. Picking up some red wine and stuffing ingredients on my way back, it was my first attempt in creating a Thanksgiving meal, so we´ll see how it turns out...

Mermaid of the Mediterranean

The Mediterranean Sea seperates three continents, but more importantly, it unites them. For thousands of years, it has been the root (and route) of cultural exchange and trade between many civilizations.

Floating in the blue Mediterranean

In the middle of the Mediterranean Sea is a paradise island, Sardegna (Sardinia). As the legend goes, when god finished creating the world, he took all the left over bits of soil and placed it right in the Mediterranean to create this island. From rugged mountains to white sandy beaches, this island offers much terrain to explore.

I spent most of my time visiting the romantic white beaches of the northern coasts of the island. On the northeast corridor is the Maddelena Archipelago, a group of islands scattered throughout the sea. Because these islands are designated national parks, they are uninhabited- no cars, no roads, no buildings, no electricity, just nature all around. The only way to reach these islands is by boat.

 

Somewhere Off the Coast of Italy

It was my first time on a cruise ship! I was going from Roma to Sardinia, an Italian island in the Mediterranean.

Boarding late at night for an overnight trip, I watched gigantic trucks and cars drive onto the lower decks of the boat. The long line of vehicles went down the streets of the port. It was amazing how many they fit onto the boat!

After finally getting all the vehicles inside, they let the passangers on the cruise ship. Inside the boat, you had everything you could possibly need-  bar, restaurant, cafeteria, casino, disco, playroom, bedrooms, and of course, a giant upper deck with a swimming pool. I never realized how huge these ships were, 12 floors total!

Staring out into the sea from the deck, I think to myself,

Walking on Sunshine

As I walk to the train station in the early morning, with each step it gets lighter and lighter as the sun lazily creeps into the sky. I am most definitely not a morning person, but I woke up extra early to catch a train to my next destination.

The sunrise reminded me of my dad. He would always call me "sonechko," meaning sun in Ukranian. He'd especially use the nickname for me whenever I would get up in the mornings (usually late mornings), saying "O, sonechko stalo" meaning "aww, the sun is finally up."

Now that I think about it, I find it ironic because I´m always grumpy in the mornings. Regardless, I was always his sunshine. That's why he named me Olena, my name meaning "light."

The last time I heard my dads voice was one year ago, when he called to wish me a happy birthday.

Playground Of The Rich And Famous (Capri)

Capri, a small island off the coast of Naples, is known as the "Pearl of the Meditarranean." It is the playground of the rich and famous (and the wannabes of the rich and famous, of course).

This little island of glamour and glitz is compromised of expensive villas and top resorts. The town center has only the most chic stores and brand name boutiques. Flowers of every color adorn the pathways and the cactuses reach to the sky higher than trees. This place makes you feel like a million bucks just walking through the streets!

Down the steep streets, you peer out to the jagged cliffs that overlook the caves, beaches, and the never ending deep blue sea. Luxury yachts circle around the island, especially honeymooners sunbathing and drinking champagne.

I joined an Australian family for a boat tour around the island. I have come to the conclusion that boat captain has one of the best jobs in the world! Juan Pedro took us out to the island, with frequent pit-stops to swim, eat, and take a siesta. And repeat.