Jun 2009
Life on board the Regatta
13/June/2009 12:38 PM Filed in: Tourist
Some of you have asked what things are like on board the Regatta and what the ship looks like. Well, we’ve added a blog just for you. Here are some shots of the inside of the ship. It really is a beautiful ship, as you can see and as far as service, food, and accommodations go, I would say the best I have been on...and Bob too. The showroom, however, is challenging for the show with its low ceilings and low attendance too since most of the passengers are older and after a full day of touring, can’t stay up until 9:45 pm when the show starts. So pros and cons, for sure. But we are really enjoying it and are being treated very well. All of the places you see, we can freely go to with the exception of The Polo Grill and Toscana Restaurants. The only hold 100 people per evening and unless we are asked by passengers to dine with them, we have to eat in the main Dining Room or the Terrace Restaurant (which is no great struggle). So, come with us on our tour of the beautiful and elegant, Regatta.
“Tea Time” in Horizons...tea, little sandwiches, scones, other sweet treats, and a four piece orchestra playing while you eat.
Horizons
The “Spa” (that’s Lily from Melbourne, Australia)
The Library
The Card Room
The Grand Dining Room
The Toscana (Italian Food Restaurant)
The Main Stairway and Reception Area
\
The Fitness Room
On the Deck (the chairs have been taken in because of the bad weather)
The Terrace Dining Room
Our Stateroom with our view out the window =)
“Tea Time” in Horizons...tea, little sandwiches, scones, other sweet treats, and a four piece orchestra playing while you eat.
Horizons
The “Spa” (that’s Lily from Melbourne, Australia)
The Library
The Card Room
The Grand Dining Room
The Toscana (Italian Food Restaurant)
The Main Stairway and Reception Area
\The Fitness Room
On the Deck (the chairs have been taken in because of the bad weather)
The Terrace Dining Room
Our Stateroom with our view out the window =)
|
Berlin in a day!
13/June/2009 11:17 AM Filed in: Tourist
I really never thought I’d ever have the opportunity to go to Berlin, Germany, but I did today! It’s an overcast day as we arrive in Rostock, Germany and the rains are sure to come. And, once again, I forgot my umbrella! Nevertheless, we are headed out of our tour bus for the 3 hour drive into Berlin to take in this city full of history. My head is already spinning with the number of things I have taken in so far by the time this day ended my brain was on complete overload. After a while you can’t even hear what the tour guide in saying anymore because you just can’t get your brain to squeeze in any more information. But, I think I got the main things and it was quite a day. if any city bears the marks of death, war, sin sickness, and cruelty to humankind, it is this one. It is hard to bear these marks, but those who live here know their history well, and are determined to not repeat it.
Bob and I were on two different tours, with slightly different itineraries, but we mostly covered the same things. He took in a few more museums than I did, and I went on a canal cruise that he did not, so they evened out. We both took in the Berlin Wall (now covered with art in most places), the Freedom Arch that stood in the middle of the wall between East and West Berlin (the only thing left standing after the city was bombed), one of the Holocost Memorials, Checkpoint Charlie; the crossing between the Soviet and American ruled part of Berlin, the Parliament Buildings, the cobblestones remembrances of the Berlin Wall, KaDeWe (the largest department store in Berlin) and many other city highlights. It’s hard to imagine doing all of this in one day, but we did it. After a very full day, we headed back to the ship on another 3 hour journey through terrible weather with high winds and pouring rain. We left at 7:55 am, and returned to the ship at 9:45 pm. A long day, to be sure, but then again, when will we ever have a chance to get to Berlin again? Perhaps the best way to see the city is through pictures, so here goes.
The Holocost Memorial
The Berlin Wall
The cobblestone lines that mark the wall that was built around the city with the Freedom arch in the background
Remembering the wall on the streets of Berlin
...and those who lost their lives trying to cross it
The Freedom Arch (and our Tour Guide, Jenz, holding the Bus #1 sign)
The 5 Star Hotel where Michael Jackson “dangled” his son from the balcony
The largest department store in Berlin from the outside...
...and the inside...Loralyn, if you’re reading this, I took this for you...it’s all TEA!
Bob and I were on two different tours, with slightly different itineraries, but we mostly covered the same things. He took in a few more museums than I did, and I went on a canal cruise that he did not, so they evened out. We both took in the Berlin Wall (now covered with art in most places), the Freedom Arch that stood in the middle of the wall between East and West Berlin (the only thing left standing after the city was bombed), one of the Holocost Memorials, Checkpoint Charlie; the crossing between the Soviet and American ruled part of Berlin, the Parliament Buildings, the cobblestones remembrances of the Berlin Wall, KaDeWe (the largest department store in Berlin) and many other city highlights. It’s hard to imagine doing all of this in one day, but we did it. After a very full day, we headed back to the ship on another 3 hour journey through terrible weather with high winds and pouring rain. We left at 7:55 am, and returned to the ship at 9:45 pm. A long day, to be sure, but then again, when will we ever have a chance to get to Berlin again? Perhaps the best way to see the city is through pictures, so here goes.
The Holocost Memorial
The Berlin Wall
The cobblestone lines that mark the wall that was built around the city with the Freedom arch in the background
Remembering the wall on the streets of Berlin
...and those who lost their lives trying to cross it
The Freedom Arch (and our Tour Guide, Jenz, holding the Bus #1 sign)
The 5 Star Hotel where Michael Jackson “dangled” his son from the balcony
The largest department store in Berlin from the outside...
...and the inside...Loralyn, if you’re reading this, I took this for you...it’s all TEA!
One on, one off
13/June/2009 11:06 AM Filed in: Tourist
Well, today I’m off on a cruise, and Bob’s not. Once again he has been gracious enough to let me go instead of him. What a sweet guy! We are in Copenhagen, Denmark today, but our cruise is taking us on a tour of not only Copenhagen, but of Malmo, Sweden. The last time I was in Malmo, I was on my way to Bible school in Holsby Brunn and went to Malmo to get the train to Vetlanda where I would be picked up and taken to the school. So, all I saw of Malmo back then was the train station. I’m so glad I got to see the “real Malmo” on this tour.
We stopped at a few of the popular sites in Copenhagen and were able to get a few photos of the Little Mermaid (I’ve already shown you that) and of the castle where their queen resides. After that we travelled over an amazing bridge connecting Sweden to Denmark. In total, it is 16 kilometers; four kilometres on a man-made island, four of underground tunnel and eight of bridge. It is quite something to see. Out in the middle of the water as you pass over this amazingly constructed bridge are several wind generators which are seen all over the country. Our tour took us first to the outskirts of Malmo to view the “Twisted Torso” which is quite something. It is mostly used for residences, but it is such an optical illusion that looking at it from the outside it looks like the floors would be on an angle and that the people would be living in something like the leaning tower of Pisa. I really don’t think I’d have any interest in living in this, but architecturally it is impressive.
From there we headed into the beautiful downtown gem of Malmo and had a brief walking tour and then had some free time to get lunch and explore on our own (my favourite part). I proceeded to peak into a bunch of shops (and found myself a fun pair of Swedish clogs) and then got a coffee and a sweet treat. All of the pastries, breads, sandwiches, etc. in Sweden (and all over the Baltic for that matter) are so yummy! The most difficult part is choosing! The weather has been very strange the past several days, a mixture between rain, cool winds, and the odd sunny break). It sure is a big difference from the last cruise when every day was around 80. I feel sorry for these passengers because the weather really does put a damper on things sometimes.
Nonetheless, the rain held off for most of the time we were in Malmo, and then we hopped on the bus once again to go and visit another small Swedish town called Lund, before we journeyed back to Copenhagen. It had a very beautiful church and a university campus, and, the day we were there, all of the high school students were celebrating their graduation and were going around the downtown blowing whistles, drinking beer and wearing sailor hats. It was definitely a cultural experience.
I had a very “good” group today and they were always back on the bus in time (or even early) and always stayed together. What a treat for an escort! After Lund, we headed back to downtown Copenhagen where some stayed in the downtown and others stayed on the bus to go back to the ship. I enjoyed the day, thoroughly, but was ready to put my feet up after the 8 hour tour. It is so hard for me to decide on the photos to include, because there are so many great shots, but I’ll try to give you the best overview and upload the rest online when we get to a high speed place. I hope you enjoyed touring Denmark and Sweden with me today!
The castle in Copenhagen...only one guard today because the queen is not in her residence
Crossing the bridge from to Denmark to Sweden with wind generators lined up in the waters
The “Twisted Torso” in Malmo, Sweden
Little Swedish daycare children out for a walk...not to sure about the tourists invading
Life in downtown Malmo (can you see the dog in her basket?)
Where I bought my clogs...included for all you “shoppers” who might care! =)
The Park in Malmo (they cut the trees using scaffolding)
Lund Castle
Graduation Day Celebrations!
Part of Lund University Campus
We stopped at a few of the popular sites in Copenhagen and were able to get a few photos of the Little Mermaid (I’ve already shown you that) and of the castle where their queen resides. After that we travelled over an amazing bridge connecting Sweden to Denmark. In total, it is 16 kilometers; four kilometres on a man-made island, four of underground tunnel and eight of bridge. It is quite something to see. Out in the middle of the water as you pass over this amazingly constructed bridge are several wind generators which are seen all over the country. Our tour took us first to the outskirts of Malmo to view the “Twisted Torso” which is quite something. It is mostly used for residences, but it is such an optical illusion that looking at it from the outside it looks like the floors would be on an angle and that the people would be living in something like the leaning tower of Pisa. I really don’t think I’d have any interest in living in this, but architecturally it is impressive.
From there we headed into the beautiful downtown gem of Malmo and had a brief walking tour and then had some free time to get lunch and explore on our own (my favourite part). I proceeded to peak into a bunch of shops (and found myself a fun pair of Swedish clogs) and then got a coffee and a sweet treat. All of the pastries, breads, sandwiches, etc. in Sweden (and all over the Baltic for that matter) are so yummy! The most difficult part is choosing! The weather has been very strange the past several days, a mixture between rain, cool winds, and the odd sunny break). It sure is a big difference from the last cruise when every day was around 80. I feel sorry for these passengers because the weather really does put a damper on things sometimes.
Nonetheless, the rain held off for most of the time we were in Malmo, and then we hopped on the bus once again to go and visit another small Swedish town called Lund, before we journeyed back to Copenhagen. It had a very beautiful church and a university campus, and, the day we were there, all of the high school students were celebrating their graduation and were going around the downtown blowing whistles, drinking beer and wearing sailor hats. It was definitely a cultural experience.
I had a very “good” group today and they were always back on the bus in time (or even early) and always stayed together. What a treat for an escort! After Lund, we headed back to downtown Copenhagen where some stayed in the downtown and others stayed on the bus to go back to the ship. I enjoyed the day, thoroughly, but was ready to put my feet up after the 8 hour tour. It is so hard for me to decide on the photos to include, because there are so many great shots, but I’ll try to give you the best overview and upload the rest online when we get to a high speed place. I hope you enjoyed touring Denmark and Sweden with me today!
The castle in Copenhagen...only one guard today because the queen is not in her residence
Crossing the bridge from to Denmark to Sweden with wind generators lined up in the waters
The “Twisted Torso” in Malmo, Sweden
Little Swedish daycare children out for a walk...not to sure about the tourists invading
Life in downtown Malmo (can you see the dog in her basket?)
Where I bought my clogs...included for all you “shoppers” who might care! =)
The Park in Malmo (they cut the trees using scaffolding)
Lund Castle
Graduation Day Celebrations!
Part of Lund University Campus
On tour in Gdansk, Poland
13/June/2009 10:46 AM Filed in: Tourist
Bob and I were up early today to great ready to escort our tour groups on our “Highlights of Gdansk” tour. We donned our blue shirts and name tags with pride (well, maybe not with pride), but we put them on because we have to, and headed down to our buses. The tour took us on a driving tour around the city, and then a walking tour through the downtown. My tour guide, Jake, was very exuberant and fun, but my passengers were a bit on the “wandering” side. The downtown is so pretty and full of history (and luring shops), that half the time I was left searching for anywhere from 2-4 of my passengers. They would just wander off without telling anyone and then I’d try and find them and bring then back. It was kind of like herding cats. I’m sure that’s how Christ must feel when his children continually wander off and he seeks for them and brings them back to the fold. We are wanderers by nature, I guess. I must admit, I was very happy for our official “free time” to begin so that I could let my group head off on their own without having to worry about them. Bob and I crossed paths a few times in the downtown, and we both had a good time enjoying the sun (we haven’t had much of it on this tour), and snapping photos of this beautiful city that has literally emerged from the ashes of WWII. There was hardly anything left to the city after the Nazis invaded, but much of it has been carefully and beautifully restored and the rest stands in remembrance of the darkness of hearts filled with sin.
The “tall boy” and “pregnant girl” meet in the streets and get snapped by a passenger (who made me show off the belly)
A picture of downtown Gdansk after WWII
The same view today
Snapshots of life in the downtown on a sunny day
Life shots on the outskirts of Gdansk
The “tall boy” and “pregnant girl” meet in the streets and get snapped by a passenger (who made me show off the belly)
A picture of downtown Gdansk after WWII
The same view today
Snapshots of life in the downtown on a sunny day
Life shots on the outskirts of Gdansk
Sunday in Estonia
13/June/2009 10:35 AM Filed in: Tourist
Well, this is our second trip to Estonia and it’s a Sunday. So, Bob looked on line to see if he could find an English speaking church that we could attend, and he did! We ended up worshipping with a small International church that meets in the Radisson Hotel in downtown Tallinn. I think there may have been about 20 of us there, but it was good to be in church nonetheless. The pastor and his wife are actually from Florida and have been serving in Estonia for the past six years. After church, we meandered around the Old Town in Tallinn, which is so nice, and then headed back to the ship. Oh, did I mention we stopped in a MacDonald’s for lunch! =) Tonight we’ll set sail for Gdansk, Poland again and we’ll head out on another tour. We have been very fortunate to be able to get so many tours with the ship!
A view of Tallinn from the top of the Radisson Hotel where we went to church
Bob at the entrance to the Old Town
A view of Tallinn from the top of the Radisson Hotel where we went to church
Bob at the entrance to the Old Town
Juggling Teaches Brain New Tricks
12/June/2009 04:26 PM Filed in: Tourist
Learning How to Juggle Changes Brain Structure
I recently found this old article on my computer that I found interesting.
By Jennifer Warner
Reviewed By Brunilda Nazario, MD on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 WebMD Medical News pastedGraphic Printer-friendly version
Jan. 21, 2004 -- An old brain may not be too old to learn new tricks after all.
A new study shows learning how to juggle can actually change the structure of the brain in adults and increase areas involved in thought and processing.
Researchers say the findings challenge the notion that the structure of the adult brain does not change except for negative changes caused by aging or disease. Instead, the study suggests that learning produces not only functional but structural changes in the brain.
Juggling Boosts Brain Power
In order to see if the structure of the adult brain changes in response to demands, researchers used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to look at the brains of adults who have learned to juggle.
In the study, published in the Jan. 22 issue of Nature, researchers divided a group of young adults who had no experience in juggling into two groups. One group was given three months to learn how to juggle three balls simultaneously, and the others remained non-jugglers.
MRI scans were performed at the start of the study, after the jugglers became skilled performers and could juggle for at least 60 seconds, and three months later. During that three-month period, the jugglers did not practice or attempt to extend their skills.
Although the participants had similar brain scans at the start of the study, the second scan revealed that the jugglers experienced significant expansion in the area of the brain associated with the processing and storage of complex visual motion.
The amount of expansion also correlated with the juggler's performance. The more skilled they became, the greater growth they experienced.
The increased areas seen on brain scans among the jugglers declined by the third brain scan. The non-jugglers showed no change in brain structure during the study.
Researchers say the temporary brain structure changes occurred in motion-selective areas of the brain, and the mechanism behind these changes is unclear and merits further study.
pastedGraphic
SOURCE: Draganski, B. Nature, Jan. 22, 2004; vol 427: pp 311-312.
I recently found this old article on my computer that I found interesting.
By Jennifer Warner
Reviewed By Brunilda Nazario, MD on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 WebMD Medical News pastedGraphic Printer-friendly version
Jan. 21, 2004 -- An old brain may not be too old to learn new tricks after all.
A new study shows learning how to juggle can actually change the structure of the brain in adults and increase areas involved in thought and processing.
Researchers say the findings challenge the notion that the structure of the adult brain does not change except for negative changes caused by aging or disease. Instead, the study suggests that learning produces not only functional but structural changes in the brain.
Juggling Boosts Brain Power
In order to see if the structure of the adult brain changes in response to demands, researchers used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to look at the brains of adults who have learned to juggle.
In the study, published in the Jan. 22 issue of Nature, researchers divided a group of young adults who had no experience in juggling into two groups. One group was given three months to learn how to juggle three balls simultaneously, and the others remained non-jugglers.
MRI scans were performed at the start of the study, after the jugglers became skilled performers and could juggle for at least 60 seconds, and three months later. During that three-month period, the jugglers did not practice or attempt to extend their skills.
Although the participants had similar brain scans at the start of the study, the second scan revealed that the jugglers experienced significant expansion in the area of the brain associated with the processing and storage of complex visual motion.
The amount of expansion also correlated with the juggler's performance. The more skilled they became, the greater growth they experienced.
The increased areas seen on brain scans among the jugglers declined by the third brain scan. The non-jugglers showed no change in brain structure during the study.
Researchers say the temporary brain structure changes occurred in motion-selective areas of the brain, and the mechanism behind these changes is unclear and merits further study.
pastedGraphic
SOURCE: Draganski, B. Nature, Jan. 22, 2004; vol 427: pp 311-312.
A funny look at my old goals
08/June/2009 01:54 PM Filed in: General
I was going through some of my old personal goals. 
In 2001 I had this under relationship stuff:
2001 – No girlfriends
2002 – Think about possibility of girlfriend
2003 – Pray for and mentally prepare for girlfriend
2004 – Be open to having an actual girlfriend & courtship
2005-2006 - Be ready for marriage if God wills
And wouldn’t you know it, I was actually ready in 2006 and got married in 2007! (good thing I used years instead of months!)
In 2001 I had this under relationship stuff:
2001 – No girlfriends
2002 – Think about possibility of girlfriend
2003 – Pray for and mentally prepare for girlfriend
2004 – Be open to having an actual girlfriend & courtship
2005-2006 - Be ready for marriage if God wills
And wouldn’t you know it, I was actually ready in 2006 and got married in 2007! (good thing I used years instead of months!)
Final Day in St. Petersburg RUSSIA
06/June/2009 06:07 PM Filed in: Tourist
Today is our last day in St. Petersburg, Russia. In fact, as I sit here in the “Card Room” composing this blog entry, I can hear and feel the rumble of the ship’s engines which means our ship is sailing once again. Strangely enough, as we leave the skies have cleared and we are enjoying the sail away under blue skies. But, the day didn’t start like this. It started out as is has for all of our three days here...cold and rainy. But, that didn’t dampen our spirits as we took on another tour as escorts, this time to Peterhof and the palaces of Peter the Great’s youngest daughter Olga and his wife. Bob and I went to the same place again, but on separate buses. I only had a small group to keep together, so it was a breeze compared to my Catherine the Great Palace adventure. It was a 4 hour tour through the two palaces and then through the gardens. You are not able to take pictures of the palace interiors, so my pictures of the palaces are limited to the outdoors. The gardens were my favourite part. I didn’t even mind the rain because the views were so magnificent. Pictures can barely do it justice. But, I’ve attempted to bring you along with me so that you can taste of bit of the magnificence. Once we got back to the ship, we were too late for lunch in casual dining room, called the Tapas on the Terrace, so we had a great burger at Waves, with a smoothie and now we’re working on getting caught up on emails, blogs and other little tasks. I’ve managed to finish off 2 books already and am on my third which, if you know me well, know that that’s a big deal! Tomorrow we’ll be in Tallinn, Estonia again and will likely roam the old town again while we look fervently for an internet cafe with high speed so that you can actually read this blog. Let’s hope we find one, or else you’ll be reading this when we’re back in Canada again!
A view of another cathedral from the palace grounds
Olga’s Palace-daughter of Peter the Great
Our groups meet in the Gardens
The Palace of Peter the Great at Peterhof, his private gardens.
Garden views
Looking down from the Palace to the Baltic Sea!
The Checkerboard Fountain
A view of another cathedral from the palace grounds
Olga’s Palace-daughter of Peter the Great
Our groups meet in the Gardens
The Palace of Peter the Great at Peterhof, his private gardens.
Garden views
Looking down from the Palace to the Baltic Sea!
The Checkerboard Fountain
The Hermitage
06/June/2009 05:42 PM Filed in: Tourist
One of the famous attractions of St. Petersburg is The Hermitage. And, the blue-shirted escorts got to go today! And boy, did we look good! =) Actually, check out the picture for a hilarious pic. Bob had to wear a girl’s shirt because they were out of men’s shirts, and mine was too small. But, we followed the rules and wore our shirts and set out to one of the most famous art museums in the world. I laughed at one point when I saw Bob counting his group in The Hermitage, looking all official wearing his skin tight, girl’s shirt. He was so hilarious! In a museum like this one, it’s hard to know when to stop taking photos. I mean, everything thing’s a picture, literally, and you can snap yourself silly. But, then you realize that someone is going to have to look at these, and you may not remember the names of any of the artists when you get home. But, I’m going to show you some of the pieces of the collections they have, as well as show you what the interior of this amazing museum looks like. It’s quite a spectacle! Catherine the Great really loved her art, and she loved lots of grand, gold, glitzy design. So, enjoy the view of the Winter Palace/The Hermitage.
I know the resolution is bad, but I just had to show you our hilarious escort outfits.
The Hermitage/Winter Palace
Can you spot Bob?
The only piece of Michaelangelo’s sculpting work on display at the Hermitage
Renoir
The outer court of the Hermitage
Your friendly neighbourhood escort.
The end of the day in the Grand Dining Room for a lovely dinner!
I know the resolution is bad, but I just had to show you our hilarious escort outfits.
The Hermitage/Winter Palace
Can you spot Bob?
The only piece of Michaelangelo’s sculpting work on display at the Hermitage
Renoir
The outer court of the Hermitage
Your friendly neighbourhood escort.
The end of the day in the Grand Dining Room for a lovely dinner!
What, no pictures!
06/June/2009 05:11 PM Filed in: Tourist
Okay, I worked for my free tour today! Actually, I had 2 tours today, so it was a busy day. The day started at 8:00 am on the dock where I waited in the freezing cold for my tour group to arrive. We are in St. Petersburg, Russia again today, so getting everyone through immigration is a bit of a process. I don’t have a visa for Russia, which means that unless I’m able to be an escort and tour with a ship tour, I can’t get off the ship. We are docked at a far away port this time and the view is not very nice. We are looking at cargo bins and scrap metal pretty much. We didn’t get the docking position we had last time right in the center of the downtown, because the Economic Forum is being held in St. Petersburg so there are many dignitaries, etc downtown so the ports are very busy. There are also 9 cruise ships in port today, so the tour locations will likely be PACKED! Bob, bless his heart, offered to stay on the ship today so that I can go on both tours since he’s been here before and I haven’t. Okay, back to my group. We finally got everyone on the bus by 9:45 am and headed for the Palace of Catherine the Great in PusHkin. It is about one hour from St. Petersburg. It is cold and rainy today and we have 43 people on our bus. We have 2 tour guides and will travel in 2 groups with our guides through the museum. We got to the museum and proceeded to stand in the rain and wait to get in along with several others. The museum was so busy, keeping everyone together was a huge challenge. Between headphone sets that didn’t work, lost coats, lost people, barely recognizable Russian english by one of our guides, soaked clothes, etc. it was quite a day. Oh, and did I mention the camera I took (Bob’s good one) went dead before I got one picture! Yes, I had back-up batteries too, but they were dead too. So, unfortunately, I have no pictures of my trip to the Palace of Catherine the Great (who I was named after, by the way! ha, ha), but only my memories of this day! I’ve never been happier to get back to the ship and have a warm shower! Actually, the Winter Palace was amazing, and it was great to be able to see one of the amazing sights of St. Petersburg today. The evening brought on a totally different slice of Russian life as I took in the Russian singing and dancing show which I loved! The musicians were excellent and the dancers were everything I thought I would see when I think of Russian dance. I was prepared tonight with 2 cameras and a lot of back-up batteries! And, I didn’t have to wear the blue escort t-shirt tonight either. What a treat! I do have some video of the evening too, but I’ll have to show you that when I get home. Enjoy the pics...well, of half the day, anyway.
NO BLUE GOLF SHIRT!
The army band and choir
This guy was incredible and a riot to watch!
NO BLUE GOLF SHIRT!
The army band and choir
This guy was incredible and a riot to watch!
Hello from Helsinki FINLAND
06/June/2009 04:47 PM Filed in: Tourist
Well, you never know what a day will bring, and that was certainly true today. Bob and I managed to be able to escort two different tours today. Let me explain this whole “escort” thing so that when I write about it in the future, you will know what I am talking about. So, crew and guest entertainers on board ships can put in requests for tours as an escort which means we assist the local tour guide by keeping the group together, tending to guests needs, and doing an evaluation for the ship about how the tour went. It’s really not a bad gig since we get to see the sights, for FREE! Bob and I cannot go on the same bus for tours, but that’s not a problem. So, Bob’s tour to Poorvu was leaving at 10 am and mine wasn’t leaving until the afternoon at 1:10. So, he got going and I waited and worked on blog entries until a bit after lunch. However, when I went out to meet my bus at 1:10 as was stated on my form, I found out that all of the tours were morning tours, and there were no more buses coming. So, with map in hand (did I mention that my navigation skills are sad at best), I set out into Helsinki on my own. I wandered around the streets heading towards big buildings on the map I knew nothing about, but figured they must be important and snapped pictures of them and any other highlights of Helsinki as I went. So, if you ask me the names of the buildings I saw today, I have no idea, but they are pretty and were definitely picture-worthy. And, I’m realizing that I am actually not taking pictures of Bob and I anywhere, so I’m going to work on that so that you know I’m not just downloading pictures from the internet.
My first attempt at a “people pic”, otherwise known as a “proof pic” (ie. proof I was there) -note the blue shirt--I still have my “escort” shirt on even though I had no tour...
Some local flare...we serve up fries or beavertails in Canada, but it’s all about fish in Helsinki...here’s some yummy salmon and potatoes
Just pretty
An important building, I’m sure! =)
The downtown park in Helsinki
Some snapshots of Bob’s visit to the little town of Porvoo
My first attempt at a “people pic”, otherwise known as a “proof pic” (ie. proof I was there) -note the blue shirt--I still have my “escort” shirt on even though I had no tour...
Some local flare...we serve up fries or beavertails in Canada, but it’s all about fish in Helsinki...here’s some yummy salmon and potatoes
Just pretty
An important building, I’m sure! =)
The downtown park in Helsinki
Some snapshots of Bob’s visit to the little town of Porvoo
Stockholm, Day 2
06/June/2009 04:28 PM Filed in: Tourist
Our second day in Stockholm was the 1st of June, which just happens to be our anniversary. So Bob and I were thrilled today when we woke up to a beautiful sunny day to enjoy. We spent the day being “tourists” for a while and visited a couple of museums in downtown Stockholm. We first visited the Titanic museum and then went on to the Vasa museum showing off the Vasa war ship that was recovered for the Baltic Sea in one piece! I’m not really a museum person, to be honest, but I actually enjoyed these museums. At the Titanic museum we had audio guides that we could control as we went and there were lots of pictures and personal stories of those who were lost, and saved at sea when the Titanic sank, so it made it quite enjoyable. The Vasa museum had its own flair and the boat itself is something to see. The rest of the day was spent wandering around the streets and finally arriving at a nice Italian cafe where we had a nice dinner and celebrated our second year of marriage. I know it’s not much, but we are thankful for every day we have had together. And, since we have been married, we have spent nearly every single one of them together...and we still really love each other! God is good and gave us a great day, and has blessed us with a great marriage.
A view of downtown Stockholm-the shipped marked “Hotel” is actually a youth hostel I remember from when I was in Sweden so many years ago.
The impressive “Vasa” war ship recovered in one piece-the museum was built around it!
Ah, doesn’t it make you want to visit? Another downtown view.
Stockholm...the city of islands.
A view of downtown Stockholm-the shipped marked “Hotel” is actually a youth hostel I remember from when I was in Sweden so many years ago.
The impressive “Vasa” war ship recovered in one piece-the museum was built around it!
Ah, doesn’t it make you want to visit? Another downtown view.
Stockholm...the city of islands.
My Performance Philosophy as a "Christian Entertainer"
05/June/2009 11:22 PM Filed in: Faith and God
Being a “Christian Entertainer” can be a tricky thing in many ways. In 2009 we live in a society that is drenched in entertainment in any form that you can imagine. Many Churches and Para Church Ministries are hiring entertainers for a wide variety of events, such as Upward awards banquets, stand alone outreach events/concerts, church “fairs”, camps, youth conventions, and other things. When the entertainer is hired to be “straight entertainment” then it is simple. You just be funny, entertaining, and good at what you do to the glory of God. You are using your talents that God has given you, to the best of your ability. An example of this would be, a volunteer appreciation banquet for the church family where the focus is simply good clean fun, and not outreach.
However, at 90% or more of the “ministry” events that I perform for, the focus is on evangelism or outreach in some capacity. This means that the congregation or ministry wants to share the Gospel at the event, or at least make some sort of connection with the non-Christians who come to the event.
So can a comedy show be evangelism? The dictionary definition of evangelism is “the spreading of the Christian gospel by public preaching or personal witness.” So evangelism is presenting the Christian gospel by preaching, proclamation or personal witness. Therefore a comedy show could be called evangelism if the speaker or performer shares the gospel.
Many performers are hired as “Christian Entertainers” but do not share the gospel. The reader can probably remember seeing a clean comedian, musician, band, illusionist, or comic variety act that did a great clean show, but did not share the gospel. Or perhaps they just shared something “inspirational.” That is fine and dandy if that’s all you want or need. But my feeling is that if the focus of your event is evangelism, then you had better make sure you share the gospel at some point.
That means that you have to get the gospel right for one thing. It also means that it would be advantageous if you could share it clearly and in a way that can be easily understood by the hearers. I believe that I as an entertainer should therefore be bold in my on stage witness, as well as take every opportunity that I can to get the message across, as it may be someone’s last chance before their death.
I believe it is important to use the Law in evangelism in order to help the non believer understand what sin is, and to lead them to Christ. Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, that we may be justified by faith. (Ga 3:23). I use the ten commandments as an example of some of the specific ways that we have broken God’s law and store up wrath for ourselves. God commands us to repent of our sins, turning away from our sins and turning to Him in faith, for the forgiveness of our sins. “Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead.” (Ac 17:29)
We can be forgiven, because the payment for our sins has already been paid in full for us, by the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, when he was put to death on the cross. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Co 5:20)
It is not merely believing the facts of the gospel. But it is putting your full faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone for your salvation from your sins. Trusting in none of your deeds, even your righteous acts. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. (Eph 2:7)
So, what is the “tricky” part for a “Christian Entertainer” that I mentioned above? It is the fact that entertainment’s goal is amusement, and the end goal of evangelistic preaching would be repentance and faith.
I do not bill myself as a preacher who happens to be an entertainer, or a “speaker” who happens to be an entertainer. I’m an entertainer who is a Christian. This means that from beginning to end, the show is designed to entertain and amuse, even in a “ministry setting.” But as a Christian, I can then by the grace of God, preach the message of salvation. I used to scatter the gospel message throughout the show, interspersing the elements of the gospel as I went along, building the facts and presentation in between comedy routines. However, I’ve come to a point where I feel that it is more effective for me to perform the straight comedy show, and then speak at the end of the show. If there is time available, I will often perform for 1 hour, take a 10 minute break, (stage controlled by the MC or host), and then I return to stage out of character, as myself, and proclaim the gospel for about 15 minutes, taking the time to get it right. This way, I can keep the entertainment the entertainment, and the gospel, the gospel. Usually at the beginning of the show, I compare the evening (or my presentation) to that of a DVD. I tell the audience that on a DVD you have the main performance, and then the really cool behind the scenes stuff, like the director’s commentary. Similarly, I inform the audience that I will give the main performance and then afterward give the most important “behind the scenes” insight or the “director’s commentary” so to speak, about my faith.
This leads me to ask the question, should something that has as its primary goal amusement, have a place in a Sunday AM worship service or fellowship gathering? (such as a comedy juggling show?) Personally I think not. At the very least I don’t want to add to the problem of lack of good preaching/teaching/worship etc. on a Sunday morning. That is why I will not replace a Sunday morning service with a performance. I would consider speaking and sharing the gospel however. But there may not be as many non believers at a Sunday worship service, as there would be at non-Sunday evening concert, if outreach is your goal.
Finally, if I have a performance philosophy, I must have a church philosophy that somehow fits into it. Over the last 18 months the Lord has been growing me greatly in the area of evangelism, and it has nothing much to do with the Comedy in Motion show. On one side of the coin, it has to do with how I share the gospel. I’ve been enlightened to use the Law (the 10 Commandments) in witnessing to the lost. (See comments above.) The Law is needed for grace to make sense to an unbeliever. (See www.wayofthemaster.com for more information.) I’ve been stretched to use this “method” in one on one conversations, open air preaching, and tract giving.
The other side of the coin is where I share the gospel, for lack of a better word. I’ve noticed that we Christians really keep the good news to ourselves. Or we want the non-believers to come to us (at church) to hear the Gospel. Indeed, that is what I do for part of my living! (Outreach shows where we invite the lost). But Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. (Mk 16:15) It has been said that there is about as much chance of the unregenerate unbeliever wandering into your church as there is a criminal turning himself into a police station. It does happen, but not that often. The unredeemed hate God!
So I have been very challenged this past 18 months to put more energy into going to the unbelievers, and taking the gospel message to them, rather than trying to persuade them to come to the church, where people who love God want to go. This has been a personal challenge and stretch for me, requiring a step of faith, and I have so far to go!
So regarding church - it is a place for believers to gather and worship, learn, be edified and encourage one another. Do we welcome non-believers to come to the church? Most definitely! But it is not to be designed for the unbeliever. Inviting the lost to attend church is not evangelism. Inviting them to Christ, IS. We are to go to them. (And I realize that now a days, we will actually find many of them IN the church.) The above church philosophy ideas have already be well summarized by others I will now quote:
Let me begin by stating upfront that Jesus Christ never commissioned His followers to go out into the world and "church" lost people. Nowhere in scripture will you find the Lord or any of His Apostles attempting to lure and entice the lost into the first century church. That was NEVER our Lord’s intention. The church was created WITH and FOR the REDEEMED ONLY -- not for the faithless, rebellious and unrepentant. It only became the primary place for the lost to hear the Gospel preached because church members throughout the 20th century couldn’t maintain enough faith and courage to talk about Jesus Christ outside the church sanctuary. So, for decades now, instead of Christians inviting the lost to Christ with an open Bible, a convicting Spirit and a working knowledge of scripture, we’ve been inviting them to church instead to hear our pastor do what we ourselves should have been doing all along. Imagine what would become of our military if recruiters bribed civilian passersby into putting on a uniform, taking a loaded gun and boarding the next plane to the middle east to fight terrorists. Bribing the lost into spiritual service armed with little more than human wisdom, strength and talent to battle Satan and his demons on the streets of America is just as ridiculous and destructive. To say it defeats the purpose of the church would be a gross understatement. Ultimately, church attendance, membership, personal sacrifice and service should be the RESULT of one’s salvation, not a means to obtaining it. If it becomes the latter, it eventually corrupts, confuses and degrades the church as a whole and undermines its divine purpose. Paul Proctor http://www.newswithviews.com/PaulProctor/proctor3.htm
...many would say that a seeker sensitive church still wants to minister to the believers that are coming to the church, but that at the same time it wants to be sensitive to the unbelievers that are coming in the context of evangelism and ministering to the unbelievers. And then, by their definition, Grace Community Church would be a seeker insensitive church. ...because our idea of what takes place on the Lord’s Day is that the ingathering of believers on the Lord’s Day is for, first and foremost, the exaltation of the Lord and then secondly it's for the edification of the believer. Clay Miller http://www.biblebb.com/files/MAC/SC03-1029.htm
Having stated my performance and church philosophy, let me just say, that if you do not agree with me, I would still be very open to coming to whatever event you have, and performing and/or sharing the gospel wherever I can. I understand that each church body is different in how they choose to spend ministry dollars and puts planning and effort into their own events. As a professional performer, entertaining is how I make my living and I would be happy with “just performing.” I have performed at many outreach events put on by churches, in which I was specifically asked not share the gospel. Each church will have it’s own reasons for this, and their own vision for the event (some use the show as a “first contact” type of event, or perhaps someone else at the event or conference is already sharing the gospel).
I am passionate about sharing the gospel whenever and wherever I can, since none of us knows the date of our death. But if I’m asked not to share the gospel, then I will follow the church’s wishes, and not. Instead I just perform a great show, to the best of my God given abilities, just as as I would when hired by a corporate client, or cruise ship for straight entertainment.
Thanks for taking the time to read this. I would love any feedback that you may have. I trust that God will bless you as you personally think about evangelism, and seek to reach the lost, as we are all called to do.
Bob Cates
However, at 90% or more of the “ministry” events that I perform for, the focus is on evangelism or outreach in some capacity. This means that the congregation or ministry wants to share the Gospel at the event, or at least make some sort of connection with the non-Christians who come to the event.
So can a comedy show be evangelism? The dictionary definition of evangelism is “the spreading of the Christian gospel by public preaching or personal witness.” So evangelism is presenting the Christian gospel by preaching, proclamation or personal witness. Therefore a comedy show could be called evangelism if the speaker or performer shares the gospel.
Many performers are hired as “Christian Entertainers” but do not share the gospel. The reader can probably remember seeing a clean comedian, musician, band, illusionist, or comic variety act that did a great clean show, but did not share the gospel. Or perhaps they just shared something “inspirational.” That is fine and dandy if that’s all you want or need. But my feeling is that if the focus of your event is evangelism, then you had better make sure you share the gospel at some point.
That means that you have to get the gospel right for one thing. It also means that it would be advantageous if you could share it clearly and in a way that can be easily understood by the hearers. I believe that I as an entertainer should therefore be bold in my on stage witness, as well as take every opportunity that I can to get the message across, as it may be someone’s last chance before their death.
I believe it is important to use the Law in evangelism in order to help the non believer understand what sin is, and to lead them to Christ. Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, that we may be justified by faith. (Ga 3:23). I use the ten commandments as an example of some of the specific ways that we have broken God’s law and store up wrath for ourselves. God commands us to repent of our sins, turning away from our sins and turning to Him in faith, for the forgiveness of our sins. “Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead.” (Ac 17:29)
We can be forgiven, because the payment for our sins has already been paid in full for us, by the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, when he was put to death on the cross. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Co 5:20)
It is not merely believing the facts of the gospel. But it is putting your full faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone for your salvation from your sins. Trusting in none of your deeds, even your righteous acts. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. (Eph 2:7)
So, what is the “tricky” part for a “Christian Entertainer” that I mentioned above? It is the fact that entertainment’s goal is amusement, and the end goal of evangelistic preaching would be repentance and faith.
I do not bill myself as a preacher who happens to be an entertainer, or a “speaker” who happens to be an entertainer. I’m an entertainer who is a Christian. This means that from beginning to end, the show is designed to entertain and amuse, even in a “ministry setting.” But as a Christian, I can then by the grace of God, preach the message of salvation. I used to scatter the gospel message throughout the show, interspersing the elements of the gospel as I went along, building the facts and presentation in between comedy routines. However, I’ve come to a point where I feel that it is more effective for me to perform the straight comedy show, and then speak at the end of the show. If there is time available, I will often perform for 1 hour, take a 10 minute break, (stage controlled by the MC or host), and then I return to stage out of character, as myself, and proclaim the gospel for about 15 minutes, taking the time to get it right. This way, I can keep the entertainment the entertainment, and the gospel, the gospel. Usually at the beginning of the show, I compare the evening (or my presentation) to that of a DVD. I tell the audience that on a DVD you have the main performance, and then the really cool behind the scenes stuff, like the director’s commentary. Similarly, I inform the audience that I will give the main performance and then afterward give the most important “behind the scenes” insight or the “director’s commentary” so to speak, about my faith.
This leads me to ask the question, should something that has as its primary goal amusement, have a place in a Sunday AM worship service or fellowship gathering? (such as a comedy juggling show?) Personally I think not. At the very least I don’t want to add to the problem of lack of good preaching/teaching/worship etc. on a Sunday morning. That is why I will not replace a Sunday morning service with a performance. I would consider speaking and sharing the gospel however. But there may not be as many non believers at a Sunday worship service, as there would be at non-Sunday evening concert, if outreach is your goal.
Finally, if I have a performance philosophy, I must have a church philosophy that somehow fits into it. Over the last 18 months the Lord has been growing me greatly in the area of evangelism, and it has nothing much to do with the Comedy in Motion show. On one side of the coin, it has to do with how I share the gospel. I’ve been enlightened to use the Law (the 10 Commandments) in witnessing to the lost. (See comments above.) The Law is needed for grace to make sense to an unbeliever. (See www.wayofthemaster.com for more information.) I’ve been stretched to use this “method” in one on one conversations, open air preaching, and tract giving.
The other side of the coin is where I share the gospel, for lack of a better word. I’ve noticed that we Christians really keep the good news to ourselves. Or we want the non-believers to come to us (at church) to hear the Gospel. Indeed, that is what I do for part of my living! (Outreach shows where we invite the lost). But Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. (Mk 16:15) It has been said that there is about as much chance of the unregenerate unbeliever wandering into your church as there is a criminal turning himself into a police station. It does happen, but not that often. The unredeemed hate God!
So I have been very challenged this past 18 months to put more energy into going to the unbelievers, and taking the gospel message to them, rather than trying to persuade them to come to the church, where people who love God want to go. This has been a personal challenge and stretch for me, requiring a step of faith, and I have so far to go!
So regarding church - it is a place for believers to gather and worship, learn, be edified and encourage one another. Do we welcome non-believers to come to the church? Most definitely! But it is not to be designed for the unbeliever. Inviting the lost to attend church is not evangelism. Inviting them to Christ, IS. We are to go to them. (And I realize that now a days, we will actually find many of them IN the church.) The above church philosophy ideas have already be well summarized by others I will now quote:
Let me begin by stating upfront that Jesus Christ never commissioned His followers to go out into the world and "church" lost people. Nowhere in scripture will you find the Lord or any of His Apostles attempting to lure and entice the lost into the first century church. That was NEVER our Lord’s intention. The church was created WITH and FOR the REDEEMED ONLY -- not for the faithless, rebellious and unrepentant. It only became the primary place for the lost to hear the Gospel preached because church members throughout the 20th century couldn’t maintain enough faith and courage to talk about Jesus Christ outside the church sanctuary. So, for decades now, instead of Christians inviting the lost to Christ with an open Bible, a convicting Spirit and a working knowledge of scripture, we’ve been inviting them to church instead to hear our pastor do what we ourselves should have been doing all along. Imagine what would become of our military if recruiters bribed civilian passersby into putting on a uniform, taking a loaded gun and boarding the next plane to the middle east to fight terrorists. Bribing the lost into spiritual service armed with little more than human wisdom, strength and talent to battle Satan and his demons on the streets of America is just as ridiculous and destructive. To say it defeats the purpose of the church would be a gross understatement. Ultimately, church attendance, membership, personal sacrifice and service should be the RESULT of one’s salvation, not a means to obtaining it. If it becomes the latter, it eventually corrupts, confuses and degrades the church as a whole and undermines its divine purpose. Paul Proctor http://www.newswithviews.com/PaulProctor/proctor3.htm
...many would say that a seeker sensitive church still wants to minister to the believers that are coming to the church, but that at the same time it wants to be sensitive to the unbelievers that are coming in the context of evangelism and ministering to the unbelievers. And then, by their definition, Grace Community Church would be a seeker insensitive church. ...because our idea of what takes place on the Lord’s Day is that the ingathering of believers on the Lord’s Day is for, first and foremost, the exaltation of the Lord and then secondly it's for the edification of the believer. Clay Miller http://www.biblebb.com/files/MAC/SC03-1029.htm
Having stated my performance and church philosophy, let me just say, that if you do not agree with me, I would still be very open to coming to whatever event you have, and performing and/or sharing the gospel wherever I can. I understand that each church body is different in how they choose to spend ministry dollars and puts planning and effort into their own events. As a professional performer, entertaining is how I make my living and I would be happy with “just performing.” I have performed at many outreach events put on by churches, in which I was specifically asked not share the gospel. Each church will have it’s own reasons for this, and their own vision for the event (some use the show as a “first contact” type of event, or perhaps someone else at the event or conference is already sharing the gospel).
I am passionate about sharing the gospel whenever and wherever I can, since none of us knows the date of our death. But if I’m asked not to share the gospel, then I will follow the church’s wishes, and not. Instead I just perform a great show, to the best of my God given abilities, just as as I would when hired by a corporate client, or cruise ship for straight entertainment.
Thanks for taking the time to read this. I would love any feedback that you may have. I trust that God will bless you as you personally think about evangelism, and seek to reach the lost, as we are all called to do.
Bob Cates
New Inspiring Movie
04/June/2009 01:52 PM Filed in: General
I Got this email from Living Waters:
We want to get behind a movie we previewed. It is called "The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry" and is produced by our friend Rich Christiano. It is cleverly crafted to slowly draw you in. Suddenly, what seemed ordinary becomes extraordinary, and very powerful. If you care about the lost, you will love this movie. Kirk said:
"'The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry' moved me with its message of the weight of eternity and the difference one faithful man can make in the lives of many. I recommend this inspiring movie for any family to watch together."
Please consider doing everything you can to get this into movie theaters. Go to www.SperryMovie.com and click on "Theaters" to see how you can become involved.
We want to get behind a movie we previewed. It is called "The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry" and is produced by our friend Rich Christiano. It is cleverly crafted to slowly draw you in. Suddenly, what seemed ordinary becomes extraordinary, and very powerful. If you care about the lost, you will love this movie. Kirk said:
"'The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry' moved me with its message of the weight of eternity and the difference one faithful man can make in the lives of many. I recommend this inspiring movie for any family to watch together."
Please consider doing everything you can to get this into movie theaters. Go to www.SperryMovie.com and click on "Theaters" to see how you can become involved.
Stockholm, Day 1
03/June/2009 10:45 AM Filed in: Tourist
It’s been 21 years since I was last in Stockholm! I can’t believe it’s been that long, but here we are again in this beautiful city of islands. We have another gorgeous day (about 75 degrees F) and Bob and I are both off on tours. We both had the same tour called “Highlights of Stockholm”, but we were on different buses. Stockholm is a big city spread out over many islands so, on a bus tour you can traverse the whole city more easily. Europe is so much older than Canada, so its cities always have so many beautiful old buildings, castles, bridges, etc to see. The Swedish people are just as I remember them to be when I lived here so long ago: stylish, fit (they ride their bikes everywhere), reserved, excellent English speakers and makers of great “fika” (my Swedish word for you meaning, “snack&rdquo
treats. It is so hard for me to walk by all of the coffee shops and not want to stop in every one for a little taste of something sweet. Once we got back from the bus tour, we returned for lunch on the ship and then headed out again to tour the city on our own. Some of our time we just soaked in the warm sun at a park near the downtown and took in the locals enjoying it too. I can’t tell you how cute Swedish babies are! Bob and I think that we’ll likely have a “Swedish-looking” baby with blond hair and blue eyes. It’s fun to imagine what our own little one will look like! =)
No caption needed...
One part of the city viewed on our bus tour
A small theater on one of Stockholm’s islands
“Fit and fashionable” Swedes
treats. It is so hard for me to walk by all of the coffee shops and not want to stop in every one for a little taste of something sweet. Once we got back from the bus tour, we returned for lunch on the ship and then headed out again to tour the city on our own. Some of our time we just soaked in the warm sun at a park near the downtown and took in the locals enjoying it too. I can’t tell you how cute Swedish babies are! Bob and I think that we’ll likely have a “Swedish-looking” baby with blond hair and blue eyes. It’s fun to imagine what our own little one will look like! =) No caption needed...
One part of the city viewed on our bus tour
A small theater on one of Stockholm’s islands
“Fit and fashionable” Swedes
A diamond in the rough
03/June/2009 10:23 AM Filed in: Tourist
Tallinn, Estonia is today’s stop and, after having walked through the cobblestone streets of the city, I would have to call it a “diamond in the rough”. Everywhere you look you see signs of both natural beauty in Tallinn’s parks and structural beauty. Not to mention the beautiful people here in Estonia. We didn’t get any tours today, and it was just as well, because walking the streets of Old Town Tallinn is a sight all its own. As Bob and I meandered through the city (well, I meandered while Bob navigated) we took in lots of local flare. We entered an old church to listen to a few accapella numbers by a trio of ladies. The acoustics in the church made their voices soar. Just before we entered the church we met a young girl selling postcards named Christine and we talked to her for a while, performed a few juggling tricks and left her with a few tracts. By the time we emerged from the church, she had written us a postcard of thanks for the visit and the “show” and gave us both hugs. What a sweet girl! We pray that God will use the tracts to change her heart and bring her to Christ. We also saw some local Estonian dancers putting on an outdoor show, watched some people enjoying archery, peeked in at a local children’s “fun fair” (or at least I think that’s what it was), walked through parks popping with colour, and, of course, enjoyed lunch at, you guessed it, McDonald’s. When everything else is changing, it’s good to know you can always count on some things...=) When you see the pictures, I think you’ll agree that Tallinn is a special place that glistens with beauty and culture.
Russia without a visa
03/June/2009 10:03 AM Filed in: Tourist
Well, we arrived in St. Petersburg, Russia and because we don’t have a visa, we actually cannot get off the ship! It’s a beautiful day here, and the spirals of castles and churches can be seen from our ship, but, alas, we can’t go ashore. But, we still have hope! We have applied to be escorts for a few tours and if we get on, we can go with a ship tour and see the city. Okay, day two has now come and we were able to get one tour and Bob graciously let me go on it. It is a canal cruise of St. Petersburg with some stops for souvenir shopping. I soon found as I started the tour that St. Petersburg is one of those cities where there is a picture opportunity on every corner. The beautiful castles built for Peter and Catherine the Great and their families, cathedrals, museums, canals and bridges, etc all deserve a photo. So, needless to say, choosing which pictures to include was a challenge. But, don’t worry, we can bore you with all of them if you’re willing when we return to Canada.
Bob sending me off on my tour while he enjoys his “visa-less” day onboard the ship.
A view of the canal
...more canal pics
The “Church on the Spilt Blood”
Peter the Great’s “Summer Home”
A Russian souvenir market in the shadows of the Church on the Spilt Blood
CLICK ON “MAY” ON THE RIGHT SIDE BAR TO SEE PREVIOUS BALTIC ENTRIES.
Bob sending me off on my tour while he enjoys his “visa-less” day onboard the ship.
A view of the canal
...more canal pics
The “Church on the Spilt Blood”
Peter the Great’s “Summer Home”
A Russian souvenir market in the shadows of the Church on the Spilt Blood
CLICK ON “MAY” ON THE RIGHT SIDE BAR TO SEE PREVIOUS BALTIC ENTRIES.
Sharing a taxi in Gdansk
02/June/2009 07:19 PM Filed in: Tourist
Today we shared a taxi with a couple from Switzerland (to save on expensive taxi fares) and ended up spending the day touring Gdansk with them. Gdansk is a city full of history and local flare. From flower stands, to brick churches, to old buildings showing the remembrances of World War II, Gdansk offered us a peek into historic Europe. Most of our day was spent wandering around “Old Town” snapping pictures, enjoying lunch, and enjoying the warm sunshine on our faces. I didn’t think it would be almost 25 in Poland at this time of year, but I’m glad it was. Our friends Wem and ....hmmm, can’t remember, were great company and we enjoyed the day of touring with them. I guess Gdansk is the place to get amber if you’re looking for it, and it’s not hard to find, that’s for sure. As we weaved around school groups out on field trips and fellow tourists, we just soaked in the new and the old of Gdansk and thanked God for another day to enjoy!
Fortune telling birds! I’m not sure this little guy believes it!...Me either!
One of the many views in Old Town, Gdansk. (Wem’s on the right)
Neptune’s Fountain
Amber on display
Fortune telling birds! I’m not sure this little guy believes it!...Me either!
One of the many views in Old Town, Gdansk. (Wem’s on the right)
Neptune’s Fountain
Amber on display
Copenhagen on foot...good shoes a must!
02/June/2009 06:51 PM Filed in: Tourist
If you’re going to take on 3 hours of walking through Copenhagen, Denmark (or anywhere else for that matter), you’d better have good shoes! I thought I was a smart traveler, but today I definitely wore the wrong shoes (well, boots, actually). Bob and I got a late start on Copenhagen as a result of a jet-lag sleep-in, but we finally set out for downtown Copenhagen with a camera, and a map. Well, actually, a camera, a map, too many clothes, and the wrong shoes. But, who knew? The weather when we got up was a bit cool and overcast, so we went “prepared”, but our “prepared” status, soon became “overdressed” and “hot”. Nonetheless, Bob navigated us through the streets of downtown Copenhagen with ease. I’m so glad to have such a map-savy husband considering my navigational challenges! Let’s just say, around every corner lies a photo op. From beautiful parks, to bronze and copper statues, to the famous “Little Mermaid” to the lined with colourful buildings and surrounded by old boats, Copenhagen is a picture waiting to happen. The beauty and diversity of each city is a testimony to the creativity of our great God! “How great thou art!” Even in the wrong shoes, I tried to drink in the beauty of the city, but was, I must say, excited to see the boat when we finally rounded that last corner. Once we got on board, we both flopped on the bed and took a nap. I think jet lag is still pulling us down a bit, but it won’t be long until we’re over that...maybe tomorrow.
The “Regatta” from a distance
The famous “Little Mermaid”
Enjoying the park in May.
Flowers in abundance!
The Downtown Waterway
The “Regatta” from a distance
The famous “Little Mermaid”
Enjoying the park in May.
Flowers in abundance!
The Downtown Waterway
Traveling down the Keil Canal
02/June/2009 04:33 PM Filed in: Tourist
Day 2 on our Baltic cruise found us navigating down the Keil Canal in Germany, making our way over the Baltic Sea. When I thought of traveling down a canal route, I didn’t picture this kind of beauty. We enjoyed mile after mile of tree-lined shores populated by all kinds of locals riding by on bikes, stopping in cars, or on house balconies waving at the people on the passing ship. It was a treat to see God’s creation from the decks of the ship as we sailed along. The weather is just perfect today (around 20), and the combination of sunshine and natural beauty (and some good rest in the night) has made this day a real treat. Even though it’s show night, we have time to enjoy all of this since we only have one show time, and it’s a late show at 9:45 pm. After dinner outside in the dining room, we got ready for the show and Bob once again showed how he can still put on a great show even in a theater that has about 7.5 foot ceilings! He didn’t feel as good about it as he has other shows, but I thought he did great. The crowd on the Regatta is considerably older than Royal Caribbean, but comparable to Holland America, so he knows how to work, shall we say the “older crowd”, and I think he won them over. He was a bit nervous about doing his show because these cruisers have already seen 2 juggling shows on their trip!! But, all’s well that ends well, and I think it ended well. Tomorrow brings us another adventure as we enter Copenhagen, Denmark ...we’ll let you know what we think if you’ll stay with us.
The Keil Canal
Yes, we see that hand!
The locals welcome us...and enjoy a beer. Of course, we’re in Germany!
The Keil Canal
Yes, we see that hand!
The locals welcome us...and enjoy a beer. Of course, we’re in Germany!
On arrivals, ankles and Amsterdam
01/June/2009 04:09 PM Filed in: Tourist
Getting over to Europe with this much luggage is no easy task, but on Saturday morning at 6:00 am we arrived safely (and with all of this luggage) in Amsterdam. We had a good flight, and even arrived an hour early, but we didn’t sleep at all, and I stepped off the plane with some VERY swollen ankles. I was sure someone had switched my shoes during the flight, since I could barely squeeze my puffy feet into my shoes! We were met promptly by our driver who managed to fit us and all of our stuff into his Mercedes van and get us to the ship before 8 am. Once there, we were able to get on board fairly quickly, and were eager to see our room conditions. Another surprise awaited us as we entered our lovely, spacious room with a great big window and lots of storage. The ship itself is quite a bit smaller than others we have been on, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in class. Think Parisian hotel, and you’ve pretty much captured the look. Once aboard we found out from the cruise director that we would be on the next night, and that we should likely rehearse the day we arrived since the show room was booked almost the whole day on our performance day. So, after a few hours of sleep, we headed down for rehearsal and we were ready to go. Our first dinner in the Terrace Cafe was simply a delight with gorgeous food, and service that rivals any high-end restaurant. We are really being spoiled when it comes to being served here. I keep saying to Bob “my mom would love this!” But, since she’s not here, Bob and I will have to enjoy it for her. Needless to say, we didn’t get to see any of Amsterdam our first day (with the exception of the airport), but we’ll be back, and can take in the sights when we return....so stay with us. But, tomorrow is another day, with more sights to see. Come on with us and we’ll show you where we’re headed each day!
Hmmm...do you think we’ll get charged for extra baggage?
On board the “Regatta”
Hmmm...do you think we’ll get charged for extra baggage?
On board the “Regatta”