Blogs from Minnesota, United States, North America - page 58

Big things: I'm getting a laptop! That's right! My lovely friend, Jo, has decided to sell me her used one that she got from an Ex so she can get a new one. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it! I'll be able to actually do email where and when I want, blog for my one dear reader (I'm hoping to up that number a bit), sort my photos, and store my music. The lovely Mac service people even put together a spreadsheet for me of locations in Shenzhen I can go for service when I asked them what I should do if I have problems overseas. I just LOVE good customer service!! Little things: In other news, my flight is a mess. Or at least it feels like it. Apparently United Airlines has decided ... read more

El: It is 5 weeks tomorrow until we leave for Mexico. To date we have gone tanning 3 times (burnt once), applied for my passport, and got "trip stuff" like swim suits, sunscreen, and stuff for the beach. We're really excited and our tans are coming nicely. More will be posted soon. Pictures will also be up as soon as Nash and I find a camera that we can use, perhaps my roommate's. Until then, we are off. Later all. Love love. xoxo El... read more

Thought you'd all like to see a few more photos of the group pre-departure...before the salmon, strong coffee, 5 hours of sleep per night, 15+ presentations, networking, bonding, and general Rotarizing (I've just created this word.) Look carefully. These faces may look dramatically different (and exceedingly more cultured) two months from now! The attached photos were taken last weekend (April 4 & 5) at our session in Perham, MN. We had the opportunity to give our stirring presentation to the Rotary club from Perham and also invited clubs from Detroit Lakes. Go team! 26 more days.... p.s. This writer claims no responsibilty for the actions of someone who may resemble her in a photo with a light pole.... read more

Well, this is it. The official first entry in blog-world of the "GSE Team from Rotary District 5580 (USA/Canada) outbound to Sweden's District 2400." AKA - Uh...well, I don't know what the AKA is yet....let me think on that. Appointed as the team's official blogger, I, Jamie, will be checking in with you as we wend our way through southern Sweden connecting with local Rotary clubs, completing vocational visits and institutional tours, attending cultural events, participating in conferences, and enjoying all that Sweden has to offer! We're learning Swedish phrases (skål!), listening to Abba, preparing our palates for salmon & herring and cramming our suitcases ready to take on Sweden one Rotary club at a time! Make sure to check in for updates on our travel plans and read about our tales of cultural adventures, language ... read more

I was supposed to be in the Philippines today. Or at least, flying over the Arctic circle on my way to the Philippines, via Tokyo. But instead, my plane in Boston was delayed by mechanical problems and weather, and I was stranded in Minneapolis. Better here than NWA's other hub - Detroit. NWA provided lodging at the Days Inn in Bloomington and a few meal vouchers. I had 24 hours to kill until the next flight to Manila. It wasn't long before I learned that a very famous place was right here in Bloomington - the Mall of America. America is really the mother of malls. I do think they must have been invented here first, and they are particularly popular in colder areas of the country where outdoor marketplaces never really worked. Now, I know ... read more