Wowsers! It feels like a century since I've had time to sit down and reflect on my life...even though it's only been a few days since my last entry. My days at camp have been completely jammed packed with different things to prepare before the campers arrive tomorrow evening.
After much deliberation my camp name is Tiny Dancer. I am on a team of really amazing people who go by Dr Pepper, Nomad, Spanky, Dori, Shark Bait, Cheese Whiz, and Chainsaw to name a few. It is so exciting to be surrounded by a group of people with such energy and creativity. I know some amazing things will be produced amongst us!
While I will be going by Tiny Dancer, and a member of the Billy Jean family (there are five families and we got to pick the theme of the last names, we wanted to pay tribute to Michael Jackson so our families are Billy Jean, Thriller, Bad, Smooth Criminal, Beat It.) However I also will be taking on the personality of a Ms Daisy during free time as I manage the general store now known as 'Ms Daisy's Hideaway.' I can't wait to see all the crazy personailities that emerge from Tiny Dancer, Ms Daisy, and the numerous other characters I will be playing in our many MANY skits!
So far camp is nothing but exciting...and a little tiring. I know the days will be long (even without the kids here we've been putting in 18 hours,) but I know it will make for one hell of a summer!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
New Phase
i am leaving life as I have known it the past 17 days and reentering a life of structure and work. While I know it will be a blast, I don't think I'm ready to leave the freedom and mutability I am currently experiencing.
This is my address for the next 15 days, I would love a personal update from anyone who is willing!!
Megan Mueller
American Village de Bretagne
5 place Anne de Bretagne
BP 70366
56503 LOCMINE
This is my address for the next 15 days, I would love a personal update from anyone who is willing!!
Megan Mueller
American Village de Bretagne
5 place Anne de Bretagne
BP 70366
56503 LOCMINE
Thursday, June 25, 2009
My Parisian Way
Paris has been a pivital point in my travels. I came here with an air of traveler's confidence after surviving Amsterdam and Brugge and later laughed at myself for it.
Navigating through my first and second Paris metro stations was full of discouraging, uplifting, and extremely comical moments. I realized half way through the process of getting to my hostel that before the day of my arrival I wouldn't have considered going to Manhatten and struggling through their metro station alone, but somehow I was certain upon arrival in Paris that I was more than capable to get through their metro...while the language barrier added a few more struggles than i would have faced in Manhatten I still survived and eventually found my hostel. What could have taken me 25 minutes took over 3 hours...but by the end I felt equipped with more than enough material to write a short guide on experiential learning!!
As for my life in Paris, it's absolutely wonderful. I made friends with a roommate my first night. She is from Seattle and was in the process of meeting up with her sister. Our first morning together we went to a cafe for breakfast...I no longer get upset by the small size of my morning coffee, in fact i've learned to embrace it. less is more, right?
Anyway my friend had met a guy from California the previous night, introduced me to him, and I spent my next few days with my newest and dearest friend Todd! Our first day together was packed with a trip (to the top of) the Eiffel Tower, a walk through and around Notre Dam Cathedral (via transportation of the botabùs), and the most amazing pub crawl of my life. I met loads of people from Canada, Australia, the states, Brazil, the UK, and Sweeden. We drank and danced until 3am and than walked home a very VERY long ways. All the while Todd and I looked out for eachother and became best friends after discovering our mutal interest in swing and salsa dancing at the club!
The next day was spent recovering from the previous night, touring some free museums, and catching up on some rest. I have enjoyed my time in Paris much more than I anticipated. It's extremely easy to navigate, I love making quick and meaningful friendships, and the bread is top of the line! But I am very much looking forward to camp, only two more days!!
Navigating through my first and second Paris metro stations was full of discouraging, uplifting, and extremely comical moments. I realized half way through the process of getting to my hostel that before the day of my arrival I wouldn't have considered going to Manhatten and struggling through their metro station alone, but somehow I was certain upon arrival in Paris that I was more than capable to get through their metro...while the language barrier added a few more struggles than i would have faced in Manhatten I still survived and eventually found my hostel. What could have taken me 25 minutes took over 3 hours...but by the end I felt equipped with more than enough material to write a short guide on experiential learning!!
As for my life in Paris, it's absolutely wonderful. I made friends with a roommate my first night. She is from Seattle and was in the process of meeting up with her sister. Our first morning together we went to a cafe for breakfast...I no longer get upset by the small size of my morning coffee, in fact i've learned to embrace it. less is more, right?
Anyway my friend had met a guy from California the previous night, introduced me to him, and I spent my next few days with my newest and dearest friend Todd! Our first day together was packed with a trip (to the top of) the Eiffel Tower, a walk through and around Notre Dam Cathedral (via transportation of the botabùs), and the most amazing pub crawl of my life. I met loads of people from Canada, Australia, the states, Brazil, the UK, and Sweeden. We drank and danced until 3am and than walked home a very VERY long ways. All the while Todd and I looked out for eachother and became best friends after discovering our mutal interest in swing and salsa dancing at the club!
The next day was spent recovering from the previous night, touring some free museums, and catching up on some rest. I have enjoyed my time in Paris much more than I anticipated. It's extremely easy to navigate, I love making quick and meaningful friendships, and the bread is top of the line! But I am very much looking forward to camp, only two more days!!
Brugge
Sorry, this is long overdue... and the keyboard im typing with has a different layout than what i'm used to so please be forgiving of spelling errors!
Brugge was absolutely wonderful, in fact it felt like 3 days of pure bliss. i stayed at the home of Annelies and spent time with her as well as other frisbee buddies. Every night we sat in their garden (gardens are our equivelent of a yard/patio/garden. in the states.) we would eat delicious food; a lot of olives, cheese, and fish, and drank like royalty. All the while sharing stories and talking about cultural differences with Annelies' parents. It was the most comfortable I have been in months. Even though Annelies' parents had their differences from my own, they shared the same ability to welcome their child's friends. It was very reminiscent of all the times i had friends over in my garden and my parents would give us food, drink, and friendly chatter. It was really wonderful.
As for the city of Brugge, it's one large tourist attraction...but for good reason. Many of the tourists were older, the land is pretty flat and it's much easier for older people to get around Brugge, it's not as large as other tourist cities. But the city is absolutely beautiful, very rich in history, and full of good beer!
Brugge was absolutely wonderful, in fact it felt like 3 days of pure bliss. i stayed at the home of Annelies and spent time with her as well as other frisbee buddies. Every night we sat in their garden (gardens are our equivelent of a yard/patio/garden. in the states.) we would eat delicious food; a lot of olives, cheese, and fish, and drank like royalty. All the while sharing stories and talking about cultural differences with Annelies' parents. It was the most comfortable I have been in months. Even though Annelies' parents had their differences from my own, they shared the same ability to welcome their child's friends. It was very reminiscent of all the times i had friends over in my garden and my parents would give us food, drink, and friendly chatter. It was really wonderful.
As for the city of Brugge, it's one large tourist attraction...but for good reason. Many of the tourists were older, the land is pretty flat and it's much easier for older people to get around Brugge, it's not as large as other tourist cities. But the city is absolutely beautiful, very rich in history, and full of good beer!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Deserai de vu devoje...
I just found this posting in my drafts, which I didn't know how to access up until now. I saw it and laughed out loud! I wrote it right after getting into Paris, when I was paying for 4 euro for a half hour of internest. It quickly wrote down notes of what I wanted to say and was planning to elaborate later, but I like the notes better!
Deserai de vu devoje...I am not claiming this is close to being spelt correctly, but it was the advice given to me on my train ride from Broussel to Paris. It means I'm sorry to trouble you. I was told saying that and taking all blame in unfortunate situations will help me in Paris.
Deserai de vu devoje...I am not claiming this is close to being spelt correctly, but it was the advice given to me on my train ride from Broussel to Paris. It means I'm sorry to trouble you. I was told saying that and taking all blame in unfortunate situations will help me in Paris.
1. Everyone is in a hurry
2. I could teach exp learning...stumbled my way through all possible the awkward learning moments in 3 hours
3. Manhatten?
Friday, June 19, 2009
XOXO XXX
Today is my final day in Amsterdam, while I am sad to be leaving, the anticipation of new adventures in new cities is keeping me upbeat. I know at some point in my life I will return to reunit with the amazing people, beauty of the city, biking culture, and endless adventures.
Things I most enjoyed about Amsterdam:
Windmill Windup. Not only was I introduced to a new culture of people and sport, I was able to eat off a frisbee for an entire weekend and take my first public nudie shower...while singing Build Me Up Buttercup!
The flower market. Unfortunately the U.S. will not allow me to bring back living goods. If this were not the case everyone I know would be receiving a precious gift of botanical life. The flower market was ten blocks along a canal, with some of the most beautiful and most interesting plants I've seen...loved it.
The public library. This was a personal discovery. My diamond in the rough, or more accurately my modern in the historic. I was able to appreciate the amazing arcitecture and design while using their free internet in a familiar environment! I went here most days after Jesse left and I loved it each and every time.
Boat Tour. Bicyclemark was kind enough to give Katie and myself a tour through the canals...and open water. While I was a bit terrified during the open water portion of the tour, it was all worth it. It was an incredible way to see the city and get to know two amazing people!
The Brothers Bloom. I originally went to this movie because I was offered a free ticket, but it turns out I loved it! It's hilarious, a cute plotline, and has an epileptic woman...for anyone who enjoyed Natalie Portman in The Garden State this is for you!
Things I least enjoyed about Amsterdam:
The tiny (and expensive) non-refillable cups of coffee. Even though they were accompanied by a cookie from time to time, it never compensated for the lack of liquid.
I am going to leave you with the same three words of advice I was given during my free walking tour.
1. Be discrete. While many people only associate Amsterdam with coffee shops and the redlight district (and I want to kick each and every one of them for not appreciating the many MANY amazing qualities of the city) these things are not actually legal, they are tolerated. So be discrete.
2. As long as it doesn't hurt anyone, including yourself.
3. As long as it's good for business. Which is why coffee shops and the red light district are tolerated...
And if you are looking for a good laugh and a little (exaggerated) insight into some Holland tradition, check out 6 to 8 black men by David Sedaris...it's worth your time, promise!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbJpRLhaSqs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vU1D1HKTDCY&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g17Pl7MFMco&feature=related
Things I most enjoyed about Amsterdam:
Windmill Windup. Not only was I introduced to a new culture of people and sport, I was able to eat off a frisbee for an entire weekend and take my first public nudie shower...while singing Build Me Up Buttercup!
The flower market. Unfortunately the U.S. will not allow me to bring back living goods. If this were not the case everyone I know would be receiving a precious gift of botanical life. The flower market was ten blocks along a canal, with some of the most beautiful and most interesting plants I've seen...loved it.
The public library. This was a personal discovery. My diamond in the rough, or more accurately my modern in the historic. I was able to appreciate the amazing arcitecture and design while using their free internet in a familiar environment! I went here most days after Jesse left and I loved it each and every time.
Boat Tour. Bicyclemark was kind enough to give Katie and myself a tour through the canals...and open water. While I was a bit terrified during the open water portion of the tour, it was all worth it. It was an incredible way to see the city and get to know two amazing people!
The Brothers Bloom. I originally went to this movie because I was offered a free ticket, but it turns out I loved it! It's hilarious, a cute plotline, and has an epileptic woman...for anyone who enjoyed Natalie Portman in The Garden State this is for you!
Things I least enjoyed about Amsterdam:
The tiny (and expensive) non-refillable cups of coffee. Even though they were accompanied by a cookie from time to time, it never compensated for the lack of liquid.
I am going to leave you with the same three words of advice I was given during my free walking tour.
1. Be discrete. While many people only associate Amsterdam with coffee shops and the redlight district (and I want to kick each and every one of them for not appreciating the many MANY amazing qualities of the city) these things are not actually legal, they are tolerated. So be discrete.
2. As long as it doesn't hurt anyone, including yourself.
3. As long as it's good for business. Which is why coffee shops and the red light district are tolerated...
And if you are looking for a good laugh and a little (exaggerated) insight into some Holland tradition, check out 6 to 8 black men by David Sedaris...it's worth your time, promise!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbJpRLhaSqs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vU1D1HKTDCY&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g17Pl7MFMco&feature=related
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Good Spirit
I have been involved with competitive athletics the majority of my walking years. And in all of my experiences, there have been far and few that have topped what I experienced this past weekend at the Windmill Windup, Amsterdam's Ultimate Frisbee Tournament.
I was in what was considered a pick up team, meaning people from all over that have little to no connection to one another, come together to play in the tournament as a team. Mine was initiated by a few people that had played together in Australia a few years back. Our full roster was filled with people from all over, the States, Canada, Holland, Australia, France, and of all levels of play. We instantly meshed as a team and created a name for ourselves as great competitors...and partiers!
This was my first competitive Ultimate Frisbee experience, but I was lucky enough to have been surrounded by many people who were passionate about the game as well as me learning. I realized throughout the three day tournament there are an incredible amount of strategic parallels in Frisbee and basketball, so I caught onto things pretty quickly.
There were many MANY things about the Windmill Windup that made me LOVE Frisbee tournaments, but the greatest piece was the idea of spirit. In Ultimate Frisbee there are no judges or referees. There are fouls, picks, and other penalties called, but they are called by those playing. The opposite team has an opportunity to agree or contest and from there the play may resume or start over. Needless to say there is often a certain degree of tension among teams throughout the process of coming to these decisions, but along the way the idea of spirit is always carried on.
When a game begins players often shake hands and wish the person they are defending good luck. Whenever an indiscretion on a play arises, the players involved in sorting it out always end shaking hands. Throughout the play of the game, while remaining competitive, the players keep in mind the idea and importance of having good spirit...or being a good sport.
The absolute best showcase of spirit occurs following the game. Both teams come together in a circle, arm and arm and give feedback and thanks for the game. There are often gifts symbolizing the teams origins given to the other team, and many times a fun game/competition is played between the two teams. The post-game activities are my favorite because they make all the competitors human again. People relax and laugh and leave behind them any frustration or anger they may have had following the game. Because of this Frisbee players become extremely close with people on other teams and have phenomenal parties together!
This is much longer than I intended. So I'll wrap up with the following:
http://www.windmillwindup.com/2009/photosvideo.html >>>Check this out. It's a video made by BicycleMark, a guy I have met, hung with, and even given an origami peace crane... The video will give you a better idea of the wonderful spirit shared throughout the weekend!
I was in what was considered a pick up team, meaning people from all over that have little to no connection to one another, come together to play in the tournament as a team. Mine was initiated by a few people that had played together in Australia a few years back. Our full roster was filled with people from all over, the States, Canada, Holland, Australia, France, and of all levels of play. We instantly meshed as a team and created a name for ourselves as great competitors...and partiers!
This was my first competitive Ultimate Frisbee experience, but I was lucky enough to have been surrounded by many people who were passionate about the game as well as me learning. I realized throughout the three day tournament there are an incredible amount of strategic parallels in Frisbee and basketball, so I caught onto things pretty quickly.
There were many MANY things about the Windmill Windup that made me LOVE Frisbee tournaments, but the greatest piece was the idea of spirit. In Ultimate Frisbee there are no judges or referees. There are fouls, picks, and other penalties called, but they are called by those playing. The opposite team has an opportunity to agree or contest and from there the play may resume or start over. Needless to say there is often a certain degree of tension among teams throughout the process of coming to these decisions, but along the way the idea of spirit is always carried on.
When a game begins players often shake hands and wish the person they are defending good luck. Whenever an indiscretion on a play arises, the players involved in sorting it out always end shaking hands. Throughout the play of the game, while remaining competitive, the players keep in mind the idea and importance of having good spirit...or being a good sport.
The absolute best showcase of spirit occurs following the game. Both teams come together in a circle, arm and arm and give feedback and thanks for the game. There are often gifts symbolizing the teams origins given to the other team, and many times a fun game/competition is played between the two teams. The post-game activities are my favorite because they make all the competitors human again. People relax and laugh and leave behind them any frustration or anger they may have had following the game. Because of this Frisbee players become extremely close with people on other teams and have phenomenal parties together!
This is much longer than I intended. So I'll wrap up with the following:
http://www.windmillwindup.com/2009/photosvideo.html >>>Check this out. It's a video made by BicycleMark, a guy I have met, hung with, and even given an origami peace crane... The video will give you a better idea of the wonderful spirit shared throughout the weekend!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Amsterdam Experience
I am currently sitting in Jesse's apartment due to rain. I have learned the past three days that living below sea level causes a lot of clouds and randoms sprinklings of rain...but I still love it here!!
My days have been packed full of outings on our bikes and delicious food. I found out quickly that the Dutch love their cheese as well as their beer. The Wisconsinite in me has reached Nirvona!! I spent my first day getting a tour through the city and eating a home cooked meal at Jesse's girlfriend's place. She lives in this complex made from the cabins of old ships...cool, I do believe so! Afterwards we went to an ultimate frisbee practice followed by a trip to the local pub.
The next day Jesse and I took on the town. We first went to a resturant from brunch... turns out the Dutch do not tip nor do they care about turnover. We sat next to a canal and enjoyed our food and coffee (which was tinier than the mugs the Loring serves with, but I didn't mind.) Afterwards we biked across town to a ship museum and grabbed a Heinakin (they are everywhere) and played life size Connection. We followed this by a trip to one of the few micro-brewerys, which is within a windmill and than worked on our frisbee skills in a park.
As you can see I have been indulging in mostly food, beer, biking, and frisbee.
Today has been a bit slower of a day. We're preparing for our upcoming tournement. This morning we got supplies to cook out and make pasta salad. I got cut off by a moped on my way to the store and slipped on the tram rail...first fall in Amsterdam. But it wasn't a huge deal. I moved on and decided everyone needs at least one spill. We also got red tees to make Rambo headbands to intimidate our opponents...watch out Joint Strike Force will be taking home the championship this weekend!!!
On a different note...I emailed all my fellow counsolers and we have all been chatting up a storm via email. I'm really excited to meet everyone. The veterans have been making the camp sound like the most amazing summer job in the world! Just what I need, a little more paradise to go on top of my exisiting paradise!
Peace out!
My days have been packed full of outings on our bikes and delicious food. I found out quickly that the Dutch love their cheese as well as their beer. The Wisconsinite in me has reached Nirvona!! I spent my first day getting a tour through the city and eating a home cooked meal at Jesse's girlfriend's place. She lives in this complex made from the cabins of old ships...cool, I do believe so! Afterwards we went to an ultimate frisbee practice followed by a trip to the local pub.
The next day Jesse and I took on the town. We first went to a resturant from brunch... turns out the Dutch do not tip nor do they care about turnover. We sat next to a canal and enjoyed our food and coffee (which was tinier than the mugs the Loring serves with, but I didn't mind.) Afterwards we biked across town to a ship museum and grabbed a Heinakin (they are everywhere) and played life size Connection. We followed this by a trip to one of the few micro-brewerys, which is within a windmill and than worked on our frisbee skills in a park.
As you can see I have been indulging in mostly food, beer, biking, and frisbee.
Today has been a bit slower of a day. We're preparing for our upcoming tournement. This morning we got supplies to cook out and make pasta salad. I got cut off by a moped on my way to the store and slipped on the tram rail...first fall in Amsterdam. But it wasn't a huge deal. I moved on and decided everyone needs at least one spill. We also got red tees to make Rambo headbands to intimidate our opponents...watch out Joint Strike Force will be taking home the championship this weekend!!!
On a different note...I emailed all my fellow counsolers and we have all been chatting up a storm via email. I'm really excited to meet everyone. The veterans have been making the camp sound like the most amazing summer job in the world! Just what I need, a little more paradise to go on top of my exisiting paradise!
Peace out!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Leaving on a Jet Plane...
I could not have asked for a more wonderful send off weekend! I have spent the past three days with some of the greatest people I know and appreciate every moment and memory we shared together this weekend.
My roommates, Matt, Joe, & I ventured off to Northern Wisconsin for a weekend at Jen's lake house. Despite the less than ideal temperatures we managed to keep ourselves creatively entertained. After getting back to Minneapolis we cleaned up for a nice dinner downtown and one or two quarter flips...as history would predict, one or two drinks turned into us staying out until bar close.
I woke up early this morning to finish packing and say my farewells to those I haven't yet spoken with. I feel very lucky to have the opportunity of going abroad and being supported by my friends and family at the same time. I cannot wait to experience and then tell you about all the adventures, moments of intense confusion, and over comings that will surely take place in the next three months.
Goal #1: remain in control of my sanity during my upcoming 18 hour travel extravaganza!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3JWFklREK8
My roommates, Matt, Joe, & I ventured off to Northern Wisconsin for a weekend at Jen's lake house. Despite the less than ideal temperatures we managed to keep ourselves creatively entertained. After getting back to Minneapolis we cleaned up for a nice dinner downtown and one or two quarter flips...as history would predict, one or two drinks turned into us staying out until bar close.
I woke up early this morning to finish packing and say my farewells to those I haven't yet spoken with. I feel very lucky to have the opportunity of going abroad and being supported by my friends and family at the same time. I cannot wait to experience and then tell you about all the adventures, moments of intense confusion, and over comings that will surely take place in the next three months.
Goal #1: remain in control of my sanity during my upcoming 18 hour travel extravaganza!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3JWFklREK8
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