Update from Afar...

Sorry.  I think this is the second post that includes some hairy details about myself that may make readers think, Geez, Jo!  TMI!  But alas...

I think it's not only bucks who can smell me. I have been hit on more times this week than I can count.  I have gotten asked out to coffee, lunch, what the time was (and then gotten my wrist caressed).  It's been ridiculous.  Harmless, technically, but emotionally disturbing (and stressful) nonetheless.  And don't worry.  I've been safe.  And I'm keeping safe, but still.  It's weird.  I think men can definitely smell me.  Maybe without even knowing they are.  Gross.

Anyway, on to my second to last farm.  This one is ... I don't even know what the town is called.  It's really difficult to find.  But the station is Simpele, Finland, and you'll be able to find it through Google maps on the eastern part of Finland.  I'm excited to go, but I read their profile a few days ago, and I forgot they're vegetarians.  So I may be leaving sooner than I thought.  Anyway, I really want to go to Norway, where the American lady is living a simple Norwegian lifestyle.  She's very nice.  And she has animals.  I think I'll have to WWOOF more in America so that I can learn about animal care.  Or maybe in Australia.  I hear really good things about WWOOFing in Australia. 

So, one thing that I feel like I have learned from being over here.  I think everyone should go overseas and experience people outside of the touristy cities. Most people are surprised to hear that I'm American.  I don't think many Americans travel.  Probably because of the economy and whatnot.  I know times are hard financially, but I encourage you to make international traveling a priority.  If nothing else, to see that the universe does not revolve around America.  I love all that I have learned, and it's a good experience.  But second piece of advice: take someone you like (or love) with you.  Just one person.  Then you decide where to go and what to do, but you have one person to share the experience with.  :)

I think that's all for now.  My train will leave soon.

Love,
Jo 

A quick post about why I don't post more often...

Whew!  It's been a long journey thus far.  And now I continue on my way from Belgium.  I think I'm going to stop in Aachen to go to the spa (because it's cheap and I've never been to one), and then on to Copenhagen for a day and then on to Finland.  It's going to be quite a journey.  I think it takes 24 hours or so to get to Finland, so I've split it in half with Copenhagen.

Anyway, Belgium has been great, probably one of my favorite countries so far.  It's interesting because they all have something different to offer, but I like the diversity of Belgium.  Most people here are multi-lingual because there is not one official language of Belgium, but three (French, German, and "Dutch" or Finnish, depending on who you talk to) and most people also know English.  It's a cute country, very close together, and very nice.

But the time comes to move on.  On to Finland - the last stretch in my journey. Scandinavia.  I'm so excited.  A lot of people think I"m crazy for going this time of year.  But then I explain to them that usually in my state in America, we have 2-3 feet of snow and 6 months of winter.  Then they kind of understand, but probably still think I'm crazy.

I hope to write more soon, but it's tough for a lot of reasons.  I don't want my hosts finding my blog (which they could easily do, as it's linked to the email I've been contacting them with), and I don't often know what to write, or want to write so much that I don't know what to choose.  Then the moment passes because I'm on to my next country.

But don't be upset - I definitely am writing down my experiences for myself and my own records.  I think if you sat down with me, I could answer more of your questions about Belgium, or France, or this host or that host.  We could have a good conversation.  So don't worry - I won't forget (hopefully!) most things...

Hope you all are well.  Much love,
Jo