Monday, June 3, 2013

Europe Survey 2013: London Day 3

Yesterday was quite the adventure! We started out the day going to St. George's Market. We got some breakfast burritos and they were amazing! Then we walked around the city a little. It was interesting because the city centre that was so busy the day before was empty at noon. After a while we figured out that none of the stores open until after 1pm on Sundays.
When it was time to check out of the hotel we decided to head to the airport early and just get some coffee and talk. We noticed that the most expensive bus was the one to the Belfast International Airport. We paid the £15 and took the bus to the airport. After we arrived, though, we couldn't find our flight on the departures board. After checking our Kayak app, we realized that we were at the completely wrong airport. We had to pay the fare and ride the bus back to town. The bus to the correct airport cost about the same as a bottle of pop.
Thankfully we made it to the right airport with plenty of time to relax and talk. We got some coffee and played Scrabble on the iPad until time to check in for our flight. As we approached the check in counter, a wide-eyed look of fear came over Brennan's face. Quietly he said, "I don't have my passport." This spiraled into an hour of phone calls to the hotel, correspondence with British Airways employees, and a taxi from the city centre carrying an American passport. By the grace of God we made it through security and onto our flight with no issues.
Once in London, it took us roughly 2 hours via underground subway and bus to get to our hotel. It was midnight by the time we got here and Brennan and I realized that the last thing we had eaten was the amazing breakfast burrito. We ordered a pizza and settled in for the night. Despite those major set backs I'm so glad we made our flight to London. We're here until Wednesday then we'll be coming home!

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Europe Survey 2013: Belfast Day 4

We are feeling much better today. We explored the city and tried to make up for time we lost yesterday. While wandering around town, we noticed a beautiful church building close to the city centre. After a closer look we figured out that it was no longer a church and it had been turned into a shopping mall. 
In this city everyone identifies themselves as either Protestant or Catholic. This isn't necessarily a religious affiliation though. It's more political. Our couchsurfing friend, Ian, said that these groups are segregated completely. They go to separate schools and live in different parts of town. Depending on his or her job, a Protestant may never meet a Catholic. 
As we were walking we also came across this random bar. Ironically it was flying both a Canadian and an American flag. If you see a bar here, you'll see a dozen more, but if they also say kitchen that means they serve meals as well.
This evening, Brennan and I went to a local favorite called the Kitchen Bar. We got some tea and coffee and some dessert and enjoyed listening to some real Irish folk music. This is what the locals do regularly. Most pubs have food and live music. At dinner time they are considered family environments.
Later, we came back to our hotel and went down to the pool, which is also open as a gym to locals. We met several people that live here and enjoyed talking with them about life in Belfast, the history of the city, tourism, travel, etc. It's interesting the people you meet in different places that can teach you about the culture.
Tomorrow we're going to check out St. George's Market before we head to the airport. We'll be in London for a few days then we'll be coming back home.

Friday, May 31, 2013

Europe Survey 2013: Belfast Day 3

The Penners are officially out for maintenance today. My run-in with a cat and Brennan's sinus infection have caused us to take it easy and rest for a day. Hopefully with a little rest and hot tea we will be ready to hit the city again tomorrow. Thank you for your prayers on our journey! 

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Europe Survey 2013: Belfast Day 2

Today had some interesting twists and turns. We started our day in Dublin, Ireland and took the train to Belfast, Northern Ireland. Upon arrival Libby and I explored the city by walking and riding the bus around town. We had arrangements to stay with a couple at we met through the Couchsurfering website. We decided to wait for our ride to their place by relaxing in the bustling city park in front of city hall. It was full of people!
While sitting on the park bench an older gentleman sat next to us named Bill. We traded stories about our travels and what he knew and had seen in the US. It was really interesting to hear perspective of the world from a local. He asked us about healthcare in the US and other topics such as Andy Williams and his place in Branson, MO. After that, Ian (Couchsurfer) came to pick us up. We had a good time in the car discussing the politics of Northern Ireland. When we got to his place he showed us around then he had to leave briefly. While he was gone we found out that they had a cat. Poor Libby is very allergic to cats so we had to leave and make arrangements for hotel. On our way to the hotel we came accross this street musician who was really good!
Once we arrived back in the city we got Libby some allergy medicine and got into our hotel. We had really looked forward to meeting and getting to know Ian & Olwyn, so we have agreed to try and meet up for dinner or coffee while we are in Belfast. All-in-all, we had a good day exploring, but are ready for some rest tonight.
     - Brennan

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Europe Survey 2013: Brugge Day 5/Belfast Day 1

Today we left Belgium for Ireland. We were sad to go but excited to see what the rest of our trip will bring. This morning we went with Tim to the Ivory Coast Embassy. That was a neat experience since we had never been to one before. Before heading to the airport, Tim and Barbara took us took us to a town called Namur to the Citadel. It was a huge stone fortress overlooking the city. We ate lunch in a restaurant there and then Barbara took us to the airport.
We are so thankful for the time with had to spend with the Downs. They had so much advice and wisdom to offer concerning Belgium and culture in general. It was such a blessing to get to talk to them for a few days and learn a little about what they're doing. We loved getting to meet their congregation and get to know them a little as well.
We landed in Dublin around 6pm local time. Tomorrow we'll catch a train to Belfast. We're staying with a couple we met through Couchsurfing and we're excited to get to explore the city. I still can't believe that this is our last country. I almost feel like we just arrived here. Aside from the fact that I'm tired of airplanes, I'm not ready for this trip to be over.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Europe Survey 2013: Brugge Day 4

Today was our last full day in Belgium. Tomorrow we're heading to Ireland! This morning Brennan still wasn't feeling well so he slept in, but I went to the market with Tim and Barbara. It was different than any other open air market I had ever been to. Every week, people set up booths and sell things, everything you could think of, in the Grand Place of local cities and towns. The one in Soignies had clothes, all types of food, electronics, plants, and even live animals. It was definitely a fun experience. 
After that we picked up Brennan and went to Mons, a nearby college town, where we ate lunch and walked around. It's been so neat to get to see so much of Belgium while we've been here. Each town and city has its own people with its own style and dynamic.  It has been a great experience to see the villages in the country as well as the larger cities.  I have also loved the exposure to the French language while we've been here. One of the cool parts about Belgium and Europe in general is the old architecture and the history behind it. It's amazing to look at these buildings that have been here for hundreds of years and wonder who may have lived in them and what they may have been used for at one time. 
I can't believe how fast our trip is flying by. We'll be coming back to the States just eight days from now. We've already seen so much, but I can't wait to see what the next few days will bring! We have liked certain aspects of every culture so far and we see a need in each. I just pray that God will give us the wisdom to discern His will for our lives on this continent. 

Monday, May 27, 2013

Europe Survey 2013: Brugge Day 3

Today, after eating some wonderful coffee cake that Barabara made, she took us to the train station. Armed with one phrase in French for getting a train ticket we set off for a day in Brussels. We knew we needed to get off at the Brussels Central station, but when the Brussels-Midi stop arrived we accidentally got off. Realizing our mistake we hopped back on and asked a woman if this was the central station, but she didn't speak English. We were able to communicate enough for her to tell us it wasn't Central so we stayed on. When we approached the Central station, she waved to us and motioned to us to get off there. Despite the total language barrier, I was so thankful for her help. 
We made our way out of the train station and wandered the city for hours. We stopped at the St. Michel Cathedral, the Grand Place, and the Royal Palace. We walked up and down streets filled with locals and tourists. We watched them interacting even though we rarely understood what they were saying. The sights and the culture are incredible here. 
When we returned, we enjoyed the beautiful evening outside eating dinner with the Downs. Unfortunately I think allergies and foreign fields may be catching up with Brennan as he has developed a fever and quite the sore throat. Thankfully, many of the medicines that are only available by prescription are over-the-counter here. We got him something for his throat and congestion so hopefully he'll be back to normal soon! Tomorrow we're going to the weekly market in town with Tim and Barbara then we're going to check out a city called Mons. 

Europe Survey 2013: Brugge Day 2

It's been a fun filled day here in Belgium! We went to the Downs' church this morning, Grace International Baptist Church in Brugge. Brennan and I the opportunity to share our story and a little of our vision with the members. It was such a blessing to get to meet them and talk for a while. 
One of the members told us about the history of the city and he also told us a little about the religious state of the area. He said that only about 10% of the population attend any type of church on a given Sunday. He said that many of the churches are closing and being sold to become restaurants and antique shops. It was really interesting to hear this perspective from from someone that has lived in this community his entire life.
After church we met some of the teens in the city centre and went on a photo scavenger hunt. It was so fun! We had a great time seeing a little of the city and getting to spend some time with the teens. Some of the things we searched for included petting a horse, taking a photo with a bathroom lady, and kissing a swan. We had to think outside the box on some of them, but it was a blast!

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Europe Survey 2013: Copenhagen Day 4/Brugge Day 1

We started our day off right with a wonderful Danish breakfast prepared by Karsten, the owner of the B&B. He told us of the history of the lighthouse and we told him how we wanted to move to Europe. We really enjoyed talking to him and wished that our time wasn't cut short by the three mile walk into town to catch the train back to Copenhagen. 
With the help of a sweet woman who was able to translate the timetable, we successfully made it to the airport with no issues. I've actually been pretty surprised at how easy it is to navigate the train systems around here. With the help of Google Maps and friendly locals, we've had no problems getting from place to place. 
We flew to Brussels, Belgium where we met up with Tim Downs. He drove us back to his chateau and we met his wife, Barbara. We had a wonderful evening eating dinner with them and getting to know them a little. Tomorrow we'll be visiting their church in Brugge and getting to spend time with the members. I just love that we have the opportunity to see what European missionaries are doing and learn a little from them while we're here. We are so blessed that God has perfectly orchestrated this whole trip down to the very little details that we don't even realize. 

Friday, May 24, 2013

Europe Survey 2013: Copenhagen Day 3

This morning we wasted no daylight catching an early train into the city centre to explore a section of town called Nyhavn. Shops and restaurants lined the street in colorful buildings built along the canal. Old boats had been converted to restaurants and even offices in the canal. Many merchants and employees were working to prepare their places for the breakfast crowd. We watched the people as they went about their work. 
After we left there, we packed up our things and caught a train for Northern Denmark. We arrived in Dronningmolle then walked to the lighthouse where we're staying. We had the opportunity to talk to the owner for a while and he told us about a great place to eat in Gilleleje. We walked about 40 minutes into town and had some dinner. After that, we walked around the little fishing town. It was a great opportunity to see Danish life in a small town. We walked back and stopped to enjoy some views from a pier over the Baltic Sea. Since we arrived in Northern Denmark around 2 this afternoon, Brennan and I have walked around 7 miles. Tomorrow we will be going to Belgium to spend time with a missionary friend, Tim Downs. 
As I sit here drinking my cup of Danish tea and thinking about how we're leaving Denmark tomorrow, it makes me realize what a cultural and lasting impact this experience will have on us. Despite our occasional language barriers, we have had the chance to see where these people call home, do work, and build a life. Unfortunately it is clear that they are not building their lives around Jesus. 
No matter which of these cities God calls us, I know that he has a plan and that he already knows where He is going to call us. Regardless of the place, I am so excited to see what God has in store for us, but I also encourage you to pray for the people of these cities. 

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Europe Survey 2013: Copenhagen Day 2

Changing viewpoints, today you get my perspective. Copenhagen is an interesting place to say for sure. Though we have only been to the United Kingdom up until this point, Copenhagen is a very distinct city. This is the first "real" language barrier we've encountered. More on that later. This city is very modern with a historical backdrop. Overall I could say that people are friendly but you most certainly run into a few brick walls.
The city itself is well spaced out and keeps a normal pace of life, not too rushed and not slow either. Once reaching the city center we were able to walk most of the way. Bikes are the preferred method of travel. Everywhere you look you will find a bike. It was pointed out to us that the city is making advancements to its infrastructure to be the friendliest city to bikes in the world. People of all types, shapes, class, and race ride bikes here. Mass transit is modern and quick and moderately available. One of a few bumps in the road today was the purchasing of tickets for the trains. In Europe the "chip & PIN" system is used for credit cards. Though it is growing, most credit cards in the US do not have this capability or they might have a chip but no PIN. The latter was our problem and without a PIN we could not get tickets. Thankfully a friendly transit employee allowed us to ride to the city center to change currency without a ticket.
We were told previous to our arrival that almost everyone spoke English here. I haven't found a native here yet that hasn't, but almost none of the important signage is in English (such as transit information). This created a day full of asking lots of people to explain this to us.
The historical sections of this city are of the most beautiful of Europe yet. We visited one of the palaces in Copenhagen and saw the interior. It was incredible. One of my most favorite historical sites I've visited so far! Though is has deep history the city has greatly expanded out and builds and lives a very modern and contemporary life style.
As I have said before, most people are friendly here, but not everyone is quite as willing to converse. A handful of times when we would ask for some assistance an individual would look and walk off in a different direction. And at times if they did respond, they would have a scarcastic joke attached. Very interesting to interact with. But not all were this way. We spoke with many helpful and friendly people. 
Tomottorw we head north in Denmark to see different cities and life outside the big city. What a difference will there be I wonder.
     - Brennan

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Europe Survey 2013: Inverness Day 4/Copenhagen Day 1

Today was our last day in Inverness. We gathered our things and headed to the bus station. While waiting for the bus it started to rain. Then it stopped and the sun came out. Soon it started to rain again. Meanwhile, the bus was late and while we were trying to look at the phone to figure out when it would come we missed it. I (Libby) was so mad, but God had different plans. We went back to the hotel to call a cab. The concierge called for us and then we stood there chatting with him about the unpredictable weather until our ride arrived. The whole ride to the airport we talked with the driver about life in Scotland, travel, agriculture, and many other things. We had such a wonderful time learning about the people and the culture of this lovely place.
We flew to Bristol where we had a VERY short layover then we were on our way to Copenhagen. Once here, we took the train to the hotel. Surprisingly, we made it around okay even though many of the signs were in Danish. Our language luck ran out when we ordered a pizza though. Apparently, Hawaii pizza here does not mean USA Hawaii pizza. This was obvious when we opened the box and it had chicken and tomatoes and it was SPICY. 
Tomorrow we are looking forward to exploring the city and meeting some people around town. It is already a big difference from Inverness but we are loving the experience of seeing diverse cultures and meeting different types of people. 
On a side note, we are also surprised at how televised the coverage of the Oklahoma tornado is over here. There are some differences in information such as the number of fatalities but it is interesting how invested the rest of the world is in our news. 

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Europe Survey 2013: Inverness Day 3

Today was our last full day in Scotland. After we ate some porridge we bought at Morrisons yesterday, we got on the bus and rode to a few neighborhoods that aren't within walking distance of our hotel. As the bus moved down the streets I watched as people interacted with their community. There were small convenience stores in the neighborhoods as well as parks and schools. Old women had rolling carts and were out shopping and visiting with each other. While its nice to be where all the commerce and life seems to be in the city, I really enjoy exploring the neighborhoods and watching life unfold there.
During the day we also traveled across the bridge to the village of North Kessock. It's just along the inland of the North Sea. From this area, you could sea the snow capped mountains behind the North Sea. It was a beautiful sight. It seemed like a very quiet little community with a tea room and a hotel. We found ourselves with time to kill so we went into the tea room for some high tea and dinner. We chatted briefly with the owner. While in North Kessock we also met some people from Wyoming. Surprisingly, these are the first Americans we've seen so far.
Transit wise, not having access to a car in the cities we've been to so far has been fun (for me at least). I've left my ballet flats in the hotel room and wandered around the city on foot and by bus when necessary. By rough estimation I think we've walked around 16 miles in Inverness alone. I wish I had brought by pedometer but I probably couldn't have afforded the tenth of a pound it would have added to my bag.
As today is winding down and we're preparing to move on to Copenhagen tomorrow, I am reflecting on the time we've had here and the experiences we've had. We have really loved our time in Inverness and enjoyed the people as well. If this is where God would have us, I would thoroughly love returning here in a few years. If God would have us somewhere else I would love to return here just to visit one day.