ESN Cruise English!

Hello everyone. How are you?

Another weekend is almost over in Finland. I'm already here since about 3 weeks and the time flies infinitely fast. Travelling is probably a reason for this.

This time we went on the ESN cruise. With stay in Stockholm. We started on Wednesday morning by bus from Seinäjoki to Helsinki. 6 hours bus ride. But with one or two alcoholic beverage, it was to endure. ;) After a more or less comprehensive alcohol control (no one was allowed to take alcohol onto the ship) we went fast to our cabins. Quite closely with three people on a even for FOUR! People designated room of 6m ² and a small bathroom. Since we do not really want to spend a lot time there, we can make it. After a quick check of the cabins and a quick "refreshing", we took a close look of the ship. 12 floors, 2 bars, 1 disco, even swimming pool and sauna were available. A complete new world for me. The shops opened after the ship had passed the habour. The view of the port of Helsinki is actually quite good for a look. Once checked in, there was no turning back. The "Welcome champagne" was presented at the Atlantis Palace and the opening show was not that bad. The Tax Free shop could also offer some good stuff and the souvenir shops were’nt save of us. On Wednesday I went to bed quiet early because I wanted to see Stockholm. Thursday morning, I dispensed of getting up at 7 o’clock. Sorry Alex. It was just too early. But I stood up a bit later, just to go to breakfast as well. Such an incredible breakfast buffet I have rarely seen and it was also a very human price of 11 Euros. After arriving in Stockholm harbor, we have to find the hop on, hop off – Bus. After some time spend with searching and an initial confusion, based on an incorrect map, of course not based on a reading fault of the map, we could step on the Bus at Karlaplan. ;) From there we proceeded to Stureplan. In addition, we have been in Östermalm and Djurgården, Norrmalm Kungshol-men, Gamla Stan and Södermalm. For all who are unsure whether they want to visit Stockholm. I highly recommend it. Beautiful buildings and in the summer, the city is probably incredibly green. Because of so many trees. After a great day with glorious sunshine back on the ship. A quick evening meal and meeting with the tutors. I actually don’t remember the name of the card game. Had it one at all? Highest, Middles’ Lowest? It must have been something like that. Nor between alcohols was purchased. Unbelievable how much cheaper it is on the ship. I can almost understand the "alcohol tourists" who only drive for the alcohol onto a “ship-trip”.

The atmosphere in the bus on the way back to Seinäjoki was quiet. Very quiet. I think almost everyone at some point did fall asleep on the way.

Friday evening, a little after-hour sit-in was going on at my apartment. (Thanks Julie for beeing that tolerant) The boys killed some beer and Alex and I had to try whether the purchased Bacardi Razz. We have to make sure that it was still good. ;)

He was.

Saturday and Sunday were despite of the previous consumption of stimulants quite productive. Of course, the University may not be neglected at all. ;)

So tell me what do you have done on the weekend? Are you away over Easter? Or are you just enjoying the weather at home?

Alex is going to St. Petersburg. Christian and I are willing or not practicing for the oral examination in Finnish after Easter and probably organize a barbecue or something and the rest will arise spontaneously Oh and of course I will give my best that you still get an occasional update. ;)

Enjoy the beautiful sunny days and if you have don’t have sun, then we will send you some.

Hug you.

Yours Jacques