My opinion (last few words)

Oh, hello again!

This will be the only short post in my blog, I promise. Cheers to the last post!
So, I think this was really funny, this project, this trip, this happy feeling that I’ve got. I think it was something new of course. It was something new this trip. Instead of class with blackboards, pencils and books home in Norway, I experienced the US in a completely new and different way. In addition, I must say…quiet

moment of truth…I really liked it. It was really exciting to write a new post every week, and to write like I wanted to write, because it is a blog. I would like to do this another time too, but maybe different from this trip.
I think that I did as well as I did. Nothing more to say (if you know what I mean). I wrote and I saw as good as I could, hoping it was good enough. But really, I think I did a good job.

Many hugs from Ingrid Kristine (for the last time in this blog) :) <3

A famous historical person

Cheers! Salud! Hola! Hello! Moreover …drums please…greetings! My old friend is back at last…

Hi! I’m here, I’m still alive people! My journey is slowly turning towards the end. But not my humor! Aren’t you sick of this blog yet? Not me either. It’ll be sad to quit. I’m sitting on a bench in Canyon Road! This is so amazing! This road I mean. Do you remember that I told you about Canyon Road earlier in this blog? Well, even words can’t describe how amazing this is, now that I’m standing/sitting here. I’ve waited for Canyon Road for so long, and now I’m suddenly here. I literally threw myself into my rent car, and the gas almost got through the car floor! Okay, I’m overdramatizing this trip, but that’s probably because I’m so eager. So, we’re done with the eager thing… Here’s a sad message. I’m sorry, but…ugh…this is hard to say…sigh…, but this is my last post. EVER. I’m almost bursting out in tears, so be patient with me you happy human. That’s why I’m travelling to Canyon Road this late. I’ve saved the best! I know, you know, my best friend knows that I’m smart…(joking) J. Oh! My best friend! For a few weeks ago, I tricked here to believe that I still were in Norway! She called me (it was in the middle of the night in Norway), and then I pretended to be angry at her because she somehow called me in the middle of the night. But it wasn’t late at all. Actually, I wasn’t even tired. It was so fun to trick her! She is so angry! J So I promised her that I’d make it better for her…We’ll meet up and discuss some things for our blogs. She writes her own blog too you know. Actually she writes really good, and funny, and smart, and really English. I’m looking towards to meet her in Canyon Road. She have never even been in New Mexico before! What a shock! She have just walked along the roads in Hollywood and cities like that…Sigh. (I’m almost at the edge of getting a new best friend here. That’s what I need. Someone who have actually been in this part of America before). Yeah, this was my first time to New Mexico too…I know, I have nothing to say…Like that’s going to stop me.

Soooooo, do you want to know what happened in Canyon Road? Katarina (my long gone friend) has left the street. I’m sitting here alone with my pc on a single table, in Canyon Road J My trip home hasn’t come yet. We talked about the theme for our new post on our own blogs. We thought that we could set them together! That would be fun. Right? Fun? Yeah, we’ll do it anyway. Nothing you can do or say (please don’t be angry). We’re going to write about a famous historical person! Yey! I’ll write about Aretha Franklin because it would be boring to write about someone else, she is a musician and she is a girl (still not dead). You wonder who Aretha Franklin is? She is just the queen of soul! Partially in pop too. (Can’t believe you didn’t knew that. You see, I can read minds, joking). Here we go.

Aretha Louise Franklin were born on March 25^th, 1942 in Memphis Tennessee in the USA. She were born as one of five children. As a little girl, she used to sing with her father and her sister in her father’s church. Aretha’s father played the piano, and the two girls sang. There they sang gospel. Aretha learned to play piano there too. As a little girl, she grew up among celebrities, because her father were a well-known pastor.

He often played piano on tours, and one day Aretha came with him to sing. She met many celebrities on their tour, but one that excelled was Sam Cook. He was a huge inspiration to Aretha, even though he just had gone over to new pop in his singing style. Guessing time! How old was Aretha Franklin when she recorded her first single? 24? 30? 50?! These were all good guesses, but she was actually 18 years! Her first single was called: “The gospel song of Aretha Franklin”. Since Aretha now were a musician, she was working under the record label that’s called Columbia Records. She did very well, and many people loved her music. Soon she was very well-known. However, after a while she switched record label. Aretha didn’t feel like she’d reached what she was capable of, so she switched. Just as simple as that. Her new record label company was called Atlantic Records. She did very well in this record label! She sang more songs, she gave out tons of new songs, and one of them that set footprints all over people’s brains was Respect. This song gave her the title: “Queen of soul”, because it is a strong text that reached into many people’s hearts. It also became the signature text for her.

Under this company, (Atlantic Records) she won more than two Grammys over the past years! These Grammy’s were mostly for her singing and her singing style. Okay…puh. Lots of facts! My hands just goes over the keyboard so fast sometimes. That’s what happens when you have a lot on your mind, right? Here’s another important thing. She sing, as you’ve probably noticed, a lot of soul and pop. Nevertheless, she also sing R&B. This is Rhythm and Blues. Soul…hmm. I like soulJ. For me, soul is music where you sing with your soul literally, really deep. It’s where you sing every word and really mean it. I think that that’s what Aretha Franklin does. She sings with her soul, and many of her songs is about herself and the struggle with her life, but also about other things that many people find interesting and deep. Why is she so well-known? I don’t know. Maybe it’s because of her incredibly huge personality, or her voice that enchants everybody nearby. Again, I’m not an expert. But her songs are really good, and under that time when she started her carrier, it was hard. Especially because it was segregation and she is black. However, she stood up and she was herself more than anyone else was. #truewords
I once came over a song that’s called: “I say a little prayer”, and for a while, I listened to this song a thousand times. “Sing a little pray for me” Oh shit! That’s just great! Fantastic! Fabulous! Another song stuck in my brain. I wonder how long time it will take before this one is gone again. Last time it wasn’t properly gone before several weeks later… Well...We have an end to reach, haven’t we?

That’s my last post that I wrote on my last day here in USA. I had so much fun! Now looking back to all my new memories from Orlando, New Mexico and all of the rest J I’m looking forward to travel home again, and I’ll of course (totally unexpected) take the same airplane home as my best friend Katarina is. I hope you learned a lot from all the pages I wrote. Some of them were a little bit long and others were really short. (Kidding. None of my posts was short). I also hope that you understood this one, because I have a little hard time understanding it myself, AND! You must not, under any circumstances, stop reading the lovely travelling blogs that’s being posted every single year. Mine is just one of many more. Remember that you smart friend. You’re my friend now, you know that? Right? Oh, you didn’t knew. Oh well…Through all this weeks with writing…I had so much fun! You have no idea how it is to write early in the morning, in the middle of the

day, or sometimes late at night. Because it is so much fun! J I think it has been fun, because I could write, as I wanted it. In my picture of image if you understand. Time to pack up. I’m going to miss America, I can’t argue with that. But I really miss Norway…So…One, two, three.
We’ll hopefully writes next time!

Many hugs from Ingrid Kristine J <3

Sources:

My script from a performance I once had about Aretha Franklin

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aretha_Franklin

An historical event which I think is interesting

Hello cheerful humans…or people? Things? Oh, whatever

I’m back for more action and books! I want to write about an historical event that have taken place in the US a long time ago. Hmm…I was really thinking about what I wanted to write about for a long time. Then I finally came up with the perfect idea! You see, I read a book once that was called Time Riders, (loved that book). It was about these three people who travelled in time to fix what others did wrong. Haven’t heard of it? No? Oh well. In addition, one day they travelled to November 22nd, 1963. To Dallas in Texas in the United States of America. Hah! You didn’t see that coming did you?! Yes, I’m going to write about the death of president John. F. Kennedy. First I thought about the twin towers and all the ashes from that day (which was also in the book), but then a bird whispered in my ear. Write about something unusual. Something that’s unexpected. Okay, that sounded really great in my head, but now I understand that it is absolutely not. Now that I see my writing on the screen: “A bird whispered in my ear”.
So since this historical event of President Kennedy’s death was in the book, and I already knew much about it, I figured out that it would be really funny and nice to write about him. Ready for even more facts? Are you sure you’re body and mind can take it? I’ve heard that it is really mind blowing, this texts…(only a few persons got my bad joke). Well, I’m not responsible for any huge catastrophe at home. It’s your choice…I’m now taking you back to Dallas, Texas in 1963. I will tell the first part of this story as if we were there.

We are now located in Dallas, Texas. The sun is bright above us and the dry sand on the warm asphalt is sticking to our shoes. Can you manage to do this? Close your eyes for a few seconds and imagine this. You are doing it? Great! ☺ (I now feel like a real guide). You are standing on the sidewalk and glaring around

after a black limousine with no roof. Suddenly the black car approaches the street we are in and every single people around is smiling, yelling and waving their hands in the warm air. Inside the car, President John F, Kennedy is sitting beside his wife, all happy. He is visiting the capital in Texas. You are starting to get excited too, and you’re hands goes straight up in the air. I’m happy as well. I’m really happy! Then suddenly everyone is screaming and running around in panic, so instead of yelling nice words like: “God bless him”, they say: “OMG! God help us!” A high gunshot sound filled the warm day with chaos and heartbeat. We are slowly walking towards the black car that just keep on driving along the road. You are glaring after the president of the United States. The one that were smiling two seconds ago. Nevertheless, we both understand that he is dead. Shot in the head with a gun from far away.

Tada! I did it! I told the story in a different way! Did you like it? A little bit short though… Well, this was my first time. Moving on.
If you didn’t understand what was happening when we were there, then you better pay attention now. What really happened that day? I’ve asked that question to myself many times. When I read that book, and in this very moment of glory. (Many times, sarcastic). But the point is…President John F. Kennedy was the 35^th president of the US. He lived in 46 years before he were assassinated in 1963, 22nd of November, 12:30 pm. He was travelling through Dallas in Texas in his black limousine, because of business in the town. He drove through the city with his wife (Jacqueline), the Texas Governor (John Connally), and the Governor’s wife (Nellie). All these names…I don’t think that I’ll remember these names after I’m done with this journey. However, I’ll give it a try. The president and his companions were driving through the city park. There were green grass (which I saw in a video) and many people gathering around to see the smiling president. His wife (Jacqueline) were talking to him like wives so often do to their husbands, and then suddenly! A bullet flew right through Kennedy’s head. Blood spilled all over his wife. Jacqueline were screaming so loud. In this video, I saw, Jacqueline is climbing over the back of the car, trying to help a man to get inside the limousine

(which were still driving away from the crime scene). I think the man was a security dude or something like that. Don’t judge me! I’m not an expert! Later that day in a hospital, the president of the United States was declared dead. Enough with the president thingy already! Moving on to the gun-part! That’s what you’re really wondering about, right? So the question you’re still asking yourself now is (even though you may know the answer), who shot a hole in Kennedy’s head, which was so shocking to the world? There was of course a man that were caught, and his name was Lee Harvey Oswald, but was it really him? Was he the only one

behind this madness? The sniper used a weapon called an Italian

Carcano rifle, but the real thing here is that

it was found on the 6^th floor of the Texas School Book Depository. Obviously, the sniper shot from this

building. (Here comes another question). Was he the only sniper? In the book I told you about, there were

page up and page down about these theories. It stood that if one person left his place, or became to cowardly to do the job, another person from another perspective of view would shoot instead. Which is really smart once you think about it, but in the real world there were shot four times. Three from the dude that were caught and one from another place! Well, that’s what the internet is saying at least. Today, there are still many people saying that it was just one person behind this assassination, but over 50% is saying the

opposite. That there were more than one person shooting at the president. If you ask me, I would say that there were more than one person behind this. More than one mind, more than one eye, more than one rifle. That’s my theory.

Ah! I love this kind of things! The mysteries that’s just waiting for you to catch up with them. I love the way I like to solve them. Even though it can be hard at times. Even though it exists mysteries that can or cannot be solved, (sounded like Shakespeare one second there). However, that was all I had for this time guys! Hope you enjoyed it! Hope you loved, shared, laughed and spilled you’re morning coffee all over it! LOL. (You know that LOL sounds really funny in English?). Goodbye matesJ. Moreover, here it comes:
We writes next timeJ.

Many hugs from Ingrid Kristine J <3

 Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assassination_of_John_F._Kennedy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-LA0ypFXig

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_F._Kennedy

Slavery

Hello again! See? That was much better than greetings…

How are you? Good? Well that’s great! I’m good, thanks for asking you kind human beingJ So here we are again. I’m writing on my lovely blog and you’re reading it. Isn’t it nice? Well, I think it is nice. I’m on this historical museum again. It is so nice and adventurous over here! Old history about the Native Americans, immigrants, arts and slavery. That’s what I’m going to talk about now. Slavery I mean. Isn’t it usual to talk about what you think about in a blog? As you’ve probably noticed, I talk a lot about my thoughts and words in this blog. What can I say? It makes me want to write even better than I would have done in a pure text about facts. Well, here it goes. My thoughts. (Moreover, just so you now, I’ll write about what slavery is later in this post). I have always thought that slavery was awful and terrible. I mean…It is pure torture! Grown up men walking around pretending to be much better than everyone else by yelling and punishing! It is terrible! In this post I’ll be talking about this. Not just because it is exciting with old history, but also because I need to get out a little frustration. So here we go.

I guess it all started a long, long time ago as usual. In North America. There were few people working at the huge plantations where they grew tobacco, which was very profitable at that time. However, they were lacking workers at the plantations. In addition, here is what went wrong. Their lacking of thinking. One would have thought that the workers would not have gone that far, but since they needed an economical solution, they were thinking too fast to react. That is when the slavery time started. Americans were starting to transport Africans from Africa over to America in huge boats over the Atlantic sea. (This happened in the early 1700’s). Africans that later would be slaves for the Americans. When the Africans reached America after a long trip and really bad conditions on the boats, they could be sold on the slavery market for a small price. Families were split up when one family member where going a different way than the other one.

Because the Americans didn’t care about some “stupid” families, did they? No. The slaves lived in big families with the workers, or managers, in small cottages, and they worked on these huge plantations with tobacco. They were often punished if they did something wrong, or if they didn’t work as well as the others. A good friend of the managers was the whip, and it was used a lot at that time. The women on the other hand were used as house workers, like cooks, cleaners and sex slaves. That means that the women had no choice but to obey their leader (which in their case was a man). The women often had to lay with him or do something against her will. As you can see now, slavery is to get people to work or get them do something against their will.
After a few years, the American Revolution starts and tobacco was no longer needed as much as before in America. In the end of the revolution, the prices were dropping. The slaves weren’t working as much as before, it was even not use for them some places. I swear! When I read this, I was so happy it was over…Well, that’s what I thought until I continued reading. This dickhead called Eli Whitney came up with cotton gin in 1793, and the slavery was profitable again, now working with cotton instead of tobacco. OMG! Why?!? Stupid, stupid…*nocking my head against my computer* Oh, I almost forgot an important thing! The slaves were now working in South-America instead of North America as they did before. They now saw north as a place where they could be free, and many slaves tried to escape through the Underground

The Underground Railroad

Railroad. This railroad went under the ground, from the south to the north. I remember my teacher saying that this was important. That’s probably why I remember it so good J…Moving on. There was a time when the white southerns was thinking of both economics and moral. Was it right to do this? “No! It is not right to do this! Get you’re thinking straight!” Then they thought that since the slaves got food, a place to sleep, clothes and a place to work, it was okay after all. “Arrg”.
It came a law in 1857 that said that the slaves couldn’t say anything. They couldn’t defend themselves, and they couldn’t make a stand for themselves. Then came the civil war in 1861 and it lasted until 1865. This civil war was a disagreement between south and north. Whether they should continue with slavery or not. During this time, the slaves had much time to figure out where to go. Many slaves escaped in the Underground Railroad to the north, where they could be free.Soon done now with this terrible thing called slavery…I can’t even pronounce the word slavery without making really weird noises with my mouthJ You should hear me

Abraham Lincoln

some time.  Who wore a black beard, had a big top hat and always had these wise words to say? Abraham Lincoln of course! He was actually smart enough to say that the slavery had to have an end finally too. He actually had some brain up in his head… (For those who do not know who Abraham Lincoln was, he was the president of the United States at that time). He said that slaves would end up forever free in 1862. It was written in the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, and on December 6^th in 1865 it was written down to the United States Constitution (13^th Amendment) that slavery was forever abolished. Done with the slavery. Down slavery, down! Sit! Bad slavery! Okay I’ll stop it with the dog thing.

That was all I had for this time guys! I hope you understood at least some of my writing this time, and hopefully you learned something too. This have become the ultimate phrase for my blog:
We writes next time!

Many hugs from Ingrid Kristine <3J

Sources:
My English book that I brought
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Civil_War

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirteenth_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution

Immigration

Greetings! Yeh, no…That’s not working. I’ll stick with the old hello.

You see, I was stuck in the middle of nowhere, and then suddenly a nice man from New Mexico showed up and helped me along the road. Good thing I can speak SpanishJ.
So here we are again. I’m in New Mexico no, in a beautiful hotel. It is so comfy an relaxing here. It is more flowers and sand here than you could imagine! Well, I did some research, and went to several museums yesterday. The books and pictures there says a lot about all that have happened here! However, the main point in this post is immigration. Stick up with me you kind people back home! This will be a short one.

Did you know that Norwegian farmers and families were boarding huge ships to the USA? Well they did! They were looking for a better life in a different country where they thought that they could get one. The main reasons were economic problems, pursuit for more money, and pursuit for more happiness than they could get home in Norway, higher education and so on. It was often young men and women in an age of 18-25 years who did this. They were hoping for a better life on “the other side”. In addition, many people got it to. They started their own farms, built their own houses and grew plants and grain, so that they could earn some money. If we all think back to that time (1825 to 1960). Would you leave all behind? Leave family, house and land just to start all over again in another country with another language, and meet many new people you’d never met before? That sounds very crazy! Crazy people! But I would have done it J Just not alone. There were terrible conditions on the boats, and to be squeezed alone is not one of my options. I would rather be squeezed with my brother or best friend than alone. Moving on again (also a word you’re familiar with now).

As you may know, the immigrants are the ones who move in to another country, and the emigrants move out from one. There’s a difference. There were not only crazy Norwegians who left their home you know? There were many crazy people from all over the world! The news of a better life grew fast, and soon everyone knew about the amazing opportunities in America. Soon almost everyone wanted to emigrate too. There were people from England, Germany, Russia, Scotland, Irishmen, and Austria-Hungary. Oh the list is long. It

was many people, okay J. In 1840-1920, the biggest stream of immigrants came to America. It was

Excited immigrants seeing The Statue of Liberty

somewhere around 37 million people! Oh holy s***! That’s many people! (Sorry for bad language). Poor, poor America get’s too many immigrants…Sigh, I wish all good luck. Even though I know that America is perfectly fine in this moment, because I’m here J. Just had to say that. On the steamboat there were often over 3000 passengers. It was also 1^st class, second class and third class. The people in third class were at the bottom of the ship, and when the arrival came, the first two classes got to go fast off and on to New York ground, but the third class had to be inspected for diseases and sickness first. It could take hours, even days before they finally got to Ellis Island.

The Statue of Libery in the front. Ellis Island in the back.

Ellie’s Island. Heard of it? I’ve honestly not heard a bit. Just some small pieces in class…But I had to search for more info. Don’t blame me! Here we go:
Ellie’s Island is an island outside New York, in upper New York Bay. Weird…I thought that Ellis Island was that small island outside of New York. That island with the Statue of Liberty on. (Paying attention in class much?)
On this island, immigrants were checked and cured for diseases. They got numbered tags on their chest, and they left all of their baggage in a big room before they went inside. (I want a numbered tag! Please!??? J). Then, after the coast was clear, the immigrant could safely put their foot on the ground in New York. Not everyone wanted to live there, so many people moved to different places. Even to California where there was gold (I’ve heard). And there were 70-80% Norwegian people that moved back home with all their experience. Well. At least you now know a little bit more about Ellis Island. Did you learn something? I did! I learned a lot, and I think these museums are really spectacular and exciting.

I’ll keep going to all these spectacular places in Santa Fe! Hope you’ll keep reading my blog!
And one, two, three:
We writes next time!

Lots of hugs from Ingrid Kristine <3J

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_immigration_to_the_United_States

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immigration_to_the_United_States

http://no.wikipedia.org/wiki/USAs_historie_(1865%E2%80%931918)#Immigrasjon

http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/immigration/tour/stop5.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellis_Island

Two well-known cities

Hello faithful people out in the world! Or something like that…

You guys still want to read? I can’t promise you good work or anything like that at all, but what I can promise, is a little chit-chat about my journey! Yes! I can’t believe it! I’m actually in America! I just got of my airplane, and now I’m heading to the hotel I ordered and talked about earlier in the blog. With a taxi. It is so nice over here! Florida is just really beautiful, and I feel that it is just so much to discover! So much to do in so little time! I wish I had ordered more time…Well, well. Nothing to do about thatJ Who’s ready for more facts and smart words? In this post I will write about two well-known cities. Cities that are beautiful, adventurous, and perhaps even funny. I like funny things you knowJ Oh! I keep doing that! All these hopping out of the road moments that I’ve got. Again, nothing to do about that. So, back to the point…I thought that I could then write about the cities that I’m going to! I mean…New Mexico (Santa Fe) and Orlando is very well known and huge if you ask me. But the post is going to take a little bit more time to post, because I’ll be travelling and writing at the same time. To keep up with you fast people, (that’s a complement). Well, so here’s what I’ve got. Here’s my story in the USA for now.

Orlando baby! Here I am! Just had to get that out. The next morning just woke me up, I’m so tired, my clothes and things are all over the floor, but I’m just fine. Thanks for asking!J Now for the facts that I’ve saved throughout the whole first section. You knew that it would come eventually. This beautiful city called Orlando, or City of Orlando, is located in the county called Orange County in the southern America, in Central Florida. Puh, many words in one sentence! The city has 255, 483 people! That’s the population. And that’s my mouth going up again over all this huge number…Orlando is known for, among other things, Orlando Downtown. This is the historical and central business district of Orlando Florida. That means that it is the geographic heart of the city. This downtown has a population of 44. 300 people, and this were measured in 2012! Even though this place sounds awesome and really spectacular, I’m not going there yet. My start for the journey begins…Well…In this hotel. It’s called Travelodge Orlando - International Drive, and it have all this relaxing things like a pool, a family room, own bathrooms, satellite TV, air condition and a training center. (That last thing was relaxing though. *Sarcastic*. I can see it clearly: Me breathing heavily and lying almost out of breath on the nice comfortable floor. That’s how I’m training and relaxing at the same time). So I’m going to another place in Orlando. More of a tourist attraction though. This is called Walt Disney World. Even as a little girl, I’ve always wanted to go there. So I’m really excited for this! Now I’m going down for breakfast, I’ll write about what I’ve done in the next section.

Walt Disney was amazing! I can’t believe that I’ve actually been there! You are probably wondering what Walt Disney World is? Well. Here is a short explanation: This is a resort that opened October 7, 1971, and it is the most visited vacation resort in the world with 52.5 million people visiting each year! In this resort you can either say “hi” to the many Disney characters, go to attractions like water parks, theme parks (where

they have Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom), or you can visit the Cinderella castle or Downtown Disney. I did all this! I went to the Animal Kingdom, Cinderella’s castle, Downtown Disney, AND!...I hugged Mickey Mouse. It was so awesome, practically THE BEST TIME OF MY LIFE! J Before I go to sleep (which is very close to me now), I’ll give a little information about what Orlando really is known for. Here we go:
Orlando is known for a lot of thing, especially all the tourist attractions and several malls, parks and streets. Therefore, you can do so much in Orlando, apart from all the tourist attractions! Like going to the beach one day just to ride some waves or being burned by the sun again. You can hug bears, see animals, go to several museums, swim with a lot of manatees (this sounded really weird, because we don’t have those in Norway). All this things I’m eventually going to do, but the most known thing in Orlando is probably Walt

Disney World. And I can sort of see that now J. Tee-hee, I’ve been there. The climate in Orlando…Hm. I’ve already talked about that in the first post, remember? Raining in the middle of the day (I think), the moist weather? Well, I’ll talk a little about it now, fast! The climate in Orlando has two different “seasons” if I can call it that. The first season is hot and rainy, and the second one is just cold and dry. It is from May until late September and late October through April. So, in the summer it is very warm, and in the winter it is very cold. There is also a hurricane season from July to August. In short. 

The lonely road…All by myself, but with one hundred people around…The airplane helps me get around in the US once again. After almost thirteen days in Orlando, I’m ready for a new place to explore. New Mexico here I come! This is one of the 50 states in America, and I’m not going to stretch my body all over the place. Therefore, I’ve picked a city called Santa Fe. Apparently, this is the capital in New Mexico, but I’m really looking forward to it! I think that in New Mexico I will learn more about old history and new history. Maybe learn things about all the immigrants that moved all the way from their home country to America, just looking for a better life. Or about all the African slaves that were brought to America a long time ago. That sounds really exciting! I’m looking forward to learn more. But, as you’ve probably already understood, I’m on my way to New Mexico, Santa Fe. New Mexico is in the vest-side of USA. It is the state beside Arizona to the left, and Texas and Oklahoma to the right. Above in the north, there is a state called Colorado. I’m good with maps, trust me. I’ll remember this. Moving on! Santa Fe, or State Capital, has an area of 97 km², and the population is 69, 976 thousand people! This was measured in 2013, not a long time ago though. I wonder how many people there are today… What are Santa Fe known for you say? Good question…let me check that up before I reach New Mexico. Ah, her it is. Get ready for another fact bomb! (I just realized that I say that a lot). Santa Fe is known for museums, cathedrals and history. Among all the history, there is also history about Indians and art. There is a district called Canyon Road. It is a whole

A house in Canyon Road

An old statue in the sculpture garden

district full of arts! WOW, I must go and see that later! Can’t wait! J This is especially Native American art, but how exciting isn’t this? Again, I can’t wait. Now there is one thing that caught my eye on this sight I’m on. An attraction that’s called The Museum of Indian Arts and culture. (This is where I belong. Between the thousands books of old history). The museum was established in 1927, and it is one of eight museums in the state operated by the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs. This is an Anthropology museum, and one of their many collections are an old statue in the sculpture garden. The climate in Santa Fe is semi-arid climate. With chilly winters and really warm summers. It is good that I’m travelling in the autumnJ. That was it. No more attractions and climate. I’m talking the truth now, just look me in the eyes and you…Oh. You’ll just have to trust me then (because you can’t look me in the eyes right now. Not just because I’m not where you are, but also because I’m in my airplane, heading for Santa Fe).

OMG! This is huge! I just found out something! Santa Fe is not only the United States’ oldest, but it is also the highest state capital with an amazing elevation of 7000 feet! (Remind me not to walk in sleep outside a high cliff or something…If there is a cliff there though).

Oh bite my tongue! I almost forgot the cool nicknames! How could I almost forget them?! When I first looked them up on the internet, I never thought that they would be so fitting. Never in my wildest dreams. Dreams…I’ve had some of them along the road…Sorry, doing that thing again. Well, the nicknames that are used of Orlando (because there are several nicknames) are “The city beautiful”, “O-town” and “Theme park capital of the world”. Am I the only one who thinks these nicknames are awesome? Suit your selvesJ, I don’t care. Moving on to the next city. Santa Fe! This city is often called “The city different”, because; well…The city is different. I mean, the capital is the oldest capital in the whole continent, and the oldest city in New Mexico! That’s rare and different if you ask me.

That was it for this time guys! I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did, and there is only one last thing to say then:
Let’s writes next time! J

Many hugs from Ingrid Kristine <3 J   

   -I totally forgot where New Mexico is on the map, I’m lost…in my rent car.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando,_Florida#Climate

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walt_Disney_World

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Fe,_New_Mexico

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Museum_of_Indian_Arts_and_Culture

The USA in general

Hello my beautiful friends! (That sounded very hopeful).    

I hope you’ll be patient with me true this trip. Sometimes it can get a bit exhaustingJ. Well, let’s move on…I’m going to write a little about the USA in general, which is smart, because I’ll have to know a little about this country before I go there. The USA is only a short word for The United States of America. The US consists of The United States, Alaska and Hawaii. In America, there are 50 states. Some huge and some a little bit smaller. As long as I can remember, I have thought that Washington D.C was in the top left corner of USA, but then suddenly, I realize that there are two Washington’s! One up in the top, (Washington) and one right next to New York (Washington DC).  (I realize now that I’m really stupid…) However, Washington D.C is the capital though. So prepare for some simple facts before I head out to reach my airplaneJ. Hope it’s not too long.

The capital in The United States is Washington D.C, as I mentioned. It was founded on July 16^th in 1990. Not too long ago though. Washington D.C is neither a city or a state, but a federal district. This district is a separate nation. I do not know why, but I’ll somehow figure it out when I’m in the USA. It has something to do with Virginia. Okay, I’ll have to do some research later I guess. Well, here is something I know: The population of Washington D.C were in 2013, 646.449, the 23rd most populated city in the US. That’s awesome, right? Here’s another fact bomb. There are 123 public schools in Washington D.C! That’s a lot! I’m I overreacting now? Well, well. Shit happensJ.

In the last post, I had a picture that showed a flag. That was the American flag, with stars, stripes and all. There are 50 stars on the flag that represents on star each state. USA is a huge continent that consist of 50

USA, the 50 states

states, both big and small. One of the 50 states are Florida, another one is Texas, and there is also Montana…And so on. So many states to remember! Well…If I want to. (To go fully into details about the flag), the flag consists of thirteen equal lines (or stripes if you’d like), that goes horizontal over the surface.
The stripes are in red and white. The square up in the left corner is covered in blue, and there is lots of lots of white stars. I have already told you how many there are J The stripes stands for all of the thirteen British colonies that declared independence from the Kingdom Of Great Britain, and who became the first state in the country. So … this flag is really good looking and nice based on what I’ve seen. You know, there haven’t always been 50 stars on the flag? There was actually thirteen stars and thirteen stripes before. This flag came first in 1777, 14^th of June, and it is Betsy Ross’s variant. The thirteen stars symbolized the first thirteen states formed by the Republic. The current flag (the one they have today) didn’t come until 1960, 4^th of July. Now I know so much more than I did before! Did not think so at all… We’ll move on.

The new US government started in 2009 with Barack Obama as president, and Joe Biden as vice president. Barack Obama is in leading as the president, and the government consist of The White house’s office, the vice president and also fifteen departments that were created by the congress by law. In addition to the 15 ministers and the vice president, five other ministries have cabinet status in the government, which the president can give to public figures. There you have it, the government of the United States of America. Not so much to say there…but enough.

4^th of July! Hurray, hurray! Yeh, I’ll stop with that. The Independence day, or 4^th of July, is the national day

for the US. They celebrate their declaration of independence, which happened 4^th of July, 1776, when they declared their independence with Great Britain (which is a part of the United Kingdom), and the day when the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress. Which means that it was a convention of delegates from the colonies in 1775. Pho! Many numbers and dates to take care of.
On this day, the Americans celebrate with (often) fireworks, parades, carnivals, barbecues, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, and so on. The list is long, I get it. Nevertheless, to me, this sounds very

funny, so maybe I’ll travel during July next time I’m going to America. J Well. It’s not just concerts and festivals on this day, but huge political speeches too. In addition to celebrate for all Americans, they celebrate different American traditions. Which includes celebrating of the government and some old history, (I can clearly see a story time clip in my head right now. Lot’s of kids gathering around to hear me reading from an old history book. Big name standing in the front: History time!). Tee-hee, this would only be funny to those who can understand itJ. That is what the Americans do at least. (4^th of July I mean). Someday, I want to experience this, I hope.

What consists of hard materials, and are often very high? Famous buildings of course! The Empire State Building is very well known, and the skyscraper has a total of 102 floors! Just think about how amazingly huge that is! The construction of the building started in 1929, and the architect’s name is William F. Lamb. I once knew someone named William … But that is totally out of the road, if I can name it like that. Back to the buildings. The Empire State Building, standing with pride legs in New York, the largest city in the US.

Three words: WOW. Just had to say thatJ. You’re certainly wondering right now what kind of building it is? Is it a training center for old people, a mosque in the middle of New York, maybe a palace? No, of course not. This gigantic skyscraper is an office, made by tower block. And it is now located as the fourth tallest skyscraper in the United States, and the 23^rd tallest in the world. The Empire State building is also thought of as an American cultural icon. It means that it is fully recognizable to other people in other cultures. Having enough with this building? Moving forward to the next oneJ.
Have anyone heard of The White House? Raise your hand if you have! *Raising my hand multiple times*.

Prepare for a fact bomb … The White House is the official workplace of the president of the United States, in Washington D.C. True times, it have been many presidents in this building. The construction started in 1792, and just the building have four floors! The floor space is at 5,100m²! That’s huge! The architect of this fantastic building is James Hoban. The White House is also in several American movies, nether it is in war or peace. “Done with the buildings yet?” Yes, I’m done now. No more hard materials and solid walls. No more big architects drawing you’re attention from this blog … Wait! There is a little bit more. Just hold on faithful friend! I still want to write a little about the space needle. This long and high building is in Seattle. Probably one of the most known landmarks in the city, and it is a symbol of Seattle. The Space Needle is a six-floored building that is a lookout tower. The lookout tower is exactly 184 meters high, and it opened on 21th of April, in 1962. On the top, there is SkyCity restaurant, an observation deck and a gift shop. In

addition, one can see very far. So if you’re going to Seattle next time, make sure you’re visiting the Space

The space needle (to the left)

needle! You can see downtown Seattle, the Olympic, Cascade Mountains, Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, Elliot Bay and also surrounding islands. Oh, I forgot to mention the architects! You see, it’s a thing now: The architects for the Space Needle is Edward Carlson, Victor Steinbrueck and John Graham Jr. There, some famous building in the US. I’m done nowJ.

One more thing that’s smart to know before I head out to my airplane! If I’m going to buy something (which I probably will) I must use American dollar. The currency right now is 6.60 NOK (Norwegian crones) for one American dollar. So that means that 1 US dollar equals 6.60 NOK. Very easy (because I knew this from before. Tee-hee) I will probably be able to take out any necessary cash in USA when I get there.  

That was all I had for this timeJ Next time I write, I’ll be in the USA! Can’t wait! Orlando, Florida next!  Must reach my airplane, it leaves in 10 minutes! Good bye my fellow friends, we writes next time.

Lots of hugs from Ingrid Kristine <3 J

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_the_United_States

http://no.wikipedia.org/wiki/USAs_regjering

http://no.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obamas_regjering

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_(United_States)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Continental_Congress

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultural_icon

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empire_State_Building

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_House

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Needle