User:Iuliana

Task 1

                               Me as explorer

In my first classes of geography when our teacher was explaining about the main explorers I was always wondering if there were still places on the earth than can be found and explored, or we already arrived to the point that there is nothing else to be explored. An explorer is supposed to be a person who finds places and sees things that nobody else have seen before. First people explored places on the earth, then they moved to the seas and the oceans and finally other tried to discover the space. I believe we all are explorers in our own way. Most of us when we travel we try to avoid the already known places by tourists and “explore” places that no tourist can get, where we can find only local people. This way we can find out how is the real life in that place and not only base our opinions on the part that everyone knows that usually is full of cliches. Even though the many places are mostly explored I think that there is still something new to find in anywhere we go because everyone of us have our own point of view different from any other. In terms of exploring I always limited myself mostly because where I come from we don't have much to explore. It was already fully “explored” by soviets. But once I came to Spain I discovered the pleasure of taking a day walk with friends in the Pyrenees. I first started with the lowest parts trying to improve every time. I realised that my passion for Photography made my desire of exploring grow even more. There is always the desire of capturing moments and things that nobody did before. I think every photographer is an explorer. I chose this picture because is one of the few pictures I appear, that makes me feel as an explorer, as I had the whole world at my feet. It has nothing to do with the clothing, surroundings or situation but the feeling of the picture itself makes me an explorer. It was taken the last summer in the north of Spain, in Galicia. This part of Spain has always new things for me to be explored. There is also the main destination for the way of Santiago – a way that helps many pilgrims to explore their own personalities, possibilities and purposes. In comparison to the explorer who usually has a scientific purpose, a pilgrim have a personal purpose.

                                 Expedition Item

The Vaseline is very helpful in preventing blisters. You are more likely to get blisters if your feet are hot, wet or tired. I got this tip from a friend that did the whole “Camino de Santiago” which is a very famous walking way in Spain. I supposed that in an expedition we would have to walk a lot carrying a heavy bag. It helps when applying on the clean feet in the morning. I could choose any other item, but I think that once our main activity is walking and exploring, we have to do it as better as possible, and nothing can bother us more as some blisters.

Task 2

                 “Magnetic North Pole” - fictive student notes

1st day

We woke up early to take our train. From now on until the end of the expedition early hour is a normal hour to wake up. Although all my mates are sleeping I'm in a mood of writing. Near me - my best buddies for the entire expedition: my back pack and my camera.

2nd day

After a large journey of trains and planes we are finally closer. We all become even more enthusiastic about it. The next step – ship to the destination.

3rd day

The boat trip was quite “shaken”. First time most of us didn't sleep, but it was fun.We finally arrived. This landscape is absolutely stunning. Already got the idea that I won't get much sleep in this expedition, the sun is present everywhere.

4th day

All this is so new to me, but I feel like I've already been here. Seems difficult to recognise a magnetic North Pole in summer. It's cold, refreshing I would say, such as the landscape and the air. We have many tasks to accomplish, today was quite productive.

5th day

Exhausted! I'll get back tomorrow and explain it all.

6th day

Yesterday we had time for our own purpose and I made sure to “document” everything I saw. I forced myself to the limits. What I cannot express with words I empowered with pictures. Today I wish I would have seen a bear. Well not really, but everyone talks about this possibility that I feel intrigued. The local people seem normal and very nice with foreigners, but only a few English speaking. This makes it even more interesting.

7th day

New tasks and new places. Everything seems so clean and pure here. I don't eat as I would prefer to, but I never think about it here. Even though while in Weimar I thought I would miss the good food. We are too entertained with “exploring”.

8th day

I think this expedition is being an exit. Between the material we gained together and that is still there to be gained it seems a success to me. Can't wait for the Sauna today. We definitely deserve it.

9th day

We start to hear the word “back home” already and I only started to like all these. It was worth every penny, every task and every non slept hour.

10th day

On our way back, experimenting enthusiasm and sadness at the same time. We are all exhausted but happy and still can't get some sleep because all the excitement of the “north experiences” don't leave me alone. Choosing pictures in my head.

11th day

On the train closer to Weimar. I'll get some decent sleep in a couple of hours. I need to process all the information. This was hilarious!