Sail Away With Klaura

Finally, a weekend off...and what better way to experience the archipelago then by ship! I spent this past weekend on a 2 day voyage with the Captain and 10 crew, also known as my classmates (check out the youtube video). We set sail from Karlskrona on Saturday with no luck, meaning no wind. So, we spent several hours rowing the four giant oars through the Baltic Sea. My arms are still sore several days later, but the calm waters and beautiful sunset at sea were very peaceful - unlike the next day to follow. We sailed to Skarva that evening and stayed at a lovely cabin on an Eco-Farm that we had previously visited. After a nice meal and a campfire by the sea we all huddled up in our sleeping bags on the floor of the heatless cabin (it gets down into the 40's overnight here with high's only around 50 this time of year).

Sunday morning we woke and worked off our stay by weeding some non-native plants (more like bushes) around the cabin. The wind picked up as we set sail and we enjoyed several hours of smooth sailing. But when it was time to head back the wind shifted and that was the start of a very long, chilly journey home. Klaura, the sailboat, is very old and sprouted a small leak along the way (check out the youtube video) so not only were we freezing but we also had wet feet! Needless to say the maiden voyage was successful and we will undoubtedly take Klaura out again...though maybe not til spring.

One of the crew took a few videos while on board and posted them to youtube, here are the links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_77B-fsQeIA
My crew name was Skywalker, I am assuming because the Captian knows of my skydiving experiences but I never asked.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxymzY5L9n4
Klaura drank up a wee bit of the sea, and we had fun bailing it out!

Until next time mates!!

Open Space

Where to start...there is so much happening so fast!!!

When you were all likely taking time off for labor day I was starting my first day of class, and what a first day it was. We jumped right into an 'open space' session where we were charged with a 10 page report due the following day relating to our collective goals as a class for the year. As you can imagine, this was quite overhwhelming and chaotic at first but somehow we struggled though it, and learned alot about eachother in the process. I came to realize that I am the only architect in the program, but there are several people who are interested or experienced in the building industry (urban planner, civil engineer, industrial designer) who may be potential thesis partners -it's too soon to tell.

Later in the week Dr Karl Henrik Robert - founder of The Natural Step and the program at BTH/ adjunt professor- made his first appearance. After listening to him for just an hour and witnessing his passion for sustainability I have left behind any doubts that I had about this progam and my decision to leave my life in the US for a year of study. I am inspired, motivated, intimidated, anxious, excited and relieved to be here (I just wish Joe was here to share this experience with me).

As for housing, I traded in the hostel for a couch at my friends place until the 15th when I can move into my apartment. I found an amazing place in the center of town and am very much looking forward to settling in and unpacking my suitcase. I will be living with Sara, a classmate from Vancouver, who reminds me of my undergrad roomate Stacy. If this is any indication of the year to come I know we are going to have a good time.

More later, hope all is well back home.