The Swedish Countryside in Linköping

About a week ago, my Swedish neighbor, Karin, invited me and a few friends to accompany her to Linköping, her hometown. We also had the opportunity to visit her country house. Most of the time it's located in the countryside, away from the busy cities. A lot of Swedes have second homes where they visit in the summer for long vacations. In Sweden and in most of Europe, it's customary for everyone to receive 5-6 weeks of paid time off...yeah, I know...MUST BE NICE!!!

My friends and I spent the first night in the city, going on a walking tour of a light show. It was really pretty and Karin says it's also to make the city feel more secure during the darker winter months. There was a bridge with glowing pillars underneath it, a garden full of light chandeliers, a fake helicopter spotlight, and the "love nest" as Karin calls it. There were red hearts and lips being projected on the ground and on the building as well as romantic music playing.

The next day, we visited Karin's family house in the countryside. It was only about 30 minutes outside the city but it feels thousands of miles away...nothing but rolling grass and forest surrounded the house. The house was very rustic and cozy. There was a woodburning stove, no running water and even the bathroom was located outside the house in the barn. We had a good time relaxing with her parents and sharing stories about misspoken words in Swedish and English. My friend Karin especially, makes us laugh with her misguided words. But she knows it's all in fun so she doesn't seem to mind...especially when we are socialating (one of Karin's words).

On our last night in the city, we prepared (I mostly watched and prepared the after dinner games) homemade sushi and miso soup for ourselves and 4 visitors. We sat around, ate, laughed, played a few games and just generally had ourselves a great time. I can't wait for Karin to come visit me in California so I can show her the same hospitality. I had a great time!

Sea Battle! But without all the violence...

Last weekend the Växjö International Students (VIS) campus organization planned a cruise for about 1500 exchange students from Sweden, Finland and Estonia. I was expecting a rinky-dink, run-down fishing boat for the price that we had to pay...only $80 USD for a 3 day/2 night cruise. Thankfully though, I was pleasantly surprised when we pulled into the departure port. Our cruise vessel was just that...a real cruise...on point with anything Royal Caribbean or Norwegian Cruise Lines has in the US, just slightly smaller. I was also lucky enough to have a double cabin instead of a quad and it also had a window. Our boat had a ballroom for shows, a casino (Christians don't bet...lol), a duty free store, 3 restaurants, and a few hot night spots.

We basically chartered the entire cruise because there were so many exchange students on board. We booked 90% of all cabins available. I felt sorry for these two older women a few doors down from us, but they didn't seem to mind the noise and partying until 6am!!! Or at least not too much... We were even able to provoke this older gentlemen to participate in our hallway Limbo game...it was hilarious! My highlight was when I talked 3 other people to do Karaoke with me in the lounge. We did Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody and we totally rocked the joint! It was exhilarating!

Our cruise was from Stockholm to Talinn (Estonia) with a short stop in Finland along the way. Estonia reminds me a lot of Gamlastan (Old Town) in Stockholm. It's a small city but it was nice to be able to cross another country off my passport list.

Even in Sweden!

Hey folks! By now, I'm sure you've heard the good news...I knew it was going to happen all along...what, with all of Bush's failed policies and the US economy in the shape it is now, there was no way another Republican was going to be elected...besides, McCain/McSame was a Bush clone in sheep's clothing.

But on to other news...Yes! Even here in Sweden people are happy that Obama won! I went to the local corner store and bought a newspaper with the front cover dedicated to Obama. Over the past few weeks that's all the media has been talking about...Obama...McCain...Biden...Palin...it's so nice to FINALLY breathe a sigh of relief. Obama's time has come...OUR time, as American people, has finally come. God bless America!

Ettiquette for My Brothers and Sisters on November 5th

To keep the peace and to keep a lot of folks from getting nervous, this is a list of acceptable celebrations and behaviors we should probably avoid - at least for the first few days:

1. No crying, hugging or shouting "Thank you Lord" - at least not in public.

2. No high-fives - at least not unless the area is clear and there are no witnesses.

3. No laughing at the McCain/Palin supporters - Well at least no pointing!

4. No calling in sick on November 5th. They'll get nervous if too many of us don't show up. (Try to be on time and not your normal late arrival)

5. We're allowed to give each other knowing winks or nods in passing. Just try to keep from grinning too hard.

6. No singing loudly, We've come this Far By Faith. (it will be acceptable to hum softly)

7. No bringing of barbecue ribs or fried chicken for lunch in the company lunchroom for at least a week. (no chitterlings at all!)

8. No leaving Kool-aid packages at the water fountain. (this might be a sign that poor folks might be getting a break through)

9. No Cupid Shuffle or Electric Slide during breaks. (this could indicate a little too much excitement)

10. Please no "Moving On Up" music. (try to remain humble)

11. No doing the George Jefferson dance. (unless you're in your office with the door closed)

12. Please try not to yell----BOOOO YAH! or IN YOUR FACE! to McCain/Palin supporters.

13. Just in case you're wondering...Doing the Running Man, cabbage patch, or a backhand spring on the highway is 100% okay.