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Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Alas all things must end.
I am very sad that this is my last blog about my trip but all good things must come to an end. Sorry it was so late at the end of my trip I didn't have a lot of time to write.
17th - Monday
Today was filled with shopping and walking around the city it was very nice always wonderful to be with David. I bought some gifts at a few stores and dragged him in a few clothing stores, he was such a sport. When his mother came home we chatted for a bit and went for a drive, she took us to the beaches that David and Evelina went to when they were young Gullvik and Nyänget. Some guys in a shack on the beach were wanting to buy my camera...I didn't know what they were saying so Christina answered for me.
18th - Tuesday
Today we met up with David's father and walked to Cafe Uhe for sandwhices and chatting it was nice to see him, we walked down to the harbor right as it started to sprinkle and we met another family member and talked for awhile he was nice and we walked back to the apartment so we could get his gift and said goodbye, I realized my stay was coming to a close, and that made me sad.
19th Wednesday
Today was special (every day was) we went back to morfar (David's mothers' father) for a visit. The majority of the conversation was in Swedish of course and David's grandfather was so wonderful he tried to speak to me and they made me feel so welcome. David has such a wonderful family everyone has been absolutely amazing.
20th Thursday
movie day, yay movie day
21st Friday
Today was my last day at the apartment we hung out with Maria she came into town and we went down to the harbor where we saw his father again so we sat and talked some more and walked around a little more waiting for Anton (Maria's boyfriend) to get there then her father to pick them up. After they left we walked back home and chilled for a bit, David had something up his sleeve and I knew it but he kept a great poker face.
Turns out Christina planned a wonderful meal it was three courses, avacado with shrimps, yummy meat with potatis, and corn and a mushroom sauce then a homemade chocolate mousse it was absolutely amazing. They gave me hard bread, porridge, and chocolate, pure yummy chocolate, with the sweetest letter. It was so amazing and I was completely surprised (David did good keeping the secret).
22nd Saturday
Boy was today a long one, we got up about 8ish had to be on the bus at 10:10 to Ostershund where we met with David's friend, Björn, Larsan, and Peter and we had to buy wood...it was an adventure the guys are really David has very good friends. So we get back to Peter's apartment (I felt bad because my bag was heavy...stupid books weigh a lot)...and David started asking for, what I thought, was a girl....Kistine. I was thinking...who is Kistine...and why dont I know about her...dun dun duh... turns out Kistine is an allergy pill...that's ok haha. So we played some games (it was awhile before the dinner) and I had coffee to keep me awake...yay kafe. Then two girls walked in, one with her hair all done (the bride Lindha, Peter is the groom) and another girl (Linda). They introduced themselves and the bride was getting things together and Linda sat down next to me on the sofa we started talking. Yay new friend, we have a lot in common and I showed her my DS Lite (we were talking about games) and just chilling having fun.
At the dinner I met Hanna (Linda's sister) and her boyfriend Mattias and three other guys that are apart of their group we had dinner and listened to very nice speeches made and more talking with the group. Linda's boyfriend knew about Waco Texas...Dr. Pepper Museum and wants to go there. After dinner we hopped in a taxi and went to the airport (Larsan calls it a field...he's right) where the sun was starting to set. About 10 the bride and groom made there was to a ring of tiki torches and were hitched, Yay Peter and Lindha! We were then ushered inside to warm up and have fika, yay fika. We went back outside for a fire performer (very entertaining) then back inside for cake and socializing. It was a lot of fun Linda, Hanna and I talked up a storm and I didn't feel at all out-of-the-loop or alienated. All of them are so nice and welcoming and it made me want to live there. A little later (after more caffine to keep me awake) we went outside and sat by a pit fire, David made me a hamburger and we talked with everyone and joked around. Around 3 a.m. we were eating candy (again to keep us awake) and decided the after party was done, Peter and Lindha offered for us to come back and wait at their apartment before we had to catch the train.
23rd Sunday
At about 6 a.m. we were out on the street waiting for the bus to show up to take us close to the train station (still haven't slept). I was getting a little cranky...but trying to maintain my good mood. The busdriver dropped us off close to the station but we had a hard time finding it...so I thought. David is of course calm and cool and trying to keep me calm...we had plenty of time I think part of it was I was so tired. So we found the station and at 8 we hopped on the train to Arlanda (the Airport at Stockholm). I finally fell asleep on the train and slept pretty good. At the airport I bought a bag (I needed something to take away some weight from my check bag) and we found the shuttle to the hotel. Checked in just fine went up to the room to find a cute little room with two twin beds and very contemporary design. We passed out and slept...yay sleep. I woke him a little later because I was so hungry we hadn't eaten since 2:30 that morning and it was about 7 in the evening. So we walked down to the little mall and everything was closed except a McDonalds...we ate. We needed food and it was pretty good. Went back up and slept, we were so tired.
24th Monday
We got up early to have a really good breakfast provided by the hotel and the went back up and fell back asleep (7:30 is too early to be up haha) when we woke back up we had been given some tickets for transportation by his mom should we choose to go to Stockholm. Since it was so late in the day and we were ending our stay I really just wanted to lounge around and not deal with traffic and people. So we walked around the little mall attached to the hotel and had lunch at a cafe and just enjoyed a relaxing day. That night we had a nice dinner at the hotel restraunt it was just a nice peaceful day to spend with him. What we needed.
25th Tuesday
Today is a hard day...we woke up and had breakfast got ready and went to the airport...my least favorite place today. We walked around I got checked in where I was asked numerous questions about bag packing and if tweezers qualified as a weapon. We sat I cried of course I of course don't want to be without him. Finally I had to go through the checkpoint to get to my plane, walked back had another passport check and again had to answer questions about bag packing and presents. The flight wasn't full at all and I sat next to a really nice Serbian woman who ended up being my traveling buddy. It's nice to have someone to stand next to you in long lines and I needed the company. Philly was fine customs was fine and the plane back to Dallas seemed to take forever. I was so happy to see my parents it was weird because it didn't feel like I was gone for that long. I guess I have two places I love to be, Sweden and America.
17th - Monday
Today was filled with shopping and walking around the city it was very nice always wonderful to be with David. I bought some gifts at a few stores and dragged him in a few clothing stores, he was such a sport. When his mother came home we chatted for a bit and went for a drive, she took us to the beaches that David and Evelina went to when they were young Gullvik and Nyänget. Some guys in a shack on the beach were wanting to buy my camera...I didn't know what they were saying so Christina answered for me.
18th - Tuesday
Today we met up with David's father and walked to Cafe Uhe for sandwhices and chatting it was nice to see him, we walked down to the harbor right as it started to sprinkle and we met another family member and talked for awhile he was nice and we walked back to the apartment so we could get his gift and said goodbye, I realized my stay was coming to a close, and that made me sad.
19th Wednesday
Today was special (every day was) we went back to morfar (David's mothers' father) for a visit. The majority of the conversation was in Swedish of course and David's grandfather was so wonderful he tried to speak to me and they made me feel so welcome. David has such a wonderful family everyone has been absolutely amazing.
20th Thursday
movie day, yay movie day
21st Friday
Today was my last day at the apartment we hung out with Maria she came into town and we went down to the harbor where we saw his father again so we sat and talked some more and walked around a little more waiting for Anton (Maria's boyfriend) to get there then her father to pick them up. After they left we walked back home and chilled for a bit, David had something up his sleeve and I knew it but he kept a great poker face.
Turns out Christina planned a wonderful meal it was three courses, avacado with shrimps, yummy meat with potatis, and corn and a mushroom sauce then a homemade chocolate mousse it was absolutely amazing. They gave me hard bread, porridge, and chocolate, pure yummy chocolate, with the sweetest letter. It was so amazing and I was completely surprised (David did good keeping the secret).
22nd Saturday
Boy was today a long one, we got up about 8ish had to be on the bus at 10:10 to Ostershund where we met with David's friend, Björn, Larsan, and Peter and we had to buy wood...it was an adventure the guys are really David has very good friends. So we get back to Peter's apartment (I felt bad because my bag was heavy...stupid books weigh a lot)...and David started asking for, what I thought, was a girl....Kistine. I was thinking...who is Kistine...and why dont I know about her...dun dun duh... turns out Kistine is an allergy pill...that's ok haha. So we played some games (it was awhile before the dinner) and I had coffee to keep me awake...yay kafe. Then two girls walked in, one with her hair all done (the bride Lindha, Peter is the groom) and another girl (Linda). They introduced themselves and the bride was getting things together and Linda sat down next to me on the sofa we started talking. Yay new friend, we have a lot in common and I showed her my DS Lite (we were talking about games) and just chilling having fun.
At the dinner I met Hanna (Linda's sister) and her boyfriend Mattias and three other guys that are apart of their group we had dinner and listened to very nice speeches made and more talking with the group. Linda's boyfriend knew about Waco Texas...Dr. Pepper Museum and wants to go there. After dinner we hopped in a taxi and went to the airport (Larsan calls it a field...he's right) where the sun was starting to set. About 10 the bride and groom made there was to a ring of tiki torches and were hitched, Yay Peter and Lindha! We were then ushered inside to warm up and have fika, yay fika. We went back outside for a fire performer (very entertaining) then back inside for cake and socializing. It was a lot of fun Linda, Hanna and I talked up a storm and I didn't feel at all out-of-the-loop or alienated. All of them are so nice and welcoming and it made me want to live there. A little later (after more caffine to keep me awake) we went outside and sat by a pit fire, David made me a hamburger and we talked with everyone and joked around. Around 3 a.m. we were eating candy (again to keep us awake) and decided the after party was done, Peter and Lindha offered for us to come back and wait at their apartment before we had to catch the train.
23rd Sunday
At about 6 a.m. we were out on the street waiting for the bus to show up to take us close to the train station (still haven't slept). I was getting a little cranky...but trying to maintain my good mood. The busdriver dropped us off close to the station but we had a hard time finding it...so I thought. David is of course calm and cool and trying to keep me calm...we had plenty of time I think part of it was I was so tired. So we found the station and at 8 we hopped on the train to Arlanda (the Airport at Stockholm). I finally fell asleep on the train and slept pretty good. At the airport I bought a bag (I needed something to take away some weight from my check bag) and we found the shuttle to the hotel. Checked in just fine went up to the room to find a cute little room with two twin beds and very contemporary design. We passed out and slept...yay sleep. I woke him a little later because I was so hungry we hadn't eaten since 2:30 that morning and it was about 7 in the evening. So we walked down to the little mall and everything was closed except a McDonalds...we ate. We needed food and it was pretty good. Went back up and slept, we were so tired.
24th Monday
We got up early to have a really good breakfast provided by the hotel and the went back up and fell back asleep (7:30 is too early to be up haha) when we woke back up we had been given some tickets for transportation by his mom should we choose to go to Stockholm. Since it was so late in the day and we were ending our stay I really just wanted to lounge around and not deal with traffic and people. So we walked around the little mall attached to the hotel and had lunch at a cafe and just enjoyed a relaxing day. That night we had a nice dinner at the hotel restraunt it was just a nice peaceful day to spend with him. What we needed.
25th Tuesday
Today is a hard day...we woke up and had breakfast got ready and went to the airport...my least favorite place today. We walked around I got checked in where I was asked numerous questions about bag packing and if tweezers qualified as a weapon. We sat I cried of course I of course don't want to be without him. Finally I had to go through the checkpoint to get to my plane, walked back had another passport check and again had to answer questions about bag packing and presents. The flight wasn't full at all and I sat next to a really nice Serbian woman who ended up being my traveling buddy. It's nice to have someone to stand next to you in long lines and I needed the company. Philly was fine customs was fine and the plane back to Dallas seemed to take forever. I was so happy to see my parents it was weird because it didn't feel like I was gone for that long. I guess I have two places I love to be, Sweden and America.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
I´m a bear etc.
12 Augusti 2009
So we racked our brains...cant remember...this is what happens when I wait too long to post. Probably movie and chilling...yep still blank.
13 Augusti 2009
Today was not a happy day, we had an appointment to see Lena, she helps with visa´s etc. In short she said getting a work visa was near impossible but good luck anyway...real encouraging. She did however tell us to contact the US Embassy in Stockholm...which is only open from 1 to 2 pm...and it was 1:30 by the time we got home...again encouraging. After 2 a guy randomly picked up the phone and didnt give us a much better solution but we are finding options and it will work so no worries. Just was a *Debbie Downer* day.
14 Augusti 2009
Friday...David planned a romantic dinner on top a mountain. The dinner was a Greek buffet...hard part. On top of a mountain. How to get there? A. Walk around the mountain B. Find a series of little paths. or C. Crawl up the ski jump stairs... which did we choose? Why C of course that makes the most sense it was quicker...shoot me. (this is all in a good humor tone). So we proceed to *run* (as David tells me I did) up the 200+ stairs (no joke). The ski jump is 90 meters high about 300 feet. So we make it ...the first part of our journey. We then had to crawl up a steep hill (due to my stubborness of not wanting to go around) and through a forest path until we reach yet more stairs. joy. Crawled up those to be greeted with a gorgeous view and 15 minutes to spare. Again. Shoot me.
But seriously it was a romantic dinner with the best possible company ever and I look back on it and smile. He asked jokingly if we would go down that way and quickly answered it himself. We walked down the road and then found a little path and wove our way to the bottom (much much much better). It took almost an hour both ways but it was so much fun and I loved every non thinking-I-was-going-to-pass-out moment. Afterwards BANANA CAKE! I am bringing home the recipe it is A.mazing.
15 Augusti 2009
Today was so much fun we went on a drive around the High Coast...what is the High Coast one might ask...well...the High Coast is a part of Sweden that was once covered under a glacier (like everywhere else) but what makes it special is the land has rebounded almost half an inch each year. It also possess´ breathtaking nature, which I think all of Sweden is beautiful. So we began our drive and went by the tallest mountain in that region of Sweden...they asked if I wanted to go up on a hike...I declined with a smile. I am not the best hiker. So we went onto a few cultural places along a designated nature reserve road. Part of the World Heritage Fund. Very beautiful, we saw local artwork and Micke found really big blueberries with lingonberries too...so of course we had to eat. Very yummy so sweet and mmm. So we kept going til we stopped at Mannaminne and walked around the outdoors museum through different periods and countries. Very nice collection of works and ideas and it is always growing. We then had a fika...yay fika and then headed to the coast.
We drove to the outside of a nature walk (reminded me of Funks Grove) and walked through the woods and you could hear the sound of the ocean. We met the ocean with huge, I want to say Granite, slabs and miles of them. We had another Fika...yay fika consisting of cavier yummy bread and bacon cheese with sopas! Then went to the water to feel it and of course it was cold but so refreshing. David and I walked along the rocks and through the surf for awhile til it was time to head back to the summer home for the night.
It is raining and cool and we are taking it easy. Peace.
So we racked our brains...cant remember...this is what happens when I wait too long to post. Probably movie and chilling...yep still blank.
13 Augusti 2009
Today was not a happy day, we had an appointment to see Lena, she helps with visa´s etc. In short she said getting a work visa was near impossible but good luck anyway...real encouraging. She did however tell us to contact the US Embassy in Stockholm...which is only open from 1 to 2 pm...and it was 1:30 by the time we got home...again encouraging. After 2 a guy randomly picked up the phone and didnt give us a much better solution but we are finding options and it will work so no worries. Just was a *Debbie Downer* day.
14 Augusti 2009
Friday...David planned a romantic dinner on top a mountain. The dinner was a Greek buffet...hard part. On top of a mountain. How to get there? A. Walk around the mountain B. Find a series of little paths. or C. Crawl up the ski jump stairs... which did we choose? Why C of course that makes the most sense it was quicker...shoot me. (this is all in a good humor tone). So we proceed to *run* (as David tells me I did) up the 200+ stairs (no joke). The ski jump is 90 meters high about 300 feet. So we make it ...the first part of our journey. We then had to crawl up a steep hill (due to my stubborness of not wanting to go around) and through a forest path until we reach yet more stairs. joy. Crawled up those to be greeted with a gorgeous view and 15 minutes to spare. Again. Shoot me.
But seriously it was a romantic dinner with the best possible company ever and I look back on it and smile. He asked jokingly if we would go down that way and quickly answered it himself. We walked down the road and then found a little path and wove our way to the bottom (much much much better). It took almost an hour both ways but it was so much fun and I loved every non thinking-I-was-going-to-pass-out moment. Afterwards BANANA CAKE! I am bringing home the recipe it is A.mazing.
15 Augusti 2009
Today was so much fun we went on a drive around the High Coast...what is the High Coast one might ask...well...the High Coast is a part of Sweden that was once covered under a glacier (like everywhere else) but what makes it special is the land has rebounded almost half an inch each year. It also possess´ breathtaking nature, which I think all of Sweden is beautiful. So we began our drive and went by the tallest mountain in that region of Sweden...they asked if I wanted to go up on a hike...I declined with a smile. I am not the best hiker. So we went onto a few cultural places along a designated nature reserve road. Part of the World Heritage Fund. Very beautiful, we saw local artwork and Micke found really big blueberries with lingonberries too...so of course we had to eat. Very yummy so sweet and mmm. So we kept going til we stopped at Mannaminne and walked around the outdoors museum through different periods and countries. Very nice collection of works and ideas and it is always growing. We then had a fika...yay fika and then headed to the coast.
We drove to the outside of a nature walk (reminded me of Funks Grove) and walked through the woods and you could hear the sound of the ocean. We met the ocean with huge, I want to say Granite, slabs and miles of them. We had another Fika...yay fika consisting of cavier yummy bread and bacon cheese with sopas! Then went to the water to feel it and of course it was cold but so refreshing. David and I walked along the rocks and through the surf for awhile til it was time to head back to the summer home for the night.
We got back to the summer home and had dinner (really good kyckling and potatis with sallad and Loka) Then out to the fire...dun dun duh. My boyfriend is a pyro but that is okay. We sat outside and talked for a long while. Once we had gone to bed I made David tell me what he and his mom were talking about early but wouldnt tell me. Apparently about 3 days ago a bear had been stumbling around up in the woods nearby the summer home and Christina found the proof that there had been a bear (draw your own conclusions...it is the obvious one). Also she found the remains of a moose...somebody was hungry. Anyway, there are a lot of bears up in that area (brown bears in case you were wondering) but they havent had encounters with humans. So I wasnt worried but definately didnt want to out at night by myself...for good measure. Anyway no I have never seen a bear while I was there and probably wont. So dont worry mom.
It is raining and cool and we are taking it easy. Peace.
Monday, August 10, 2009
It has been awhile
So where did I last leave off...it has been forever since I last wrote...
28 July 2009 Tuesday
David took me to the museum where he wanted to show me the history of his city...too bad the city decided to nix their exhibit and put in two new ones for the duration of my stay. Oh well, it was a textile exhibit and a womens awareness one. I thought of TWU during that one it was very well put together and was a current issue.
29 July 2009
On Wednesday we walked around town a little just enjoying the day enjoyed the docks and sun and people sitting everywhere. Very pleasant day.
30 Juli 2009
A movie day just chilling at home taking it easy before our big weekend in Umeå
Friday
So Maria and her parents picked us up and took us to Umeå for a big fair on Saturday, we stayed at Maria´s apartment and had a wonderful chicken dinner...it was chicken with a pinkish sauce, very tasty and we just talked throughout the evening.
11 Augusti 2009
It is the first of August...my stay is drawing nearer to its end...very sad indeed. Today we went to Nolia mässan....a huge fair with 8 different parts and plenty for all to see. The food tent was the best but I was told smaller than previous years. We had deep fried cheese with cloudberry jam and let me tell you it was absolutely amazing. I also had like a reindeer pita for lunch...it was yummy. After we got done with the fair it was dinner time so we headed to a O´Learys...which produced a menu of five options so we quickly threw out that idea and set off to find another.
We passed by this place called All Stars and it looked good so we sat down and looked at the menu...let me mention there was Texas Smokehouse Sauce...lol. So we ordered, I had the best chicken pasta it was amazingly tasty and David was kind enough to let me try his steak...melt in your mouth goodness. I also had a Murphy´s Red Beer which was so good. We then went back to Maria´s, with the addition of Anton (Maria´s boyfriend) and watched a movie just chilling.
Sunday
Home movie day and kingdom hearts
3 Augsti 2009
David took me to a shop where I found a few gifts for my parents and Jennie and Michael and something for myself. I like the Art Noveau movement and I found a gorgeous ring that I couldnt pass up getting.
Tuesday
More walking around and chilling
Wednesday
David had a meeting down in the library complex so I tagged along to keep him company and I wanted to of course. So we went down and after he was done checked on some visa things and then decided to pay his farmor a visit (father´s mother). So she was home and we had a good visit, I got to see where she volunteers and we talked and of course had fika.
Thursday
David treated me to a picnic outside in the cool evening, he is the best chef if I havent mentioned that already...never hurts to again lol. We took it easy watching clouds and we started reading the sixth Harry Potter book...since we saw the movie now we want to read the book lol. It was a lovely evening.
Friday
Dun dun duh....tried to watch Event Horizon...dvd played temporarily died so we played Kingdom Hearts and Dofus.
8 Augusti 2009 Saturday
David received, as a birthday present, a trip to an island called Ulvön (wolf island...no, no wolves there). At 8 in the morning Maria, Jocke, David and I headed for the ferry, it is a 2 hour ferry ride to get there it is one of the biggest islands around here and beyond that island is open ocean until you hit Finland. The ferry was nice we got to be up on top with fresh air which was very nice rather than being down and stuffy. Once we got to the island we headed up to the hotel for a buffet that was part of his present...we got there and the man told us that we would have to come back for second seating because there was another ferry that took the first seating. No worries. So we walked back down the stretch of road (btw. no cars can drive after 10 p.m....they want to keep the quiet little village quiet). We headed to the store because Jocke and David were hungry and then headed back up to the middle where there is the first church in Sweden I believe...or maybe that region...idk first something.
Inside this little wooden building where painted murals of the saints and other important stories from the bible. I took a few pictures then we sat on the tables outside to wait for lunch. Lunch was fun...there was potato salad, raw salmon, cooked salmon, smoked some other fish, fish in lasagna, fish in a tomato sauce roll...fish fish fish. Wasnt my favorite buffet but wasnt bad dessert was amazing. Blackberry and another type of berry cobbler with creme. Amazing, and of course coffee. After that we headed back down the road to catch the ferry to come home. I am getting a tan. Quite nice.
9 August 2009 Sunday
Christina and Micke invited us out to the summer home for the day to wait for Evelina to come home (Evelina is David´s sister who is a year older than me...she is very delighted at this fact...once again I am the youngest in the group lol.) So we went to the summer home and I actually took a swim, it was fairly warm and it was a warm day so the water felt nice. After our swim I was told it was time for me to try surströmming....fermented herring...I will let you keep with those thoughts...
Survival Guide... 1. Cannot eat this inside (the smell is too potent and needs a breeze to take some of it away) 2. Wish you have a good solid cold (so you cannot smell the can of fish) Sound yummy yet? How to eat it....Tunnbröd like a semi hard bread, red onion, potato, and sour cream, butter, and another piece of Tunnbröd.
Basically they cut off the herrings head and throw it in a can add some brime I think and let it sit for a year...you have to eat it after a certain date printed on the can and before another date when it expires. Sound yummy now? My thoughts exactly. Christina kindly fixed a fish for me...removed the entrails, roe, and bones and David, thank goodness, put a tiny tiny tiny bit of fish on my bread. Pretty sure Micke took pictures. I ate it all to say I did...never to again. Halfway through our meal Maria, and Evelina stopped by so Christina could give her some real food and I got to meet her, she is so sweet. They didnt stay to eat (wonder why lol) and thankfully Christina provided Swedish meatballs in the off chance I didnt like the fish. It was still a good meal.
After supper and a short nap all four of us went out fishing on the lake...Christina I think caught two perch, Micke and David caught 1 and I caught two bait fish. We smoked a fish and then came back to the apartment where Evelina was already there. We had of course a fika and then we talked til about 2 I think and went to bed.
Monday
Today we got up and went to Christina´s fathers home for lunch. It is in a little town outside Övik called Bjästa, this is also the town where David was baptized and his mother married in the same church. A lot of history it was nice to see and hear it. We had a good lunch and even better company, Evelina had her boyfriend Robert along so we got to meet him and David´s grandfather is absolutely precious. He welcomed me to the family and I found out later that he was worried about meeting me because the language barrier but we both said it went well. It was such a nice visit and a wonderful day outside. After we left we went by the summer home so Robert could see it and then back to the apartment.
After dinner we went up to play laser tag, up up and up got there got dressed and got our guns and then hiked up some more up and up til we got to the spot. The team was David, me, Robert and Evelina against Christina, Micke, Jocke, and Maria. The terrain was rough I must say I am not conditioned for it but it was a lot of fun. We had face paint and the whole 9 yards and our team won all three games. The last game Robert hit me on accident then Jocke and I stood up thinking I was dead then proceeded to remember I still had hits...then died. Alas haha. We hiked back washed our faces in the lake and had fika of blueberry muffins sooooo yummy. Then went home.
We started a shower procession and Robert started playing the guitar which led to singing and led to Micke printing the lyrics to songs and we sang them. It was a lot of fun, I think we are gonna take the show on the road lol. After that we had yet another fika and talked til about 2ish when Evelina and Robert had to leave to go back to Umeå. We said goodbye and then we talked a little more and went to bed
Tuesday
Im writing my blog. Chilling. Yeah.
28 July 2009 Tuesday
David took me to the museum where he wanted to show me the history of his city...too bad the city decided to nix their exhibit and put in two new ones for the duration of my stay. Oh well, it was a textile exhibit and a womens awareness one. I thought of TWU during that one it was very well put together and was a current issue.
29 July 2009
On Wednesday we walked around town a little just enjoying the day enjoyed the docks and sun and people sitting everywhere. Very pleasant day.
30 Juli 2009
A movie day just chilling at home taking it easy before our big weekend in Umeå
Friday
So Maria and her parents picked us up and took us to Umeå for a big fair on Saturday, we stayed at Maria´s apartment and had a wonderful chicken dinner...it was chicken with a pinkish sauce, very tasty and we just talked throughout the evening.
11 Augusti 2009
It is the first of August...my stay is drawing nearer to its end...very sad indeed. Today we went to Nolia mässan....a huge fair with 8 different parts and plenty for all to see. The food tent was the best but I was told smaller than previous years. We had deep fried cheese with cloudberry jam and let me tell you it was absolutely amazing. I also had like a reindeer pita for lunch...it was yummy. After we got done with the fair it was dinner time so we headed to a O´Learys...which produced a menu of five options so we quickly threw out that idea and set off to find another.
We passed by this place called All Stars and it looked good so we sat down and looked at the menu...let me mention there was Texas Smokehouse Sauce...lol. So we ordered, I had the best chicken pasta it was amazingly tasty and David was kind enough to let me try his steak...melt in your mouth goodness. I also had a Murphy´s Red Beer which was so good. We then went back to Maria´s, with the addition of Anton (Maria´s boyfriend) and watched a movie just chilling.
Sunday
Home movie day and kingdom hearts
3 Augsti 2009
David took me to a shop where I found a few gifts for my parents and Jennie and Michael and something for myself. I like the Art Noveau movement and I found a gorgeous ring that I couldnt pass up getting.
Tuesday
More walking around and chilling
Wednesday
David had a meeting down in the library complex so I tagged along to keep him company and I wanted to of course. So we went down and after he was done checked on some visa things and then decided to pay his farmor a visit (father´s mother). So she was home and we had a good visit, I got to see where she volunteers and we talked and of course had fika.
Thursday
David treated me to a picnic outside in the cool evening, he is the best chef if I havent mentioned that already...never hurts to again lol. We took it easy watching clouds and we started reading the sixth Harry Potter book...since we saw the movie now we want to read the book lol. It was a lovely evening.
Friday
Dun dun duh....tried to watch Event Horizon...dvd played temporarily died so we played Kingdom Hearts and Dofus.
8 Augusti 2009 Saturday
David received, as a birthday present, a trip to an island called Ulvön (wolf island...no, no wolves there). At 8 in the morning Maria, Jocke, David and I headed for the ferry, it is a 2 hour ferry ride to get there it is one of the biggest islands around here and beyond that island is open ocean until you hit Finland. The ferry was nice we got to be up on top with fresh air which was very nice rather than being down and stuffy. Once we got to the island we headed up to the hotel for a buffet that was part of his present...we got there and the man told us that we would have to come back for second seating because there was another ferry that took the first seating. No worries. So we walked back down the stretch of road (btw. no cars can drive after 10 p.m....they want to keep the quiet little village quiet). We headed to the store because Jocke and David were hungry and then headed back up to the middle where there is the first church in Sweden I believe...or maybe that region...idk first something.
Inside this little wooden building where painted murals of the saints and other important stories from the bible. I took a few pictures then we sat on the tables outside to wait for lunch. Lunch was fun...there was potato salad, raw salmon, cooked salmon, smoked some other fish, fish in lasagna, fish in a tomato sauce roll...fish fish fish. Wasnt my favorite buffet but wasnt bad dessert was amazing. Blackberry and another type of berry cobbler with creme. Amazing, and of course coffee. After that we headed back down the road to catch the ferry to come home. I am getting a tan. Quite nice.
9 August 2009 Sunday
Christina and Micke invited us out to the summer home for the day to wait for Evelina to come home (Evelina is David´s sister who is a year older than me...she is very delighted at this fact...once again I am the youngest in the group lol.) So we went to the summer home and I actually took a swim, it was fairly warm and it was a warm day so the water felt nice. After our swim I was told it was time for me to try surströmming....fermented herring...I will let you keep with those thoughts...
Survival Guide... 1. Cannot eat this inside (the smell is too potent and needs a breeze to take some of it away) 2. Wish you have a good solid cold (so you cannot smell the can of fish) Sound yummy yet? How to eat it....Tunnbröd like a semi hard bread, red onion, potato, and sour cream, butter, and another piece of Tunnbröd.
Basically they cut off the herrings head and throw it in a can add some brime I think and let it sit for a year...you have to eat it after a certain date printed on the can and before another date when it expires. Sound yummy now? My thoughts exactly. Christina kindly fixed a fish for me...removed the entrails, roe, and bones and David, thank goodness, put a tiny tiny tiny bit of fish on my bread. Pretty sure Micke took pictures. I ate it all to say I did...never to again. Halfway through our meal Maria, and Evelina stopped by so Christina could give her some real food and I got to meet her, she is so sweet. They didnt stay to eat (wonder why lol) and thankfully Christina provided Swedish meatballs in the off chance I didnt like the fish. It was still a good meal.
After supper and a short nap all four of us went out fishing on the lake...Christina I think caught two perch, Micke and David caught 1 and I caught two bait fish. We smoked a fish and then came back to the apartment where Evelina was already there. We had of course a fika and then we talked til about 2 I think and went to bed.
Monday
Today we got up and went to Christina´s fathers home for lunch. It is in a little town outside Övik called Bjästa, this is also the town where David was baptized and his mother married in the same church. A lot of history it was nice to see and hear it. We had a good lunch and even better company, Evelina had her boyfriend Robert along so we got to meet him and David´s grandfather is absolutely precious. He welcomed me to the family and I found out later that he was worried about meeting me because the language barrier but we both said it went well. It was such a nice visit and a wonderful day outside. After we left we went by the summer home so Robert could see it and then back to the apartment.
After dinner we went up to play laser tag, up up and up got there got dressed and got our guns and then hiked up some more up and up til we got to the spot. The team was David, me, Robert and Evelina against Christina, Micke, Jocke, and Maria. The terrain was rough I must say I am not conditioned for it but it was a lot of fun. We had face paint and the whole 9 yards and our team won all three games. The last game Robert hit me on accident then Jocke and I stood up thinking I was dead then proceeded to remember I still had hits...then died. Alas haha. We hiked back washed our faces in the lake and had fika of blueberry muffins sooooo yummy. Then went home.
We started a shower procession and Robert started playing the guitar which led to singing and led to Micke printing the lyrics to songs and we sang them. It was a lot of fun, I think we are gonna take the show on the road lol. After that we had yet another fika and talked til about 2ish when Evelina and Robert had to leave to go back to Umeå. We said goodbye and then we talked a little more and went to bed
Tuesday
Im writing my blog. Chilling. Yeah.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
What I have been up to
On wednesday we went back to the library because one of my missions was to get a book (or books) in Swedish because..I want to learn and then be able to read. So he asked if I wanted to go to the bookstore but I said better to check at the library. Yay booksale! fill a bag with as many books as possible all for 20 kronor (exchange rate is 1 US to 8 kronor (rounded)). So...I got I think 16 or 18 books...do the math, good deal!
23 Thursday 2009
It was raining and Christina and Micke wanted to take us to the summer home, so we went it is about an hour and half drive out to the house that his grandfather built it has the main house and a little house up the way on a gorgeous lake. It rained for most the evening. We had salmon in foil with potatoes and spring onions (yummy) and of course coffee and schwarzwaldtårta (like a sweet cake with creme and merangie...a.mazing.
Friday
Rain still so we drove to Umeå and walked around, it is like a college town so it is a little bigger than Övik. David was sweet enough to walk around while I played the tourist role, not taking much mind to the shops. (I went with him to RPG and card game shop so all is good ;D) We met back up with them and went to Rhodes a pizza buffet where I had kebab pizza (yummy Bambi).
On Saturday we went back home and just chilled watched movies I played Kingdom Hearts...he helps me with the hard stuff, yay boyfriend!
On Sunday we went to Maria´s parents house for pizza and fun, we had four pizzas with a variety of toppings - tuna, blue mussels, shrimp, corn, mushroom, ham, pineapple, we are good chefs it was a lot of fun. They live on the ocean sound so we walked down and went for a dip...COLD! I did dunk under so I am not a whimp lol. It was refreshing and so much fun (yes I took the picture)
27 Måndag 2009
A movie day, we went to the store and bought muchies and watched LOTR.
Dun dun Duh...Tuesday
Yes me, Emily Anne, rode a bike and didnt do half bad. Not use to street bikes but it was fun and I think I picked it up kinda ok need to practice more, David is, as usual, a very patient and good teacher. My reward was movie! Yay movie!
Wednesday
He was so sweet we went on a picnic down by the harbor it was cool we packed fika (snacks) and just laid in the sun (because you can do that here it is cool enough)
Thursday we went to meet his dad for lunch and then down to the docks so much fun just laying in the sun with a nice cool breeze, I am getting a tan hahaha. Who would have thunk.
what I have eaten...dun dun duh
so since I have tried so many new foods I thought I would share it with the rest of the world.
There was:
There was:
MEAT
Elk, moose, bear, and horse sausage (moose and bear was my fav)
liver beef (not as bad as I thought I actually liked it)
Sill (pickled herring ...not too bad)
Tuna pizza (no at the restaurant - yes at his cousins house)
kebab pizza (lambs...yummy)
liver beef (not as bad as I thought I actually liked it)
Sill (pickled herring ...not too bad)
Tuna pizza (no at the restaurant - yes at his cousins house)
kebab pizza (lambs...yummy)
Reindeer pita
Surströmming...the devil of all foods.
Meat steaks with relish (yummmmmmy his farmor is a great cook)
Chicken pie (his mother is a good cook....see the trend?)
Chicken with rice and pepper sauce (swedes love their sauces)
Meat steaks with relish (yummmmmmy his farmor is a great cook)
Chicken pie (his mother is a good cook....see the trend?)
Chicken with rice and pepper sauce (swedes love their sauces)
BERRY
lingon berries jam
cloud berries jam
Nyponsoppa (yummy)
Blueberry Soup (I was in heaven)
Swedish blueberries
Lingon berries
cloud berries jam
Nyponsoppa (yummy)
Blueberry Soup (I was in heaven)
Swedish blueberries
Lingon berries
DRINK
sugar soda
apple and grape soda (both yummy)
trocadero soda (apple and orange)
Loka (YAY carbonated yummy water)
water (yummy H2O)
spring water (straight from the mountain)
Saft (juice was black currant yummy)
Black Currant Te (yum yum yum)
apple and grape soda (both yummy)
trocadero soda (apple and orange)
Loka (YAY carbonated yummy water)
water (yummy H2O)
spring water (straight from the mountain)
Saft (juice was black currant yummy)
Black Currant Te (yum yum yum)
Murphy´s Irish Red Beer (the best)
DESSERT
Swedish Dark Chocolate (buddy yeah)
Salt candy (....no)
Salt candy (....no)
Banana cake (yummy in my tummy)
Sour candy (....yes)
Digestive Crackers (like a graham cracker)
Pear Creamscicles (a. mazing)
VACUUMS...you can see my excitement
Polka (icecream...not my fav. peppermint)
Licorce icecream (yummers)
Schwarzwaldtårta (saweet)
Fin skorpor (like hard biscotti really good in coffee)
Pigglin Popscicle (about to try it...he loves feeding me food lol...verdict....tasty)
Sour candy (....yes)
Digestive Crackers (like a graham cracker)
Pear Creamscicles (a. mazing)
VACUUMS...you can see my excitement
Polka (icecream...not my fav. peppermint)
Licorce icecream (yummers)
Schwarzwaldtårta (saweet)
Fin skorpor (like hard biscotti really good in coffee)
Pigglin Popscicle (about to try it...he loves feeding me food lol...verdict....tasty)
CHEESE
manor cheese
priest cheese
household cheese (yes Becky all good and all white)
Messmör (not sure but its good ....like...the by product of milk maybe?)
Västerbotten ost (sharp yummy)
Bacon Cream cheese (good)
priest cheese
household cheese (yes Becky all good and all white)
Messmör (not sure but its good ....like...the by product of milk maybe?)
Västerbotten ost (sharp yummy)
Bacon Cream cheese (good)
Cavier in Cheese (yummy)
BREAD
hard bread (YES)
Tunnbröd (thin yummy better than a tortilla by 100%)
More types of thin bread (all good)
More types of thin bread (all good)
DAIRY
fil (no. not my cup of tea like a runny sour cream)
FOOD
Swedish pancakes (okay)
Reheated swedish pancakes with milk and sugar (yummy in my tummy) ....David is a good cook if you cant tell
Cabbage and Lingonberry salad (yum)
Cavier (yay tubed baby fishy eggs)
Coleslaw wraps (spicy fika goodness)
Mushroom pie (sooooo good like a quiche)
....more to come as i eat more haha
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
So happenings today...pictures to come soon.
Day 4 July 19 2009
So today I got my first look at downtown Övik, (pictures to come don´t yell lol) and oh my gosh it´s so incredibly beautiful.
Day 5
It was raining, the first rain I experienced here and we decided to go up to look at supermarket but we took a turn to walk by this little cemetery (it´s won best in the country...and it shows). Since his dad lives on up the hill we decided to see if he was home...yay he was. I got to meet him and we talked for a bit than headed on up into the woods where the training centers and trails are located. We sat in a little rest stop and had a fika (yay fika!) and then walked back down to look at the supermarkets...we need to adopt them.
Note to self ... I should have worn a pedometer lol I´m curious how far I will walk
Tisdag 21 Juli 2009
Today we went to his farmor´s (father´s mother´s), house for a lovely meal. She is absolutely adorable and so hospitable, we played Chicago (a card game) and his father and a friend showed up for fika. After much talking and having a good time we went to the library and his dad called and we met back up with him for icecream - I had raspberry and polka (like peppermint) and we talked and walked to look at the Arena and around and I realized I am from Texas and was cold...so we walked back to the apartment to get my coat (yay coat) and back down for pizza. I had tuna and ham pizza...good in the moment but not something I would eat again. We walked back down to the harbor and out and around on the dock and back home at 9ish.
So much to see and do and I will post pictures...when I take them hahaha (I´m gonna be here for 6 weeks...what´s the rush)
*Peace
So today I got my first look at downtown Övik, (pictures to come don´t yell lol) and oh my gosh it´s so incredibly beautiful.
Day 5
It was raining, the first rain I experienced here and we decided to go up to look at supermarket but we took a turn to walk by this little cemetery (it´s won best in the country...and it shows). Since his dad lives on up the hill we decided to see if he was home...yay he was. I got to meet him and we talked for a bit than headed on up into the woods where the training centers and trails are located. We sat in a little rest stop and had a fika (yay fika!) and then walked back down to look at the supermarkets...we need to adopt them.
Note to self ... I should have worn a pedometer lol I´m curious how far I will walk
Tisdag 21 Juli 2009
Today we went to his farmor´s (father´s mother´s), house for a lovely meal. She is absolutely adorable and so hospitable, we played Chicago (a card game) and his father and a friend showed up for fika. After much talking and having a good time we went to the library and his dad called and we met back up with him for icecream - I had raspberry and polka (like peppermint) and we talked and walked to look at the Arena and around and I realized I am from Texas and was cold...so we walked back to the apartment to get my coat (yay coat) and back down for pizza. I had tuna and ham pizza...good in the moment but not something I would eat again. We walked back down to the harbor and out and around on the dock and back home at 9ish.
So much to see and do and I will post pictures...when I take them hahaha (I´m gonna be here for 6 weeks...what´s the rush)
*Peace
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