Time Machine

I can't believe that this is all over on FRIDAY. As in THIS friday. It seems a little bizarre to be true that time flew by this quickly! I have been riding on an emotional roller-coaster since my plane took to the air on my way back Portugal, of wanting so bad to be home and with everyone I love and all that is most familiar; but at the same time feeling an ache that all of this is over! After all the planning, anticipation and feelings that these 4 months would stretch on forever it seems completely unreal that I am on my last two days. I have my empty suitcase lying beside me, and yet it feels too soon to begin to stuff what has become my room into it! Its a strange realization that I may never return to Orebro, or do something like this again in my life. And so, as it is with any chapter of your life, I'm having difficulties closing this one and accepting that a part of my life has come to an end. It really feels as if I stepped into a time machine of sorts in Europe, where time flies by at an inconceivable rate; with the quickly passing time only noticeable once you have reached the end. 

On another note; Barcelona, Madrid, Granada, Seville and Lisbon were AMAZING. Simply, truly unbelievable! It was so, so wonderful to see Gareth again, but its hard to describe the feeling of seeing someone you love so dearly after such a long time apart. its a strange feeling on its own! That is, strange but wonderful! Our travels through Spain and Portugal was one of my best trips ever and more than worthy of one-hundred pages of description on its own! However, as I am feeling the desperate need to squeeze all that I can out of Sweden in my last days here, these stories will have to be told later...from the comfort of my own home!!!!

Well, I have finished breakfast and am now off to go enjoy the beautiful nature of Orebro and so I will being my stories of Spain and Portugal another time!!!

xoxo

Packing to leave already

Wow.

I'm done school, and tomorrow night I leave Sweden only to return for a short 4 days in between my trip to Spain & Portugal and my 3 day rendezvous in Paris. 

Being sick, and to a great extent bedridden, for the past 5 days doesn't help time pass any slower as these last few days are in large a cold medicine and fever induced blur. 

I really can't get over how fast this has all gone by. It feels like I just packed to come, and here I am trying to pack away half my stuff to leave. While I'm so, so excited to see all the people I love and have missed I'm also saddened to say goodbye to this short chapter in my life. I've had no "near religious experiences" as my one cross-cultural rhetoric class described many sojourners as having abroad; I return with no wild party stories or tales of outlandish adventures, no masterpieces painted and no deep secrets discovered about myself. However, in my short term abroad I have gained a new aspect on things, had the opportunity to realize how easy it is to adjust to a new surrounding, discovered how flexible life truly is and had a chance to relax and to reflect. I feel like I am returning home a few years older in wisdom, and with a greater understanding of who I am and what is important to me. While I didn't find the answers to life, I got a taste of what it is that I want out of mine, as well as why people spend their lives searching for such purpose. 

It's really a different experience living day to day in a new culture, soaking it up through osmosis rather than through active exploration as one normally explores a new culture or country. Its like doing daily things that you also do at home such as cooking, cleaning, homework and going to class force you to adjust and experience the culture as a part of your life rather than something you are simply touring. Its like it makes it more difficult to pick out what's so different about it while your there, living and operating there, and that you will only be able to recount the exoticness and differences once you return home and look back on the experience.

Sorry, I'm just in a very thoughtful mood, as coming to the end of this trip I feel that I need to reflect a little. 

I'm really, reallly excited for my next 3 weeks of touring around Spain and Europe! To see and taste the culture, wander new cities, feel the warmth of the sun and to be in familiar, loving arms. 

But now, after a quick venting as I am feeling a tad out of sorts packing to leave, I must actually start packing to leave. 

xo

Sick sick sick

Ugh, I'm so so sick!

I was bedridden all day yesterday, sleeping and waking only to do the slightest bit of homework and eat. Today the high fever and cold sweats are gone, but it has replaced itself with the worst head congestion I think I have ever had, even my eyes have turned slightly black and every square inch on my face hurts. Just my luck! I leave for Barcelona 2 AM on Tuesday, and just pray that I am feeling better by then!! My body has the greatest timing. But I really am just thankful that if I had to get sick around this time that it happened when it did and not a few days later on holidays! That would really be the worst. 

On Friday Caroline and I went to Stockholm for the day, and even though I felt like death in the morning, I loaded up on tylenol and had a fabulous day of shopping, walking and socking in the Stockholm beauty. We stopped again at the cozy, delicious cafe/restaurant we found last time in Sodernam for lunch and to rejuvenate for an hour and each found a few treasures! Stockholm is seriously a fashion paradise for 20 year olds girls. 

Ugh, I really hope that I am feeling better soon! I have a final project due tomorrow that I am behind on thanks to being so sick and lots of packing and getting ready to do! Good thing I decided to come back to Orebro though on my way to Paris, or else I'd be a nervous wreck right now! 

So, really I just stopped by to let you all know that you may not be hearing from me for a while as I now have a great deal to do in a slight amount of time before leaving. So, this may be the last you hear from me until I return from Spain and Portugal on the 18th of April! 

And so, until next time...ya me despido, que te cuides!

xo

Vunderful Vienna

Vienna was amazing. Simply, thoroughly amazing. i really had one of the best trips of my life there due in equal parts to my fabulous family and the city itself. The only downside is the weight I put on in my mere 4 days there, and the penance I am paying for it now! Seriously, the food in Vienna is unbeatable! The BEST cakes, chocolates and other goodies I have ever, ever had. And trust me, I tried a lot while I was there, making sure not to miss a single delectable experience! On my final day, sorry to jump right to the end, my Aunt Karin took me to a very fancy brunch at the Imperial, and I kid you not that I skipped the omelette, and after some smoked salmon, fresh fruit and cheeses I had 6 Viennese dessert and pastry specialities! And along with their strong, rich coffee; its truly a perfect meal! The room itself, like many of the buildings in Vienna, was equally as decadent as the desserts, it was all so, so nice. 

And now, I will backtrack. 

From the moment I landed I was on the move non-stop; visiting family, being toured around the amazing city and eating. I'm serious, eating was truly on the agenda and a large part of my everyday as it felt that as soon as I was finished eating, I would turn around and be fed again! But I am in no way complaining as while it was delicious, it was also nice to be fed after 2 months of feeding myself. It was so wonderful to have my craving for sit-down, family meals quenched. It's really something I have missed and come to realize that I take for granted at home; I will definitely appreciate it once I return!

I arrived to big smiles and open arms at the Vienna airport early Thursday morning, where Eva and Gerhard came to pick me up. The entire trip they were above and beyond generous to me, and at the airport even greeted me with a gift; a guide book and Vienna pass. it was so thoughtful and already I felt comfortable and knew that I would feel so welcome in their home and among them. Leaving the airport  I didn't even put on my jacket as the sun was shining, the sky was bright blue, flowers were budding and the grass was green! I have arrived in SPRING! I was nearly overwhelmed with happiness at this point, and during my whole stay, as being around family and the weather alone (never mind being in one of the most beautiful cities in the world!) felt so, so good. 

Their house was very close to downtown, or the 1st district, and was on sort of an island neighborhood between the old and new Danube rivers, by a tower. The houses were all cute, ranging in color and size, with some more grand than cute really. Gerhard told me that in Vienna, and especially this neighborhood, people usually live in one house their whole lives and even pass their home along to their children! A few blocks away were my Grandpa's cousins, who still live in the same house my mum visited them in 35 years ago or so, and after dropping my things off at Eva and Gerhards we went over there for wiener schnitzel and a visit. After a short walk that I set off on my own through the neighborhood, my truly fabulous Aunt Karin came to pick me up to go to the Belvedere, the old royal palace that is now an art  museum. It was so beautiful, with a large garden separating the two parts, and beautiful ornamental(inside and out) buildings, some left with their original furniture. It was home to an immaculate art collection, with an interesting modern exhibit as well as many Klimt, Monet and Schuele pieces including "the Kiss". It was pretty neat to see it in person, and by neat I am incredible; just as it was to see the many other famous pieces I visited in my few days. After a few hours there we went on to her apartment where she treated me to cappuccinos from beans she brought back with her from Florence and chocolates. Her loft was like from sex and the city, large, beautiful, old; with wood floors, high ceilings and perfect furniture. We talked for hours as she filled me in on  her perfect life as a fashion buyer; traveling at least once a month to New York, Italy, France and hanging out with Salvatore Ferragamo. I had such a great time talking with her and getting to know her and we have continued to email after I left Vienna, I truly hope we are able to keep in touch and spend time together again soon. Its nice to be treated as an adult by someone so experienced and successful, and not talked to as if I'm a kid. 

From here we went on to meet Gerhard, Eva and their kids at this fantastic, authentic Chinese food restaurant where we dined beside people from the UN and began my four day binge of huge, unbelievable meals! 

I won't continue to detail everyday, and can instead fill many of you in on it if you are interested over coffee (and cake! Since we would be talking about Vienna after-all) but this gives you an idea of how the rest of my trip progressed; dining and touring like a Viennesse princess! 

I spent onyl part of one day and evening alone, and in this time went to Schonbrun and spent hours walking; simply soaking up the beauty and grandeur of Vienna. Over the course of my weekend, with my family as wonderful tour guides, I visited the Opera House, the Hoffburg palace its grounds and many buildings, the Albertina museum, St. Stephans cathedral, the Leopold museum, the National Library at the Hoffburg, Nachemarket and many other things!

The Library, on a quick note, was UNBELIEVABLE! With over 200 000 ancient books, with many dating back hundreds and hundreds of years and including significant, first edition books and hand painted detailing. The ceiling was enormously high and ornamented in a fantastic fresco with the most vivid colors and a spectacular 3-d effect; it truly rivals Michelangelo's  masterpieces. There were statues in the two centres, even though it was one huge room, and marble columns, rooms hidden behind doors in bookshelves, and two levels. It was unreal, It would have been incredible to have curled up in this library hundreds of years ago to read or study! I wish they put this much detail into the libraries we use now, or any buildings for that matter. I mean, libraries hold so much knowledge, information, history! I don't understand why they are not more greatly revered and designed to reflect the magnificence they hold! 

Wow, I could really go on forever. Vienna was amazing, and I could fill one-hundred pages detailing all that I saw and did in my short visit. But, lets be honest; neither you nor I have the time for that! And most of you probably don't have the interest!

On my last day, after the Leopold, my fancy feast at the Imperial and another snack Karin insisted on showing me, Karin and Eva took me for a drive to see the 19th district; home to many mansions, and a few of Beethoven's homes. It was so beautiful and quaint, like from Epcot at Disneyworld, and as the winding, cobblestone road climbed the hill the houses got more grand (this is home to the most Wealthy Viennese) we eventually got to the top. From here, at the top of on the the hills, we had a foggy view of the many rolling hills of Vienna's countryside, with the 1st district nuzzled comfortably in between.  it was nice to see a bit of the countryside, and another great perk of having relatives there as it was definitely something I would not have seen, or known about, without them.

In the end, it was really hard to say goodbye to Vienna and my family. I actually found myself quite sad, and not wanting to return to Sweden where my life is considerably less glamorous, comfortable and exciting. I really was tired of the cold and wanted to move on to Spain! its really hard visiting spring, and returning to snow. Not even drastic, hot weather to cold, but more like time traveling to two weeks ahead when Sweden would also be in Spring. However, much to my pleasure; Spring has begun to arrive and unpack in Orebro as well! I have taking lots of longs walks and enjoying the (mostly) blue skies, warmer weather and emerging green grass. It was also hard as I knew i had 14 hours of travel ahead, and would be returning to an empty house, with no groceries and no car to transport my heavy luggage. But alas, that is to be expected (that is, not to return) after any trip that has been so wonderful. My feelings were just accentuated with the fact that i was also leaving family to be alone and back to taking care of myself.

But once I woke up the next morning, safely back in Orebro, my feelings of sadness for returning were shaken off as I looked around me and realized that I am still on this trip! And after some Starbucks (they don't have one, but i brought some beans with me!) and looking out my window to the sun and blue sky, I felt much better. It also helped that my arrival back in Sweden also happened to mark 16 days until Spain and Gareth! Now, I have 11 days and am so so so excited :)

I don't know what I am going to do when I don't have all these trips and adventure to count the days and weeks until!! Plan more I suppose!

And now, my homework beckons me so I best be off! But I will write soon!

xo

Quick note on my way Vienna!

I'm so sorry for my two week hiatus! I have been quite busy writing and studying lots for school and couldn't bring myself to type anymore! However, late last night I wrapped up my paper and now free to fill you all in on my slow, Swedish life over the last two weeks.

Okay, thats not completely true..it has not been that slow..hence why I have not been writing! Even now I am about to head off to Stockholm to catch my flight to Vienna not chat for long. Last Thursday Caroline and  I made a day trip to Oslo and made it into my second country of the trip (for those of you not up on your geography, Norway). The bus ride there was beautiful, we passed through many small towns and I was able to sit back, relax and watch the changing countryside. many red and yellow houses scattered about and slight changes from one town we stopped in to the next; some with larger and more ornate houses and buildings, and others with a great deal of industry and cottage-like homes. The best part of the journey was just before entering Oslo, when we started to follow the harbor and the land became more rocky, similar to the Canadian shield, and buildings and homes started to climb the rocky hills and shore. It was really picturesque and I could just imagine their views and how gorgeous it would be in the summer. However, Oslo was not nearly what I had expected! Much rougher and far less pristine than Sweden. I was shocked to see a homeless person and it donned on me then that in the last 2 months in Sweden I have probably seen two! its incredible how fast you adjust without even noticing it, when things that are familiar become exotic, unusual or even foreign. Its funny to think how odd Canada will feel to me! Even to just be surrounded by english and able to understand everything being said around me, I've come to being used to all the talking around me being a sort of white noise; not abel to pick anything out of passing or neighboring conversations. BUT back to Oslo, it was nice! I'm very glad to have gone but it defiantly does not rank as one of my favorite cities. Once again the architecture was different; much grander and more traditionally European than Sweden, with many large and important buildings lining the main street of downtown, statues throughout and much more ornate detailing on the exteriors. It was definitely worth the trip, but also most certainly a city best seen in one day as we did. A highlight was seeing Munch's "Scream" painting, which was a pleasant suprise as we did not even know until we had arrived at the National Gallery that Oslo was home to the artist and painting! It is also so incredible to see such famous art in the flesh, its almost like witnessing a significant moment in time.

I'm so so so so excited for Vienna! My dab arrives in just over a half hour, and my luggage is all packed and awaiting me at the door! To be honest, I don't know all that much about the city except for it is grand..and home to delicious coffee, cake and food! As well as one of my most favorite artists Gustav Klimt, and so I am looking very forwards to seeing many of his works up close and in person!! It will also be so nice to be amongst family, as I am staying with and visiting my relatives there. Its really funny the things you come to miss when gone for so long, and also an opportunity to come to see the things that are most important to you. I have come to appreciate my family so very much, and even more so my time with them. Simple pleasures and daily routines such as family meals have left a big hole in my day to day life, and I am looking just as forwards as seeing the city of Vienna as I am a warm motherly hug and table full of food and family. Plus, I have experienced their amazing culinary skills when they have come to visit us and am on the edge of my seat in anticipation of the delicious schnitzel and strudel!! 

I come back to Orebro on Monday the 16th, which happens to also be the day that my trip reaches the 2 month point! its unbelievable that I have been here for so long already, time has really flown by. While I feel as though I have not been home in eons, it doesn't seem true that I have been here for such a long time! Its amazing how once you settle into a life and routine, how quickly the days roll through. One plan turns into the next, which leads to another and b the time you look up 10 days have passed! Such has been one of the problems in keeping up with this blog..it feels as though I just wrote yesterday!

Well, I would really love to write more as I have been up to lots and plenty to update you on with what I have been up to and experiencing, but by the time I return home all of that news will have turned old and I will have (hopefully)exciting recollections to share or my time in Austria!

Love & miss you all!! But see most of you in just over a month now!

xoxo

Fleeting Sweden

I'm sleepy tonight as I had a busy day playing tourist in my hometown, which was fun! My dutch friend had a friend from home visiting, so it was a great opportunity to do the tourist things we had not done yet, and the weather was great. Sunny, blue sky's for the first few hours. Then the Swedish weather I am most familiar with, cold and cloudy, returned but by that point my day had been great so I wasn't too bothered. We went to the top of the water tower where we could see the whole city below as well as the surrounding countryside, it was really nice. We also walked around the centre and had the most peculiar hot dogs, mine was a "french" hot dog and was a baguette with a hole in the centre which was filled with a garlic mayonnaise and then filled by the hot dog! It was actually good, and warmed me up! Later, the four of us continued our very Swedish day by having mashed potatoes and meatballs; followed by apple crumble and ice cream. Needless to say I'm feeling rather sluggish and sleepy due in large to all of these things I ate today! How the Swedish people are so slim I have no idea, their food is a little ridiculous and slightly less than healthy; it really does not motivate me to move!

This past Tuesday I went to Gothenburg which was so nice. I had a really lovely day, and spent the perfect amount of time there. We were not rushed and had the time to have a nice, long leisurely lunch and watch the people stroll by in the comfort of this perfect cafe we stumbled upon. We also had the time to get lost, and find smaller things like the fish markets and this neat look out point on the side of hill. The art museum was also one of the best small art museums I have ever seen, with a great collection that spanned many artists and styles. I also saw a viking ship in the city museum which was pretty neat, its unbelievable that things as old as this are able to survive so long. It also felt nice to be on the ocean again, it feels that I am always so far and disconnected from it, and never close enough. Every time I stand by the sea it feels so good and I feel immediate comfort and ease. While I've never lived on or even near the ocean, I feel a very strong connection to it and even if its just standing in ship harbor as I was in Gothenburg; I could stand and watch it forever. I love the idea that the ocean reaches every shore of the world; its like any shore you look off of you are looking to the other side of the world. The water touches everywhere on earth at the exact same time and is so mysterious with its hundreds of miles of open space and depth. I was I had an aptitude for science, the ocean would be so incredible to research!

I can't believe how fast the trip and my time here is flying by. I want to suck every moment out of it, and take everything I can from Sweden and my time away. I miss all of those that I love at home (family, friends) but also don't want this all to end! Every day is the perfect blend of exciting and relaxing, exotic and comfortable. I have no regrets at all in coming and have loved every second of my time here. As I said, while I will be happy to be reunited with everyone at home; its going to be hard to leave. While it feels like i've been gone forever, its unbelievable that I'm over half way through my time in Orebro. I'm still waiting to wake up as this has flown by so short that I swear it could fit into one nights dream. Its like while i'm here, living and doing everything, my time is slipping out from beneath me. And really, the reality is that with such little time here (as is the case in any sort of travel) our romance, between Sweden and I, is fleeting. And so, this week I am going to make a big effort to do everything that I can, and to appreciate every minute of being here so that I don't wake up one morning with a week left, full of stress with all that I have not seen, loved, and done.

Life moves by so fast as it is, I can't believe how long I have been gone and here!

Talk to you soon,

Syd

xoxo

ps. All of the photos above are from my trip to Gothenburg 

A Snowy Saturday

Last night was the Spanish party put on by all the Spanish exchange students here. It was a carnival party, as in Spain the week before lent they have carnival parties where everyone dresses up, and it was so much fun. I reunited with my old friend red wine and danced and ate chorizo and made it to bed around 5. So, if last night was at all indicative of what Spain and Portugal will be like I'm very excited!!

I've been planing all my trips while I'm here! The last 5 weeks I've spent mostly in Orebro, but every week in march I'm going somewhere, starting next week! Gothenburg, Oslo, Vienna, Copenhagen, Stockholm (for the spring!) and then April 1st I'm off to Barcelona to start my southern exploration! I'm going to make my way from Barcelona to Madrid, Granada, Toledo, Sevilla and then Lisbon; with lots of day trips to beaches and vineyards all along the way. Needless to say I'm very excited, but also a little sad how fast this trip is going. It seems unreal that I'm already half-way through! Everything has just been so great that while I miss the people at home, I'm not sure I ever want this all to end!

I'm feeling a little out of sorts today, which is hard when I'm not at home and probably also caused a little by the same problem. I dont know...I just am feeling this weight on me that I need to figure out who I am, discover new things about myself and become more sure of what I do know about myself while I'm here. I just feel that I have all this down time and time to reflect and as if I should be figuring things out about myself, as tacky as it may sound. I dont know, i dont know what I'm trying to explain really even, I'm just feeling a little turned upside down today. 

xo