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