I've told you a few times before I was never good at keeping a journal...
Lately, my heart has been aching for Europe, particularly Sweden and Italy, but mostly Sweden. I did not have much internet access in my 9 week stint in Europe over the summer, and since I'm aching for Europe I figure it would be a good time to reflect. I have posted some pictures before but haven't given much explanation of what they are, who they are, or how much they mean to me. Let's give it a roll now.
I'm starting at the beginning of my journey to Europe. That I took all by myself. With not a clue of what anyone looked like in my group, except a google searched image of my professor visualized in my head. Painfully I walked away from my family to board a plane to Amsterdam via Minneapolis. I met a nice man on the plane, though I cannot recall his name. He and I sparked a nice 12 hour friendship. We spoke about books and why we were traveling to Europe. He was bound for Venice, Italy where he would board a cruise ship of self-discovery. Or so he told me. He also recommended a book to me The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo... If only he knew it was at the top of my post-graduation book list. Thanks, man. I sat next to the most adorable Israeli woman in her late 70's, I'd say. She was in the States visiting her children. We had a newer plane, and me and woman spent hours playing the game bejeweled against each other on our individual tele monitors. Then she took a sleeping pill and ended the fun. Thanks, Grandma. I did not sleep one minute on my flight to Europe (too nervous) thank goodness for the movie Young Victoria. I think I watched it three times #obsessed. As we were landing into Amsterdam there was a loud, obnoxious, embarrassing young American, far too excited to be in the land of his ancestors sitting directly behind us. He yelled to his parents his excitement of what their travel plans were. I'm positive those in first class could hear his enthusiasm. The last thing Israeli woman said to me in her broken english and thick Hebrew accent was, "That there is an ugly American. You promise me you never become one of these okay?" I promised, and then she gave me a kiss on the cheek and off her and husband went to catch their flight home to Israel.
Self-discovery man and I got off the plane together and walked through customs. He really took care of me that day. He then walked me to my next gate, gave me a hug, and left. He was a splendid person. I hope he discovered himself in Venice.
I had a little bit of a delay so I went to transfer some money to call my parents to let them know I landed safely (little did I know, my dad stayed up all night and tracked my flight. What a guy). While waiting at the exchange counter I looked over to see 6 very large black men dressed in nice suits. I looked a little farther into the clump of men only to see my heartthrob SNOOP D OH DOUBLE GEE in the midst of them. LBC! He's my homeboy! Naturally, I continued to stare and stare... and stare some more. He was only 2 gates down from me! I was pumped. I knew it was going to be a good summer then. My only regret was not asking when the Next Episode was going to be. I'm getting slightly impatient, Snoop.
A few hours later, it was time to board my KLM flight to Stockholm. Luckily, I got the window seat and had two very nice Swedish men on my row. We had a nice conversation, and I was flattered that he asked if I was "going home" på Svenska of course. I didn't understand him, and that answered his question right away. It was a little bit of a let down. He taught me some Swedish culture and some words in Swedish to help me when I first arrived. It was an absolutely beautiful summer day. We flew over the coast of the Nederlands, over Danmark, and into Stockholm. The men sitting next to me were astounded at how clear the day was (apparently it was rare Swedish weather). We could see everything in Stockholm. The perfect aerial view. It was then I fell in love. Sweden is the most magnificent country I have ever been to.
Meet Chip Oscarson. My fearsome Study Abroad Professor. This is the googled image picture I had with me. He is Joel McHale's dopplegänger!
High above the Nederlands' coast.
To the most beautiful aerial view of Stockholm.
I won't mention that Chip was just under 3 hours late to pick me up. I knew I would have to wait about an hour because two other girls were landing just after me, but then Midsommer's traffic happened and it ended up being 3 hours. No worries, though. After a mild heart attack in fear I wasn't where I was supposed to be I just said a little prayer and everything worked out just fine.
After the initial introductions, we stopped by the grocery store so Chip could show us the ropes of shopping in Stockholm. Also to make sure we had breakfast food and wouldn't starve to death. Then we finally arrived in our hood of Liljeholmen. My pride and joy. My home away from home. Our apartment was a European studio, which is about half the size of a US studio. Hulda, our host, attempted to fit three of us in there... But that was just not happening under Chip's watch. So he moved Becca to another host house in the South Stockholm burbs and left Abbey and I in good ol' Lils. The best place ever.
My (Hulda's) bed.
Abbey's room/Dining room/Living room/Family room
The kitchen/Closet/Bathroom/Front room (and that's Becca... She only stayed a night before being moved to another host house in the burbs.)
Lastly, the view from the apartment.
(This photo was taken around 10 pm)
It was quite an exhausting and emotional day for me, but what I wouldn't do to go back.
