Dec 2006

Hej allihop!

So, about time I updated you on what I have been doing here in Sweden the past month or so. When I haven't been on a holiday I don't always have a lot to write about, so in any case, I can tell you know what's been going on.

So, since my last trip to Norway, I have been almost just in Linköping except for the quick visit to Riga. That's because I finally started studying full-time! Yes don't be too surprised, I did come here for that after al (even if I forget sometimes!). So yes, have been studying Human Resource Management all of December and it will finish 19th January. So even though there are no more lectures for it I still have some work to do, but can do it from home so it's okay. But enough about boring study things... no but I will say it was a really enjoyable and interesting course.

What else.... well yes we had a few parties here and there as usual. One of the good ones was a cowboy theme party, so needless to say we all got dressed up as cowboys and cowgirls, I had my fake gun and rope to lasso others. Was a really good night!

Made a nice dinner for a couple of friends one night as well (the Donna Hay for those of you who I have already made it for), so that went down well especially when combined with a bottle of French champagne. Cost nearly my fortnight's student allowance but was well worth it - only joking, but alcohol is not the cheapest thing to be found here.

We had another big student party here, was supposed to be one of the best of the year, the Lucia Kravall. Bit of a disappointment though, amongst all things there was a fire alarm in the middle of it, so that's not so nice when it is so freezing cold outside!!

Though a cool tradition to experience was on the 13th December, St. Lucia Day. This is traditionally to do with an Italian Saint, but now is as much about light, since it is so dark in Sweden around this time. So at 7.30am at the university, there is a procession of the elected Lucia girl and her attendants singing choir type songs, putting on a presentation. So that was nice to see, since it is a big deal here. In the evening we also saw a school group wandering through the city singing traditional songs, so that was also nice.

Not much else exciting happened before Christmas, was just busy studying.... well I was studying in any case. One strange thing was to get used to the dark hours. Sun would start setting at about 3.30pm, and it would be pitch black at 4pm. Doesn't feel quite right somehow! But it hasn't really got cold yet, still between 5 and 10 degrees plus, so quite bearable.

So yeah, that was about me for the past few weeks up until Christmas. Oh yeah before I go on, I got sent two big boxes with all sorts of chocolates, lollies and other things from my family back in Australia, that was really exciting and very welcome. Didn't last long though....

So... Christmas! Went to Copenhagen on the 23rd for the day before heading back over to Sweden on the 24th to spend Christmas with my friend Sara and her family in Helsingborg. Have to say, I had such a nice time!! First we went to a local church, where there was a nice play from some of the young kids which was cool to see. Had a nice lunch at home followed by a walk in the local area, making sure we were back at 3pm for the big Swedish tradition - Donald Duck! Yes, at 3pm, the whole of Sweden, or so it seems, settles down for an hour of Disney cartoons, featuring Mickey, Donald, and Goofy among others. It has been a tradition for who knows how long, and even though it seems like they are all tired of it, since it is the same every year, they keep watching it year after year. So that was nice to be part of that tradition!

Then it was time to get to the business of preparing the dinner. We had a five-course dinner, so I felt very spoilt, but I was responsible for half of one of the courses. I made potato cakes, or you could say something like hash browns, and they were served with some smoked salmon. Was very good (not being biased!), but somehow after this I got stuck with the nickname 'Scotty Boy the Potato Man'. Better than Mr. Potato Head or something like that I guess though! But no, I thought it was funny. So yeah, had a really really nice dinner, other courses included a fish and vegetable soup, a salad, chicken and vegetables, and coffee and chocolates. This is not traditional Swedish Christmas food, but excellent nonetheless.

In the evening, Tomten (the Swedish Santa) visited and I was presented with a really nice book about the region I was visiting, as well as a book about how to make things for a Swedish Christmas, so I will be able to put that into practise next year. Later on, we visited church for the midnight service. Was a bit more traditional than the earlier one, but very nice to experience. Also enjoyed some traditional Swedish mulled wine and gingerbread biscuits, perfect! So yes, that was Christmas for me, had a really nice time!!!!!

But it wasn't over yet! Of course New Year's Eve is never too far away, but in the meantime I just had a few days to relax and get a head start on all the work I have due in January. At least that was the plan.... but I was well and truly in holiday mode so failed to make a dent unfortunately. Anyway, on the 30th, about 19 of us international students, mainly from Germany but also some from Austria, Switzerland, France and the Netherlands, made our way to the holiday house we booked for a week. Was about 2 hours away from Linkoping, but located right in the countryside and in a nice and peaceful location. I spent the time from the 30th to the 3rd here, not doing very much at all apart from eating, drinking, reading and relaxing. But hey, that is what this time of year is about right? So yes, together we had a fantastic New Year's Eve feast, complete with a massive turkey for the main course. Can't remember the weight, but it cost about $80 to give you an idea! Anyway that was an excellent evening!! For the rest of the time, I didn't really leave the house, just lounged around, but went for a couple of walks around the local area and enjoyed the traditional-looking Swedish farming landscape.

So yes, after a fun and relaxing week in the countryside, it was back to Linkoping for one day, where I had to move all my things to a new room due to upcoming renevations, as well as pack for my first ski trip ever - to Chamonix, France! So...... be sure to keep an eye out for an update on that later this week!

Happy New Year - Gott Nytt År
Scott