xxx

'You cannot always wait for the perfect time, sometimes you must dare to jump'. 

- Anonymous

EXPLORING TIME

So we finally had a day to ourselves and had no prior commitments other than to of course attend the ‘Blondes, Meatball and everything Swedish party’ that night.

So off we set map in hand, cameras & iPhones fully charged (because mother lost my camera before I left) and our tourist boots on and raring to go. We decided that we would bus and then walk to the Malmo gardens and old castle. We arrived drama free, and I am instantly taken away with the beauty of this park. Although freezing and no flowers yet blooming the stillness and serene environment was just so special.

After an hour of exploring the park, feeding the ducks, sitting on ducks (statues of course), cracking the ice lake, and pestering locals to take group shots we decided to retire for fika.

 The mutual decision I believe was one of the better ones we have made as I felt as though if I had to spend another minute in the outdoor environment I may have needed a blowtorch to defrost my face. Seriously walking in Sweden leaves you with no feeling in your face and as though every wrinkle, every line has been tightened or smoothed away (mum you’d love it, great ageing remedy). With this said the idea of a balaclava sounds like heaven and I won’t lie I’m considering purchasing one.

After our tourist episode we decided we would head to the local shopping mall, by public transport of course, such pros now!

Whilst at the shopping mall I thought it would be a brilliant idea to test some of my Swedish language skills on the checkout chick at the supermarket and I’ll be honest, it didn’t go as well as I had hoped. On that note I think it ended up taking me at least three attempts for them to fully understand/comprehend what I was trying to say to them but hey at least I tried.

BLONDE’S, MEATBALLS & EVERYTHING SWEDISH

The time had come my first college party, and what better way to commence the night with introducing (mind my language mum and family members) ‘fuck the bus and tourettes’. Along with these games it was essential that Kings cup was played however, we made it so that we incorporated a rule from each of the different countries rules, making it soooooo much better (will have to bring these rules home).

Pre’s were done and dusted, so we applied 5000000000 layers of clothing and were headed for the party! Upon arrival everyone received a shot of vodka and a traditional Swedish meatball.

 Then of course for those of you who know me will know exactly where I was headed for, THE DANCEFLOOR.  Bringing to the floor the essentials of every dance party, ‘the sprinkler, the lawn mower, reversing the car, making the sandwich, applying the makeup, the shopping trolley’, and of course my signature move the irrigation system. 

I was given a Swedish flag after my performance to Euphoria – Sweden’s winning song from Eurovision last year and of course decided to have a photo shoot modelling and styling the flag. 

Along with this we played a game of limbo and I ended up coming second to some guy who was so god damn flexible it was caraaazzzzyy! All in all it was a fantastic night.

Upon returning to our housing we decided it might be fun to sit in the corridors until early hours of the morning and call a few friends back home. For those of you lucky enough to receive these you will know what I am talking about hahahahaha.

‘Do you ride a Kangaroo to school?’

‘What is your pet kangaroos name? Skippy?’

‘Do you have crocodiles in your bath tub?’

The hilarious and witty questions created by the Dutch about everything back home.

SNOWY SUNDAY

Sunday was here and whilst skyping with mum and D2 snow began falling, and heavily. SO EXCITING. So of course, put on wellies (gumboots), thermals, jumper, jacket, coat, gloves, scarfe and beanie and was headed outside, but where to? Burger King for breakfast of course. This meal was a) delicious and b) nutritious.

After breakfast Lindsay and I walked home in the snow and prepared ourselves for the exciting excursion to IKEA! For those of you who have been to IKEA in Sydney or elsewhere, they have nothing on this store it is hugeeeeee!

We had already heard so much about it from the past students and in particular about the food! So of course as soon as we arrived we headed for the cafeteria and ordered Swedish meatballs, delicious!!!!!!!! After consuming a rather large amount of food we wondered the floors and aisles selecting ornaments and trinkets to make our room back at college a little more like home. I of course brought fairy lights and an amazing smelling candle!

Well that is all for now everyone, and definitely my bed time so until next time,

From Sweden with Love,

Holly xoxoxox