Malin and Louise were there to greet me at the airport once I arrived in Copenhagen! Ohmigosh they give the BEST, biggest hugs ever!!!
I love Sweden...
M&L and I have so much to talk about on the train to Malmö and the car ride to Svedala. Bengt's house here is SO nice- warm, clean and COZY! (and straight out of Ikea) Eva is Bengt's fiancee and such a sweetheart- she has two girls, Hanna and Elin, who are very sweet. Bengt gives me a big hug when he sees me! I love the hugs here and I am so not used to them after 4 months in France...but it brings me back to the US and makes me feel so so loved, warm and cozy and snuggly. Exactly how you should feel around Christmastime! We make a nice, light dinner, and off to bed in my cozy room out attached to the garage. I love this bed!
Monday morning Malin has to work so Louise and I spend the whole day together. What a sweetheart! She tells me how she's been struggling with feeling a bit depressed these past few months; it started this summer when she lost her voice for a month, and was working way way too much at the airport. Now she's stopped working and studying and is just relaxing until she gets her feet back on the ground. Her mother is also struggling with depression, which doesn't help... But they seem to be much more open here about depression, rather than Americans who are very closed about depression, therapy and
medication. Very interesting... I sleep until 1pm, Louise and I just hang out, read through a little of this journal, teach new words and expressions to Louise. We went for a walk through the Swedish woods, and talk about cultural differences. We share a nice hot cup of cocoa and dessert at the little cafe, talk about our oldest ex-boyfriends, hers was 31! UAU! For dinner, we eat in "downtown" Svedala with new friends Alexander and Julia (pronounced Yulia) who lived in New York for a year so she speaks perfect American English, no accent. Blonde blonde hair and reminds me so much of Sophie for some reason. Alex is half Polish, half Hungarian but grew up in Sweden. They are really cute and shy together as a couple but both so cool and nice. Conversation was great actually! They tell me about the military requirement for Swedish men (11 months) and the immigration issues here in Sweden. I ask Alexandr how he feels about building a mosque in Malmo for the immigrants to practice their religion- he said he doesn't agree with it, while Malin and Julia do- I'm not sure how I feel about it. They tell me about the neighborhood in Malmö (made up of all immigrants, from Iraq/ Middle East) that they would never dare to enter, not even the ambulance! Malin tells me she would never wear a T-shirt with the Swedish flag on it- she would get rocks thrown at her! And then there's the issues of Muslims who refuse to assimilate into the Swedish culture, or even allow their children... We all make plans for Thursday evening and watch the Hot Chick to bring bac
k old memories from their visit in 2003.."It's going all over!!!"
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23rd Christmas Eve Eve
Ooooh what a fabulous Christmas it's been! Going home is overrated-why not taste another tradition for once?! I wake up late today, got ready right away before the guests arrive at 3pm- wrapped all my presents while listening to Christmas music! Nils and Greta arrive, I was so so happy to see him! He's maybe the cutest old man EVER- so sweet and jolly. And Greta is adorable! Malin is always hugging her, like me and Grandma :)
We start with a traditional drink called glögg: Scottish rum mixed with spices and served hot- then we throw in some raisins and almonds! So good! We all sit around a candlelit table and talk (the Swedes love candles PS). Conversation and sitting with Malin and Louise is so pleasant- they are so huggly and snuggly and always smiling. I think it's been very good for Louise's health to be this energetic. We share old memories from M&L's visit to the States back in '03, and laugh about funny words between American and British: how we say "like", "actually" and the British say "lovely" all the time!! Malin is very bright in English and knows a bunch of expressions, as does Louise. She's always correcting Malin to show that she knows more than her hehe. Nils keeps telling me what beautiful eyes I have, what a good friend Ed was, how they were "the best family in the States!" and how sad he still is that Ed is gone. He sounded like a broken record all evening, says the same things over and over and over again. I suppose that's what old age does! We call Grandma on Skype but it is mostly Nils who does the talking, Grandma couldn't get a word in! He says his trick to staying healthy is a bit of port wine or whiskey, garlic or onions! What a cutie...couldn't stop talking about how nice it is to talk with Grandma, how great Ed was and asking if Grandma is in good health and if she has a good doctor. He seems like he's aged so much since his last visit to the States in '03. But just like last time, every thing is BEAUUUTI
FUL!!! He says it ALL the time, it's really adorable. I just love him.
He wants us to come visit in Dalby and show us home videos on the "proyector!" of when we were "joung"! Hehe he speaks with a British accent, a bit like Michael Cain. For Christmas dinner, on a beautifully set candlelit table, we have, quite literally, a smörgåsbord of meats and fish. All types of sausages, Swedish meatballs w/ special mustard sauce, pickeld herring and potato gratin with herring. Christmas hams, cabbage like sauerkraut and SALMON! Only the best... And special Cola called "Julmust". Bengt is so funny- he is teaching me Swedish but gets me to say "Bengt is so handsome!" and gets such a kick out of it. I love teasing him, he's just so lovable. I love hugging him too! What a great dad. Eva is wonderful too- she's so kind and lots of fun; sometimes she lets loose and shows this fun, goofy side of herself, like when she crosses her eyes or dances.
For dessert, we have a traditional rice pudding mixed with cream and served with raspberry or cherry sauce poured on. Mmmmmm so delicious. They put one almond in and the one to get it will get married that year! Eva's mom thought she got it but it was the cherry pit instead haha! For coffee afterwards, we eat friend treats, a bit like crispy donuts. Mmmmm and homemade gingerbread- the best!
Then it's PRESENT TIME!
There is a mountain of gifts. Eva and Hanna wear the Santa hats and distribute them, reading the little rhyme that hints what it might be and then "Onskar Papa" which means Best Wishes. The girls love my scarves I give them, the colors fit them both well. I love the turquoise on Louise, it really brightens her face, while the dark green brings out Malin's green green eyes. Bengt and Eva love the wine and the spice bread from France- I hope it tastes good! They give me a lovely pair of earrings, Lill sends me a pair of tights, and new makeup from M&L and a candle from Hanna and Elin- so sweet! It's fun that they hand out all the gifts and then everyone opens them at once, unlike our family tradition where we open them one at a time. After dinner, I talk with Shawna online, and chat with M&L about my passion for Indian culture, and Malin's plan to consider taking a year off, Louise's future. I'm considering taking a year off before I finish at BU. What's the rush? Christian hasn't even started his studies and probably won't until he's 24 or 25; for now, he's working and TRAVELING!!!
M&L and I have so much to talk about on the train to Malmö and the car ride to Svedala. Bengt's house here is SO nice- warm, clean and COZY! (and straight out of Ikea) Eva is Bengt's fiancee and such a sweetheart- she has two girls, Hanna and Elin, who are very sweet. Bengt gives me a big hug when he sees me! I love the hugs here and I am so not used to them after 4 months in France...but it brings me back to the US and makes me feel so so loved, warm and cozy and snuggly. Exactly how you should feel around Christmastime! We make a nice, light dinner, and off to bed in my cozy room out attached to the garage. I love this bed!
Monday morning Malin has to work so Louise and I spend the whole day together. What a sweetheart! She tells me how she's been struggling with feeling a bit depressed these past few months; it started this summer when she lost her voice for a month, and was working way way too much at the airport. Now she's stopped working and studying and is just relaxing until she gets her feet back on the ground. Her mother is also struggling with depression, which doesn't help... But they seem to be much more open here about depression, rather than Americans who are very closed about depression, therapy and
medication. Very interesting... I sleep until 1pm, Louise and I just hang out, read through a little of this journal, teach new words and expressions to Louise. We went for a walk through the Swedish woods, and talk about cultural differences. We share a nice hot cup of cocoa and dessert at the little cafe, talk about our oldest ex-boyfriends, hers was 31! UAU! For dinner, we eat in "downtown" Svedala with new friends Alexander and Julia (pronounced Yulia) who lived in New York for a year so she speaks perfect American English, no accent. Blonde blonde hair and reminds me so much of Sophie for some reason. Alex is half Polish, half Hungarian but grew up in Sweden. They are really cute and shy together as a couple but both so cool and nice. Conversation was great actually! They tell me about the military requirement for Swedish men (11 months) and the immigration issues here in Sweden. I ask Alexandr how he feels about building a mosque in Malmo for the immigrants to practice their religion- he said he doesn't agree with it, while Malin and Julia do- I'm not sure how I feel about it. They tell me about the neighborhood in Malmö (made up of all immigrants, from Iraq/ Middle East) that they would never dare to enter, not even the ambulance! Malin tells me she would never wear a T-shirt with the Swedish flag on it- she would get rocks thrown at her! And then there's the issues of Muslims who refuse to assimilate into the Swedish culture, or even allow their children... We all make plans for Thursday evening and watch the Hot Chick to bring bac
k old memories from their visit in 2003.."It's going all over!!!"TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23rd Christmas Eve Eve
Ooooh what a fabulous Christmas it's been! Going home is overrated-why not taste another tradition for once?! I wake up late today, got ready right away before the guests arrive at 3pm- wrapped all my presents while listening to Christmas music! Nils and Greta arrive, I was so so happy to see him! He's maybe the cutest old man EVER- so sweet and jolly. And Greta is adorable! Malin is always hugging her, like me and Grandma :)
We start with a traditional drink called glögg: Scottish rum mixed with spices and served hot- then we throw in some raisins and almonds! So good! We all sit around a candlelit table and talk (the Swedes love candles PS). Conversation and sitting with Malin and Louise is so pleasant- they are so huggly and snuggly and always smiling. I think it's been very good for Louise's health to be this energetic. We share old memories from M&L's visit to the States back in '03, and laugh about funny words between American and British: how we say "like", "actually" and the British say "lovely" all the time!! Malin is very bright in English and knows a bunch of expressions, as does Louise. She's always correcting Malin to show that she knows more than her hehe. Nils keeps telling me what beautiful eyes I have, what a good friend Ed was, how they were "the best family in the States!" and how sad he still is that Ed is gone. He sounded like a broken record all evening, says the same things over and over and over again. I suppose that's what old age does! We call Grandma on Skype but it is mostly Nils who does the talking, Grandma couldn't get a word in! He says his trick to staying healthy is a bit of port wine or whiskey, garlic or onions! What a cutie...couldn't stop talking about how nice it is to talk with Grandma, how great Ed was and asking if Grandma is in good health and if she has a good doctor. He seems like he's aged so much since his last visit to the States in '03. But just like last time, every thing is BEAUUUTI
FUL!!! He says it ALL the time, it's really adorable. I just love him.He wants us to come visit in Dalby and show us home videos on the "proyector!" of when we were "joung"! Hehe he speaks with a British accent, a bit like Michael Cain. For Christmas dinner, on a beautifully set candlelit table, we have, quite literally, a smörgåsbord of meats and fish. All types of sausages, Swedish meatballs w/ special mustard sauce, pickeld herring and potato gratin with herring. Christmas hams, cabbage like sauerkraut and SALMON! Only the best... And special Cola called "Julmust". Bengt is so funny- he is teaching me Swedish but gets me to say "Bengt is so handsome!" and gets such a kick out of it. I love teasing him, he's just so lovable. I love hugging him too! What a great dad. Eva is wonderful too- she's so kind and lots of fun; sometimes she lets loose and shows this fun, goofy side of herself, like when she crosses her eyes or dances.
For dessert, we have a traditional rice pudding mixed with cream and served with raspberry or cherry sauce poured on. Mmmmmm so delicious. They put one almond in and the one to get it will get married that year! Eva's mom thought she got it but it was the cherry pit instead haha! For coffee afterwards, we eat friend treats, a bit like crispy donuts. Mmmmm and homemade gingerbread- the best!
Then it's PRESENT TIME!
There is a mountain of gifts. Eva and Hanna wear the Santa hats and distribute them, reading the little rhyme that hints what it might be and then "Onskar Papa" which means Best Wishes. The girls love my scarves I give them, the colors fit them both well. I love the turquoise on Louise, it really brightens her face, while the dark green brings out Malin's green green eyes. Bengt and Eva love the wine and the spice bread from France- I hope it tastes good! They give me a lovely pair of earrings, Lill sends me a pair of tights, and new makeup from M&L and a candle from Hanna and Elin- so sweet! It's fun that they hand out all the gifts and then everyone opens them at once, unlike our family tradition where we open them one at a time. After dinner, I talk with Shawna online, and chat with M&L about my passion for Indian culture, and Malin's plan to consider taking a year off, Louise's future. I'm considering taking a year off before I finish at BU. What's the rush? Christian hasn't even started his studies and probably won't until he's 24 or 25; for now, he's working and TRAVELING!!!
2 comments:
These photos are awesome! The table looks so pretty and there are so many gifts!
i love all the updates about M&L... and I love how you talk about the culture and the details of Swedish life!!! I love you're writing!!
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