in Sveden!

The title pretty much says it all.



I have yet to actually see Sweden in day light. As it happend, I flew in at 3pm, which marks the start of dark time. So Stockholm to me is a city of many many white sparkly Christmas lights. And delicious fresh sushi.


Got in and got sushi, then went to Carin's sister's place. (need a tutorial (or two) in apostrophes) Visited and because Olsa is moving to Hawaii for a semester, moved things around and out. Chatted with Christina the other sister. I was very cold throughout.* Saw what Swedish student housing is like: Long tile corridors with pop art on the walls, single dorm rooms, large community kitchen, IKEA everywhere. Ride to Carin's town Avesta took two hours and scenery was Wisconsin-esque with forests and warnings of kamakazi elk.

Yesterday I accompanied Carin to high school. Classes seem difficult; I should know as I took the English test and was surprised at my needed concentration as a native speaker. But the overall vibe of the school was laidback with students roaming the halls and relaxing in lounges. Lunch was what Carin called 'typical Swedish Christmas food', meatballs, boiled potatoes, herbed salmon, pickled herring, flatbread, and pickles. Very tasty for school lunch.

Interesting,
Swedish schools are set up such that from tenth grade, you pick an education track. This track might be construction, it might be dance, or it might be Carin's track of choice, most difficult. Most difficult means five years of science and maths, and a minimum of two languages plus Swedish. I like this system because I am sure college is not for everyone. This method empowers students to be proud of their chosen study, rather than ashamed at their lackofknowledge in chem2.

Today I visited Eva's (Carin's mother) class. She teaches ages 10-12 and I went around chatting with the little guys. Much fun was had. Discovered that young Swedish boys have a strange affinity for rapper 50-Cent and become interested in American geography when it involves rapper turf fights between east and west coasts. Felt very tricky in my underhand teaching methods. English speaking and geography seamlessly woven by way of pop culture thread. Yes!





*I commend the Swedes for their concern about the environment. Less cars, more recycling. This is all very good. Even the toilet paper is recycled. However. Because of these concerns, they use less heat. Less heat equals less used energy, this I well understand. But I am cold. Quite cold. A pre requisite pair of sweaters is necessary when indoors.

My plea to Sweden: Turn up the heat!

It is done

but it feels like it has just begun.

I kept repeating that phrase on my Tube ride home. Left the office in a rush of picture clicks, sung carols, well wishers. Jim handing me a package. Last glimpse of Swire House. Jumped past a black cab and then, it is done.

Ta rah!

Despite my some time ill likings of city life, I will miss so much:

the Thames River at dark
good good theater
convenience of the Tube
cobblestone alleys of Kensington
Camden
corner pubs
Brick Lane
cafes everywhere
how coffee is actually espresso
making tea every other hour
the accent!

and I'm getting sappy... There is much more, but am going out now for one last night with pals Guy and Emily and who knows else. Have a happy weekend!

A Pause in Posts

Well, maybe this pause has been more like a (nine months) pregnant pause...

This past week has been a blur of Christmas parties, going away get-togethers, final tests, final papers, last time seeing Hyde Park, last time seeing my Texan friends. Last times of everything, it feels like. This is all very sad as it has felt altogether too fast. Funny how time works.

Countdown three days left in London. I would like to say I cannot believe it, but I can. I can feel the strain of the two to one exchange, of the weekend travels, of the living four women in one room. Walk down a Kensington hallway and you too will hear it in the long-distance phone calls, those quieted frustrated conversations.

Between two people.

Am I ready? They ask. I reply no. Because I am not. I like Europe. I like both the mindset and the average lifestyle. London, I can take or leave. The loads of culture are nice. The crowds of people are not.

I am writing in a rush because I must leave for work soon. My exit interview is this afternoon. This is where Jim Sells will tell me all about my failures as an office worker. Is there a reason I cannot seem to figure out a spreadsheet? How can I spot a grammar error with my eyes shut, but have not the first clue when it comes to the budget of a non profit? Or invoices, finances, and a laundry list of other office tasks. But hey, they tell me that learning abroad is mostly about learning about yourself. Here is what I have learned:

Kristi Gee is not an office worker. Try as she might - and does she ever - she will never be happy at a desk doing finances. Well she might be happy, but man will she make a mess of it.

So there you have it folks: Three month of unpaid work that I am virtually incapable of doing!

That's an overstatement. I think I'm just nervous for this final appraisal. Must go drink something warm and soothing like green tea. Will finish this later. Also, London photog journey is in the works. Happy day!