Travel

If you look closely, you can see Kiruna in the northernmost part of Sweden. 

I will be there from February 25 to March 1.

Throughout the past few weeks I have been planning the various trips that I intend on taking throughout the semester. One thing I have come to realize is that I want to go EVERYWHERE, and unfortunately, I know I am going to have to do some elimination. Although I want to travel travel travel, there is something to be said for being part of the community here in Karlstad as well...so I am working on trying to find a balance. 

Every once in a while I feel stressed about whether or not I should go somewhere, and then I realize, "Lauren, get a grip!" Here I am worrying about where I am going to travel...when I know there are so many people who would switch their headache-inducing circumstances with me any day....and for good reason. It is easy to forget how fortunate I am to be in this position where I have endless possibilities at my fingertips. 

All that said, I am so incredibly excited for my travels. I kid you not, last night I felt like a 7 year old on Christmas Eve. I was so giddy :) I have listed the trips--mostly long weekend trips--that I am going on for sure (aka I have dates planned and reservations made). I hope to add to the list as I continue to figure out my schedule and come across other opportunities.

1. Branäs, Sweden -- A ski resort

2. Stockholm, Sweden

3. Kiruna, Lappland, Sweden -- A town North of the Arctic circle!

4. Geneva and Lausanne, Switzerland -- I am meeting a friend from home!

5. Göteborg, Sweden

6. Vättern Runt -- A trip around Lake Vättern, where we will visit the towns on the way.

The others that I really, really want to do are Dublin and Oslo. Belgium, Italy, and Russia would be nice too....haha.

So, there is an update on my travel plans. Hopefully you will get to see a bit of my experiences from each when I post about them! Thanks for reading! If you have any suggestions, they would be greatly appreciated!

Lauren

Pea Soup, Swedish Pancakes, and SUN!

Drip drop...Spring? Maybe? :)

Shadows! There are shadows!

The highest point I could get to with the time given...

Blue skies! And the moon!

I had to borrow this pic from a friend...tasty tasty.

OK, I know I just posted 2 days ago, but today was a great day. So I thought I would share...

Today was the first day I had class for the majority of the day. I went to Swedish class at 8:30 as usual, but then went on to my Intercultural Communications class from 10:15-12:00, and again from 13:15-15:00. 

I would not usually expect myself to say this, but it was really nice. I enjoy learning--especially when it is something I have an interest in--and both of my classes fit into that category :) Plus, the Swedes really do believe in breaks. During each of our 2 hour sessions, we have a 15 minute FIKA, where we have time to go to the cafe for a cup of coffee, or can just stretch our legs. I am being spoiled. Big time. 

For lunch, a group of students in the Intercultural Communications class went to the restaurant in the University for lunch. In Sweden, there is a tradition where on Thursdays, they eat pea and ham soup for lunch and Swedish pancakes with whipped cream and lingon berries for dessert. It sounded like a strange combination, but we all decided to try it out, and it was delicious! Plus, it was only 45 Kr, which is a good deal for that size of meal in Sweden. I think we might make it a weekly tradition...

On the walk back to my room, the sun came out! And it wasn't just a peek either. It was shining bright and proud, as if it was trying to make up for all of its dormant days. The sky was even clear and blue. I walked as briskly as possible on the ice covered pathway back to my room, grabbed my camera, and headed out to capture whatever I could of this rare happening. I only had about 20 minutes before the gray clouds seeped back over the sky, but I did get a few shots. 

I figured I had no choice but to share with you all...so enjoy! I hope everyone is well! Thanks so much for continuing to read...I can't tell you how encouraging it is to know how many people are supporting me throughout my adventure :) 

Walking

Anja, Antje, and Me

Relaxing with our new friend :o)

The Lake!

This abnormally large black lab decided to escort us from this point in our walk to the lake and back. He stayed with us the entire time until we got back to his house, where he went home without complaining. What a nice gentleman. 

Antje and Anja, both from Germany.

During the last three and a half weeks, I have discovered how much I enjoy walking. While I have had the opportunity to go on several good runs, there is often a healthy layer of ice on the pathways and roads, making walking a much safer alternative. In addition, I have begun to realize how many trails and paths there are in this area of Sweden. They are everywhere, and go in every direction. 

One of my friends, Antje, seems to discover a new walking trail every day. Yesterday, she took me and another friend, Anja (also from Germany), on a walk to a small lake about 6km away. It was so peaceful and relaxing, and I know that as the weather continues to get better, I will be finding my way to that lake very often.

kauIF

This is the spinning room. You can see the Library in the background. It actually looks really cool at night when all of the lights are off during the class, and the library's lights are brightly lit. It makes the University look very modern and nice. Maybe I will bring my camera sometime.... :)

As many, if not all of you know, I really enjoy exercising. Whether it be running, playing sports, or  walking, I just like to be active. It makes me feel better in every way. So, needless to say, after over a week with little to no physical activity other than walking to the University, I was getting a little antsy. Fortunately, there is a great program at the University called kauIF, which provides all different types of fitness classes, as well as the opportunity to play ball sports, for an extremely reduced price in comparison to other work-out facilities. I signed up the first day :) 

So far I have participated in 3 different "activities". The first was a step aerobics class. I do not have much experience with aerobics, but I had such a good time! It was similar to the class I mentioned earlier that the international students took during orientation week. We did various things with stepping, squatting, lifting, etc., and did it all to some great Swedish jams. I also must add...everything--meaning all of the instruction--was in Swedish, so my other international friends and I had a good laugh as we tried to catch on to what everyone else was doing. Haha. I'm going back for sure.

The second class I took was spinning. Good old spinning. I am thankful for the fact that I have had some experience with spinning in the states, so was not as big of a problem that I did not understand the instructor's instructions. :) A couple things that are different though: all of the lights were off during the class, with the exception of a small string of lights around the instructor's bike. It was actually quite nice. Something else: half way through our workout, the instructor refilled our water for us as we continued to bike. Talk about service! I will be a regular in that class as well.

Ok, so I know some of you are wondering....soccer. Yes! There is a soccer "open gym" three times a week on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays. The first night I went, there were 34 guys and 2 girls...including me. I know. I guess soccer is not as big for girls in Sweden as it is in the US. ha. Lets just say I was a tiny bit intimidated. So, we were spit into teams, and I played terrible. I mean, it was bad. Someone even nut-megged me for a goal. Ouch. Fortunately, there were some nice guys on the team who tried to make up excuses for me, but it was no secret that I wasn't playing too great. Buuuuut never fear!!! I went back yesterday (Sunday) afternoon, and completely and totally redeemed myself. I mean really, I played great...and I am  not one to point that out unless if it is 100% true :) I don't know if it was because it was my second time, or because there were only 12 guys this time, or if it was just because I knew I had nothing to loose, but whatever it was, it worked. I gained the respect of my teammates, and had a great time. Plus, I am really sore!! Which, as many of you know, I love :) I suppose 2 hours of playing indoor soccer with guys does that. Anyway, it was very encouraging, and I am looking forward to continuing to go and keep up...or even improve my skills this semester!

Well, that's all for now. I just figured I should share that with you since it will be a common part of my everyday life here in Sweden! I will post again soon!