Jan
22
Dear Ryanair, I Love/Hate You
Filed under Travel | Leave a Comment
It finally looks like winter here in Gothenburg; we had our first real snow yesterday! We received a good amount, enough to bring out the snow plows, hear that wonderful crunch beneath your shoes, and see dozens of kids and parents out with the sleds today. I’m sure the typical Gothenburg rain and above-freezing temps will soon wash our winter wonderland away, but it’s pretty while it lasts! And the …continue reading
Dec
30
A Pilgrim’s Progress
Filed under Swedish Language | 5 Comments
It’s mellandagarna here in Sweden, or literally translated as “the between days.” The second day of Christmas (the 26th) is a holiday here in Sweden (FTW!), and stores are having their Mellandagarna Rea, rea being an important word to learn. It means “sale” and it’s perhaps the only Swedish word my mom picked up during my parents’ visit. During this time, I have thought much about my journey through the …continue reading
Dec
22
Hello, Winter Solstice. It’s so nice to have you here in Sweden, because once your 24 hours are over, it’s all uphill to Midsommar! As you probably know, today is the shortest day of the year for 2011, i.e. the darkest. Here in Gothenburg, Sweden, we had a sunrise at 8:55am and the sunset will at 3:26pm for a total of six hours and 31 minutes of sunlight. It has …continue reading
Dec
13
Let There Be Trains and Buns
Filed under Christmas, Food + Drink, Traditions | 2 Comments
The day is coming to an end in Sweden, although the sun set long ago at 3:25 p.m. Yes, our days now are 75% darkness. But today is a day of light, for today is Luciadagen, Saint Lucia’s Day. In short (because you can read the long version on Wikipedia), modern-day Sweden celebrates Lucia with two very distinct traditions. Luciatåg Literally translated as Lucia train (choo choo!), Luciatåg is actually centered around a …continue reading
Dec
9
Moss, It’s Hip
Filed under Christmas, Traditions | 2 Comments
Although I’m coming upon my second Christmas in Sweden, I’m still learning new traditions. The most recent being about moss landscapes. Picture the traditional American fireplace, its mantle covered with white, synthetic pillow stuffing for snow and decorated with miniature houses and street lamps that depict a Norman Rockwell winter landscape. Now that you’ve got an image in your mind, change out the stuffing for real moss purchased in bags …continue reading
