News of the first week..

This week has been quite an expensive one. I found myself living in the most swank student housing ($$$$$) in the city with a sweet view of some roofs out of my big window, and a touch of the trainstation out of my porthole- this is the perk of having a corner room. The building is nice, i'm on the 5th floor and there are 10 people living on my half- all of which are staying a full year (at least). There is Felix (Germany), Fulya (Turkey), Robert (Scotland), Jihane (France), Martin (Holland), Mari (Japan), Jason (South Africa/Englad), Sara (United States), Berge?? (Turkey), and last but not least the mystery man in one of the rooms...and me...in the corner office.

I also aquired a bike this week, and I am in love with it. I want to take it everywhere i go forever and ever. Its a monark single gear oh-so-cute, and super fun to ride bike. I think stylewise Stephen probably has the best bike.. He chose a women's style (because of the size) but the frame fades from an upper shade of 80's purple into a nice florida turquoise...cream handle bars as well. a gem.

I went to Wermlands and Lunds nations this week. I had been to neither when i was here in the past. I actually really like Lunds nation- last time i was afraid it was going to be a little stuck up, but i was completely wrong- lots of fun, even if two of the strangest Swedes i have ever laid eyes upon hit on me. very much too young and/or not my type...and probably very drunk.
This afternoon I finally have my registration meetings, then one more week off. Poor Nils and Sara start school on monday. booo.

i Malmo

I made it to Sweden in practically one piece. I was sick before getting on the plane, then I was really really sick when I got off the plane. I made very good friends with two toilets in the Arlanda airport. I finally made it to Copenhagen, and had no luck finding a pay phone to call Karl-Magnus. So I caught a train to Lund, and after about 15 minutes found a pay phone (did i mention i only got half of my luggage?) and none of the numbers K-mag gave me worked. I went crazy, and decided to hop a bus and try to find where he lives. I was extremely lucky. The first day here I was completely dead. The second day I went to the doctor to fix me. I had to go three times before someone would actually see me. and since i'm lucky enough to be from the United States, I got charged an arm and a leg for the service. But- I think this time I might actually be cured. So- this morning I got up early and went to the doctor for one last time, and relaxed until i went to malmo fest this evening. Karl-Magnus went to Ahus, so I went with one of his friends, and found myself playing the 7th wheel with a bunch of swedes that i didn't know or barely met. It was still fun though, I saw a swedish american idol guy as well as a girl group called the sahara hotnights. ok night night.

I'm going to say it again. Its down to the wire. Three more days of american bliss before i have to pack my bags and lug my ass to the land of the vikings. Its a good thing that i have contracted a certain cold. it should make my 25 hour trip extra delightful. but I am so excited!! My ipod is packed with hours of my favorite movies to help me cope with the 7 hour layover in chicago that i am facing. Fredo suggested i try not to leave the airport due to construction on the blue line. we'll see if i heed that. I saw sicko again this evening, and am once again more than ecstatic to get the fuck out of here. If the system stays the same, then i think i am facing a future without life insurance mainly due to the heredity that i have been blessed with. who knows....just a little speculation. The stoli vanil and coke was tasty though. take that regal entertainment.

movies

movies i want to see, but can't. for now:

1. Dedication
2. The Darjeeling Limited (Wes Anderson lives!)
3. Rocket Science
4. Get Smart
5. The Heartbreak Kid
6. This is England (too indie for Austin)
7. The Ten

in austin.

Time is coming down to the wire. I've been in austin for five days and will be on a plane to sweden in less than two weeks. The summer in Atlanta was definitely awesome. I couldn't have asked for a better group of friends. I don't think Allison and I spent more than 24 hours without contact. We got to be free of school and just have fun. This summer was the first time I ever swam in Campanile. Too bad Devin had to move to Boston.

So far in Austin hasn't been nearly as exciting. I did visit Josh at Fort Hood. I have never seen so many shaved heads in my life. From the minute i crossed the Killeen city limit, I felt like I was in a whole other world. One that felt oppressed. Josh definitely has a new take on life. Same personality, whole different person. I felt like i got a new insight into the military in the United States, and it makes me unhappy. There are so many minds that have been altered to think as Iraqis as non-humans. Sure. there are the bad guys- but didn't we create them. and what about the thousands that aren't, the ones that just want to live their lives. ok. i'm done.

I saw Larry and Michelle as well! Its good that there are familiar faces here. Otherwise, I think i would go crazy. Oh did i mention the 28 hour trip from Atlanta to Lexington KY to Austin. I have definitely cultivated quite a disliking towards Kentucky and Arkansas. Please don't make me go back...The plus side: I got to see Arthur on our way through Dallas.