Everyone has a story to tell. Sometimes we are too quick to judge people based on first impressions and lose the chance to get to know them better before neatly categorising them to fit our stereotypes or deciding that we are better off not knowing them well. As I get older, I try to be more open-minded and tolerant. Because it's harder for us to make friends, or know people beyond a superficial level.

So, I want to know, what's your story?

things i can't get used to

1. the weather. it's unbelievably hot.
2. there are just too many people, and they
- drive on the wrong side of the road.
- stand on the wrong side of the escalator.
3. not living in a corridor.
4. living with the parentals.
5. people don't sort their rubbish before throwing them away.
6. plastic bottles don't cost me an additional 1 kr.
7. i don't have to bring my own plastic bag to the supermarket, and they even bag up your groceries for you.
8. everything is so cheap. i'm not used to seeing 1 digit prices.
9. they don't sell 1 litre bottles of yoghurt in the supermarket.
10. they don't state the amount of fat (in %) in butter/milk/ yoghurt.
11. not having to walk 2km to town.
12. not seeing bicycles on bicycle paths on the way to the nearest ICA.
13. they don't call supermarkets ICA!
14. there are motorbikes in this country?!
15. starbucks? wtf?
16. did i mention that the weather is just too fucking hot?

From Lynn

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Last Night in Varmlands

Well, I guess you can tell from the photos that we had tons of fun! I will miss Friday nights at Varmlands :(

Today

will probably be my last day working in the pub at VG. :(

is the last lesson for my course, Introduction to American Law.

my legs and arms are aching from all the jogging and exercising I've been doing.

Life

Forty-something guy prancing on stage.

Save my pride

Blondie on drugs

Cara Mia

really hot, but a bit gay

Favourite Swedish Songs

whoever said uppsala was ULU

can eat their words now.

This week:

1. The Swedish Royal Family came down to visit.
2. The Emperor and Empress of Japan also came to visit.
3. Kofi Annan discussed international politics in the University Hall.

It's a real happening place.

Last night, when I was coming home from work at VG at quarter past three in the morning, I saw the morning sunrise, and it was a beautiful sight. But it's getting harder to sleep because the sun sets at 9pm and rises earlier each day (perhaps 10 past three today).

Although work at VG is tiring, I love it because I get to meet people whom I probably will never meet but for working at the pub. The Swedes are usually really cold and unfriendly, but now I can count a few of them on my fingers - E, the next 6M, A (the current 6M) and his little brother, and S the bar master. It's amazing how friendly they can be when they are drunk - I met S are Varmlands one Friday night and he was so pissed drunk it was funny. I never thought he could loosen up because he looked so fierce and all, but I guess it's what alcohol does to you.

Funny how I never really drank when I was home, mostly because I wasn't allowed out at night, but now I just gamely drink up when it's served to me - tonight we all drank a bit of Bacardi with Coke while watching a movie and eating popcorn on the couch. And the day before, E and I finished up a bottle of white wine after work because he said it would go bad if it was left open till Wednesday. But mostly I stick to Vodka or pear cider, because beer still tastes pretty darn awful to me.

I really love this little town. I guess what I will miss most is my freedom and independence - I like the fact that I do not have to account for my whereabouts to anyone (except maybe Aurelie because she worries when I come home late from work) and I get to come back however late I want or choose not to come back at all ;). Anyhow, I guess all I can do is make the most out of my remaining days here - I really will miss everyone in Ekeby when I'm gone, especially now that everyone is finally getting along with each other. Oh, it makes me depressed just thinking about it already.