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It's about 4:30 AM here in Sweden, on Lidingö, and within five hours I will have taken off on the plane headed home.
Wow, I really don't want to go. I love Sweden, and indeed Lidingö itself has come to feel like home...even though I still laugh at the boys with their slicked-back hair and lavender shorts, and I still couldn't wear a floor-length dress with a denim jacket. And I still can't eat sill or fil. All the same...it feels so natural and easy here.
On Friday we went to Orebrö for the whole midsummer weekend, stopping at Gripsholm castle along the way, which was fantastic. Orebrö was also incredibly warm (for Sweden, that is), and we ate tons of food in addition to riding, playing cards (yay Mau!), swimming (I can swim now! Albeit not well...), sightseeing, window-shopping, playing kubb, eating more, giggling in a tent (love you, Elsa and Sara!), and so much more! We all were a bit sick, but it was fine, except for dear Lisa who had to sit out on some of it. Stackare, gumman! <3
Monday we had a barbeque by the water, with Lisa, Veronica, Tessan, Linda, Max, Emil, and Ivan. Magadelena also came for a minute. Tuesday we lazed around a bit and then had a picnic along the Blueberry Path (and I brought my camera that time!). On Wednesday we met Max again, since he had to leave that day for his summer house, and we did a bit of shopping in town. Way too much shopping, actually. :P I also ended up running through the middle of the big fountain in Karlaplan....uh, yeah. Then we met Veronica at Princess, the adorable little cafe where she works, and had delicious goodies there. If you ever have a chance to try Swedish "princess cake", TAKE IT. Then we did some shopping and window-shopping with Veronica before eating wonderful salads (also from her work) and going to a movie. It was a fantastic day!
Today (yesterday technically) we went sailing with the family (minus Annika who had to work, sadly) and Veronica and Sofia. It was actually quite cold out on the water today, but it was still incredibly relaxing, just to lay out on the ocean all day, eating lemon cookies...I'm gonna miss that!
I guess it all comes down to this, now: Sweden....I love you. Swedes....I love you more. In general, that is. Not the creepy guy on the train. Or the other creepy guy on the bus. Or the mean lady at the vaccination place. But if you are a Swede and you are reading this...chances are I mean you. :)
I really don't know how this trip could have been any better. I've done so much! There are things we didn't get to, but I don't mind. We accomplished a lot, and I'll be back to do the rest. To shout out to a few people in particular....sorry it's going to have to be in English...
Tessan: YOU ARE ADORABLE!!! Thanks so much for getting to know me so well so quickly....I will treasure the ribbons and party things forever. ^^ Oh, and....what's up? :P
Veronica: Awwwwwwww, gumman! You are so incredibly sweet and so much fun! I can't forget the little chocolate candies....and the big ones, too. ;) I'm so glad we had so much time together, and I can't wait to see you again next year! Get some sleep before that, though....Kram!
Max: Refrigerators. Lots and lots of refrigerators. Need I say more? You know what I mean, you vampire! ^^ Oh, and one more thing: I win. ;)
Sara and Elsa: This might be kind of strange since I've only lived with you, and known you even, for a month....but I really do almost feel like you both are my sisters now, too. I've never had little sisters before...and I think I like it. You both remind me of me, in different ways, but of course you are your own, incredible selves, and I admire you both so much! I loved tickling you, Sara.... ;) And training the dogs with you, Elsa. :P And talking with you both, like that night in the tent. I'll see you guys next year! <3 <3 <3
Nils and Annika: You have made the whole thing possible, and have done so incredibly much for me! I hope I haven't caused you too much trouble, because I've truly enjoyed staying with you and getting to know you both. Thank you for the food, the basement, the experiences, the care, the culture, the heartfelt gifts, the welcome into your lives...Please remember that I will return the favor in any way that I can. You all better come visit in Utah one of these days. :) Tack så jättemycket!
Lisa: OOOOOOH, Jellyfish! We've had our times, both good and bad, like any real, true, and strong relationship does. I don't know how on earth I'm going to get by without you for the next year....lots and LOTS of Facebook, e-mail, Skype, MSN....whatever there is, we're using it. You are my big, supportive sister, and one of my best friends in the world. I know we've both made mistakes....I'm sorry, always remember that, and I love you. I look up to you for what you've done, Lisa, I really do. I love you, too. TONS AND TONS. To infinity. To SMITHEREENS. Lala, jag älskar dig för evigt! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
Hej så lange, Sverige! <3
