* Something I found which I didn't publish when I was in the US. Don't know why, probably because it's a bit short. Don't know which day I wrote this but here it is anyway, a short rambling on a film and people who like sugar on their popcorn, why ain't I more surprised by that?*
Then come Sunday. The day to rest. Forget that. Today was study time, for three hours at lest. Then it was movie time down in the TARC with popcorn. The movie for today was The Italian Job. Very good, but felt like the Ocean-movies, but this time it was at least a small cast of characters so you knew who was who. Some Germans was there and watched the movie and took some popcorn. And suddenly they said "whats this?" and looked at the popcorn. "Its supposed to be sugar on these" and I go "what?". And here I thought the Americans had strange taste, but the Germans seems to be even crazier. Sugar on popcorn?
Visar inlägg med etikett Washington 2008. Visa alla inlägg
Visar inlägg med etikett Washington 2008. Visa alla inlägg
fredag 13 maj 2011
fredag 28 maj 2010
Snowblind
Have I mentioned a lot of politics lately? I have? No, cause you can't get enough of it. It's addicting, like chocolate. You read political outburst as an injection in your vein, opinion polls you snort up your nose. It's a drug I tell you. It keeps you in ecstasy for every change in the numbers, the closer the election day the faster your heart beats. Constant euphoria. No, I'm not eating any chocolate but I have 2 chocolate bars in the fridge for some other time. You might wonder why I bring this up and the answer is simple... the Alliance is in the lead again. And Sweden's economy is on the right track. Really, as it looks now they shouldn't be able to lose. Unless someone does something stupid, right? No, I don't have anything to put up a "what the hell" moment for now. Feels good does it not?
About the essay it seemed to be fine according to my "instructor" (or whatever it's called) so all I need to do is finish it before Friday and I'm finished. Onward with that. Also, today I actually meet an old friend that I haven't seen since I was in Washington. Completely shocked to see him as he haven't studied in Karlstad since, I don't know, I never saw him here. Fun meeting actually. Sad thing is that it reminds me of all my other friends from that time.
måndag 15 december 2008
Power of Good-bye
So it has ended. Four months of studies and work across an ocean. Meeting new friends and experience it together. Thursaday it all paid of. The certificate cermony. The last time I saw many of my friends and classmates. Afterwards I had to run over to my internship to say goodbye to them as well. Another tearfull moment. Returning back was as enter a black hole, no sound, no light, only lingering memories. Memories that will stay with me forever. Memories of dear friends and people making up the whole.
The last days was just packing, saying goodbye to those who stayed and those leaving earlier. Then the day come. Leaving in the afternoon, staning outside of Capital for the shuttle to the airport. There the last lingering people came by to say goodbye. I am gonna miss everyone. This didn't help that my Ipod during the wait at the airport played those sad ballads over and over again. It got worse. At the flight they showe Wall-E. Allready is my mind in turmoil, but this was horrible.
Maybe I was tired as well, for I couldn't sleep so I watched movies the whole trip. Then in Paris I waited 3 hours for my connecting flight, bying some chocholate and coke. Unfortunatly, at the flight I sat next to some childrens families (small children) who couldn't be quiet as I wanted to sleep. Landing in Sweden and walking thru all the ceckpoints and standing at ther terminal exit and my parents...are late (which wouldn't have surprised me if it weren't for that they have not seen me for 4 months). It's good that I have these memories to lock back for it will be a loooong winter.
The last days was just packing, saying goodbye to those who stayed and those leaving earlier. Then the day come. Leaving in the afternoon, staning outside of Capital for the shuttle to the airport. There the last lingering people came by to say goodbye. I am gonna miss everyone. This didn't help that my Ipod during the wait at the airport played those sad ballads over and over again. It got worse. At the flight they showe Wall-E. Allready is my mind in turmoil, but this was horrible.
Maybe I was tired as well, for I couldn't sleep so I watched movies the whole trip. Then in Paris I waited 3 hours for my connecting flight, bying some chocholate and coke. Unfortunatly, at the flight I sat next to some childrens families (small children) who couldn't be quiet as I wanted to sleep. Landing in Sweden and walking thru all the ceckpoints and standing at ther terminal exit and my parents...are late (which wouldn't have surprised me if it weren't for that they have not seen me for 4 months). It's good that I have these memories to lock back for it will be a loooong winter.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to Everyone.
onsdag 10 december 2008
School's Out
What began in August have now ended. Time has flown by in an incredible speed. I have met so many people, seen so different places and experienced something that I will remember as one of the best parts of my life.
School ended with the final exam Monday morning. Not prepared for t enough. Sunday was quickly reading through as much as possible. Afterwards I can say it paid of. This test feels like the best of those I written so far. Ironically I felt the first one to be horrible, it turned out very goof and the second one felt easy, but turned to be a low point. Maybe hybris play a great deal in this. Then I should probably say that it felt like the worst exam ever.
After that I more or less roamed the corridors watching everyone either go to there exams or watching people take of. Ones again the corridors have turned almost silent, like the the final sound of breathing from a dying man before the Winter strikes with its full strength. There was a small glimpse of the warmth in the corridor as we had a very small celebration of the final exam and as well as a goodbye to those leaving already the following day.
Today the silent lay heavy in the morning. Went on a shopping trip to find presents to myself. Thats right, you feel so much happier spending money for yourself (until the hangover comes over you and you think "why did I buy this stuff?"). Need to start thinking about packing all my stuff together.
School ended with the final exam Monday morning. Not prepared for t enough. Sunday was quickly reading through as much as possible. Afterwards I can say it paid of. This test feels like the best of those I written so far. Ironically I felt the first one to be horrible, it turned out very goof and the second one felt easy, but turned to be a low point. Maybe hybris play a great deal in this. Then I should probably say that it felt like the worst exam ever.
After that I more or less roamed the corridors watching everyone either go to there exams or watching people take of. Ones again the corridors have turned almost silent, like the the final sound of breathing from a dying man before the Winter strikes with its full strength. There was a small glimpse of the warmth in the corridor as we had a very small celebration of the final exam and as well as a goodbye to those leaving already the following day.
Today the silent lay heavy in the morning. Went on a shopping trip to find presents to myself. Thats right, you feel so much happier spending money for yourself (until the hangover comes over you and you think "why did I buy this stuff?"). Need to start thinking about packing all my stuff together.
måndag 8 december 2008
Hej Mitt Vinterland
Seems like I have neglected updating this as the final exam comes upon me. Alright, the 4 December we had the final guest speakers of the course. Someone from Inter-American group or whatever and the other the Jamaican Ambassador. A very "nice" lesson (not enhanced nice, just fun to see if there is some reaction). Afterwards thinking up some skit for the coming day.
Friday. Goodbye speak from the professor and writing of evaluation. Then the class skits. Very funny, one of the best lessons ever (of course there was cake there as well). Only thing that surprised me was that no one made a parody about me. Come on, I spent the whole semester going around saying "it's not that cold", people referred to me as the Swedish bank, my ramblings about Norway, Finland, Denmark and Russia and King Niklas I would alone be something, but no. Nothing. Still, it was very funny.
Later that day. Preparing for the Winter Masquerade. A very good party. I need to upload the pictures on facebook. The best thing was the Chocolate Fountain. And strawberries. Good God, my senses was in heaven while tasting that, exploding with the sweet taste of chocolate together with the natural taste of the strawberries.
Saturday. Finished the book critique. Not a good one, but it's finished. Began studying for the exam. Oh, and it snowed as well. And it is damn cold.
Sunday. All study day and the snow is still out there, but only in some remote location under a shadow. Need to press more knowledge into my head.
Friday. Goodbye speak from the professor and writing of evaluation. Then the class skits. Very funny, one of the best lessons ever (of course there was cake there as well). Only thing that surprised me was that no one made a parody about me. Come on, I spent the whole semester going around saying "it's not that cold", people referred to me as the Swedish bank, my ramblings about Norway, Finland, Denmark and Russia and King Niklas I would alone be something, but no. Nothing. Still, it was very funny.
Later that day. Preparing for the Winter Masquerade. A very good party. I need to upload the pictures on facebook. The best thing was the Chocolate Fountain. And strawberries. Good God, my senses was in heaven while tasting that, exploding with the sweet taste of chocolate together with the natural taste of the strawberries.
Saturday. Finished the book critique. Not a good one, but it's finished. Began studying for the exam. Oh, and it snowed as well. And it is damn cold.
Sunday. All study day and the snow is still out there, but only in some remote location under a shadow. Need to press more knowledge into my head.
torsdag 4 december 2008
The Final Countdown
It's been a week since the last update, so here's a quick recap:
First of, New York City. The city that never sleeps. The Big Apple. Four hours buss ride starting 3:30 in the morning. Plugged in to my Ipod and let the music float over me and accompany me in my sleep. Arrives 7 in the morning and goes to see the Thanksgiving parade when it passed by Columbus circle. Very fun seeing Snoopy, Kermit and the Muppet's and other famous characters passing by together with other less famous like Miley Cyrus (I watch to much Disney). The only bad thing was that I didn't predicted the weather. It was freezing cold. The howling wind cut through my clothes and bones and left me shaking in the streets. I was not the only one. I meet some other from the university and out of us there, two others where from Scandinavia and all three of us as shaking while the Americans had fur coats (not really, but they were at least prepared). We stod there for 5 hours!!!
Other things that day were that we went and had dinner together, and on our way we passed the outskirts of Central Park and onto Broaway and Times Square. After dinner we went to the Metro. It hated me. I couldn't get a pass out from the damn maschine as it didn't tae my card or didn't take money. Luckily enough one of the Americans had an extra card so I use that. Stupid maschine. The Norwegian I was traveling with and myself went onward to Harlem were our Hostel was located. We also went and saw the new James Bond movie. Vey good and so true in many ways.
Let see, Friday Today we headed to the UN. When we went out of the Metro station we looked up and saw ths tall old skyscrape. Empire State Building we though (apperently it was the Chrysler Building). Entered the UN and walked on tour with a Rumanian guide. Got use of my political science studies when you could outshine everyone in how many members the UN have (192 to be exact) and the Secretary-General. Very nice presents fom different countries around the world, especially a nice sculpture made out of ivory and very detailed from China.
After this we went to Broadway to get tickets to a show with the Norwegians supervisor and family. Went and saw "Hairspray". I would probably prefured "Phantom of the Opera", "Jesus Christ Superstar" or even Mamma Mia! (it's swedish and I know the songs, come on) but it was very good. That night also when we were walking down Times Square I heard one of my classmates from the University. The odds for that are so low.
Saturday. Time for mass sighseeing. We actually went inside the Chrysker building and were told that it was not the Empire State Building. We got the direction and walked over there instead and entered. Hugh cue to the top, so we decided to skip going to the top. Walked over town through Wall Street and to Ground Zero. Also, when we came to Wall street three or more firetrucks came and firefighters went down in the Metro were we came up from, and later on I was just standing on the pedestrian walk when two taxis crosed the street and one forced the other on to the pedestrian walk and continued. Just in front of me, 3-4 meters away.
Sunday and it was back to D.C. at 8 o'clock in the morning. The Norwegian guy had partyed from 1 to 4. He was tired. Lucky for us, the weather changed to rain as we sat on the bus so no problem there. Rest of the day was study day. 12 pages left on a book critique. Was down to 9 at the end of the day.
Monday work day. New employee at the staff and a free lunch. Forth time eating something asian. Stressed back and continued writing. 5 left at the end.
Tuesday. Final day. Felt very sad t leave as it has been fun to work there. While working I couldn't help but check my e-mail and the book asignment had been postponed 24 hours. There is a higher power! After work I continued writing and had one page left. Clock was 2 in the morning.
Wednesday and I woke up at 10. Wrote half a page. Went to classes. Afterwards I had the final meeting with WASSA and then we went forlunch together. Organization paid of course, most of it. Need to finish that one last page now I tought and went back at 9 for one hard hour writing. Didn't do that, but talked for half an hour with people I hadn't seen since before Thanksgiving. Finaly sit down at the computer and a new message. Once again the ssignment is pstponed, now to Sunday. There is truly a higher power.
First of, New York City. The city that never sleeps. The Big Apple. Four hours buss ride starting 3:30 in the morning. Plugged in to my Ipod and let the music float over me and accompany me in my sleep. Arrives 7 in the morning and goes to see the Thanksgiving parade when it passed by Columbus circle. Very fun seeing Snoopy, Kermit and the Muppet's and other famous characters passing by together with other less famous like Miley Cyrus (I watch to much Disney). The only bad thing was that I didn't predicted the weather. It was freezing cold. The howling wind cut through my clothes and bones and left me shaking in the streets. I was not the only one. I meet some other from the university and out of us there, two others where from Scandinavia and all three of us as shaking while the Americans had fur coats (not really, but they were at least prepared). We stod there for 5 hours!!!
Other things that day were that we went and had dinner together, and on our way we passed the outskirts of Central Park and onto Broaway and Times Square. After dinner we went to the Metro. It hated me. I couldn't get a pass out from the damn maschine as it didn't tae my card or didn't take money. Luckily enough one of the Americans had an extra card so I use that. Stupid maschine. The Norwegian I was traveling with and myself went onward to Harlem were our Hostel was located. We also went and saw the new James Bond movie. Vey good and so true in many ways.
Let see, Friday Today we headed to the UN. When we went out of the Metro station we looked up and saw ths tall old skyscrape. Empire State Building we though (apperently it was the Chrysler Building). Entered the UN and walked on tour with a Rumanian guide. Got use of my political science studies when you could outshine everyone in how many members the UN have (192 to be exact) and the Secretary-General. Very nice presents fom different countries around the world, especially a nice sculpture made out of ivory and very detailed from China.
After this we went to Broadway to get tickets to a show with the Norwegians supervisor and family. Went and saw "Hairspray". I would probably prefured "Phantom of the Opera", "Jesus Christ Superstar" or even Mamma Mia! (it's swedish and I know the songs, come on) but it was very good. That night also when we were walking down Times Square I heard one of my classmates from the University. The odds for that are so low.
Saturday. Time for mass sighseeing. We actually went inside the Chrysker building and were told that it was not the Empire State Building. We got the direction and walked over there instead and entered. Hugh cue to the top, so we decided to skip going to the top. Walked over town through Wall Street and to Ground Zero. Also, when we came to Wall street three or more firetrucks came and firefighters went down in the Metro were we came up from, and later on I was just standing on the pedestrian walk when two taxis crosed the street and one forced the other on to the pedestrian walk and continued. Just in front of me, 3-4 meters away.
Sunday and it was back to D.C. at 8 o'clock in the morning. The Norwegian guy had partyed from 1 to 4. He was tired. Lucky for us, the weather changed to rain as we sat on the bus so no problem there. Rest of the day was study day. 12 pages left on a book critique. Was down to 9 at the end of the day.
Monday work day. New employee at the staff and a free lunch. Forth time eating something asian. Stressed back and continued writing. 5 left at the end.
Tuesday. Final day. Felt very sad t leave as it has been fun to work there. While working I couldn't help but check my e-mail and the book asignment had been postponed 24 hours. There is a higher power! After work I continued writing and had one page left. Clock was 2 in the morning.
Wednesday and I woke up at 10. Wrote half a page. Went to classes. Afterwards I had the final meeting with WASSA and then we went forlunch together. Organization paid of course, most of it. Need to finish that one last page now I tought and went back at 9 for one hard hour writing. Didn't do that, but talked for half an hour with people I hadn't seen since before Thanksgiving. Finaly sit down at the computer and a new message. Once again the ssignment is pstponed, now to Sunday. There is truly a higher power.
torsdag 27 november 2008
Sound of Silence
It has been a while now. Quick recap. Nov. 19 don't remember anything special from that. Nov. 20 one of my classmates turning 21. Nice party. Nov. 21 to 23 out of my memory. Sunday morning, more specific 1:30 am a German and Korean calls my roommate to celebrate his birthday. After he been parting all night. He got a 2 cupcakes and a balloon. We celebrated him a bit later in the day with a very god cake and a present. Nov. 24 - 25 was work days. The 25th was also the day when the students in Ecuador came back. Some people were more happy than others but it was very chaotic. Also the Japanese guy came back, but disappeared again. He seems to have survived Ecuador at least.
Today. The silence was thick when everyones gone away for thanksgiving. My day consisted of to do as much homework as possible to make up for the coming days as I go to New York. Thats right. I'm making another trip outside of DC. Hopefully I will not feel bad for all the work I'm leaving behind. Everything will turn out fine, but it will probably some all nighters before that. Happy Thanksgiving to those who care.
Today. The silence was thick when everyones gone away for thanksgiving. My day consisted of to do as much homework as possible to make up for the coming days as I go to New York. Thats right. I'm making another trip outside of DC. Hopefully I will not feel bad for all the work I'm leaving behind. Everything will turn out fine, but it will probably some all nighters before that. Happy Thanksgiving to those who care.
onsdag 19 november 2008
Phantom of the Opera
Sunday afternoon. The economic students are insane. It's cold and they are doing a sketch outside for 20 minutes (and I'm just stupid for agreeing to film the whole sketch, should have gotten more clothes).
Monday. Work again and then stress back to campus for an opera performance at the Kennedy Center. Showing Lucrezia Borgia with Renée Fleming in the lead (in Italian). Very good I must say, very good. Very funny to look at the rest of the audience. All old, ladies wearing fur coats and so on. But all was sold out so all seats was taken. There were Italians, French, Asians (don't know if it was Japanese, Korean or Chinese) and Americans. And definitely a Russian couple. An old man going around with his much younger wife (those classmates who where in Egypt last year should know what I'm talking about).
Tuesday and a new working day, but this day the interns toured the Capital and the Library of Congress. And ate at the cafeteria in one of the bildings for the Congresspersons. Nothing special. Although I must say that the whole complex is huge with underground tunnels and halls with beautiful statues. It stunned me, much more intresting than the White House. Great place for a paint-ball war (would probably never happened, but it would be fun). Funny fact, they had a bust with Raoul Wallenberg inside the Capital.
And to tie together with the last entry, it snowed today. How fun.
Monday. Work again and then stress back to campus for an opera performance at the Kennedy Center. Showing Lucrezia Borgia with Renée Fleming in the lead (in Italian). Very good I must say, very good. Very funny to look at the rest of the audience. All old, ladies wearing fur coats and so on. But all was sold out so all seats was taken. There were Italians, French, Asians (don't know if it was Japanese, Korean or Chinese) and Americans. And definitely a Russian couple. An old man going around with his much younger wife (those classmates who where in Egypt last year should know what I'm talking about).
Tuesday and a new working day, but this day the interns toured the Capital and the Library of Congress. And ate at the cafeteria in one of the bildings for the Congresspersons. Nothing special. Although I must say that the whole complex is huge with underground tunnels and halls with beautiful statues. It stunned me, much more intresting than the White House. Great place for a paint-ball war (would probably never happened, but it would be fun). Funny fact, they had a bust with Raoul Wallenberg inside the Capital.
And to tie together with the last entry, it snowed today. How fun.
söndag 16 november 2008
The Illusion of Power
It is a couple of days recap now.
Thursday. Bought Judas Priests new album Nostradamus and some new earphones and god, those earphones was a very good investment. I can actually hear the music now without turning the volume up to max. And what a sound. It's heavenly.
Friday. Don't remember what happened on Friday, probably a boring day.
Saturday. Up early and away to the White House. Took the bus, cheaper, but packed with all kind of strange people. Wished I had brought my Ipod, but they didn't say it was allowed and I could either strangle someone with the earphone chord or use the Ipod to bash someones head in so I left it at home. And boy, they had a very strict security. Really, it took us almost longer to stand in security check than walking around the White House. So I woke up at 8:30 to enjoy something that took 20 minutes. How fun. I need to go to the Royal Castle in Sweden just to compare these two.
The Afternoon was funny though. I actually had control over the remote and sat there from 7 to 1pm watching movies, series and such. First a documentary of the Antichrist and the Evangelical Christians in the US. Of course they predicted the Antichrist would rise from Europe (hard to see ones own fault). Then the end of Shrek with the songs Hallelujah and I'm a Believer. Most funny things was over, but two of the best songs were there. Then, embarrassing as it is, Alvin and the Chipmunks. Afterwards I sap through the channels until I find Cartoon Network and they show Superman: Doomsday. Those who came in at this moment just looks at me. One even said that she knew I was young, but not this young. I just countered with that I'm a childish person.
After this I went down to the TARC to see Baby Mama with all the others (even though I can't see the difference between my childlike appreciation of movies and series and the childlike humor of that movie). After that movie I go back up and watch two episodes of Doctor Who before going to bed.
Sunday. Horrible. Got a cold again and feeling tired and depressed. The weather is still much better than in Sweden, but now all the leafs are gone and it is just autumn depression vibes over the place. And it's raining. It could at least snow.
Thursday. Bought Judas Priests new album Nostradamus and some new earphones and god, those earphones was a very good investment. I can actually hear the music now without turning the volume up to max. And what a sound. It's heavenly.
Friday. Don't remember what happened on Friday, probably a boring day.
Saturday. Up early and away to the White House. Took the bus, cheaper, but packed with all kind of strange people. Wished I had brought my Ipod, but they didn't say it was allowed and I could either strangle someone with the earphone chord or use the Ipod to bash someones head in so I left it at home. And boy, they had a very strict security. Really, it took us almost longer to stand in security check than walking around the White House. So I woke up at 8:30 to enjoy something that took 20 minutes. How fun. I need to go to the Royal Castle in Sweden just to compare these two.
The Afternoon was funny though. I actually had control over the remote and sat there from 7 to 1pm watching movies, series and such. First a documentary of the Antichrist and the Evangelical Christians in the US. Of course they predicted the Antichrist would rise from Europe (hard to see ones own fault). Then the end of Shrek with the songs Hallelujah and I'm a Believer. Most funny things was over, but two of the best songs were there. Then, embarrassing as it is, Alvin and the Chipmunks. Afterwards I sap through the channels until I find Cartoon Network and they show Superman: Doomsday. Those who came in at this moment just looks at me. One even said that she knew I was young, but not this young. I just countered with that I'm a childish person.
After this I went down to the TARC to see Baby Mama with all the others (even though I can't see the difference between my childlike appreciation of movies and series and the childlike humor of that movie). After that movie I go back up and watch two episodes of Doctor Who before going to bed.
Sunday. Horrible. Got a cold again and feeling tired and depressed. The weather is still much better than in Sweden, but now all the leafs are gone and it is just autumn depression vibes over the place. And it's raining. It could at least snow.
torsdag 13 november 2008
The Wizard
Tuesday was a day you don't remember much about. More fun on Wednesday on the other hand. First of all it is confirmed that my class is going to The White (Black) House on Saturday, the downside is that you are not allowed to take with you any cameras, or pen, or tape recorder, ammunition, guns, fireworks and so on. I guess I take my mace with me then...damn, they prohibited it to. What are you allowed to bring? Your cellphone? Which consist of camera and sound recorder...apparently.
More good news was that we have postponed 2 assignments and canceled another. So nice. Oh, and we are also supposed to make a sketch about or internship experience. Looks like it's back into the theater light again.
The last thing to happen was me together with a couple of others were going to a basketball game. That's right, me going to watch a sport in an Arena. That's from the same person that didn't go to see a soccer game with Roma when he was in Italy (and frankly, still don't regret, except that some girls in the other room had to come over and play cards with me when I wanted to sleep). The game was between Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz. And I finally realized why they have 3 mascots and a team of light dressed girls running around with there pompoms. Basketball must be the most boring game in the world. All they did was running back and forward on the plan scoring here and there. The Volleyball game was so much more interesting (I wonder if that had something to do with that all players where girls or that I actually understood the basics for the game and played it myself). It could also be due to that the seat didn't give enough room for my legs. Even though it sounds harsh, it was actually fun to see it and be there.
Oh yeah, almost forgot. They actually checked my jacket at the arena (probably due to my camera, cellphone and Ipod forming itself to the shape of a gun or similair). And I got caught at the Metro exit. Damn card didn't register the first time so I tried to avoid pay anything (yes, I did it by my own free will, but it has worked before).
In studies we continue onward with Israel-Palestina and the rest of the Middle East. Seriously, I'm getting a headache of this. I feel more hostile to my surrounding and I feel like I'm gonna snap (not that good writing before entering the White house, but I'm a pacifist by heart). So, by controlling the feeling that the world is completly hopeless I prepared a question. Also I prepared follow up questions on what would bethe likely answears to that question. I'm so proud of it.
More good news was that we have postponed 2 assignments and canceled another. So nice. Oh, and we are also supposed to make a sketch about or internship experience. Looks like it's back into the theater light again.
The last thing to happen was me together with a couple of others were going to a basketball game. That's right, me going to watch a sport in an Arena. That's from the same person that didn't go to see a soccer game with Roma when he was in Italy (and frankly, still don't regret, except that some girls in the other room had to come over and play cards with me when I wanted to sleep). The game was between Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz. And I finally realized why they have 3 mascots and a team of light dressed girls running around with there pompoms. Basketball must be the most boring game in the world. All they did was running back and forward on the plan scoring here and there. The Volleyball game was so much more interesting (I wonder if that had something to do with that all players where girls or that I actually understood the basics for the game and played it myself). It could also be due to that the seat didn't give enough room for my legs. Even though it sounds harsh, it was actually fun to see it and be there.
Oh yeah, almost forgot. They actually checked my jacket at the arena (probably due to my camera, cellphone and Ipod forming itself to the shape of a gun or similair). And I got caught at the Metro exit. Damn card didn't register the first time so I tried to avoid pay anything (yes, I did it by my own free will, but it has worked before).
In studies we continue onward with Israel-Palestina and the rest of the Middle East. Seriously, I'm getting a headache of this. I feel more hostile to my surrounding and I feel like I'm gonna snap (not that good writing before entering the White house, but I'm a pacifist by heart). So, by controlling the feeling that the world is completly hopeless I prepared a question. Also I prepared follow up questions on what would bethe likely answears to that question. I'm so proud of it.
tisdag 11 november 2008
Broken Heroes
Monday morning and as usual it's working day. At least the sun is up when you go to work cause it ain't when I get back. The sun actually sets when I leave the building and after 30 minutes below the ground it's gone. Winter depression here I come. Lucky enough the boss had a bar of Swiss chocholate that everyone took from (I really miss Marabou).
And when I finally comes back Menja is in the room with heater on. My GOD, how I hate it. This night I woke up because he turned on the heater as I was sleeping (of course I had both windows open during the day before, but thats besides the point) so I turned it of (he also forgot to close the windows so I understand if he felt the cold). This will probably escalate into a Cold vs Warm war (and of course everyone knows that Cold is better then Heath).
Another thing about Mondays is that, apperently, they show new episodes of How I met your Mother and Heroes. Which I missed during the whole semester (damn it). Even more annoying was the ending of Heroes. I hate cliffhangers. At least I can enjoy that no one back in Sweden has seen it:).
And when I finally comes back Menja is in the room with heater on. My GOD, how I hate it. This night I woke up because he turned on the heater as I was sleeping (of course I had both windows open during the day before, but thats besides the point) so I turned it of (he also forgot to close the windows so I understand if he felt the cold). This will probably escalate into a Cold vs Warm war (and of course everyone knows that Cold is better then Heath).
Another thing about Mondays is that, apperently, they show new episodes of How I met your Mother and Heroes. Which I missed during the whole semester (damn it). Even more annoying was the ending of Heroes. I hate cliffhangers. At least I can enjoy that no one back in Sweden has seen it:).
måndag 10 november 2008
Carry Me Over
Alright, I begin to realize I've been here to long when my jokes begin to sound like the Professors. Not good. Today was study day and I realizes as well that it's gonna be a though last month with a lot of stress. Sounds fun. The readings just make me aggravated and I just want to hit the writers. They are so ignorant and I feel a very violent urge when I read thru some of it. Count to 10.
1...
2...
3... Calm.
The more fun parts of the day was when I talked to an old friend from high school (talked, more or less chat on facebook). Boy, how I miss all those people. Another more happy thing was the dinner. After eating Z-burgers for 3 to 4 days I stumble upon my RA and some others in the corridor making food. So I end up cooking parts of the rice to a chili and sausage dinner. Very good and nice company. Somehow the conversation begin to sift to hair so I tell them about my long-haired period. They can't believe it so I have to show them. All the girls go ahhh ... seriously, every time I show a photo of my long-hair all girls goes on with how cute it is and such. Wished I had keept it.
After that I saw how fun everyone else had it in Karlstad and I miss it. It feels like I have seen the most thing and could go home. I really miss all classmates in Sweden. Of course the Swedish newcomer asked me if I wanted to go back home to my family. I said no and thats probably still true because I know that when I get home it will be 3 LONG weeks with my sisters, isolated from the world around me . Also thought upon my birthday in more than a month. 21 in Sweden is completly wasteless, doesn't mean anything but here it is THE birthay. So 21 is special until I get home and actually becomes it...4 months to late. Bummer.
1...
2...
3... Calm.
The more fun parts of the day was when I talked to an old friend from high school (talked, more or less chat on facebook). Boy, how I miss all those people. Another more happy thing was the dinner. After eating Z-burgers for 3 to 4 days I stumble upon my RA and some others in the corridor making food. So I end up cooking parts of the rice to a chili and sausage dinner. Very good and nice company. Somehow the conversation begin to sift to hair so I tell them about my long-haired period. They can't believe it so I have to show them. All the girls go ahhh ... seriously, every time I show a photo of my long-hair all girls goes on with how cute it is and such. Wished I had keept it.
After that I saw how fun everyone else had it in Karlstad and I miss it. It feels like I have seen the most thing and could go home. I really miss all classmates in Sweden. Of course the Swedish newcomer asked me if I wanted to go back home to my family. I said no and thats probably still true because I know that when I get home it will be 3 LONG weeks with my sisters, isolated from the world around me . Also thought upon my birthday in more than a month. 21 in Sweden is completly wasteless, doesn't mean anything but here it is THE birthay. So 21 is special until I get home and actually becomes it...4 months to late. Bummer.
söndag 9 november 2008
The Only Ones Here
Silence...
It's so quiet while everyone has spread all over the world.
China, Ecuador, Europe and the Middle East. The corridors are empty and silent so are many of the rooms, a ghostly veil covering us all joined with the dark. How I love it.
This was not the case with Wednesday. Four people in just our room, but thanks to our understanding for each other there where no problems. Wednesday was study day for the exam on Thursday. After a long struggle to free myself from the grip of the computer and Facebook I'm able to drag my feet to the Auditorium for studies, for a while. Until a class occupies it so it's out on a hunt for a new study room. Eventually it's finally settled and some progress is shown.
Exam day, how fun. Maps and questions about WW1 and an attack upon Taiwan. Sometimes you must sacrifice the most important principles in your life. Taiwan had to go. After this lecture on the Middle East, not a fun subject in the sense that the whole region just have troubles for the future.
Friday was a long waited lecture on Africa, not fun either in the same sense, but with a more hopeful future in a possible future. Then a Palestinian view on the Israeli-Palestine conflict. Of course bias, but fairly historical accurate, even though some in the room had a hard time grasping it while other seemed to handle it very well. Of course it's a very infected question and I can't help but wondering when someone will break, either it will be one of us or one of the speakers. It's a minefield and every step could trigger the explosion. This day was also the day Yuki left for Ecuador. It will be empty without him and his Japanese pop-music.
Spend the evening watching movies down in the TARC. First movie I missed 1 hour and it was ca 30 minutes left. Crash and the first thing that happens when I'm sit down is a girl looking at her dad coming home and being threatend with a gun and she runs out and gets shot. Then I feel emotionally distressed. This kid being shot while hugging her father. It's such a sad scen. The rest of the movie is just a spiral of depression. Next movie was The Punisher, which means braindead action. After a couples of minutes I realize that it looks very familiar. Then I remember that I saw that movie before back in Sweden. Except that then I missed the begining, until the family massacre.
Saturday and this day I visited The House of Sweden, finally after being here for 3 months. A very beutiful area and the house was very nice and they had Dajm (internationally spelled as Daim). Then it was time for Christmas shopping which means that any of my sister read this that I want you to be very nice when I get back home for a month and hopefully longer (yes, I bribe my sisters, what's wrong with that?).
As a consequence of everyone moving out we take this oppurtunity to initiate the Swedsish Invasion. Yes, the revolution has begun by increasing the Swedsish presence on campus with 20%. With our forces bolstered we can can reach or goal for world domination by sparking a glorius revolution amidst the financial... who am I kidding? Melissas boyfriend has come over which means that we are 6 Swedes at the moment... I think. Some of them I hardly seen. Who knows? Maybe we are the only ones here.
It's so quiet while everyone has spread all over the world.
China, Ecuador, Europe and the Middle East. The corridors are empty and silent so are many of the rooms, a ghostly veil covering us all joined with the dark. How I love it.
This was not the case with Wednesday. Four people in just our room, but thanks to our understanding for each other there where no problems. Wednesday was study day for the exam on Thursday. After a long struggle to free myself from the grip of the computer and Facebook I'm able to drag my feet to the Auditorium for studies, for a while. Until a class occupies it so it's out on a hunt for a new study room. Eventually it's finally settled and some progress is shown.
Exam day, how fun. Maps and questions about WW1 and an attack upon Taiwan. Sometimes you must sacrifice the most important principles in your life. Taiwan had to go. After this lecture on the Middle East, not a fun subject in the sense that the whole region just have troubles for the future.
Friday was a long waited lecture on Africa, not fun either in the same sense, but with a more hopeful future in a possible future. Then a Palestinian view on the Israeli-Palestine conflict. Of course bias, but fairly historical accurate, even though some in the room had a hard time grasping it while other seemed to handle it very well. Of course it's a very infected question and I can't help but wondering when someone will break, either it will be one of us or one of the speakers. It's a minefield and every step could trigger the explosion. This day was also the day Yuki left for Ecuador. It will be empty without him and his Japanese pop-music.
Spend the evening watching movies down in the TARC. First movie I missed 1 hour and it was ca 30 minutes left. Crash and the first thing that happens when I'm sit down is a girl looking at her dad coming home and being threatend with a gun and she runs out and gets shot. Then I feel emotionally distressed. This kid being shot while hugging her father. It's such a sad scen. The rest of the movie is just a spiral of depression. Next movie was The Punisher, which means braindead action. After a couples of minutes I realize that it looks very familiar. Then I remember that I saw that movie before back in Sweden. Except that then I missed the begining, until the family massacre.
Saturday and this day I visited The House of Sweden, finally after being here for 3 months. A very beutiful area and the house was very nice and they had Dajm (internationally spelled as Daim). Then it was time for Christmas shopping which means that any of my sister read this that I want you to be very nice when I get back home for a month and hopefully longer (yes, I bribe my sisters, what's wrong with that?).
As a consequence of everyone moving out we take this oppurtunity to initiate the Swedsish Invasion. Yes, the revolution has begun by increasing the Swedsish presence on campus with 20%. With our forces bolstered we can can reach or goal for world domination by sparking a glorius revolution amidst the financial... who am I kidding? Melissas boyfriend has come over which means that we are 6 Swedes at the moment... I think. Some of them I hardly seen. Who knows? Maybe we are the only ones here.
onsdag 5 november 2008
Elected
The world is really small. The girl my Japanese roommate brought with him was actually a roommate to the Swedish student that came the year before me and took the same program as me. It's a small world indeed.
Election day and it is of to Starbucks with my cup filled with change. The result is that they took 5 minutes just to count it and then my breakfast was nearly done. Of to work. Not much happened there. The CEO is out working for some polling station so it's like when the cat is gone and the mice is on the table, even with senior staff members there.
After a log working day it's out in the rain an back to Campus with dinner. Then starts the election count down. Sits with some friends in the Capital Hall lounge discussing how in the world they can predict where one state is heading after counted 10% the votes on CNN. Boring channel though. They repeated the same statement three times and the only innovation was their holographic invention, but that was frankly kinda bad. Really, in a society with such a high technology standard to produce holograms and they still can't create universal education and healthcare? This country seriously need to check their priorities if a news channel can project a 3D image and they still have a serious debt problem.
Went down to the TARC to see the Daily Show special about the election which was very good. Returned after they announced the President to the lounge and saw all the speeches and stuff. When John McCain spoke I really felt pity for him as I clearly could see his tears and his stammering ways to speak during some occasions. It must really felt hard for tht man to come that far and still lose right at the end. This also show some flaws in their system as it clearly was very even in the popular vote between the candidatees, but the electoral voting system showed a landslide for Obama.
And hear we come to another interesting point of view. When Obama spoke he probably enchanted the whole population, but I couldn't stop thinking bout all the comments on that this was a historical day for US and such thing. Eventhough I actually hoped for him to win I really woder if thisis a historical victory. It was historical when Reagan brought all the states except Massachussets and DC, this was only talking about that Obama is black. Does color actually matter? To me, if this is supposed to be historical I would wait at least 4 years to see what he accomplish and see if he are able to be reelected which to me looks like an uphill battle all the way.
Another thing in the cold winter nights is, what are the Swedihs media gonna focusing on now? Everyday you could actually read about all the details in 1 years time. I realyy hope that this mediafocusing will continue to the European parliment election nex year which both affect us and where we actually can say something.
Election day and it is of to Starbucks with my cup filled with change. The result is that they took 5 minutes just to count it and then my breakfast was nearly done. Of to work. Not much happened there. The CEO is out working for some polling station so it's like when the cat is gone and the mice is on the table, even with senior staff members there.
After a log working day it's out in the rain an back to Campus with dinner. Then starts the election count down. Sits with some friends in the Capital Hall lounge discussing how in the world they can predict where one state is heading after counted 10% the votes on CNN. Boring channel though. They repeated the same statement three times and the only innovation was their holographic invention, but that was frankly kinda bad. Really, in a society with such a high technology standard to produce holograms and they still can't create universal education and healthcare? This country seriously need to check their priorities if a news channel can project a 3D image and they still have a serious debt problem.
Went down to the TARC to see the Daily Show special about the election which was very good. Returned after they announced the President to the lounge and saw all the speeches and stuff. When John McCain spoke I really felt pity for him as I clearly could see his tears and his stammering ways to speak during some occasions. It must really felt hard for tht man to come that far and still lose right at the end. This also show some flaws in their system as it clearly was very even in the popular vote between the candidatees, but the electoral voting system showed a landslide for Obama.
And hear we come to another interesting point of view. When Obama spoke he probably enchanted the whole population, but I couldn't stop thinking bout all the comments on that this was a historical day for US and such thing. Eventhough I actually hoped for him to win I really woder if thisis a historical victory. It was historical when Reagan brought all the states except Massachussets and DC, this was only talking about that Obama is black. Does color actually matter? To me, if this is supposed to be historical I would wait at least 4 years to see what he accomplish and see if he are able to be reelected which to me looks like an uphill battle all the way.
Another thing in the cold winter nights is, what are the Swedihs media gonna focusing on now? Everyday you could actually read about all the details in 1 years time. I realyy hope that this mediafocusing will continue to the European parliment election nex year which both affect us and where we actually can say something.
tisdag 4 november 2008
Devil Inside
So after a long weekend consisting of Halloween and two completely worthless days it's Monday again. Saturday was just a never ending sleep. I was so tired without any reason whatsoever for this change. That was one study day gone to dreamland. Sunday, boy, that was a hard challenge. Feeling stress over my Congressional assignment (which most part I didn't do) which was supposed to be in at 10pm. After 5 hours writing (writing and writing, seemed more like ways to escape writing) I produced 1 1/2 half page out of 3-4. Not very good, but it is still 4 hours left I think and then hell brakes lose. The damn fire alarm starts shouting so it's just to get out and stand in the November darkness until everything is checked.
Apparently their was someone that had burned their food and caused the alarm to go of. Feels like I need to teach that person to cook. Anyway I lost 30 minutes and then talk another 30 minutes because it is so boring to write. It feels like a winter depression is hitting me and I have no Marabou to keep my smile on. Luckily it is just 40 days left before going back home. Anyway I finished the paper and sent it in 5 minutes after deadline (shot me, it will end my misery).
Sunday night Yuki ask Menja and myself f it is alright if he let a friend stay the night. No problem, both of us are to tired to think about it. Menja goes to bed early to prepare for a telefon interview at 5 am and I decide to go to bed before Yukis freind showes up (apparently it was a girl which sleept in his bed while he sleept on the floor, which is strange enough because his part of the floor is the most disorganized of the whole room). Yuki nd his freind showed up after midnight waking me up and I quickly fell back to sleep. Next event was Menjas alarm going of at 4 am. This will not be a fun ay.
Wakes up at 7:30 and goes to Starbucks wich is crowded. I'm getting late but still manage to throw the coffee down my throat and be out around 8:30 and down to the Metro. Work. Goes back home and realizes that my wallet is soon about to explode with all the damned change that you never use (why the hell do they use cent without any practical meaning?) By calculating my breakfast expenses I prepared the most evil plan ever in mankind. I have a cup with 6 dollars and 66 cent in coins to pay my breakfast tomorrow. It is so evil (it was either that or stand and put coin after cooin in the farecard machine, but I don't know if they take 1 cents). Hopefully that will cure my winter depression. The dayligh saving doesn't seem to work cause it' dark when I go up and it's dark when I get back. What's the meaning of it? And as a footnote Yukis friend has sleept the whole day it seems since I got back.
Apparently their was someone that had burned their food and caused the alarm to go of. Feels like I need to teach that person to cook. Anyway I lost 30 minutes and then talk another 30 minutes because it is so boring to write. It feels like a winter depression is hitting me and I have no Marabou to keep my smile on. Luckily it is just 40 days left before going back home. Anyway I finished the paper and sent it in 5 minutes after deadline (shot me, it will end my misery).
Sunday night Yuki ask Menja and myself f it is alright if he let a friend stay the night. No problem, both of us are to tired to think about it. Menja goes to bed early to prepare for a telefon interview at 5 am and I decide to go to bed before Yukis freind showes up (apparently it was a girl which sleept in his bed while he sleept on the floor, which is strange enough because his part of the floor is the most disorganized of the whole room). Yuki nd his freind showed up after midnight waking me up and I quickly fell back to sleep. Next event was Menjas alarm going of at 4 am. This will not be a fun ay.
Wakes up at 7:30 and goes to Starbucks wich is crowded. I'm getting late but still manage to throw the coffee down my throat and be out around 8:30 and down to the Metro. Work. Goes back home and realizes that my wallet is soon about to explode with all the damned change that you never use (why the hell do they use cent without any practical meaning?) By calculating my breakfast expenses I prepared the most evil plan ever in mankind. I have a cup with 6 dollars and 66 cent in coins to pay my breakfast tomorrow. It is so evil (it was either that or stand and put coin after cooin in the farecard machine, but I don't know if they take 1 cents). Hopefully that will cure my winter depression. The dayligh saving doesn't seem to work cause it' dark when I go up and it's dark when I get back. What's the meaning of it? And as a footnote Yukis friend has sleept the whole day it seems since I got back.
lördag 1 november 2008
Spirits in the Night
The night of spirits walking on the streets.
Ghosts of ancient past have returned to haunt the living.
The living trembling in fear inside their homes hearing all the feet's.
Charon upstream the river Styx is sailing.
Ghouls are flying past.
The veil of death are thinning.
Worshiper of Darkness prepares to act fast.
Their prophecies are now ripe.
Forces of Evil their shadow cast.
Today we went to the Chinese embassy. There is something about not so perfect states and their embassy's. They all look so more friendly (on the inside, the outside is just plain awful) and more beautiful than the others. Yeah, and for those who read the input under "Deal with the Devil", forget what I said. This afternoon we thought that we were supposed to meet this old governmental representative but did we do that? No, the professor dressed himself up as the devil and scared everyone in class and after that it was time for a Halloween cake.
Back at campus everyone else were preparing to go out but due to being of a kinda boring person that was not an option. Nice to see everyone else to dress up, but I watched some episodes of Southpark and then the movie Snatch. My god, it was a long time ago since I laughed so much during a night. When I'm finally finishing this post it's actually 2 am November 1st. I need some sleep.
Ghosts of ancient past have returned to haunt the living.
The living trembling in fear inside their homes hearing all the feet's.
Charon upstream the river Styx is sailing.
Ghouls are flying past.
The veil of death are thinning.
Worshiper of Darkness prepares to act fast.
Their prophecies are now ripe.
Forces of Evil their shadow cast.
Today we went to the Chinese embassy. There is something about not so perfect states and their embassy's. They all look so more friendly (on the inside, the outside is just plain awful) and more beautiful than the others. Yeah, and for those who read the input under "Deal with the Devil", forget what I said. This afternoon we thought that we were supposed to meet this old governmental representative but did we do that? No, the professor dressed himself up as the devil and scared everyone in class and after that it was time for a Halloween cake.
Back at campus everyone else were preparing to go out but due to being of a kinda boring person that was not an option. Nice to see everyone else to dress up, but I watched some episodes of Southpark and then the movie Snatch. My god, it was a long time ago since I laughed so much during a night. When I'm finally finishing this post it's actually 2 am November 1st. I need some sleep.
fredag 31 oktober 2008
Top of the World
"It's not that cold!". The immediate response is that "you are from Sweden, this is summer for you". Actually it's just early October but anyway. After annoying the Arizona people for a long time about not standing the cold, he challenged me to wear shorts for class the next day. I love challenges. This was Tuesday and the cold was kinda horrible. Before I actually walked around the hill in rain and wind after seeing my CEO speak at a discussion about the future of peacekeeping. Very good deserts and I actually got a new computerbag (to small, but it was free and free is good).
The Wednesday it was time to prepare. After checking the temperature by going to Starbucks in my jeans I could confirm that it was cold like Antarctica, what in the world have I gotten my self into? Checks the schedule and realizes that we are going to the Frezzer. I'm Doomed, but I put on the shorts and walk down 1 hour ahead to see how could it really is. Go in and 1 window is smashed and there is snow in the whole room with puddles of ice just around the window...just kidding. Actually they turned on the heater so it's not that bad. Nearly falls asleep waiting for someone to show up. Oh yeah, almost forgot, I was wearing sandals without socks. So somone jokigly said that the most astonishing thing was the light that reflected from my palewhite legs on those entering.
Today it was classdiscussion on Russia and some comment on what that crazed Swede was doing in sandals and shorts. After that, 1 hour lunch and then out in the cold and cross the Campus to the other side. It was just to ignore the bliztering cold that cut through my flesh and blood and keep walking until we finally arrived and yes, I was wearing a t-shirt as well. Next seesion contains map, movie, discussion on China and a speaker from Taiwan. She probably thought I were from Belgium due to my green t-shirt I got there as she commented on that. Actually at the end of the session it was so warm in the room that I actually were glad I had shorts (another funny comment was that during the late summer and early autumn they never saw me in shorts and now when it is freackin cold I go around in shorts). Unfourtunatly I had to cross the Campus again so I was out in the chill. While crossing I pass two girls who turn silent walking by and then starts laughing. My classmate walking beside me turns around and tells me that they are looking at me. I can't help but laugh.
WASSA meeting...lets skip that.
Thursday and it is buisness casual so I can't wear shorts (what a loss). We head to a human right activist talking about China. After that running around looking for something to eat as we continue onward to a group informing about Tibet. There someone mentioned that me and she would go around in shorts when the first snow comes around just to show that "it is not cold!". My God, that would put some people of.
Arriving back from class it's onward to Main Campus and get tape to a WASSA thing and luckily enough the bus shows up seconds after I arrive at the stop. Go by the tape and go outside waiting. Then I and some others see the bus on the wrong road and we miss it. I just walk back (it's just 15 minutes but it is the principle) and put up the WASSA posters. After that there is the Fall festival evvent hosted by WASSA. I go around trying to be as helpful as possible. It was a ver funny night with people carving pumpkins and playing beerpond (wth rootbeer boringly enough). The highlight was the pieeating contest where 3 contestents stufed their faces in custards pie. One of the contestants was Adam from class who actually won (I wish I had brought my camera).
The Wednesday it was time to prepare. After checking the temperature by going to Starbucks in my jeans I could confirm that it was cold like Antarctica, what in the world have I gotten my self into? Checks the schedule and realizes that we are going to the Frezzer. I'm Doomed, but I put on the shorts and walk down 1 hour ahead to see how could it really is. Go in and 1 window is smashed and there is snow in the whole room with puddles of ice just around the window...just kidding. Actually they turned on the heater so it's not that bad. Nearly falls asleep waiting for someone to show up. Oh yeah, almost forgot, I was wearing sandals without socks. So somone jokigly said that the most astonishing thing was the light that reflected from my palewhite legs on those entering.
Today it was classdiscussion on Russia and some comment on what that crazed Swede was doing in sandals and shorts. After that, 1 hour lunch and then out in the cold and cross the Campus to the other side. It was just to ignore the bliztering cold that cut through my flesh and blood and keep walking until we finally arrived and yes, I was wearing a t-shirt as well. Next seesion contains map, movie, discussion on China and a speaker from Taiwan. She probably thought I were from Belgium due to my green t-shirt I got there as she commented on that. Actually at the end of the session it was so warm in the room that I actually were glad I had shorts (another funny comment was that during the late summer and early autumn they never saw me in shorts and now when it is freackin cold I go around in shorts). Unfourtunatly I had to cross the Campus again so I was out in the chill. While crossing I pass two girls who turn silent walking by and then starts laughing. My classmate walking beside me turns around and tells me that they are looking at me. I can't help but laugh.
WASSA meeting...lets skip that.
Thursday and it is buisness casual so I can't wear shorts (what a loss). We head to a human right activist talking about China. After that running around looking for something to eat as we continue onward to a group informing about Tibet. There someone mentioned that me and she would go around in shorts when the first snow comes around just to show that "it is not cold!". My God, that would put some people of.
Arriving back from class it's onward to Main Campus and get tape to a WASSA thing and luckily enough the bus shows up seconds after I arrive at the stop. Go by the tape and go outside waiting. Then I and some others see the bus on the wrong road and we miss it. I just walk back (it's just 15 minutes but it is the principle) and put up the WASSA posters. After that there is the Fall festival evvent hosted by WASSA. I go around trying to be as helpful as possible. It was a ver funny night with people carving pumpkins and playing beerpond (wth rootbeer boringly enough). The highlight was the pieeating contest where 3 contestents stufed their faces in custards pie. One of the contestants was Adam from class who actually won (I wish I had brought my camera).
onsdag 29 oktober 2008
Re: One Night In The City
This is the English version on what went on during the weekend after some has wanted to know what happened.
Alright, so it was time to study, but then I suddenly got the offer to go over to Philadelphia instead. Study you can do later so it was time t pack a bag with the most necessary and sleep 12 hours before the journey started. Goes up at 7:30 and onward to Starbucks for 1 hour breakfast. Return to Campus around 9 to went for all the others until the appointed time of 9:30. The others consists of the Norwegians Lars and Jannike and the Germans Rebecca, Katharina, Eva, Bianca and Andrea. Funny enough one of the girls actually shows up at 9:15 and begin preaching about when to come at an appointed time (old habits are hard to break). What did she do their? German efficiency with getting coffee and breakfast to most of them at the same time.
After that we awaits as they come one by one. Clock turns 10 and we are still waiting. Apparently all of the girls had partied the night before and the night before that so one of them had overslept. In the meantime I am astonished by all the bags. It is 2 days, 1 night, but still the Norwegians cames with hiking backpacks. On the other hand everyone is amazed that I could fit everything I needed in a small computer bag (with the exception of being practical I hadn't any backpack so that was only option I had). The majority decides to move on to the car rental while one stays for what my professor would call for "a sleepyhead". So it's onward to Crystal City (after some detours for some).
We arrive after a metro ride and the girls panned to rent to car, but at the place they suggested to rent a 8-seated SUV for he whole gang. We are instantly hooked and looks on as the big, dark purple car slowly droves in front of us. In the meantime those left behind arrives so it's only to pack everyone into the car and we are on the way. Jannike was the main driver and Katharina the first navigator (or the GPS as she would be known as). The time was now 11. After 1 hour drive we arrive to MacDonald's for lunch. While we sitting as cramped around a table as in the car it begins to rain (I can tell you that it rained all the way to Philly). 1 o'clock it's out on the highway again. Keeping the good spirit up with everything from music and talk. The only serious incident occurs when we discover that we are on the wrong lane in this gigantic highway and our exit hastily race against us which forces us to cross three lanes and out on a exit curve when we travel a little bit off-road because of the rain that now beats down on us. Otherwise the whole trip is without incidents.
On the radio they play everything from overproduced American trashpop to really good music like Are You Gonna Go My Way (Lenny Kravitz), Let It Be (The Beatles who actually seems bigger than God) to Can't Get Enough (Bad Company (which is a very good description of the other passengers hehehe)). The trip went to Lancaster and from that onward to Amish Country where we got a guided tour around some sort of show area. I'm not jealous, I'm way to comfartable with my life. This t6our was accompanied with some kids who just looked bored. The other passangers where really inquisitive which seemed to put the guide of guard a bit. Some area was on the outside in the rain. After we all where finished it was around 6 o'clock so we continue onward to Philly. This segment involves some detours caused by the GPS and when we finaly arrives it looks overcrowded. Apparently it's the World Series in baseball and a convention of some sort during this week so all hotells, Motells, Hostells are booked and we are sitting in a Thairesturant with the rain falling outside. The alternatives we discuss for our future visit of Philly is as follows:
1) We travels outside of Philly to one of the hundreds sleepover places we have seen on the way here and hope one of them have a vacancy and party there. Unfourtunatly we don't know if they are vaccant and none of us have a deccent feeling of the werabouts around Philly.
2) We make a sightseeing of the town in the night (luckilly enough the rain has stopped at this time) during a few hours and then go back to Washington. Not the best alternative, but considering our situation one of the better suggestions.
3) We sleep in the car. Any problem? It is 8 persons in a big car, but it is not that big and if Andrea (tomorrows drver) don't getenough sleep she won't be able to drive back after spending the whole day in Philly.
After some discussion we decide on suggestion 2. This after some encouragement of the fortune cookies we got after the food. So we make a speed sightseeing of the town where we encounter stagparty, see the Liberty bell, the town hall witk a sign where it stands New Sweden (that's right, parts of Philadelphia used to be a Swedish colonie) and South Street (everything you need to see according to our guidebook). Afterthis we leave town before the game ends and the street will be crowded. That was the most beautiful part with all the lights shining in the dark as we passed by.
We finaly arrives in Washington after some good music and talk to keep most of us awake the time it took to travel. Arriving somewhere 4-5 in the morning (3-4 wintertime) so a just wants to get to bed. After brushing my teeth I hear some banging on one of the doors in the corridor. Thinks that it must be someone whos lock have jammed but I'm to tired to care (selfish and unsympathic I know, but I was tired). With me was Lars who actually went towards the door in question. After a moment of guilt I returned and look, it was Melissas door (a Swede). I go forward and apperently the handle has jumped out. After some discussion I went down to the reception to call the locksmith or whatever and then go back. Then someone already turned up and helped her out (the day after I learnt that the strangest thing about that incident is that, according to Melissa, I actually was awake at that time). Go to bed and falls asleep like a little child.
Wake up at 10:30 (wintertime) and goes to brunch at 11:30. Find some of the other passangers and we decide to travel to Baltimore because we already paid to use the car. We decide to meet at 13:30 for take of. I point out that it is 2 hours until then. Then I learn that those !%#&!%#?! Americans don't change time until next weekend. I get so frustrated with their speciallity to allways we on their own than accept the concensual ideas across the world that the Europeans have put forward. Anyway it's 4 from yesterday and 2 new Americans. This time we actually have a GPS (a real one with a brittish accent) and we are of. Todays songs on the radio is Black Sabbath's Iron Man and Red Hot Chilli Peppars Californication.
Arrives at Baltimore harbour and visits the National Aquarium which reminds me of Universeum (in the Swedish original post it says Culturum, but that is wrong) in Gothemburg, Sweden. Very beautiful but due to time constraint we ran throug one of the exhibits. You really feel pity with some of the fishes in their small aquariums. After this 1 1/2 hour we go back to Washington and leaves the car and take the metro. All in all the weekend went on $42 which wass very well spent. When I enter the room I find a note from Menja that I shall call him, but I don't have his number. When he finally arrives he tells me that someone has been looking for me and are very upset and would like to punch me. He leads me to the top floor where it only was a girl in my class that wanted some help.
A consequance of that visit was that see told me that she had studied for 2 assignmet due to Tuesday and now my head starts spinning. What 2 assignments? Apperently I forgot the Congressional assignment so now it feels very funny with 2 halfdays writing about Russia
-Georgia and the other assignment. Its gonna be a long week.
To my convenience I will stay in English for a while so I don't have to do this again.
Alright, so it was time to study, but then I suddenly got the offer to go over to Philadelphia instead. Study you can do later so it was time t pack a bag with the most necessary and sleep 12 hours before the journey started. Goes up at 7:30 and onward to Starbucks for 1 hour breakfast. Return to Campus around 9 to went for all the others until the appointed time of 9:30. The others consists of the Norwegians Lars and Jannike and the Germans Rebecca, Katharina, Eva, Bianca and Andrea. Funny enough one of the girls actually shows up at 9:15 and begin preaching about when to come at an appointed time (old habits are hard to break). What did she do their? German efficiency with getting coffee and breakfast to most of them at the same time.
After that we awaits as they come one by one. Clock turns 10 and we are still waiting. Apparently all of the girls had partied the night before and the night before that so one of them had overslept. In the meantime I am astonished by all the bags. It is 2 days, 1 night, but still the Norwegians cames with hiking backpacks. On the other hand everyone is amazed that I could fit everything I needed in a small computer bag (with the exception of being practical I hadn't any backpack so that was only option I had). The majority decides to move on to the car rental while one stays for what my professor would call for "a sleepyhead". So it's onward to Crystal City (after some detours for some).
We arrive after a metro ride and the girls panned to rent to car, but at the place they suggested to rent a 8-seated SUV for he whole gang. We are instantly hooked and looks on as the big, dark purple car slowly droves in front of us. In the meantime those left behind arrives so it's only to pack everyone into the car and we are on the way. Jannike was the main driver and Katharina the first navigator (or the GPS as she would be known as). The time was now 11. After 1 hour drive we arrive to MacDonald's for lunch. While we sitting as cramped around a table as in the car it begins to rain (I can tell you that it rained all the way to Philly). 1 o'clock it's out on the highway again. Keeping the good spirit up with everything from music and talk. The only serious incident occurs when we discover that we are on the wrong lane in this gigantic highway and our exit hastily race against us which forces us to cross three lanes and out on a exit curve when we travel a little bit off-road because of the rain that now beats down on us. Otherwise the whole trip is without incidents.
On the radio they play everything from overproduced American trashpop to really good music like Are You Gonna Go My Way (Lenny Kravitz), Let It Be (The Beatles who actually seems bigger than God) to Can't Get Enough (Bad Company (which is a very good description of the other passengers hehehe)). The trip went to Lancaster and from that onward to Amish Country where we got a guided tour around some sort of show area. I'm not jealous, I'm way to comfartable with my life. This t6our was accompanied with some kids who just looked bored. The other passangers where really inquisitive which seemed to put the guide of guard a bit. Some area was on the outside in the rain. After we all where finished it was around 6 o'clock so we continue onward to Philly. This segment involves some detours caused by the GPS and when we finaly arrives it looks overcrowded. Apparently it's the World Series in baseball and a convention of some sort during this week so all hotells, Motells, Hostells are booked and we are sitting in a Thairesturant with the rain falling outside. The alternatives we discuss for our future visit of Philly is as follows:
1) We travels outside of Philly to one of the hundreds sleepover places we have seen on the way here and hope one of them have a vacancy and party there. Unfourtunatly we don't know if they are vaccant and none of us have a deccent feeling of the werabouts around Philly.
2) We make a sightseeing of the town in the night (luckilly enough the rain has stopped at this time) during a few hours and then go back to Washington. Not the best alternative, but considering our situation one of the better suggestions.
3) We sleep in the car. Any problem? It is 8 persons in a big car, but it is not that big and if Andrea (tomorrows drver) don't getenough sleep she won't be able to drive back after spending the whole day in Philly.
After some discussion we decide on suggestion 2. This after some encouragement of the fortune cookies we got after the food. So we make a speed sightseeing of the town where we encounter stagparty, see the Liberty bell, the town hall witk a sign where it stands New Sweden (that's right, parts of Philadelphia used to be a Swedish colonie) and South Street (everything you need to see according to our guidebook). Afterthis we leave town before the game ends and the street will be crowded. That was the most beautiful part with all the lights shining in the dark as we passed by.
We finaly arrives in Washington after some good music and talk to keep most of us awake the time it took to travel. Arriving somewhere 4-5 in the morning (3-4 wintertime) so a just wants to get to bed. After brushing my teeth I hear some banging on one of the doors in the corridor. Thinks that it must be someone whos lock have jammed but I'm to tired to care (selfish and unsympathic I know, but I was tired). With me was Lars who actually went towards the door in question. After a moment of guilt I returned and look, it was Melissas door (a Swede). I go forward and apperently the handle has jumped out. After some discussion I went down to the reception to call the locksmith or whatever and then go back. Then someone already turned up and helped her out (the day after I learnt that the strangest thing about that incident is that, according to Melissa, I actually was awake at that time). Go to bed and falls asleep like a little child.
Wake up at 10:30 (wintertime) and goes to brunch at 11:30. Find some of the other passangers and we decide to travel to Baltimore because we already paid to use the car. We decide to meet at 13:30 for take of. I point out that it is 2 hours until then. Then I learn that those !%#&!%#?! Americans don't change time until next weekend. I get so frustrated with their speciallity to allways we on their own than accept the concensual ideas across the world that the Europeans have put forward. Anyway it's 4 from yesterday and 2 new Americans. This time we actually have a GPS (a real one with a brittish accent) and we are of. Todays songs on the radio is Black Sabbath's Iron Man and Red Hot Chilli Peppars Californication.
Arrives at Baltimore harbour and visits the National Aquarium which reminds me of Universeum (in the Swedish original post it says Culturum, but that is wrong) in Gothemburg, Sweden. Very beautiful but due to time constraint we ran throug one of the exhibits. You really feel pity with some of the fishes in their small aquariums. After this 1 1/2 hour we go back to Washington and leaves the car and take the metro. All in all the weekend went on $42 which wass very well spent. When I enter the room I find a note from Menja that I shall call him, but I don't have his number. When he finally arrives he tells me that someone has been looking for me and are very upset and would like to punch me. He leads me to the top floor where it only was a girl in my class that wanted some help.
A consequance of that visit was that see told me that she had studied for 2 assignmet due to Tuesday and now my head starts spinning. What 2 assignments? Apperently I forgot the Congressional assignment so now it feels very funny with 2 halfdays writing about Russia
-Georgia and the other assignment. Its gonna be a long week.
To my convenience I will stay in English for a while so I don't have to do this again.
måndag 27 oktober 2008
One Night in the City
Jaha, så då var det tänkt och studera, men då får man erbjudandet att åka över till Philadelphia istället. Studera kan man göra senare så det var bara att packa iordning en väska med det nödvändigaste och sova ut med tolv timmar innan resan startar. Går upp vid 7:30 på lördagsmorgonen och går till Starbucks i ca 1 timme för frukost. Återvänder till Campus vid 9 för att vänta på de andra vid den avtalde tiden 9:30. De andra består av norrmannen Lars, norskan Jannike och tyskorna Katharina, Eva, Bianca, Rebecka och Andrea (osäker på allas stavning). Otroligt nog dyker en av tjejerna upp vid 9:15 och börjar föreläsa om när man igentligen skall komma till en avtalad tid (gammla vanor sitter djupt). Vad hon gjorde där? Tysk effektivitet med att skaffa kaffe och frukost till alla på en gång.
Efter det var gjort så väntar vi in de andra som kommer en efter en. Klockan blir 10 och vi väntar fortfarande. Tydligen hade nästan alla tjejerna festat kvällen innan, och kvällen innan det och innan det så en av dem hade försovit sig. Under tiden så förundras jag över allas väskor. Det är 2 dagar, 1 natt, men likväl kommer grannarna från Norge med stora backpacks. Samtidigt förundras alla över att jag har allt i en liten dataväska (förutom att det var praktiskt så har jag ingen ryggsäck för tillfället så det fick duga). Majoriteten bestämmer sig för att börja ta sig mot biluthyrningen medan en stannar för att hämta upp den som försov sig så det bär av mot Crystal City (efter lite omvägar för vissa).
Vi anländer efter en färd med metron och tjejerna planerade att åka i två bilar, men väl där föreslog dem att vi skulle ta en 8 sittsig SUV för hela gänget. Vi nappar direkt och ser när den stora, mörklila bilen kommer fram.Under tiden hade de två eftersläntrarna kommit fram så det var bara stuva in oss i bilen och det bar iväg. Jannike var föraren och Katharina var förste navigatör (eller GPS som hon blev kallad). Klockan var nu 11. Efter 1 timmes körning kom vi fram till ett MacDonalds för lunch. Medan vi sitte där så börjar det regna (i förbifarten kan jag säga att det regnade hela bilresan fram till Philly). Kl 1 fortsätter vi ut på motorvägen. Hållandes humöret uppe med allt från musik till prat. Den enda allvarliga incidenten händer när vi upptäcker att vi är i fel fil på den gigantiska motorvägen och vår avfart kommer hastigt mot oss och vi korsar tre filer och ut på en avfartskurva då vi åker lite off-road pga regnet som nu porlar ner. Annars är hel resan utan incidenter.
På radion spels allt möjligt från massproducerad amerikkansk skräppop till riktigt bra musik som Are You Gonna Go My Way (Lemmy Kravitz), Let It Be (The Beatles) till Can't Get Enough (Bad Company). Färden gick mot Lancaster och från där vidare mot Amish Country där vi fick en kort guidad tur i ett museum liknande område. Avundas dem inte. Klockan är nu runt 6 pm så vi fortsätter mot Philly efter ett antal felkörningar orsakade av GPS:en så anländer vi tillslut till Philly som ser ut att vara överbefolkat med bilar för dagen. När vi äntligen hittar en parkering och försöker hitta någonstans att sova så får vi reda på att att The World Series i baseball är samma dag i Philly och att på söndagen startar ett konvent av något slag. Kontentan av detta är att allt är bokat. Under vår middag diskuterar vi våra alternativ för kvällen där vi lägger fram tre förslag:
Förslag 1: Vi åker ut ur Philly till ett av de otaliga motellen vi sett på vägen hit och festar i all bekvämlighet. Problemet är att de är för långt borta och de andra som kan närmare har vi ingen anning om hur vi ska ta oss dit.
Förslag 2: Vi gör sightseeingen under ett par timmar och beger oss tillbaka till Washington igen. Inga större problem.
Förslag 3: Vi sover i bilen. Problem? Vi är 8 personer i en stor, men inte så stor bil och om inte chaffören för morgondagen inte får sova tillräckligt mycket kommer hon inte klara att gå hela dagen i Philly och sedan köra hem.
Vi beslutade oss efter en stund för förslag 2. Detta efter uppmuntran från Lyckokakona vi fick i resturangen. Så vi speedar genom Philadelphia för att stötta på en svensexa, se frihetsklockan, rådhuset (med en skylt där det står New Sweden, that's right, delar av Philly var från början en svensk koloni) och South Street (allt enligt vår guidebok). Efter det beger vi oss hem innan spelet slutar för att sedan orsaka traffikstockning. Väldigt vackert att åka ut ur Philly med alla ljusen runt en och så.
Vi anländer efter en tröttsam resa med lite bra musik och samtal som håller oss vakna de 2 1/2 timmar det tar. klockan är 4-5 på morgonen (med vintertid 3-4) så jag vill bara gå och lägga mig. Efter att borstat tänderna hör jag hur någon försöker öppna en dörr lite våldsamt. Tittar ut i korridoren och får vibbarna att någons lås har gått sönder igen, men att jag är för trött för att bry mig (själviskt och osympatsikt, men jag var trött). Mefd mig var Lars som faktiskt gick fram till dörren och pratade med vem det än var där bakom. Efter en stunds skuldkänslor går jag tillbaka och tydligen var det Melissas dörr så jag går fram och pratar på svenska med henne. Handtaget hade lossnat från utsidan så jag får gå ner och ringa till de som har hand omlåsen i receptionen för att sedan gå tillbaka och då har någo annan dykt upp och öppnat dörren och sedan tejpat igen låset som temporär lösning (får höra dagen efter att det konstigaste med hela grejen för Melissa var att jag var uppe så sent/tidigt på kvällen/morgonen). Går sedan till sängs och somnar som ett litet barn.
Vaknar upp 10:30 (vintertid) och gör mig i ordning för en god brunch vid 11:30. Hittar ett par av de andra resenärerna för gårdagen och bestämmer att när vi ändå betalt för bilen för söndagen så gör vi enn resa till Baltimore. Vi beslutar oss för att träffas 13:30 och jag kommenterar att det är 2 timmar tills dess. Då får jag reda på att de #%&%¤&" amerikanerna inte byter till vintertid fören nästa vecka. Man blir ju så frustrerad med deras egenhet att inte för enn gång skull hålla sig till det stora väl accepterade europeiska måttet för tidsbyte. I alla fall så blir vi fyra från gårdagen och två nya, amerikaner dessutom. Denna gång har vi faktiskt en GPS (en riktig en dessutom) och vi beger oss iväg. Dagens bästa låt på radion är Black Sabbath's Iron Man och Red Hot Chillie Peppars Californication.
Anländer till Baltimore hamn och besöker National Akvariet som påminner mycket om Culturum i Göteborg. Väldigt intressant, men vi sprang igenom endast en avdelning under 1 1/2 timme för två av tjejerna från gårdagen gjorde en sigtseeing tur istället så vi delade oss. Väldigt vackert och intressant även om det var synd om vissa fiskar med det lilla utrymmet de hade. Efter detta en snabb middag och sedan tillbaka hem för att lämna bilen. Vi lämnar den och tar metron tillbaka. Allt som allt gick helgen på $42 för resan (utan mat) vilket var värt spenderade pengar. När jag kommer tillbaka har Menja lämnat mig en lapp där det står att jag ska ringa honom. Tyvärr hade jag inte hans nummer så jag gör mig iordning för morgondagen. När han tillslut kommer så börjar han prata om att någon är upprörd över mig och har tänkt ge mig en snyting. Jag fattar ingenting så jag följer med honom upp till översta våningen där en fransyska i min klass bor. Tydligen skämtade han med mig vilket jag tänkte att det säkert var, men blev osäkrare med varje våning.
Tydligen ville hon bara ha hjälp med hennes tenta i en av frågorna så jag sa att jag kunde hjälpa henne imorgon (kl var ändå snart 11). Så hon frågar hur min helg hade varit och jag frågade henne och hon nämner att hon hade studerat för 2 uppgifter till på tisdag. 2? Tydligen hade jag glömt bort vår uppgift om Kongressen så nu känns det väldigt kul med två halvdagar att skriva om det och hur att lösa Georgien-krisen (som inte är så omöjlig då jag faktiskt har två idéer till det). Det kommer bli en lång vecka.
Efter det var gjort så väntar vi in de andra som kommer en efter en. Klockan blir 10 och vi väntar fortfarande. Tydligen hade nästan alla tjejerna festat kvällen innan, och kvällen innan det och innan det så en av dem hade försovit sig. Under tiden så förundras jag över allas väskor. Det är 2 dagar, 1 natt, men likväl kommer grannarna från Norge med stora backpacks. Samtidigt förundras alla över att jag har allt i en liten dataväska (förutom att det var praktiskt så har jag ingen ryggsäck för tillfället så det fick duga). Majoriteten bestämmer sig för att börja ta sig mot biluthyrningen medan en stannar för att hämta upp den som försov sig så det bär av mot Crystal City (efter lite omvägar för vissa).
Vi anländer efter en färd med metron och tjejerna planerade att åka i två bilar, men väl där föreslog dem att vi skulle ta en 8 sittsig SUV för hela gänget. Vi nappar direkt och ser när den stora, mörklila bilen kommer fram.Under tiden hade de två eftersläntrarna kommit fram så det var bara stuva in oss i bilen och det bar iväg. Jannike var föraren och Katharina var förste navigatör (eller GPS som hon blev kallad). Klockan var nu 11. Efter 1 timmes körning kom vi fram till ett MacDonalds för lunch. Medan vi sitte där så börjar det regna (i förbifarten kan jag säga att det regnade hela bilresan fram till Philly). Kl 1 fortsätter vi ut på motorvägen. Hållandes humöret uppe med allt från musik till prat. Den enda allvarliga incidenten händer när vi upptäcker att vi är i fel fil på den gigantiska motorvägen och vår avfart kommer hastigt mot oss och vi korsar tre filer och ut på en avfartskurva då vi åker lite off-road pga regnet som nu porlar ner. Annars är hel resan utan incidenter.
På radion spels allt möjligt från massproducerad amerikkansk skräppop till riktigt bra musik som Are You Gonna Go My Way (Lemmy Kravitz), Let It Be (The Beatles) till Can't Get Enough (Bad Company). Färden gick mot Lancaster och från där vidare mot Amish Country där vi fick en kort guidad tur i ett museum liknande område. Avundas dem inte. Klockan är nu runt 6 pm så vi fortsätter mot Philly efter ett antal felkörningar orsakade av GPS:en så anländer vi tillslut till Philly som ser ut att vara överbefolkat med bilar för dagen. När vi äntligen hittar en parkering och försöker hitta någonstans att sova så får vi reda på att att The World Series i baseball är samma dag i Philly och att på söndagen startar ett konvent av något slag. Kontentan av detta är att allt är bokat. Under vår middag diskuterar vi våra alternativ för kvällen där vi lägger fram tre förslag:
Förslag 1: Vi åker ut ur Philly till ett av de otaliga motellen vi sett på vägen hit och festar i all bekvämlighet. Problemet är att de är för långt borta och de andra som kan närmare har vi ingen anning om hur vi ska ta oss dit.
Förslag 2: Vi gör sightseeingen under ett par timmar och beger oss tillbaka till Washington igen. Inga större problem.
Förslag 3: Vi sover i bilen. Problem? Vi är 8 personer i en stor, men inte så stor bil och om inte chaffören för morgondagen inte får sova tillräckligt mycket kommer hon inte klara att gå hela dagen i Philly och sedan köra hem.
Vi beslutade oss efter en stund för förslag 2. Detta efter uppmuntran från Lyckokakona vi fick i resturangen. Så vi speedar genom Philadelphia för att stötta på en svensexa, se frihetsklockan, rådhuset (med en skylt där det står New Sweden, that's right, delar av Philly var från början en svensk koloni) och South Street (allt enligt vår guidebok). Efter det beger vi oss hem innan spelet slutar för att sedan orsaka traffikstockning. Väldigt vackert att åka ut ur Philly med alla ljusen runt en och så.
Vi anländer efter en tröttsam resa med lite bra musik och samtal som håller oss vakna de 2 1/2 timmar det tar. klockan är 4-5 på morgonen (med vintertid 3-4) så jag vill bara gå och lägga mig. Efter att borstat tänderna hör jag hur någon försöker öppna en dörr lite våldsamt. Tittar ut i korridoren och får vibbarna att någons lås har gått sönder igen, men att jag är för trött för att bry mig (själviskt och osympatsikt, men jag var trött). Mefd mig var Lars som faktiskt gick fram till dörren och pratade med vem det än var där bakom. Efter en stunds skuldkänslor går jag tillbaka och tydligen var det Melissas dörr så jag går fram och pratar på svenska med henne. Handtaget hade lossnat från utsidan så jag får gå ner och ringa till de som har hand omlåsen i receptionen för att sedan gå tillbaka och då har någo annan dykt upp och öppnat dörren och sedan tejpat igen låset som temporär lösning (får höra dagen efter att det konstigaste med hela grejen för Melissa var att jag var uppe så sent/tidigt på kvällen/morgonen). Går sedan till sängs och somnar som ett litet barn.
Vaknar upp 10:30 (vintertid) och gör mig i ordning för en god brunch vid 11:30. Hittar ett par av de andra resenärerna för gårdagen och bestämmer att när vi ändå betalt för bilen för söndagen så gör vi enn resa till Baltimore. Vi beslutar oss för att träffas 13:30 och jag kommenterar att det är 2 timmar tills dess. Då får jag reda på att de #%&%¤&" amerikanerna inte byter till vintertid fören nästa vecka. Man blir ju så frustrerad med deras egenhet att inte för enn gång skull hålla sig till det stora väl accepterade europeiska måttet för tidsbyte. I alla fall så blir vi fyra från gårdagen och två nya, amerikaner dessutom. Denna gång har vi faktiskt en GPS (en riktig en dessutom) och vi beger oss iväg. Dagens bästa låt på radion är Black Sabbath's Iron Man och Red Hot Chillie Peppars Californication.
Anländer till Baltimore hamn och besöker National Akvariet som påminner mycket om Culturum i Göteborg. Väldigt intressant, men vi sprang igenom endast en avdelning under 1 1/2 timme för två av tjejerna från gårdagen gjorde en sigtseeing tur istället så vi delade oss. Väldigt vackert och intressant även om det var synd om vissa fiskar med det lilla utrymmet de hade. Efter detta en snabb middag och sedan tillbaka hem för att lämna bilen. Vi lämnar den och tar metron tillbaka. Allt som allt gick helgen på $42 för resan (utan mat) vilket var värt spenderade pengar. När jag kommer tillbaka har Menja lämnat mig en lapp där det står att jag ska ringa honom. Tyvärr hade jag inte hans nummer så jag gör mig iordning för morgondagen. När han tillslut kommer så börjar han prata om att någon är upprörd över mig och har tänkt ge mig en snyting. Jag fattar ingenting så jag följer med honom upp till översta våningen där en fransyska i min klass bor. Tydligen skämtade han med mig vilket jag tänkte att det säkert var, men blev osäkrare med varje våning.
Tydligen ville hon bara ha hjälp med hennes tenta i en av frågorna så jag sa att jag kunde hjälpa henne imorgon (kl var ändå snart 11). Så hon frågar hur min helg hade varit och jag frågade henne och hon nämner att hon hade studerat för 2 uppgifter till på tisdag. 2? Tydligen hade jag glömt bort vår uppgift om Kongressen så nu känns det väldigt kul med två halvdagar att skriva om det och hur att lösa Georgien-krisen (som inte är så omöjlig då jag faktiskt har två idéer till det). Det kommer bli en lång vecka.
lördag 25 oktober 2008
From Russia with Love
Vad kan man säga. Hela veckan fokuserade på Ryssland-Europa-USA. Torsdagen var besök på franska ambassaden. Jag börjar uppskatta fransmännen mer och mer. De låter så mycket förståndigare än danskarna. Framför allt är ambassaden så trevligare än den amerikanska. Det är liksom bara gå rakt in. Inga 2 timmars köer för att ens försöka komma in, utan det är bara öppna grinden och gå in. Efter det är det en föreläsare i ett av kongress biblioteken vid Capital. Man får väldiga sympatier för ryssarna.
Fredagens stora händelse var på Starbucks, igen. Först hade de slut på min vanliga frukost och kaffet smakade definitivt inte lika bra idag, men de växlade för mycket så jag tjänade 2 dollar (det går så långt att en av mina klasskamrater tycker att jag blåser hela systemet på pengar och borde följa med henne när ho köper kaffe). Efter detta så går jag tillbaka till campus för att vänta en 15 in på de andra att dyka upp. Ser två av dem springa mot bussen så jag tänker att varför inte så jag går fram till busshållplatsen och precis då kommer bussen. 10 minuter senare så är vi vid ambassaden och 40 minuter för tidiga. Så vi går till en Starbucks.
När vi kommer tillbaka har de flesta andra dykt upp och vi vänta på att bli insläppta. Otrolig nog är det bara att g in utan kontroller eller någonting. Och detta är den ryska ambassaden. Så trevligare än den amerikanska och definitivt vackrare (är det något med inte fullt så demokratiska stater så är det att de har ofta snygga fasader utåt). Efter detta bombastiska propagerande så beger vi oss till en fd. tysk finansminister från SPD som pratar om att inkludera ryssarna i Europa. Säger bara att man blivit allt mer pro-Ryssland, speciellt som många föreläsare beskriver ledaren för den andra sidan som inte den smartaste personen i världen.
Det roliga är att nu ska vi lösa Georgien krisen till nästa vecka. De skal väl inte vara något problem om inget oförutsett dyker upp.
Fredagens stora händelse var på Starbucks, igen. Först hade de slut på min vanliga frukost och kaffet smakade definitivt inte lika bra idag, men de växlade för mycket så jag tjänade 2 dollar (det går så långt att en av mina klasskamrater tycker att jag blåser hela systemet på pengar och borde följa med henne när ho köper kaffe). Efter detta så går jag tillbaka till campus för att vänta en 15 in på de andra att dyka upp. Ser två av dem springa mot bussen så jag tänker att varför inte så jag går fram till busshållplatsen och precis då kommer bussen. 10 minuter senare så är vi vid ambassaden och 40 minuter för tidiga. Så vi går till en Starbucks.
När vi kommer tillbaka har de flesta andra dykt upp och vi vänta på att bli insläppta. Otrolig nog är det bara att g in utan kontroller eller någonting. Och detta är den ryska ambassaden. Så trevligare än den amerikanska och definitivt vackrare (är det något med inte fullt så demokratiska stater så är det att de har ofta snygga fasader utåt). Efter detta bombastiska propagerande så beger vi oss till en fd. tysk finansminister från SPD som pratar om att inkludera ryssarna i Europa. Säger bara att man blivit allt mer pro-Ryssland, speciellt som många föreläsare beskriver ledaren för den andra sidan som inte den smartaste personen i världen.
Det roliga är att nu ska vi lösa Georgien krisen till nästa vecka. De skal väl inte vara något problem om inget oförutsett dyker upp.
Prenumerera på:
Inlägg (Atom)