I'm back to the grind and boy is it not like vacation. I'm so happy to be home but there is so much going on. Things that are currently on my plate or mind:
1. Finding a new apartment. I put my 60-day notice in my current building which even though I already knew I had to move makes it all the more scary that come august 5th I better have found another place or I'm homeless. Don't they say moving is one of the most stressful things in life? And I haven't even started packing my closet yet :)
2. My annual performance assessment at work. My company takes these very seriously and it couldn't have fallen at a better time than over my 2 weeks abroad... Ready, set, catch up! Charlie looked at me working at it all "on my own time and not client time" of course and asked whether everyone takes it this seriously. The funny thing is I've been slacking so far!
3. My mom is home recooping from surgery and I can't be there to help her... Yet. Be there soon momma!
4. As soon as I got back, 3 days later my client left for 2 weeks vacation. So much to catch up on and decide and too little time. Chuckles.
5. Friends I miss. Weddings, birthdays, and 6 college bffs staying with me over July 4th weekend, oh my. All good things. All so exciting!
6. Starting my change management course at georgetown in a week and a half. Should I mention I have to read a whole book and write a paper before it starts?
7. And of course, you all. My avid followers :) I know I haven't pleased one dear fan with failing to add photos (ingin bilder) to my last few posts, but know I haven't forgotten you and will get to it when I can.
k via iPhone
(trying to multitask at least and blog while metroing to the nationals game tonight!)
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Friday, June 4, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Hej hej london!
Made it safely here today- it was insane pulling our 1,000 lbs. of luggage (which the SAS employee so nicely winked at us and said he'd cover his eyes to not charge extra for) up the steps of the tube stop where they had no lift or escalator. Holy crap. But we made it. Staying in the center of everything in picadilly. Got upgraded to a king size bed too!! Hotel is really nice. Heated towel rack - I like.
Made it already to the london eye with a clear blue sky to see for miles and then had a locals-recommeded (thx Julia!) fish and chips at the oldest locale for it in England. It was called rock and sole plaice in Covent garden. Excellent! Then we had the best ice cream we've both ever eaten (also we've eaten ice cream at least the last 4-5 days. Srsly) it was to die for. Italian luxury gelato at a place called scoop. We had vanilla with chocalte in it mixed with pistachio. It tasted like it was whipped. The owner gets there at 5am daily to make it ready to open at 1130am.
Now were so tired. This town is awesome. Happy to be here.
S. You wouldve been so stoked on all of this.
Home tuesday-whoa how the time flies.
K
Made it already to the london eye with a clear blue sky to see for miles and then had a locals-recommeded (thx Julia!) fish and chips at the oldest locale for it in England. It was called rock and sole plaice in Covent garden. Excellent! Then we had the best ice cream we've both ever eaten (also we've eaten ice cream at least the last 4-5 days. Srsly) it was to die for. Italian luxury gelato at a place called scoop. We had vanilla with chocalte in it mixed with pistachio. It tasted like it was whipped. The owner gets there at 5am daily to make it ready to open at 1130am.
Now were so tired. This town is awesome. Happy to be here.
S. You wouldve been so stoked on all of this.
Home tuesday-whoa how the time flies.
K
Hey da Stockholm
Our last few days in Stockholm have been a whirlwind. We spent the afternoon of our second to last day on a boat cruising through the Archipelago. It is always an adventure physically getting to these activities as well. But if I do say so myself, I think we are fairing pretty well for two blonde American girls in a foreign country. In the interest of time, Mona had recommended an island to us, Fjaderholmarna, which is the closest island to the Stockholm harbor. Once we got down to the port though we realized we would rather go further out into the Archipelago to see more. We paid for a tour boat that would take us out almost as far as Vaxholm. (For those who are interested, Lauren’s research tells us that Vaxholm is the island where Tiger’s soontobe-x-wife Elin recently bought a summer home.) We spent 2 ½ hours on the water and as they promised, the weather is always better out in the Archipelago. We saw lots of beautiful summer homes that looked like dollhouses, little red cottages, and spent the afternoon wrapped in blankets with the wind in our hair. It was very relaxing and a must-see for anyone who visits Sweden. We had met 4 American backpackers the night before while we scarfed down our burgers and of course we also ran into them on the boat. Lots of the islands in the archipelago have only several houses, no commercial business, and use solar power to create electricity.
After the boat docked, we headed into the old city of Gamla Stan. It was very interesting to walk through the cobblestone streets and see the oldest and quaintest parts of Stockholm. We enjoyed a pizza, sent back a Caesar salad that reeked of anchovies, and headed back after a few hours to rest at the Kimbel Olson flat.
As became our custom, we cozied up in Mona’s kitchen and had coffee and wine while the sun set around 9-10pm. It was such a nice little tradition we developed and a surprising part of our travels we didn’t even realize we’d get to have. We’d sit around the table and talk about everything under the sun including our day, our likes and dislikes and our love for Swedish customs, and then we’d watch Stephan vacillate between being “absolutely stoked about going out tonight” and coughing with sickness admitting he “didn’t really need to do anything more today.” Well on this night, Friday, his wild side won. Lauren stayed in to rest but Steph and I headed to a local bar, Bara Vi, to see some of his friends. We sat in a funky, well decorated bar basement enjoying some drinks and then headed to a local bar with a club scene basement to prolong the night. The club in Snap’s basement was for only 23-year-old’s or beyond but the bouncer seemed to be fine with Steph and his friend’s 20-year-old identifications. (The drinking age is 18 in Sweden but many bars have a higher age limit for entrance. Often they just use that to deny certain people’s entrance and don’t really stick to it strictly otherwise.) This was like a kickball scene with worse music. Song 1: “I was I was a little bit taller, I was I was a baller… if I had a girl then I would call her….” We laughed pretty hard at the scene and then started dancing and bumping into people spilling our drinks to fit in. At one point the lady security guard approaches Stephan and says “Can you just chill out and not dance so hard? We’re getting complaints.” Hahaha. I was surprised to see a card table in the bar too but was told that was common.
The night was coming to an end and as we stood outside chatting and saying goodnight to friends we were approached by a man with a solid American accent. I think he came over when he heard us speaking English but I can’t be sure. It was probably 3am at this point. Peter was actually Swedish but had spent time living in Colorado and really was loving our US connection. He sells very expensive beds. While I talked with Stephan’s friends, Stephan spoke with Peter some more. Eventually Stephan turned to us and said, “Alright, we have to try this. He says he has a limo picking us up.” He told me later he had said to Peter, “Okay fine, I’ll go with you but only if it is a Lincoln towncar” (as if we can be picky with what kinds of limos we will get in….)
The Lincoln towncar limo pulled up and we got in. Johnny, the driver, apologized profusely for not having clean champagne glasses ready for us and started popping bottles of champy from the trunk. Peter also started apologizing in the form of a speech for the fact that “we haven’t f-ing left yet.” I think I laughed for the better part of the next hour. We spent the time cruising around Stockholm with music blaring drinking bubbly. It was pretty freakin awesome. We were stoked and every time Stephan and I made eye contact in the limo he would just mouth “WHAT THE F***?” and smile. Johnny then stopped the limo for a toast on an upper cliff of the city with an absurdly beautiful view. He even provided me with some toilet paper from the trunk to relieve myself. Who was this guy? Peter started to make a speech but Stephan interrupted it asking about a picture in front of the limo. Peter, slightly annoyed, said, “I’m trying to make a toast” to which S. replied “Sorry, its just these kinds of things don’t really happen to me so I’d really like a picture with the car.” :) We took photos while they toasted. No problemo. Johnny walked around filling up our glasses. It is extremely light at 4am at this time of year, so there was a bizarre feeling of energy flowing through all of us. (energy, alcohol, whatever…) Peter then headed off with his friends to a club on a boat, but the 23-age limit finally kept our group from entering. Like we really needed that at the time… We headed for home on the tunnelbana but S. saw the train to his gf, Julia’s, house first and SPRINTED to the train while yelling out directions for how I could get home. It was super easy and I got home quickly. Walking down the street a few blocks in the bright light was surreal. I felt on top of the world and debated funny things like calling Charlie, starting my day, and skipping the whole night of sleep altogether.
Then I got to S.’s building. Oddly the key fob to get in the building wasn’t working. Hmmm. Immediately I pictured myself sleeping on a park bench. Oh, duh! I can just use the key that will also open the door. Bingo! I’m in. Headed up the steps to the 2nd floor and realized it was not S.’s door. What??? Oh, I obviously was deep-in-thought/sleep and walked up one too many floors. Um, nope. That wasn’t it either. Okay, what is wrong with me? Back to the 2nd floor. No sign for the Kimbel Olson flat and when did those flowerpots get in the windowsill? I guess Lauren could have decorated while I was clubbing. (kidding I did NOT think that.) Okay, let’s try the elevator; this is just WEIRD. Got in the elevator, hit floor 2. The doors open right back up. The elevator all but yells at me “YOU ARE ON 2!” Okay, this is f-ed up. I’m starting over. I go outside and realize I had walked in the other entrance to his building, right next door. One door too soon. 36 and not 38. Now I laugh out loud. How stupid was that? I think to myself I can’t wait to tell them this story in the morning.
I get in to bed, stirring Lauren, and she contact-less looks at the clock and accuses me of getting home at 7:30am. “No!” I defend myself seriously, “it’s only 4:30.” Like that is so incredibly reasonable.
I’m laughing typing this.
Anyhow, I slept in and then sat with Mona and Lauren in the kitchen having coffee recalling the details of our random adventure from mid-morning. Mona was upset with S. for daring to let me travel home by myself and I think the story about my building mix-up, although funny, did not help. S. told us later how he woke up with anxiety out the ass feeling like all the women in his life were mad at him (his gf was annoyed, he had awoken her mom upon coming to her house, his own mom, and he assumed L & I). Maybe he’s a feeler : )
After we spent several hours at the spa Centralbadet, we met him for Thai for lunch. I assured him I was not upset with him and that these things and types of decisions happen when people drink into the wee hours of the morning. After all, it has created a great story for home, right? I still love you, Steph.
The spa was a different experience than in the states, it was not quiet and relaxing in that sense but more of a group outing and still really nice. We sat in the thermal pool, whirlpool, sauna, steam sauna, and the indoor heated pool. I loved swimming around and also sweating out that hangover of mine.
We spent the rest of the day at home relaxing, packing up, and sharing feelings with Mona and Stephan about how lovely this trip has been and how much we would miss each other. Mona, we are thinking about you on your upcoming journey today too. We’ll be looking forward to hearing how it goes.
For the first night in many, we agreed not to go out to club on Saturday night. We’ve got to be rested for London after all. We did watch the Eurovision Song contest with S. though. Now that was funny. Germany won, but man there were some horrible performances. Made me appreciate my American idol ;) So sad saying bye to our Swedish family (and having them and the cab driver laugh at the amount of luggle we have), but hopeful for the next time we’ll see each other. On the plane to London now… excited to help show Lauren another fantastic city. xoxo
Oh sorry for the cuss words everyone, just trying to keep the stories honest O:)
After the boat docked, we headed into the old city of Gamla Stan. It was very interesting to walk through the cobblestone streets and see the oldest and quaintest parts of Stockholm. We enjoyed a pizza, sent back a Caesar salad that reeked of anchovies, and headed back after a few hours to rest at the Kimbel Olson flat.
As became our custom, we cozied up in Mona’s kitchen and had coffee and wine while the sun set around 9-10pm. It was such a nice little tradition we developed and a surprising part of our travels we didn’t even realize we’d get to have. We’d sit around the table and talk about everything under the sun including our day, our likes and dislikes and our love for Swedish customs, and then we’d watch Stephan vacillate between being “absolutely stoked about going out tonight” and coughing with sickness admitting he “didn’t really need to do anything more today.” Well on this night, Friday, his wild side won. Lauren stayed in to rest but Steph and I headed to a local bar, Bara Vi, to see some of his friends. We sat in a funky, well decorated bar basement enjoying some drinks and then headed to a local bar with a club scene basement to prolong the night. The club in Snap’s basement was for only 23-year-old’s or beyond but the bouncer seemed to be fine with Steph and his friend’s 20-year-old identifications. (The drinking age is 18 in Sweden but many bars have a higher age limit for entrance. Often they just use that to deny certain people’s entrance and don’t really stick to it strictly otherwise.) This was like a kickball scene with worse music. Song 1: “I was I was a little bit taller, I was I was a baller… if I had a girl then I would call her….” We laughed pretty hard at the scene and then started dancing and bumping into people spilling our drinks to fit in. At one point the lady security guard approaches Stephan and says “Can you just chill out and not dance so hard? We’re getting complaints.” Hahaha. I was surprised to see a card table in the bar too but was told that was common.
The night was coming to an end and as we stood outside chatting and saying goodnight to friends we were approached by a man with a solid American accent. I think he came over when he heard us speaking English but I can’t be sure. It was probably 3am at this point. Peter was actually Swedish but had spent time living in Colorado and really was loving our US connection. He sells very expensive beds. While I talked with Stephan’s friends, Stephan spoke with Peter some more. Eventually Stephan turned to us and said, “Alright, we have to try this. He says he has a limo picking us up.” He told me later he had said to Peter, “Okay fine, I’ll go with you but only if it is a Lincoln towncar” (as if we can be picky with what kinds of limos we will get in….)
The Lincoln towncar limo pulled up and we got in. Johnny, the driver, apologized profusely for not having clean champagne glasses ready for us and started popping bottles of champy from the trunk. Peter also started apologizing in the form of a speech for the fact that “we haven’t f-ing left yet.” I think I laughed for the better part of the next hour. We spent the time cruising around Stockholm with music blaring drinking bubbly. It was pretty freakin awesome. We were stoked and every time Stephan and I made eye contact in the limo he would just mouth “WHAT THE F***?” and smile. Johnny then stopped the limo for a toast on an upper cliff of the city with an absurdly beautiful view. He even provided me with some toilet paper from the trunk to relieve myself. Who was this guy? Peter started to make a speech but Stephan interrupted it asking about a picture in front of the limo. Peter, slightly annoyed, said, “I’m trying to make a toast” to which S. replied “Sorry, its just these kinds of things don’t really happen to me so I’d really like a picture with the car.” :) We took photos while they toasted. No problemo. Johnny walked around filling up our glasses. It is extremely light at 4am at this time of year, so there was a bizarre feeling of energy flowing through all of us. (energy, alcohol, whatever…) Peter then headed off with his friends to a club on a boat, but the 23-age limit finally kept our group from entering. Like we really needed that at the time… We headed for home on the tunnelbana but S. saw the train to his gf, Julia’s, house first and SPRINTED to the train while yelling out directions for how I could get home. It was super easy and I got home quickly. Walking down the street a few blocks in the bright light was surreal. I felt on top of the world and debated funny things like calling Charlie, starting my day, and skipping the whole night of sleep altogether.
Then I got to S.’s building. Oddly the key fob to get in the building wasn’t working. Hmmm. Immediately I pictured myself sleeping on a park bench. Oh, duh! I can just use the key that will also open the door. Bingo! I’m in. Headed up the steps to the 2nd floor and realized it was not S.’s door. What??? Oh, I obviously was deep-in-thought/sleep and walked up one too many floors. Um, nope. That wasn’t it either. Okay, what is wrong with me? Back to the 2nd floor. No sign for the Kimbel Olson flat and when did those flowerpots get in the windowsill? I guess Lauren could have decorated while I was clubbing. (kidding I did NOT think that.) Okay, let’s try the elevator; this is just WEIRD. Got in the elevator, hit floor 2. The doors open right back up. The elevator all but yells at me “YOU ARE ON 2!” Okay, this is f-ed up. I’m starting over. I go outside and realize I had walked in the other entrance to his building, right next door. One door too soon. 36 and not 38. Now I laugh out loud. How stupid was that? I think to myself I can’t wait to tell them this story in the morning.
I get in to bed, stirring Lauren, and she contact-less looks at the clock and accuses me of getting home at 7:30am. “No!” I defend myself seriously, “it’s only 4:30.” Like that is so incredibly reasonable.
I’m laughing typing this.
Anyhow, I slept in and then sat with Mona and Lauren in the kitchen having coffee recalling the details of our random adventure from mid-morning. Mona was upset with S. for daring to let me travel home by myself and I think the story about my building mix-up, although funny, did not help. S. told us later how he woke up with anxiety out the ass feeling like all the women in his life were mad at him (his gf was annoyed, he had awoken her mom upon coming to her house, his own mom, and he assumed L & I). Maybe he’s a feeler : )
After we spent several hours at the spa Centralbadet, we met him for Thai for lunch. I assured him I was not upset with him and that these things and types of decisions happen when people drink into the wee hours of the morning. After all, it has created a great story for home, right? I still love you, Steph.
The spa was a different experience than in the states, it was not quiet and relaxing in that sense but more of a group outing and still really nice. We sat in the thermal pool, whirlpool, sauna, steam sauna, and the indoor heated pool. I loved swimming around and also sweating out that hangover of mine.
We spent the rest of the day at home relaxing, packing up, and sharing feelings with Mona and Stephan about how lovely this trip has been and how much we would miss each other. Mona, we are thinking about you on your upcoming journey today too. We’ll be looking forward to hearing how it goes.
For the first night in many, we agreed not to go out to club on Saturday night. We’ve got to be rested for London after all. We did watch the Eurovision Song contest with S. though. Now that was funny. Germany won, but man there were some horrible performances. Made me appreciate my American idol ;) So sad saying bye to our Swedish family (and having them and the cab driver laugh at the amount of luggle we have), but hopeful for the next time we’ll see each other. On the plane to London now… excited to help show Lauren another fantastic city. xoxo
Oh sorry for the cuss words everyone, just trying to keep the stories honest O:)
Love to mommy
Heard yesterday that Mom fell down during her tennis match and broke her wrist. She’ll have to have surgery this coming Wednesday to have a pin or plate put in to straighten her bones back out. I know she is in a lot of pain so I want her to know that we are sending our love and positive thoughts to her from Europe. Love you, Mom. Your girls will be home soon!
Friday, May 28, 2010
finding a hair in your organic sausage and potato salad
is really not that bad of a thing in sweden. actually, i was absolutely disgusted because i am totally hair-phobic so i dramatically threw down my fork and pushed away my plate in a 3 year-old's "i'm done with this!" kind of way ... but then my lunch turned into complimentary coffee and a cinnamon pastry. not that bad at all. we spent yesterday in mariefred, about an hour outside of stockholm in the countryside. it was a beautiful little town and we toured the city's royal castle and meandered through the city streets. my cameras (yes that is plural) have both died and the lady in the electronic store basically made up a law that Sweden has that you cannot buy an electric converter within the whole country. wtf? So I can't show pictures of all this right now. Please use your imagination :) Our tourguide in the castle was horrible; we even videotaped some of the tour to remember it. Her english was laughable -- Stephan said she was directly translating the swedish words to english and you know how funny that can sound (and how little sense it can make). For instance, she said "look at this chandelier, it looks to be gold but it is made of wood and painted to look gold. so it is not as heavy as you can say." then she'd mumble "now on to the next room, yeah." and she'd walk away. we could NOT stop laughing. I'm sure everyone loved us there. pause. not.
Then last night we went to a boat restaurant bar which was very chic and fancy and we loved. We had the car with us though so we contrived a genius plan where Stephan would drive back and return the car before drinks and then use one of our seasonal bike rental passes to rent a bike next to his house and ride it back across the river to where we were and use one of the docking stations on that side to ditch it. Worked out beautifully!! He came back sporting bright red pants "maxxing out" laughing so hard about how fun his swervy, fast, out of control bike ride was (which he also had a roadie of red wine on---> he is such an olson, lol). After too much wine on the boat, we headed in search of a cheap burger joint completely starved for food. We found one named Texas Longhorns and it couldn't have been a more perfect place. Soooo american it was funny. Julia was even convinced to eat a second dinner. :-P We got huge burgers with tons of toppings (jalapenos for me), fries, and pitchers of beer. No surprise the night didn't last much longer than that. Bellys' full and livers' aching, we headed back home around midnight. It was another really great day and today we are tired.
BUT we only have 2 days left in stockholm so we are full charge ahead to see a few things that we wanted to catch before london. today lauren and i will visit the archipelago (i am dying to see it) and stroll through the old city of gamla stan. we also really want to visit this spa in the center of the city that is supposed to be completely sick.
we miss home too (and all of you) and a special shout out to cady for her bachlorette weekend that starts today and i am sad to miss (and austin's in new orleans that charlie will surely enjoy) and amo who is celebrating her brother's wedding in cali. wow! team olson recommends full face for that one. hhahaha.
Thanks for all the emails and notes about the blog, I'm happy people are actually enjoying the silly things I'm writing.
love,
K-somethingBlonde
(i'll have to write about that nickname too one day for those of you who haven't heard the story)
Then last night we went to a boat restaurant bar which was very chic and fancy and we loved. We had the car with us though so we contrived a genius plan where Stephan would drive back and return the car before drinks and then use one of our seasonal bike rental passes to rent a bike next to his house and ride it back across the river to where we were and use one of the docking stations on that side to ditch it. Worked out beautifully!! He came back sporting bright red pants "maxxing out" laughing so hard about how fun his swervy, fast, out of control bike ride was (which he also had a roadie of red wine on---> he is such an olson, lol). After too much wine on the boat, we headed in search of a cheap burger joint completely starved for food. We found one named Texas Longhorns and it couldn't have been a more perfect place. Soooo american it was funny. Julia was even convinced to eat a second dinner. :-P We got huge burgers with tons of toppings (jalapenos for me), fries, and pitchers of beer. No surprise the night didn't last much longer than that. Bellys' full and livers' aching, we headed back home around midnight. It was another really great day and today we are tired.
BUT we only have 2 days left in stockholm so we are full charge ahead to see a few things that we wanted to catch before london. today lauren and i will visit the archipelago (i am dying to see it) and stroll through the old city of gamla stan. we also really want to visit this spa in the center of the city that is supposed to be completely sick.
we miss home too (and all of you) and a special shout out to cady for her bachlorette weekend that starts today and i am sad to miss (and austin's in new orleans that charlie will surely enjoy) and amo who is celebrating her brother's wedding in cali. wow! team olson recommends full face for that one. hhahaha.
Thanks for all the emails and notes about the blog, I'm happy people are actually enjoying the silly things I'm writing.
love,
K-somethingBlonde
(i'll have to write about that nickname too one day for those of you who haven't heard the story)
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Vasa Museet
The Vasa was one of the first ships of its time to have two floors of canons. For effect they were set off. With the ship tilted to the side, water started pouring into the
gun holes and the ship began its fateful journey to the bottom of the sea. It immediately sank and would sit there for the next 300 years until 1961. When you hear the story like this, it is hard to understand why they couldn't "find" the Vasa ship for so long to bring it out of the water. Stephan likened it to "losing a toy in the bathtub" ... how exactly does that work? :) Our tourguide clearly missed a few critical details, but the main point was that after 333 years under the sea, in 1961, the wreck was salvaged. It has been reconstructed with 95% of the original ship remaining. The amount of money going into rebuilding it too is insane. The museum that Stephan remembered as quite "boring" as a child was actually quite interesting for us all.Check out how tall and thin the stern of the ship is and all of those crazy looking figures built into it. For those curious (Dad), it sank because it didn't have enough ballast since they were counting on the weight of the 400 soldiers and their supplies (mainly beer it sounded like) that they would pick up 2-3 days into the journey.
Sorry if that part was boring for you avid followers (ha!) but the museum wouldn't make sense if you didn't know the story. The museum is a huge tourist attraction in Stockholm and I could see why.
After that we went to another lovely cafe (seriously are they all amazing?) that Mona used to go as a teenager and had lunch. Here's some spontaneous footage from lunch...
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
stoked about today and tonight
but too tired to give the details now.
will update tomorrow on the vasa museum and tonight's festivities... including some raw video footage.
stephan and i facebooked some tonight after the bar. we're happy to see everyone else is just so incredibly happy. lol.
will update tomorrow on the vasa museum and tonight's festivities... including some raw video footage.
stephan and i facebooked some tonight after the bar. we're happy to see everyone else is just so incredibly happy. lol.
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