Happy Birthday and More

Happy Birthday Sara! It's her 26th birthday today and we had a simple celebration with traditional Swedish cake. This is my second time eating such a cake. I have to say... I like it. A lot. For the most part, the cake is very similar to the ones that I'm used to - sponge base, cream and fruit fillings. But the best part of the cake is the marzipan layer on top. Excellent stuff. I wonder if we can buy marzipan in Singapore. I haven't seen it. This is the same stuff that is used to make the cream puffs, eaten just before the start of Lent, that I had at my first Marieudd trip.

Ben has finally left for home (two weeks back home and off to the land down under) after two months here and eight months of travelling around Europe. But of course, he didn't spend two whole months in Uppsala. I think one will go out of one's mind if one had nothing else to do but travel in Uppsala. He went to different parts of Sweden and Denmark. Actually out of the two months that some of his luggage has been here, he only stayed for a grand total of not more than two weeks in my room.

Not that I didn't enjoy your company, Ben. But I'm glad your clothes are out of my room. My nose is a little too sensitive to odours...

Anyway, I really envy his year-long hiatus. To take a year off work or school, and travel just to see the world, gain experience, knowledge and perspective. I'm very sure doing such a thing will in fact benefit any company in the long run. Green with envy. I'm seriously planning on doing the exact same thing after my studies. I hope to be able to do that. But of course, travelling by oneself seems really lonely. Especially for such a long period of time. A mate for a few months here and there would be good. Any takers? Sign up now!

And it certainly doesn't hurt to know people from all over the world. Then you can have some one to show you around or to put you up when you are in their area.

One door closes, and another opens. Mates and family are coming over on Wednesday! Can't wait.

Too bad spring is a little late this year. The flowers are only just blooming and the trees are only just showing minimal signs of budding leaves. And although the temperature is higher, it actually feels colder than it was in February and March. It's so difficult to predict the weather. On the one hand, it may look nice and sunny but a thick jacket is a necessity because of the wind. On the other hand, nice and sunnny may equate to being hot in the same thick jacket. How does one dress for this weather, I wonder.

I know the IKEA supermarket back home sells Swedish meatballs but I wonder what the quality is like. And I wonder if it sells Kalles, marzipan, and the hard bread as well. I have to make a trip down just to the food section when I return to scout for these delicious stuff. Remind me.

To a good day tomorrow and a great holiday with friends and family. Cheers!