Summer Sale!!!

Yes, I know... I'm missing the Great Singapore Sale! Shucks... But then again, I usually don't really get anything much during this sale. The stores are just trying to push off the clothes for the last season and even for the one before that. But if it's a tech sale... Oooo... Slap me crazy and call me Mamma!

Oh yes, I haven't bought anything substantial for a long time now and I do wish I had the chance to go out shopping. We Little-Red-Dottians are the world's third best recreational shoppers! In fact, the top 10 recreational shoppers in the world are Asians! Yes, we Asians are materialistic! We have nothing better to do but to shop! So yes, like any good Singaporean, I'm attracted to sales. I'm not proud to say this but I am. Acceptance is the first step to solving the problem, no?

But problem? What problem? I help to boost the economy, okay?

So it's really difficult to walk about in town and see all the 'REA' signs staring at me from the shop fronts. Sales up to 30%, 50% and even 70%!!! How crazy is that? I really want to get a pair of dark blue jeans...

But to buy one here? It's a bit crazy, don't you think? Even with the discounts and all. I have to carry that back with me and as it is, the weight limit I have for the plane isn't that much. It's only 20+10 kg. Although I did send my friends back with two sweaters and some souveniors...

The cost??? I've stopped converting the Swedish prices to Sing dollars, so... What's to stop me from buying? Shopping kakis? Perhaps. Or perhaps, I just want to wait till I'm back home again.

This morning I woke up thinking that I was back in Singapore on my own comfortable bed. I think it's because of the rain. It finally rained (properly, for hours) for the first time I've been in Sweden. The previous times were simply not rain. Just mere drizzles that lasted for a few minutes. In fact, last night's rain is still continuing now. Ah... typical monsoon weather in Singapore. I miss that. Hahaha...

But I'll be leaving in exactly one months' time. Just one more month to go.

One more month to try to see a real live moose. I heard on the radio that there's a moose lost on the roundabout at Ångstrom, where I used to be almost every single day when I first came. But now, I'm stationed more at SLU... Shucks... I missed that moose sighting. Three times... I went moose hunting three times, and not once did I get to see a moose. Now, it's lost in the city and I'm far far away from it. Oh shucks...

And oh... those back home, if you want anything from the DFS at the airport, do write me. Alcohol's out though. I've been booked solid for that already.

Stockholm City - A View From Sodermalm

Midsummer Weekend

Midsummer Flowers 2006

So... this year's Midsummer's day is celebrated on 24 June 2006. It actually falls on 21 June, but the day is celebrated in Sweden on the Saturday between 21 to 26 June. Or so I was told. Anyway, it's such an important day that the Swedes would prefer to have this as their National Day! (Or so I was told again.) It's really like Chinese New Year back home. All the shops are closed, including supermarkets! No wonder they say it's an important day. But the meaning of the celebration has been lost on almost everyone.

I don't really know how they celebrate this day, but according to the scenes I saw... A lot of dancing around the Maypole. I really don't get the point of people joining hands, and dance round in circles. Fun meh?

Anyway, my celebration consisted of having a BBQ at the garden of my apartment building with some friends, most of whom are leaving very very soon. (*sob*) Basically, we had plenty of sausages, wine and chips. I really love the disposable grills the Swedes have. No BBQ grill? No problem! Buy a disposable one from the supermarket at low, low prices!

Well, I can't say I actually saw the midnight sun. I have to go up further north for that. But midnight here is still pretty light. All the photos below were taken from my room, without flash. Amazing, isn't it? Although it does get really irritating. I'm awoken by the light at 0430hrs even though I have the blinds down and curtains drawn. The birds still chirp at 2200hrs, and those irritating crows start cawing early in the mornings. I don't hate it though. I'm enjoying every single moment I have left before my return... 27 July...

Oh well...

Saturday 24 June 2006; 0430hrs

Saturday 24 June; 2130hrs

Saturday 24 June 2006; 2355hrs

Random Musings

I was told that the weather on Midsummer will always be gloomy and rainy. Yes, it's true. 21 June 2006 - the actual Midusmmer day, the weather is indeed cloudy, gloomy and it could very well rain in a few hours.

Let's see what happens on 23 and 24 June when they actually celebrate the longest day of the year in Sweden, althought Midsummer is supposed to be today.

Tallinn Photos 1

Cast off! Tallinn, here we come! (06 June 2006)

Lemon Tree on Stage (06 June 2006)

Port of Call - Tallinn (07 June 2006)

Tallinn's Great Coastal Gate (07 June 2006)

St. Olav Church Tower (07 June 2006)

View from Church Tower (07 June 2006)

Tallin Photos 2

Friendly Nut Sellers (07 June 2006)

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (07 June 2006)

Town Wall (07 June 2006)

View of Tallinn (07 June 2006)

Back in Stockholm (08 June 2006)

Alcohol anyone? (08 June 2006)

Holiday in Uppsala and Stockholm

Almost 7 days of travelling in Uppsala and Stockholm. I'm tired. It was rather good to see friends from home again although I have to admit that I wasn't in the best of moods when they were here until the final few days.
It was simply because they kept saying things that offended me.
The first few days were spent in Uppsala. Truth be told, I think they didn't enjoy it as much as I did when I first came. I guess museums are a total bore to most Singaporeans. But this time, neither did I. Perhaps it's because I've seen the sights at least 2 times before, and some places like Gamla Uppsala, I'd been there 4 times already.
It was comments like 'what a backward place'. Do they think SG is perfect in every way?
But I finally made my way into the castle, Uppsala Slott. The history of the castle was interesting, but overall I don't think it's really value for money. The interior has been totally refurbished. Thr ruins were filled with wax dolls, kind of like the WWII attractions in Sentosa that I hated. So kitsh.
And they kept complaining about the cost. What did they expect?
Funny thing about the cathedral though. There are statues by the doors of the Domkyrkan and one of them, at the main entrance, is of St. Erik. During Sweden's first match in the World Cup, some person actually climbed onto the statue to hang the blue and yellow colours of Sweden on it. Instead, both the boy and the statue toppled and the statue lost its head. Ironic that St. Erik was actually beheaded as well. The lady at the information counter related this story to us and showed us the headless statue behind her counter. What some people would do for soccer... Too bad the match ended in a draw. And it was a BORING match! The Swedish team missed to many chances, to the point that the sport commentators used the word 'fiasco' so many times.

We took a boat ride to Skolkolster Castle with Melanie. I enjoyed it. I think Melanie did as well. But I don't think the rest did. Perhaps the pace was too slow. There wasn't many things to see or do. To me it was a fun day trip, since the weather was burning hot in Uppsala for the last few days. Oh well...

Stockholm never disappoints. And it didn't. I believe they had a good time there. Gamla Stan, the Royal Palace, the City Hall (climbed up the 106m tall tower), the Vasa Museum, Skansen, and the Drottningholm Palace. All the major tourist attractions - we covered them. While they wanted to watch the Sweden's second match, I preferred to take a walk. I'm glad I did. Sodermalm provides very good views of Stockholm city.

We saw the changing of guards again. I WAS CHEATED! What happened to the cool horses? To think I bought a 2GB SD card for taking a video of the horses, and they gave me some short performance. Disappointing! The uniforms the guards wore were not even nice too!

*fume*

In Uppsala, on my way back to the apartment, two local girls sitting in the sun greeted me in Mandarin. Ni hao. Cute. And so. A person who looks Chinese, is of Chinese descent, must speak Chinese? In any case, I stopped and chatted with them for a while. Who knew... They studied Mandarin before.

I can safely say I've almost completed seeing the entire Stockholm city, except Ostermalm. Perhaps I'll make my way there one day before I leave on my own.

Cruise to Tallinn (6 June to 8 June 2006)

Ah... Tallinn, Estonia. What can I say about that place.

Beauty, culture, entertainment, history, excitement, fun and excellent company. All rolled into one.

We (Melanie, Christof, Sandy and I) started on our cruise to Tallinn on board MS Romantika on 6 June 2006 at 1800hrs. Ooo... What a nice name. The weather was cool. It was an overnight cruise that will arrive to our destination at 1000hrs, Estonian Time.

We began our trip by taking a comfortable stroll around the ship and ended on the sun deck while waiting for the ship to depart. Stockholm archipelago is beautiful. Five hours on the trip and we could still see islands on both sides of the ship. Some so tiny, that they held only one small cottage and a few trees. Despite the chilly wind, we stayed on the deck, drinking our beers, talking, and taking in the scenery for 3 hours.

At 2200hrs, we headed to the performance stage where there was a lucky draw held and a dance band playing. I think the cruise is meant for seniors. Other than us, there were only two other groups of youths. But it was really enjoyable to see those senior dancing and concentrating on their steps while us young'uns simply shook our booties.

*grin*

There was a performance at 2300hrs by the ship's cabaret dancers called Galaxy. Well... it was enjoyable. Not excellent, but for a criuse... Now, I understand why Simon Cowell from Americal Idol kept saying cruise singers are not really good. The singers and performers really aren't.

After the show, we head over to the karaoke lounge and joined the rest of the young crowd. It was really cute. We filled our cards with the name 'Uppsala Students' and when it was announced, they cheered so loudly and shouted, "Uppsala, Uppsala..." Just like in a football match or as if we were some kind of stars. Our first song of the night was "Lemon Tree' and some of the people even went up to the dance area to do their thang. For our next song, 'We will Survive', we introduced ourselves as '3 Germans and 1 Singaporean'. Ah ha... That was a major hoohah. Singaporean? Those around turned and looked at us. I'm exotic.

*grin*

But it was all good fun though. Two of the guys from the other group (there was only two, including us, that night) ran up the stage to join us while we were singing.

Seriously, I would never have done this in Singapore. But no one will ever recognise me. I don't see why I shouldn't live it up. Embarrassment? What's that?

We headed to the disco, the Space Disco, after the karaoke lounge closed and stayed there until 0200 before heading back to the cabin. But not before Melanie was picked up by some Russian boy hoping to score. lol. He was shot down fast.

We arrived at Tallinn at 1000hrs. Believe me when I say, it was beautiful. No wonder it's a UNESCO world heritage site. Words can't do it justice. I'll mount the photos here when I have the time. We climbed up St. Olav's tower and had an extremely good view of the city. Visited the many churches there and explored the city wall and many other attractions. Two days would be perfect to explore the entire city, for both sights and museums. On our way back, we stopped for ice cream. My goodness! Compared to the prices in Sweden, the ice cream in Tallinn was sold for peanuts! We must have looked really dumb drooling over ice cream that day cos a local girl actually came up and asked where we came from. Yah... Another planet, where ice cream goes for three times the price in Tallinn. It was all good though. She offerred to show us around and the pubs at night. But we had to head back to the ship... From our conversation, we could see that she was happy that Estonia, or Tallinn is now receiving so many more visitors to the place, especially the younger crowd.

Estonia Facts
Population: 1.3 million
Population in Tallinn: 350 000

And true enough, we did see quite a number of tourists. But they were mainly Germans. Yup... We only saw three other groups of Italians, Japanese and French. The rest were all Germans. Interesting to see the spending power of these Germans. They travel so extensively.

Our ship left the port again at 1800hrs (Estonia Time) and we made our way back to Stockholm then Uppsala. Our time was spent exactly the same way as the previous night. Shows, karaoke, and disco. But all more fun though. There were many more younger groups and the karaoke was a lot more fun.

While disembarking, we saw the Swedes pulling loads of alcohol along with them. I can uderstand. The beers and spirits in Tallinn and on board the ship were so much cheaper than the prices in Sweden. But 6 to 8 cartons of beer??? Instead of putting the baby in its pram, they put alcohol in it! Where the baby went, I have no idea. No wonder I was told that the Swedes go on this cruise to get drunk and buy alcohol. Amazing.

It was great fun, good company. I enjoyed myself tremendously. To Riga next, if I have the time and comapny.

Last Student Group Meeting at Gamla Uppsala (01 June 2006)

And the saints are marching in. See the huge burial moulds in the background?
The rock-altar on which Pope JPII celebrated Mass when he was in Uppsala.
Begining of a wonderful evening.

The remaining students from the group (January to June 2006).

Back (L to R): Erik, Eleanor, Louise, Maru, Anna, Rika, Jana.

Front (L to R): Lucie, Kristof, Albert.

Leaving Gamla Uppsala

Marieudd - A Piece of Heaven on Earth (25 to 27 May 2006) - Part 1

Grey skies notwithstanding, nothing can take the beauty of Marieudd away (25 May 2006).

Marieudd's dock (25 May 2006).

Lucie in quiet contemplation (25 May 2006).

Marieudd - Paradise on Earth (25 May 2006).

26 May 2006

Don't you just wish you were here (26 May 2006)?

Beware of moose!

Marieudd - A Piece of Heaven on Earth (25 to 27 May 2006) - Part 2

On the rocks. One of the best places to sit and enjoy the beauty around you (26 May 2006).

Petra in quiet contemplation (26 May 2006).

Lounging in the sun after our silent retreat. From left to right: Petra, Christof, Philip (Fr.), Maru, Lucie (26 May 2006).

Sunset (26 May 2006).

Our midnight dip in Mälarens (26 May 2006).

On my last walk. Lean on me, I will support you (27 May 2006).
Goodbye Marieudd. I hope to be able so visit again (with the friends I made here) in a few years.

More Goodbyes

Already left - Kristof (Poland), Felix, Jamie (USA)
Leaving today - Eleanor, Erik, Michael (Sweden)
Leaving 12 June 2006 - Lucie (France)
Leaving 13 June 2006 - Melanie, Christof (Germany)
Leaving 18 June 2006 - Maru (Czech Republic) (but back on 5 July 2006!)

I'm the last person to leave, 27 July 2006. Just one day after Maru...

When will I see them again?

My Life The Past Two Weeks

Oh yes... The past two weeks have been really busy. I have to start putting them down in words here otherwise I'll just forget them...

In chronological order,

24 to 27 May 2006 - Marieudd Silent Retreat
I was kind of worried for a moment that my illness would stop me from going to Marieudd, virtually a piece of heaven on earth. True enough, I lost my voice, had a mild fever and generally felt unwell. But it was a silent retreat too. So losing my voice didn't really matter much. And with Panadol, everything could be kept under control. So, what the heck, of course, I had to go. And I didn't regret it one bit.

The retreat was enlightening to say the least. I had a spiritual time, if you may, walking in the forest, off the beaten tracks, and contemplating about the scriptures selected by Philip. And every so often, a question would pop into my head and I would have to meditate on that furhter. Even so, the beautiful scenery wasn't lost on me. Despite the rain on the second day, I took tonnes of photos.

Went moose hunting again but nothing. Instead, I saw two deers. I first heard some galloping sounds behind me, turned and saw two beautiful deers running from my left, towards me. The closest point they were from me was only 10m! Imagine that! They were so close! And I also saw a frog fall from the sky. I reckon it was the eagle I saw in the sky that dropped the frog. And yes, it was dead. No, good thing it didn't fall on my head. Just next to my feet. To think I was looking up at the sky with my mouth open...

At the end of the retreat on the second full day, we had a sauna again. And of course, what's a sauna without a dip in the waters? The lake is no longer frozen. It was wonderful just hearing the waves pounding on the shore at night, or any time of the day. But I assure you. At 0000hrs, the water is COLD! It was something we had to do. Something I had to do. How else can I say I took a swim in Mälarens? And I finally have the photos to prove it too! Unlike the first time when I had a dip in the frozen lake...

*grin*

It was terrible having to pull myself away from that wonderful place. It wasn't simply the house, or the beautiful scenery. It was the company. I had never thought that it would be possible to feel so close to these people in such short a time. And the silent retreat really brought more awareness of that. Every little detail, every little need didn't have to be spoken. At mealtimes, we were simply aware of what one another needed without gestures, or sound.

Truly, it is not in the conversations that mark friendships. But real friendships are defined by the comfort one feels in total silence.

27 May 2006 - Dinner at Maru's
Having had to leave early because the car needed to be back in Church by 1500hrs, Christof, Maru, Lucie, Melanie and I pulled ourselves away from Marieudd. We agreed to have a dinner of crepes, prepared by Lucie that night. Crepes with some special brownish flour. Very typical French I heard. And it was good. Conversations (especially after a 2 day silent retreat) felt so good. Ah... How it hurts to know that we would be going on our separate ways soon.

28 May 2006 - Last Real International Mass
And on Sunday, we had the last REAL international Mass. The last one that Lucy and many others would attend. We decided to form a little choir just for that. To make the Mass a little more special. In spite of having just lost my voice and it still being rahter hoarse, I decided to join the choir, just hoping that I wouldn't croak or something. I didn't. And it was special. Very special.

29 May 2006 - Farewell Party with the Bible Study Group
And on Monday, there was the farewell party with the Bible Study Group. I made some Singapore Chicken Curry. Made it as mild as possible since many of them can't really eat spicy foods. Sini made a wonderful salmon soup, with all organic ingredients.

Note to self: Have to get that recipe from her.

Sara made some Sara-style meatballs, Krister some special chicken, Ed some potato balls filled with meat, eaten with butter and cranberry sauce, Jana some sweet pasta with poppy seads, The food was good. The company amazing.

I will take home with me the love I felt in this small group. The knowledge that despite our spiritual differences we are one in the Body. I'm going to miss the sessions with them.

30 May 2006 - V-Dala's Concert and Farewell Dinner
And on Tuesday, I went to Christof's last concert with the V-Dala Nation's Choir. Excellent. Other than the horrible electric guitar playing in one song, and a really bad clashing chord, the entire concert was great. I enjoyed myself tremendously.

After the concert, we went for a dinner (at 2100hrs!) with the choir members and well, basically drank till the cows came home.

31 May 2006 - Farewell Dinner with Corridor Peeps
Wednesday was the farewell dinner with people from my corridor. Not everyone attended. But not everyone's leaving anyway. Only those who are more open, the ones I actually have conversations with are leaving. Everyone made a little something for the dinner. But somehow, I didn't feel as bad as the last few dinners I had the past days. Perhaps it had already dawned on me that everyone was leaving. Or perhaps I was already numb to that fact.

*sob*

01 June 2006 - Last Student Group Meeting (at Gamla Uppsala)
We had our last Catholic Students' Group meeting at Gamla Uppsala. A dinner of hot dogs. Wonderful company, wonderful weather, wonderful scenery.

I'm seriously going to miss this place.

The colours in Sweden are so vibrant. The sky so blue (when there's good weather). The ability to see so many stars when it's dark. The lack of light pollution. The fresh air. The beautiful people.

I'm going to miss these.

The photos I took will be up later. Perhaps I'll place them all on Flikr as well. When I'm free.

I'm still struggling with the evaporation problems on the chip. But, heck it, I'm on my downtime now. The problems can be solved when I'm home. After so many months working, it's time to start enjoying myself a little more.

And as you can see I have been enjoying myself. With the many dinners and such. I haven't been sleeping a lot the past week too. Bed at 0200 and awake at 0600hrs. To the point that I fell asleep at work and someone commented that I have been working too hard. Well... yes... I have been working hard, but the tiredness stems mainly from the parties and the alcohol...

Oops...