big trouble in little karlskrona

Nudes in the Swedish news

2010-05-12T11:40:00.000-07:00

I swear, its their favorite thing to have nude models in the papers and on the tele. I feel like such a prude giddy American seeing it! But really, its cool that the human body isn't such a outlandish thing here to be part of a public ad campaign. Anyway, enjoy!

Josh's Italian adventure

2010-05-12T06:41:00.000-07:00

Josh arrived in Florence last night and should be in Panzano now!

He will be there until mid-June (or longer? fingers crossed) as one Dario Cecchini's butchery apprentices. I'll try to post updates from him as I get them. Yay Josh!

for turin!

2010-04-06T12:54:00.000-07:00

alright boys, study the photos below because next winter we are gonna find us a hill, build some of these sonbitches and get real hurt.

yup

Spring has sprung, bitches

2010-04-03T04:57:00.000-07:00

We have been intensely enjoying the outdoors like the rest of the town! Its about 40F everyday now and absolutely lovely. Karlskrona in the winter is pretty but kind of like a ghost town. Now people are out walking their dogs, plants are bursting through cracks in the sidewalk, and we can sit by the water without ice collecting below our noses. Yay!

Go plants!

Serene

Sunset

Second hand/ Vintage shops in Malmö

2010-03-28T13:07:00.000-07:00

So, in Karlskrona there is not many second hand stores to go to. There is the Red Cross between Trossö and BTH, there is also Human Bridge, which you have to take a bus to and is almost at Kungsmarken. I only went once, its big, but I would only go again if I was really bored because I found no clothing, just a sewing machine.

In Malmö you will be delighted at the fantastic shopping opportunities!

Here is a list of just a few stores I went to, that were told to me by a local lady, Matilda, who works at Deleted Art Records.

Humana: On Möllevångsgatan just east of Södra Förstadsgatan

Great selection of vintage clothing items for men and women

Myrorna: On Södra Förstadsgatan just north of Möllevångsgatan

Vintage and second hand clothing along with belts, jewelry, furniture and bags and everything!

I bought a sweater here and a tank top, and they were about 50kr each. Josh got a dudes collared shirt for the same price!

Rundgång & Deleted Store: On Kristianstadsgatan between Bergsgatan and Norra Parkgatan

This is the super cute record store of the girl that gave me these places. They have a room full of old vintage garments and jewelery. I found adorable baby clothes here for my prego friends!

Tjallamalla: Davidshallsgatan 15

This store has vintage and new things interspersed. They did not have a focus on sustainable or eco fashions, but they had the vintage finds and pieces made in Sweden. I bought a dress from a super old Swedish company that I hope to wear allllll summer.

I'm not a big shopper, but I hadn't bought anything (except a winter hat and slippers) since we arrived in August. So it was so nice to make conscious purchases that I will have for a long long time. Yay!

malmö/ jesse hodges scandanavian visit

2010-03-28T12:00:00.000-07:00

Riding the train to Malmö.

Off the train we quickly settled into a Pilsner Urquell owned bar.

View from the bar of Lilla Torg square.

Swedes used to be badass vikings, now they just use their heritage to inform you of discount items. I personally would like to see a resurgance in raping and piliging the English, but whatever.

Nike tracksuits for Jesus.

Malmö Folkets Park (right behind Debaser) has a ride dedicated to every terrible Batman movie and the awful Catwoman spinoff.

This kid seems shocked and/ or frightened by the fact that you are trying to eat a cake with her face on it, plus the hat thing.

Debaser venue for the nights Pteradactyl show.

Before the show we went with Jesse and the dactyl's too a party at Deleted Art Records and then to the bar pictured below for more pre-party partying. (photo taken the morning after)

Hodges in action.

Swedish rock 'n' roll fans.

Ft Worth to Sweden.

I am sure each one of us will say this is easily the best picture we've ever taken.

DAY 2!

Kung-fu mannequins.

Crystal was taken by the little old lady in white and her bubble umbrella.

Malmö's farmers market kicks Karlskrona's ass.

This is an old cemetary downtown, it had more flowers/ greenary than either of us had seen in too damn long.

Spring?

Poop.

A cute old phonebooth in Lilla Torg square and token tourist photos to accompany it.

This place might have a vegetarian option for you, but it's at your own risk.

Goose crossing.

Malmohus Castle is the oldest Renaissance castle in Scandinavia, it was built by a Danish king when Malmo was part of Denmark and then was fortified in the 1600's (with the addition of the moat seen below) by a Swede and quickly repelled the last Danish attempt to reclaim the land. I think some Danes still hold all this against Sweden, and vice-versa.

Many a Danish invader were most likely killed by arrows shot through this neat little arrow shooting hole. Castles are cool.

A windmill stripped of its power.

Cityhall in Stortoget square.

This is S:T Petri Kyrka (St. Peter's Church), it dates back to the early 14th century. The picture doesn't really do the steeple justice because it is really ludicrously tall. The fact that it was made without any modern technology (like a crane) is just wild.

A bundle of bikes as we head to the train station and back to Karlskrona.

Still f'ing cold.

2010-03-11T22:57:00.000-08:00

Dear Internet,

Please bring summer to Sweden soon!!! We are cold.

Love,

Crystal and Josh and Rachel.

Best Swedish commercials ever

2010-03-07T11:40:00.000-08:00

So its still cold here.

Meaning we have developed a personal relationship with some of the television advertisements here.

Particilarly the Com Hem commercials.

There are two little red headed women that must be sisters and these commercials crack me up no matter what.

Check it out:)

We'll post more as we find them.

Dear spring, we miss you.

2010-02-10T00:04:00.000-08:00

Karlskrona friends

2010-02-06T06:49:00.001-08:00

This is Josh partying with my lady friends while I'm away, so fun! He thinks he looks like a drunken stalker, I agree.

Stephanie (on the left above) took this photo of Mark and I at the Wanas Foundation. It was a lovely day.

London Town

2010-02-06T05:49:00.000-08:00

I had the opportunity to go to London last week to attend a showcase of Master's student work from the Fashion & the Environment program at the London College of Fashion. It was amazing, but we did a little sight seeing as well! I absolutely loved it there: super cool night life, we were lucky with two days of blue skies, and a vintage quality throughout the city. Good food too: curry markets and cafe's! Check out some cool photos of the town...

I started off with a Guiness...

And attended the showcase of work from the Fashion & the Environment program.

Queen Elizabeth Hall is lovely.

Westminster Abbey

We hit the curry street in Shoreditch

We stopped at Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guard, so many tourists! I really wanted a photo making a funny face next to the guard, but this was cool too:)

We went out and found this amazing little double decker bus turned into a restaurants. We went in to find a cute little dating scene.

Old and new architecture, looks like a superimposed image, huh?

This hidden cafe reminded me of New Orleans

Big Ben!

And then we were delayed a night because of a big snowstorm in the nordic lands...we returned to a majestic Karlskrona.

New Apartment

2010-02-06T05:39:00.001-08:00

We shifted apartments! Now we are subletting a lovely place on the south west of the island. We have a kitchen we can both fit in it now! It feels much more like home:)

COP15

2010-01-24T03:32:00.000-08:00

We were on the run the whole time, but we got a chance to see the Ghost Forest art project by Angela Palmer. It a very cool project trying to raise awareness about deforestation and climate change. The roots and stumps are massive. Below is my friend Stephanie walking by one.

There were art projects all over the city. Some were better than others, but all together it was amazing to see so many people come together to show that they care through different mediums.

There are so many artists that are visualizing what a ton of CO2 looks like.

You may or may not know our story about not being able to find where we were supposed to stay? We definitely had a case of bad travel karma or something. So after walking around for maybe 5 hours we had to call it a night and find a hotel or hostel. Everything was super booked full because of COP15 and some hotels told us to go back to Sweden! Around 1:30am our cabby told us he knew where some rooms might be available, so off we went! When we got there, he was right; and he also informed us it was the red light district of Copenhagen. It didn't seem like what I saw in Amsterdam, but when we tried to check our email, we realized that perhaps Copenhagens red-light district is just more tech savvy than their neighbors to the south.

We didn't care though, it was clean and comfortable and we got a hell of a deal on the room.

The next day we had a lecture from Alex Steffan of Worldchanging! This was certainly a highlight of...the year for me. It was fantastic and inspiring.

After the night of walking around looking for an invisible apartment my shoes were ruined.

I had to jet home early because I literally couldn't take another step. But I had a great time, I can't wait for COP16 next year. I think its in Cancun.

Max Burger

2010-01-24T03:20:00.000-08:00

Max Burger is a cool swedish fast food phenomenon. They work with The Natural Step (who are closely related to my school) on their sustainability initiatives. Well, they decided to put a carbon footprint on each of their products, so you can see what choices need more CO2 to be made and can choose a more environmentally friendly option if you wish. Its a very cool model: giving people the information to make their own decisions. Me like. They do have other intiatives in place, as carbon footprinting alone doesn't make a company sustainable. But its definitely a step in the right direction!

Ecological Falafel! Who knew! I had this weird falafel sandwhich and its pretty awesome.

The most environmentally friendly options get their own board. These are typically fish and veggy burgers.

If you knew that a hamburger had 4 times the carbon footprint as chicken, what would you choose?

For a fast food franchise, the interiors are pretty sweet.

Fashion Summit at COP15

2010-01-24T02:54:00.000-08:00

While in Copenhagen for COP15, I went to the Fashion Summit hosted by NICE. I learned here that this industry has huge capabilities to make a difference and they are no where near where they need to be. They rely on vast amounts of water, human labor and raw material...and I would say a huge part of the industry is in a messy state. There are some initiatives happening here and there; but I foresee the industry being a big player in moving towards sustainability once they diffuse the small initiatives to the whole industry. Anyway :)

It was hosted in the Opera House, which was gorgeous!

These two girls are my good friends Steph and Jen! Yes, the same names as my sisters, crazzzzy.

I think one of these light fixtures equals my college debt.

I got to see the Crowned Princess Mary of Denmark, a beautiful opera performance and a fashion show!

Rotterdam Global Urban Summit

2010-01-24T01:02:00.000-08:00

Before Cop15, I had made a last minute decision to go to Rotterdamn's Global Urban Summit. It was a two day conference for urban planning enthusiasts from over the world; the purpose of the conference was to co-create 'New Green Deals'. The idea of New Green Deals is a timely evolution from Roosevelts 'New Deal'; hoping to push the green agenda in cities forward, create new jobs, and plan more efficient urban environments. About half of the world's population lives in urban areas, meaning there is a huge potential for cities to be thriving sustainable hubs of human existence.

To close the conference, Jeremy Rifkin who is the President of the Foundation on Economic Trends (sounds snoozy but he is amazing) gave a spectacular speech on the communication energy revolution (also sounds iffy but its intriguing). Please pop some popcorn and watch the speech on youtube. You won't be sorry; you will laugh, you will cry, and you will get goosebumps at least 5 times.

One super rad green deal was made: VEIL, an Eco Innovation Lab based in Australia would cooperate with Rotterdam to create a new VEIL (they would most likely call it REIL for Rotterdam). In the photo below you can see I agreed to help co-create more New Green Deals. My siggy is on the lower right above 'world'!

I think I heard correctly that Rotterdam commissions graffiti art throughout the city. I could be wrong on the details, but here is a lovely piece I saw.

Rotterdam also has initiatives in place for utilizing unused storefronts for public art. This concept is flying through cities worldwide. If any city officials need help with this, INDO wants to join the ride.

One night of the conference, we enjoyed a boat tour of the very organized Rotterdam ports. These two lovely ladies sang the menu to us for each course. The whole trip was amazing, we ate well, slept well, I didn't lose my wallet, and to think I almost didn't go! However, they did serve veal which was odd for a conference focused on sustainability.

We stayed the night in Amsterdam and it was beautiful!

I got to see the red-light district.

One thing I loved was this shop that sold just cheese.

These amazing vending machines in Amsterdam are each little microwaves; you pop in money, and out pops a corn dog or pizza pocket.

I did my BFA thesis on public bicycle programs; so I was ecstatic to see the yellow bikes in action around Amsterdam! So far Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Karlskrona and Copenhagen and 50% more bicycle friendly than my hometown Chicago. We have got some work to do!

I recommend seeing these cities. I wish Josh could have been with me for this little trip. Rotterdam is super cool, filled with innovation and a big arts scene. Amsterdam is just breathtaking.

new years day

2010-01-03T11:47:00.000-08:00

new years day breakfast(more of a brunch), arguably the most important meal of the year. crystal went for the gold with a frittata loosely based on alton browns recipe, with whiskey cheddar, red onion, garlic and sundried tomatoes.

first dinner of 2010.

i made us a top notch meal of baked fries and mussels via a recipe from smitten kitchen. and of course in keeping with my southern roots some dirty black eyed peas, which i don't really have a recipe for, but they include rosemary, sage, garlic, onion and green bell peppers, throw everything together and cook, kind of.

pommes frites.

moules a la mariniere (from göteborg)

we're classy. (that's the black eyed peas in our coffee cups, we neglected to give them a spotlight.)

satisfied.

bröd

2010-01-03T11:27:00.000-08:00

that's how they say bread in this crazy country.

they pronouce it bread, but all swedishey.

we made some bröd today.

we used this recipe sans spices, which is adapted from this recipe.

better than store bought.

food=love=food

2009-11-27T09:26:00.000-08:00

Josh has been going out of his way to try to fatten me up while we are here. It's my one worst nightmares... after not seeing everyone for a year, to get off the plane and for them to not recognize me. I swear, this happens to people!

So you can understand why I have been trying to scale down his making of delicious baked goods, but the boy is unstoppable and I have finally relented to the sweet apple crisps and chocolate delicacies; not to mention the delicious soups and other random swedish experiments.

I am going to make him post his recipes soon, but in the mean time, here is a mean pierogi recipe.

Use this recipe for Dough (halve this) & this one for Filling

(For the dough I would add another kind of cheese and perhaps a bit more butter. Delicious.)

Thanksgiving with the Grovers

2009-11-26T08:49:00.001-08:00

I miss Freddy and Bella

2009-11-18T23:28:00.001-08:00

350 day: HUMAN GRAPH: Karlskrona

2009-10-24T07:44:00.000-07:00

Jattebra.

check it out here too.

350 day.

2009-10-24T07:33:00.001-07:00

Today we made a human graph to be a part of 350 day, a huge movement across the globe showing that WE care about safe limits of carbon in our atmosphere. Check out the before and after action!

Found hat!

2009-10-24T07:31:00.000-07:00

When you lose something outside here, people leave it somewhere you will see it!

Like my hat.

(Thank you)

Wanås Foundation: Ecology and Art conference

2009-10-24T07:23:00.000-07:00

Canadian Thanksgiving

2009-10-24T07:20:00.000-07:00

lovely

2009-10-24T07:18:00.001-07:00

say hi

2009-10-24T07:17:00.000-07:00

School, construction 1

2009-10-24T07:13:00.000-07:00

Part of the school is under construction...We'll see shortly how it will turn out!

nature is sexy.

2009-10-24T07:12:00.000-07:00

nerd alert! (pt.2)

2009-10-24T07:09:00.001-07:00

your leaders of tomorrow...today!

(posted via josh under crystal's username)

Crystal's birthday

2009-10-24T07:01:00.001-07:00

We celebrated along with the Oktoberfest festival.

Josh goes European

2009-10-24T06:59:00.000-07:00

Calm and lovely day

2009-10-24T06:58:00.001-07:00

Someone suds the town fountain

2009-10-24T06:57:00.000-07:00

Festival of Diversity

2009-10-24T06:54:00.000-07:00

The class made desserts showcasing the many countries we are from...of course I made Chocolate Chip cookies:)

A night of animalistic fun

2009-10-24T06:50:00.001-07:00

Rachel playing

2009-10-10T06:14:00.000-07:00

The windmill tail is dangerous!

WANÅS, a farm and art park

2009-09-22T13:55:00.000-07:00

Wanås is about 2.5 hours north of Karlskrona Sweden. Its a gorgeous area that used to belong to Denmark, and now is back in the hands of the Swedes. The curator that gave us a tour has been there since the 80's and has worked with amazing world-renowned artists, so it was so inspiring to hear her talk of the history the park and her experience.

This radiator is an art piece. It heats up with the energy from milking the cows (the heat from the milk). It is about global warming and the methane that comes from raising cows. (Eat less meat y'all)

This is Maya Lin's sculpture from 2004...you can see the raise in the ground? Its a large spiral spanning this grazing field for the cows. Its best seen in arial view:)

This exhibit took up 4 floors of a barn! Each floor was different, this was my favorite. Ann Hamilton wrapped each column of the strucuture hundreds and hundreds of times with string.

Arial art!

A swedish artists view of global warming.

She is peeing.

For real.

At the end of the day, everyone takes time to swing around...can you see my classmate Spud at the tip top?

Car Cemetery

2009-09-22T13:42:00.000-07:00

For anyone that has read The World Without Us by Alan Weisman, this car cemetery may take on an entirely new meaning; rather than just a dumping ground for broken down gas guzzlers. A man began this car cemetery, and now a photographer has helped secure funding so it can stay here for whomever is interested.

Its fascinating how nature is reclaiming its own.

Camping!

2009-09-22T13:31:00.000-07:00

We arrived at this camp ground in the dark of night. It was so dark & quiet, and the sky was so bright, it was so natural, but since I'm not used to nature and such darkness, I was quite scared!

Here is what I found when I woke up (a beautiful fog, that lifted late morning).

Gorgeous spider webs

Yuri brought her son Nau (my apologies, I need to check the spelling); this is some sparkler action at the bonfire.

Växjo Church

2009-09-22T13:24:00.000-07:00

We stopped in a quaint church while in town.

Växjo Kommun, the greenest city in Europe

2009-09-22T13:09:00.000-07:00

This weekend I went on a little field trip to the city of Växjo, known as the greenest city in Europe. Why they are called this is quite interesting, as it seems largely to do with the fascinating way their politicians agree across the board on sustainability issues. They really take it seriously, and have been doing so for decades.

We got an overview of their city planning strategies and sustainability iniatives. About 90% of the energy to heat their homes comes from biomass from the surrounding forestry industry (which replenishes itself quicker than it's consumed). They rely on less than 5% of fossil fuels. Below you see a picture of their power plant, fueled by biomass. Notice how its on a beautiful lake. They also have super terrific goals of becoming much less car dependant.

One of the big breakthroughs for the area, has been the allowance of timber buildings over 2 stories. Since wood burns so easily, they haven't been allowed to build with it for a long time. However, because of their huge supply of this building material, they have begun to build with it again, and have adopted new fire safety codes. See below some of their timber construction buildings!

Oh yes, ice cream

2009-09-22T12:51:00.000-07:00

We just wanted to share the new ice cream flavors we have been exploring, to help future students know which is best. Here is what we have tried so far:

Chocolate: OMG so good. Huge chocolate chunks that melt in your mouth. We both loved it.

Lion: Crystal's favorite! Chocolate, carmel, peanut butter? I don't know, but it's like heaven.

Peach Raspberry: Wow, I don't like fruit ice cream, but I certainly ate all of Josh's. He also loved it. Love loved.

Vanilla (soy): eh, boring compared to all the other awesomeness...but was glad to find a non dairy option.

Dumle: Crystal liked the light butterscotch flavor, Josh thought it was disappointing.

After Eight: Crystal also liked (tasted like an Andes mint!), Josh extremely did not.

Ordering tips: If you order a scoop, it is actually 3 scoops of one flavor. If you order 2 flavors (also known as scoops) you get 6 scoops! If you order 3 flavors, you get 9 scoops! See below for the 9 scoop extravaganza. (Kiddie cones are sold for 12 kroner, I recommend this, as it is only 1 huge scoop)

Oh yes, the waffle cones are fresh made right then and there.

Game night!

2009-09-05T13:20:00.000-07:00

We made friends with our upstairs neighbor Anna and her dog Uli (I will have to confirm the spelling later). We made tacos that were half swedish (mushrooms, lettuce, corn, cucumbers, tomato and onion, taco sauce, (soy) meat) and half 'american' (rice, beans, salsa).

awesome.

This is Anna totally kicking our butts at Jenga.

Deep thought.

København pt.2 - design

2009-09-05T12:43:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of meeting Kate's friend Erica of Steel Toe Studio's, truly a fantastic artist and designer. My mind had been in the clouds for a few weeks, so when I met her and she got me into the Designboom show I was uber excited. Here are some highlights. (and here is the rest)

This is kvadrat's clouds. I've been in love with this installation concept forever and was so happy to see it in person.

I want horns on my bike now. Josh is supposedly working on it for me.

What a cute resource reminder. As you use paper towels, the little gopher and plant sink into the log. Don't say bye-bye, just use less paper! Ok, I'm usually not into these cutesy things, but I like this.

I think my friend Stephanie Bassos would love this. Its wall paper you can pick off the wall to create patterns. So cool.

Scrap play ground!

This is a fabulous student's indoor fireplace design. At the bottom is a receptacle to burn alcohol, and when you light it, the interior is lined in brass which sparkles boldly. So beautiful.

On to some window displays...

This dress is made of yarn, what a bold indian enchantress!

Mirrors on the floor of this window create an incredible gleam.

I love the street aspect of display as opposed to confining it to a window. Cool Copenhagen, cool.

København pt.1

2009-09-05T11:16:00.000-07:00

last weekend we went to copenhagen to visit our friends krys and kate. the train ride over took about three hours and we were able to see the sun set on the baltic.

the first thing you see when exiting the central train station is tivoli gardens. the line literally wraps around the block on a friday night.

friends, new and not so new. familiarity in strange countries is an incredibly comforting feeling.

we saw great window art the next morning on our walk to get breakfast.

crazy naked african pygmy looking statue.

and a giant ear with tiny people cleaning it, i'm not even sure what that place was selling.

danish danishes, kind of a no-brainer.

a motorized street vending cart. it was going down a major street at the speed of a lawnmower.

interesting fact, apparently most hotdog/street food vendors are government subsidized. it's like the danish equivalent of welfare, and much easier to swallow.(heh)

this is the old danish stock exchange building. the spyre has four dragons atop it with their tails entwining upwards. they're supposed to represent the four scandinavian countries. it's also pretty tough.

stor gay al's stor gay bådtur

i'd call this picture beauty and the beast, but that really isn't fair to all the decent, honest beasts out there.

copenhagen likes their bikes.

crystal was philosophizing when she took this picture.

this was a picture hanging in the apartment we were staying in. it's just great.

train ride home. look at all those wind turbines, copenhagen is the leading country in wind energy production.

i was born with a bottle in my mouth!

2009-09-03T01:09:00.000-07:00

please enjoy this song while reading the following post.

beer and booze in sweden.

it's an odd/expensive thing here.

the only place(other than bars/restaurants) to buy anything over 3.5% is called systembolaget, a government run liquor store with pain in the ass hours. all beer is sold as singles, and unrefrigerated. here is a sampling of my sampling.

mariestads is swedish made, pleasent to drink and was working its way towards being my fallback beer.

my first arboga, 7.3% made it quite appealing.

i bought this because of the graphics and it's also the cheapest beer at systembolaget.

(crystal mashed my cans last night in an effort to "clean up" for "recycling" purposes)

this is the beer reindeer promote, and it's also the only one i've seen tv ads for.

also the deer turn blue when it's cold, i don't know if they stole that from coors or vice-versa, but man am i glad beer technology is on that level.

crystal bought me a 5.3 version of this on my birthday but yesterday i found this 7.2 at the store. it's the same cost as mariestad and more bang for your buck. the "new" fallback.

what!? arboga 10.2!! and you can only buy it in big cans! a bit pricey but a couple of these and you're set buddy!

"sweet land of liberty"

budweiser doesn't have twist off caps in sweden. these folks know how to polish a turd.

sidenote - i am actually trying to update my other blog more regularly now as well. i just posted a mix of swedish death metal on it. enjoy.

Josh's bday at the Skärva Eco Farm and Karaoke!

2009-08-28T00:47:00.000-07:00

Today was Josh's bday! It was quite healthy and eventful for us, compared to what Josh's birthday usually is, which he usually doesn't remember:) We bicycled to the Skärva Eco Farm which isn't too far from Karlskrona. There they have a little eco-butik with loads of dried foods, spices and tea.

This farm has remained an organic farm through the 'popular' introduction of chemicals and industrial agriculture. After getting a overview about the history of the farm and Karlskrona itself, we volunteered by picking beans! These bean plants were in dire need of it too, as some had toppled over from the weight of its fruit.

So many! And this was just some of the pickings!

Afterwards Henrik treated us to a delicious sampling of what the store had to offer.

It is such a beautiful place. Riding bikes is definately the way to get here because the air smells so clean and crisp and the scenery is breathtaking.

Below are composting toilets, which don't smell!

This is the farm's peacock.

Karaoke'ing at the Fox and Anchor. Ridiculously fun!

Bicycle Coop at BTH

2009-08-28T00:28:00.000-07:00

There is a bicycle coop at my school. Hopefully I will be able to update its organization, because it sure needs it! What a good opportunity!

Graphic what not

2009-08-23T06:48:00.001-07:00

This city was made to house a naval base, the nautical heritage

here is pronounced everywhere. This is a ship plaque set into

the side of an old building.

It's interesting going to another place and seeing the graphics

they use for the streets and wayfinding. I have been enjoying

the graphics as well as some of the old type.

This is on an old ship we found when walking around the naval base

I like this dog graphic.

Rachel's runnin!

2009-08-23T06:40:00.000-07:00

We found a place for Rachel to be off-leash and run around a little bit! She was so happy to stretch her legs.

Such old and beautiful architecture here; this is the school where we were running around the soccer field with Rach.

Karlskrona, by the naval base

2009-08-23T06:35:00.000-07:00

It really is something else here...so pretty. The clouds are so gorgeous and always making it that much more picturesque.

Bonfire & New Friends

2009-08-23T06:28:00.000-07:00

Last night I finally got to meet more of my new classmates...there will be 60 of us! Rebecca from New Zealand put together this little shin dig and it couldn't have been a more perfect night...beautiful beach, great food, fantastic people.

Björkholmen

2009-08-23T06:17:00.000-07:00

The bjorkholmen is a small neighborhood made up of wooden cottages. Dating back to the 1700's, the neighborhood began as housing for the shipyard workers (the shipyard being directly adjacent to it). Now, many of the bright cottages are preserved and in use. Our new friend John is living in one for the school year, and I can't wait to go inside one of these!

Farmers Market lunches

2009-08-23T06:14:00.000-07:00

Everyday (except Sunday), someone sets up tent in the square for us to buy fresh produce (cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, lettuce, bread...! We have had such luck to have fresh sandwiches every day for lunch. As Josh would say, num-nummerz!

Swans

2009-08-23T06:12:00.000-07:00

Swedish Ikea

2009-08-23T06:02:00.000-07:00

Our voyage to Sweden wouldn't be fulfilled without traveling to Ikea. After two nights of sleeping on a rock hard floor, we took a 1.5 hour bus ride to high-tail a mattress home. Our backs are still thanking us. Ikea is so smart for rolling up their mattresses into little portable packages! If you need to get to this Ikea in Kalmar (the closest one to Karlskrona), you take the bus 500 from Karlskrona Central to Kalmar Central (approx 80 crowns) , and then take the bus 404 to ikea (21 crowns, or two people for 28 crowns).

Josh using his brawn.... :)

Karlskrona Second Hand

2009-08-23T05:54:00.000-07:00

If you know me at all, you know I love finding vintage furniture and wares...and I'm especially a sucker for lamps. Which is why the beauty below was my first purchase from Karlskrona Second Hand. Its amazingly full store of antiques and treasures, from floor to ceiling (recommendation: don't wear a large backpack inside)! Some things are pricey, but the owner knows his stuff. He will most likely offer you a cup of coffee, and when you ask for the price of something he will tell you the date and history behind it. I totally recommend going here, if not for the antiques, then for the coffee and to talk to the delightful antiquesman. Its on Drottningatan, a few blocks south of Kyrkogatan. All of the antique stores here keep odd hours...you'll know this one is open when the awnings are out, the sidewalk is overflowing with goods, and the coffee thermos is steaming on the stoop.

nerd alert! (pt.1)

2009-08-19T15:24:00.000-07:00

Crys is quite into the antiquities of this little town, she's well on her way towards becoming a full fledged eco-steampunk.

Saltö Fiskhall

2009-08-19T15:17:00.000-07:00

This was our first real meal (8/16). It was the freshest food Josh (and I've) eaten in what seems like forever. It was instantly decided this is a top-ranking place to take the parents (granted they make it out while it's still warm).

(stuffed to the brim with fresh shrimp n crawdads, topped with a creamy dill dressing, truly mouthwatering: josh)

Sisters, I found some drinks for you

2009-08-19T15:06:00.000-07:00

Nikki, Steph, Jen. They have Tequila Rose (the peptobismal/strawberry drink) and Malibu, as well as this cute wine called 'Happy Cat'. I will stock up when you come! Steph, they also have Strongbow, your fave! I miss you guys.

Recycling room! (and compost too)

2009-08-19T15:00:00.000-07:00

This incredibly organized little room is the recycling center at our apartment complex. We can recycle paper, newspaper, clear glass, green glass, plastic, broken glass and we take our compost here too!!! We also take our trash here, but all of these special little bins make me want to recycle my heart out.

Conditori Favoriti

2009-08-19T14:47:00.001-07:00

This bakery is on Amiralitetstorget, it is our (my) new favorite. All of the delicacies are beautiful and scrumptious, the barista is very friendly, and it makes me feel exceptionally european as if we had been here 50 years earlier.

Afternoon coffee breaks here are called 'fika'.

This was our fika on monday afternoon.

THIS is a pear pastry. Delicious.

In swedish its called a peron-_____

(the blank is a completely unpronoucable word if you are a North American).

This is a lemon custard danish like delight.

I might put on some pounds because this place is right around the corner from us, and we walk Rachel by it regularly.

ravens cry with no mercy!

2009-08-19T14:39:00.000-07:00

also yesterday we saw this in the middle of downtown.

that's a seagull feasting on the decapitated remains of a deceased pigeon. we don't know if he killed it but he sure as shit wanted to eat it!

num-nummerz!

(these are some of the few pictures i have actually taken. that's not bragging, it's just an unfortunate morbid fact.)

cool happy geniuses!

2009-08-19T13:48:00.000-07:00

"total douchebag"

i haven't yet learned how to say that in swedish, but here's a brief lesson of foul/idiotic words and phrases i learned while staying in our quaint cabin and rotting my brain upon american television with swedish subtitles (namely the simpsons, family guy and married with children).

enjoy, satmara!(that means bitch)

lesson 1 section 1

fet = fat

magdansen = truffle shuffle

helvete ocksa = what the hell!?

gratis gegga = free goo

fjant = dork

allt = ass

nakenbaren = nudey bar

strippklubb = take a guess

striporna = after the last you'd be stupid not to figure this out

silkenbröst = augmented breast

dingleklubbing = jigglyroom

kopaj = cowpie

plugghast = egghead

golvpaj = floorpie

meech = sissy

pengakrig = money fight

pissa = piss(duuuuhhhh)

tont = nerd

osexigt = unsexy

mystika laden = mystery box

toplesscene = topless scene

barnfetma = fat kid

sockerpulla = candyass

vilketsven = son of a bitch

jag älskar tuttar = i love boobies!

as you can see i am making the best of my time in sweden by learning nothing but the most useless aspects of the language. so if you visit i can't help you find a bathroom but i can let you know if someone is a candyass!

Around Dragsö

2009-08-17T14:41:00.000-07:00

Random coolness

2009-08-17T14:35:00.000-07:00

Apples at the bottom of an apple tree

Pretty moss

This is a graphic from a dog grooming salon; but it looks more like a massage parlor for dogs.

Hiking at Dragsö, the less creepy side of it

2009-08-17T14:30:00.000-07:00

Clean and clear water everywhere you turn.

Hiking at Dragsö

2009-08-17T14:26:00.000-07:00

Look at all these creepy gnomes we found on our hike in Dragsö. Weeeeird.

And these were only a few of them!

Exploring town a little

2009-08-17T14:21:00.000-07:00

Old train tracks run all around town, now they are a pedestrian path.

There are old walls still standing in town that new buildings are built right into. Much character here!

Center pieces

2009-08-17T14:16:00.000-07:00

We went to the town festival, here is the cute center pieces they had in the beer garden

Farmers Market

2009-08-17T14:12:00.000-07:00

The farmers market here is much like the one we left behind in Logan Square. This is also situated in the town square with tons of plants, veggies, fruits and random objects people are selling. Except this one doesn't have the tap dancer! We just found an apartment right off the square and can't wait until Saturday, to walk out our door and into foodie heaven.

Coffee pot ramen

2009-08-17T14:08:00.001-07:00

We are having creative cuisine in the cabin! We only have a coffee pot to make any kind of hot food, so we are making gourmet ramen. Surprisingly delicious.

2009-08-17T13:59:00.000-07:00

There was just one bird like this at Humboldt Park this summer. So it was a nice surprise to see a whole flock.

There are a lot of slugs here.

2009-08-17T13:58:00.000-07:00

(this means 'ramp')

2009-08-17T13:52:00.000-07:00

Nikki, Steph, Jen! I found you cute swedish boys on boats and pringles!

Linsey, there is moss everywhere!

2009-08-17T13:51:00.000-07:00

First impressions

2009-08-17T13:46:00.000-07:00

This town is calm and pleasing to the eye.

Our home away from home....the cabin

2009-08-17T13:33:00.000-07:00

Ikea furnishings everywhere! This is truly a beautiful campground, its extremely clean. I recommend it to anyone visiting. We are staying in the 'youth hostel', but if you are looking for more of a vacation they have 'deluxe' cabins you can rent overlooking the bay or crannied into the forest. Lots of hiking and swimming here!

Hej-do! (Bye!)

2009-08-17T13:18:00.000-07:00

Every adventures begins where another ends.

We will definately miss all of our beautiful friends and family!

& thanks for all the lovely goodbye wishes!