Lots to Do! December 29, 2008

My god have we been busy since getting here! Since I last wrote we’ve been to a small christmas party, gone backwater tripping, visited Varkala, gotten drunk at a big christmas party, gone to the dentist and during all of this eaten great food! 

I’ve just had too much to do to be sick, and now it’s over and done with. It’s true what they say though, being sick is a state of mind, I mean I still took care of myself (sortof) by drinking tea with ginger and lime before going to sleep, by sleeping in as much as possible, and making sure I didn’t freeze at night. (Having a doting boyfriend and mother has ofcourse helped. )

The little x-mas party (with kids)

Anyway, the little christmas party we went to on the 25th was very pleasant, lots of english food, and good company (save the kids since they’re little people on acid). In fact we had such a good time neither me nor the bear wanted to go home at the planned time. Out of respect to our driver who was supposed to pick us up at 8.30 the next morning though, we went home and had a good nights sleep instead.  

 

Click to see more!

 

Varkala

On the 26th we travelled through some backwaters (think Venice but out in nature with palm trees instead of in a city). Pictures will come, just like before, when I get home since I don’t have the right cables with me. Very pleasant even if we looked ridiculous in our given safety vests. …And it was the first time since getting here that I got the chance to bask in the sun and work on my tan. After a very sweaty boat ride we rounded up the day with dinner at Varkala (one of my favorite places in India, despite the fact that many feel it’s exploited) and I ate momo’s! A tibetan course I love beyond description and missed beyond belief! *Yum*   

27th became a day at the dentist and an evening with about 70 others celebrating a late christmas. I got a little too drunk met a girl/woman I got along with charmingly and the both of us got completely hammered. In fact, just before leaving to continue the drinking at her place we decided to jump into the hotels pool that we weren’t allowed to use and getting more alcohol at another persons place to continue the night with. All good, lots of fun and we went to bed at 5 am. I woke up completely out of it and after a very tasteless indian subway sandwich we were off to the dentist again. Just before the dentist called us in we quickly bought a toothbrush, some water and some toothpaste out of respect for our dentist so he wouldn’t faint from the reek of alcohol and cigarettes I’d had the night before. Heh. We came home, we passed out.

Today, finally, we had yet another day at the dentist but we actually ate dinner at home and as you can see, I have for the first time had little bit of time to write about alot.

During these days the bear has decided that he wants to live here once his company kicks off and I’ve finished studying and I’ve found out that all houses around here don’t necessarily have to be as decadent I thought. The girl/woman we slept over at had for example a beautiful, clean and comfortable house with a working kitchen and running water. All in all, it’s been interesting, even for me who’s been coming to this chaotic place since I was born. I’ve even come to understand myself a little better and found my roots a bit.

India truly has a way of making me appreciate life in a completely different manner at the same time as it spiritually (not in a godly sense) renews me. It’s a good place to visit.

Tomorrow a magician from Sweden is dropping by to do some tricks in exchange for getting the chance to come by and visit this house that he’s heard so much about and then… you know what? We haven’t actually decided. Maybe things are actually starting to slow down now that we only have 3 whole days left!

Sweet kisses to all!

Sick (again) and Tired December 24, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Serves me right for being so cocky yesterday… I knew as I went to bed that I was probably about to get a cold but I just refused to believe it (can you blame me?). Waking up this morning I knew I wasn’t feeling well, had some breakfast, cancelled the cab and went back to sleep. Damn it. The thing is, a slight cold is managable in Sweden, here though, with all the strange bacterias, the heat, and the sweating a slight cold can turn me into zombie aweful quick. Feel better now though, and ones the worst of the heat passes (around 3pm) me and the bear are gonna go into town and again attempt to do some shopping in town. Yesterday the supporters of the communist party (the party in power) was having a demonstration (the peaceful kind, which Indians are famous for) so most of the roads were blocked and we pretty much ended up spending the afternoon in the car. All one can do is to go with the flow here and try again another day.

Oh, and I just realized that it was christmas (Swedes celebrate is on the 24th) so merry christmas to everyone, and hopefully I’m well enough tomorrow to celebrate it as planned with some acquaintances. 

Until then, sickly sweet kisses to all!

Julfika December 16, 2008

Apparantly we had an earthquake this morning. I usually wake up from my cellphone vibrating so I’m surprised I didn’t wake up from that. Too bad, had really liked to experience it.  

I finally found out where I’ll be working as an apprentice next year; Working with angry kids in the riskzone. Should be interesting. Can’t wait to fill up my head with all that practical knowledge. It’s exciting to see the stuff we’ve been learning in school be used in the “real” world!

Well, I’m off to fill my belly with… whatever one eats during a so called “julfika”. Direct translation: not possible. Jul=christmas, fikagathering over a cup of coffee kind of.

Sweet Kisses to all

My weekend December 7, 2008

Pleasant… but what happened to it? I can’t believe it’s Monday already tomorrow, and the monday of what will be one of the busiest weeks I’ve had for a couple of months I think.

So, what have I been up to? 

Yesterday, as mentioned, I went to the local christmas market, as is tradition since moving to Helsingborg.

This year was though, at the risk of sounding like “wah”-girl (rather than a “woo”-girl for those who watch “How I Met Your Mother”) was a disappointment. We payed double of what we have the earlier years, for a smaller market than has been the earlier years, and most importantly which would have otherwise made up for the previously mentioned weaknesses… No friendly face selling herring sandwiches (sounds disgusting I know!).

You know how it is, the things one likes and values the most… are the things one can’t get so easily.The herring sandwich is one such thing…  just like the very strange moose kebab that can only be bought during the helsingborg festival. Or the very swedish Marabou chocolates that I barely touch when I’m in Sweden but taste like a little piece of heaven when in Asia.

None the less. After a very warm shower we were invited to dinner at another couples place where we enjoyed fajitas and a bottle (or two) of wine. 

Today: I trained a little, bought some buns to have a nice breakfast with the bear, cleaned up the apartment, washed clothes, painted Isis’ bowl (I’ll put up pictures of my amatuer artwork when all the bowls are done), and had a pleasant lunch/dinner with cake and all with the “step-parents” to celebrate the “step-sisters” soon-to-come birthday. I even managed to answer one of the trivial persuit questions! (Easy one though: who wrote “interview with a vampire?”). 

We came home to two highly adorable and fast growing kitten a couple of hours ago with a full stomach and a bag of home-made meatballs for future enjoyment.

All in all? Pleasant weekend… but man did it fly.

Kisses to all!

Wonderful and Scary September 30, 2008

The rubber process: one carefully cuts into the tree until the rubber starts drupping into the coconut-shell bowl and in the end of the day (?) all of the fluids are collected and pressed into the sheets (which stink), hung up to dry, and then sold.

As I had my nose pressed against the rubber mat underneath me in Yoga today I realized it had the exact smell of the rubber mats produced from our rubber trees in India. Very strange having that smell (that I usually associate with India) fill my nostrils in the middle of a Yoga position here in Sweden. Actually made me wee bit nostalgic.

It’s funny that. Last time I was there I was ready to burn the house down out of pure anxiety, anger and bitterness (not that I think a granite house is easy to burn). I had pretty much promised myself that I wouldn’t go back for a very, very long time (ie 10 or so years). Then, my parents asked me and the Bear to come to India for Christmas and New Years Eve this year and I basically agreed to just so that the Bear would get the chance to see the other side of me that – no matter how much I hate it at times – after all is, such a big part of my life. 

Since then, talking about it and thinking about it as much as I have, has made me recall the amazing backpacking trip I made (in a desperate attempt to get away from the house) during the last two months of that stay. Although I’m saddened that the Bear and I wont be able to experience that trip together in the same way, I know that we’ll have other trips and adventures that will be amazing in there own way.

I have to say that after that trip I truly believe that backpacking is something everyone should have done at some point in their lifes. Or rather, to travel around in a way and in a place that is completely outside ones own comfort zone. That’s what that backpacking trip was for me. The person I travelled with should truly get some respect for having had dealt with both me and my silver spoon!

None the less. Once I remembered that amazing trip, I started to slowly remember all the good stuff my Indian home and province have to offer as well, that had gotten lost in my bitter haze. There is, I have to admit, so many good, great and wonderful little details that can’t really be decribed and I know I’ll enjoy them even more once I’m ready for it and I’m there with the right person. 

…And then I realized something. I’m really hoping (and deep inside believing) that the Bear is that person (if he can handle India)… and that thought is as scary as it could be wonderful. 

Kisses to all.

The Ecstacy of White Powder January 8, 2008

So another christmas gone by. It’s interesting how differently various families celebrate them (or don’t celebrate it in my case). The bears family in any case enjoy the presents on the 24th with their parents and then the christmas foods on the 25th with the grandparents. Can’t complain! 

After the family-time, we spent the evening of 25th with friends. Quite the interesting evening, with many people going out… and I’m glad I didn’t attempt getting into a bar that night! These are, after all the reason for why me and the majority of other swedes celebrate christmas. For the company, for the family, for the love… and not for religion.

Ah, and new years eve/day… haven’t had a hang over like that since last new year! heh. But it was a wonderful two days. party with friends on the 31st and a nice calming brunch with friends as well as homemade pizza for dinner on the 1st.

They say that the way one spends the first day of the new year is a clue into how the rest of the year will be. If this is true, then friends, food, a relaxed nature as well as activities to keep me going gives clues to a wonderful new and upcoming year!

And as if to welcome the new year, even the town looks a little different! of this winter fell on the 1st January. And although it’s still a little too warm for it to stick toThe first snowflakes the ground I was overjoyed to see the picture to the right when I looked out the window a few days ago! Ofcourse, this only lasted teh evening but little me was still a happy little girl.

None the less, happy new year and I hope everyone gets a wonderful year.

Sweet kisses to all!

Beautiful Me and Beautiful You December 22, 2007

 

What do you think? Too bad this bloggsite for some reason distorts the photos making them quite bland and pale. None the less you get to see the truly girlyicious days I’ve had with my future make-up artist for a friend, Jenny. The two upper photos is taken by myself just to have something for show from a week ago (It’s the Lime and Dessert look for those of you who are wondering). The bottom one though, is from today for Jenny’s “book” so to say. Jenny, is of course is the make-up artist yet again, but the photographer this time, is my darling bear and personally, I think I look damned good! Haha, so the two of them did a good job. 

Hope J’s happy with her, re-touched, photos none the less, her teacher’s gonna be the one to take a look and make comments on it.

Ah well, ‘nough said about me. (yea right, my blogg!)

I’m learning to be a little more self-less this winter, which is probably a very good christmas-y thing to learn. The reason for me saying this is I managed to spend a half day shopping for christmas presents without getting anything for myself. Not on purpose mind you, but once at home it felt kinda nice having gotten for others rather than myself. I’ll admit though that I’m going shopping tomorrow to get myself all that wonderful stuff i didn’t get the chance to get last time. hehe But atleast I’m learning!!

Alright, before I write too much I have to wish all you wonderful people out there a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year just in case I don’t get the chance to write until next year!

Hugs! …and sweet kisses to all!

p.s. Pappa, tell mamma I’ve got some pictures she might like.

Christmas Markets and Make-up December 12, 2007

Yay, the christmas-market took place last sunday. After walking around finding each of our specialities (mine is the fried herring sandwich) We warmed up huddled around the only heat source we were able to find before having a wonderful walk home. I was a very happy girl when we sat down in front of the TV warming up after such a cozy sunday.

You’d think this is a hard weekend to beat, but this saturday I’m going to Malmö to be a make-up modell for a friend. Heh. I’m so curious I can’t wait! After this, off to a party with my bear! 

But, for now, this whole week is gonna be about the last essay of the term, half the points of the whole term. Not that we’ll fail since we’re just that good! If everything goes as planned though, I’ll be done halfway through next week and then I got a month off! *yay*

So, for this to be possible little Maina’s off to bed to get some good nights sleep and (hopefully) be a good group worker with 4 other just as stubborn and strong girls like me. Heh.

Sweet kisses to all.

Saffronbuns and Crazy Smiles! December 6, 2007

Had a really nice, girly evening yesterday. Got spontanously invited by a few girls in my class to bake some “Lussekatter” (direct translation according to me: saffronbuns!).

 

Haven’t done anything this christmas-y for a very long time! 

 

…And the lussekatter were without exaggeration the best I’ve ever tasted. This, by the way, is proof of the fact that all I did was basically sit and look pretty while the rest of the girls took control and stood for the great company. Tasty, tasty saffron buns for dinner. As well as gingerbread cookies, coffee and glögg.  

Hehe, I doubt all that was as appreciated by my stomach as my tastebuds, and the coffee (even though it was only about 1/4th of a cup) made me so hyperactive I could barely fall asleep 7 hours later at 2 am. No, I don’t drink coffee. Yes, you may as well give me drugs since I imagine it will give me the same kick. It’s like Coca-Cola for a 6 year-old. hehe

Actually come to think of it, next time I want to party, but without the alcohol, I’m just gonna get my high off of coffee and sugar, lots of it. *crazy laugh*!!!

Sweet christmas-y kisses to all.

…And Let the Munches Begin! December 3, 2007

I need to get better at carrying my camera with me wherever I go! Looking into my photoalbum and thinking back to the things I’ve done the past half year, there’s so much I’ve missed by just being too lazy or forgetful to take the pictures I regret afterward for not having.

Today is such an example. Not that I did anything super special today but after a nice and relaxing morning we went into town for the “jul-skyltning”… whatever that would be in English I have no idea. We left a little late so we got to see about 10 minutes of it and we also made the mistake of eating too much good stuff att Soda before going to it.

…And to be honest, I’m much more looking forward to the “julmarknad” or, for a direct translation: christmas market! So much goodness and happy people. But both are pretty much about the same thing:

Basically a market that completely relies on the shoppers hunger to tempt them into buy lots of little snacks and foods. (cheeky!) And to be honest, that’s part of the fun part about these things. Trying new things. The downside is that one spends much more than one should. (hehe) But it’s the charm and it’s fun and the bear gets to laugh at his silly super active girlfriend run around like an ecstatic little girl…

None the less, I’m finally allowed to start training again so I got to get a good nights sleep to have the energy to get up at a normal time again!

Sweet kisses to all! –> Maina, out!