We have arrived
Trip Start
May 19, 2008
1
2
50
Trip End
Ongoing
Lulea, Sweden
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
It's hard to even think about what to say, we have seen so many new things in the last day that my brain feels slightly electrocuted. And really, all airports give you some glimpse into a part of the world that you may have been missing, so I know this is just the beginning.
I can tell you about the airports, the flights, the odors, the food, or the way people dress, but that is not what I see right now. Here, in Lulea, in our guest house meant for visiting professors, I am sitting at the kitchen table next to the window. The windowsills are dotted with potted flowers. The walls and cabinets are white. The fridge is humming on and off. The sign posted on it reads: "Rokning ar INTE tillaten inomhus!"
Out the window are other guest houses backed by taller apartment buildings. Rising above them are sculpted clouds, bleached but shadowed. Our house is white with a green door, but most buildings are vibrant and modernly bold. What I see: Tall mustardy loft style apartments with large picture windows, and an older house with peach exterior and sea foam trim.
We got up this morning and went for a walk and realized we are 1.5 blocks from the sea. What we think is the sea. Lulea is dispersed on many little pieces of land near the water some connected by bridges. They call it an archipelago. We walked along Sandviksgatan Road and turned until we stepped just in front of the sea. The water rippled along the rocky edge, but looking out to the horizon, it was breathless and blue. The road turned into and bike path and we soon passed by a woman jogging with her german shepherd, a dad strolling two giggling babies in knitted hats, and an older couple with walking sticks. None said good morning or isn't it a lovely day...or you must be new here because you are taking so many pictures. But it was still nice, 40 degrees, but nice.
Kyle then left for the university with the other UNL students. Some of them stay in the other bedrooms here, others down the road. I think there are 10 of us from UNL. It's very quiet. Just my keys typing. It's time to walk again, me and my camera.
Granola bars eaten: 1
Strength of my internet connection: good
Color of my supplied IKEA bath towel: flourescent green
Strangest title on the bookshelf: Det blaser fran norr
My own interpretation of book title: The Black Blazer (A Mystery)
Comments
painting a picture
Ahh Lisa it sounds wonderful! Your description of your new home and surrounding are is just lovely, as are the photos.
I'm so glad the travel day went smoothly. We'll have to coordinate a skype talk soon. :)
Hugs,
J and J
Good Morning! (at least here)
It's great to know you have arrived! It's been sort of a reverse 'Are we there yet?... Are we there yet?' situation here in CurdLand.
Your pics are great. Strange how they can deliver a sense of comfort and wonderment at the same time from that far away.
Have fun, be well and most of all, be sure to mind the fridge ultimatum!
Lots of Love,
M&D
The Blasphemy Stamp North
According to the free translation website I found, the book on your shelf is called 'The Blasphemy Stamp North.' Sounds like a classic! You should read it! :) I love the photos - your house looks so quaint and perfect. I think you need more flowers...a little color never hurt anyone! I hope you have a lovely first night sleeo in your cottage. Continue to take pictures!! Lincoln misses you both...in fact, it is cloudy here today because Mother Nature is sad you are gone. :( Take care, talk soon. love, Maggie :)
Flower pot on the window sill
This photo you took is beautiful and kind of summarizes how I imagine Sweden. I bet Simon would like to sit on it and gaze out at some Swedish kitties! Glad you arrived safely! The water looks so calm. The town in the background looks like it will be interesting to explore. The modern architecture (yellow apartments) looks interesting and in the Swedish modern style. This blog is a great way to keep in touch. Love Deedee.