So, when thinking about what to talk about in this entry on my ride back from Nautalis the other day, it dawned on me that I have now been here in Sweden for over one month. The old adage that time flies when you're having a good time is true! So, here I am riding my war-produced retro cruiser through the cobblestone streets of old Halmstad, thinking of my time here so far. Thinking of the good times with the Patrickshill crew (all 40+ exchange students), of the countless moments of (humorous/awkward) culture shock, and of the change in design thinking. Meanwhile, being brought back to reality (from my daydreaming) each time I almost hit one of the many random shop-aholic Swedes. About 5 minutes away from Patrickshill, and just as I was leaving the city center, I started to pass the St. Nicholas Lutheran church. I glanced over at it and for the first time, even though I ride by it daily, noticed what a truly beautiful building it was. Monumental in its scale compared to the other buildings in the square, in a strict nordic/gothic style with a brick facade working all the way up the clock tower and topped off by a green tiled roof. And then, old, ornate stainglass windows being lit from inside (since it was overcast outside of course...). About 6 of them, each unique and portraying a different theme. All this right there for me to enjoy, if I just take the time to. And this, as I try to get back to the point, that in my time here Sweden, I need to remember that even though time is flying by, that I should still stop and smell the roses. I am surprised how even in such a new and exciting place that I still have to remind myself to slow down and enjoy my surroundings.
So, with that in mind, I will be setting off with 28 other people this coming Friday to Copenhagen for a weekend excursion. We will be your typical site-seeing tourists (except you won't see me wearing a fannypack!). With a charged battery in my camera I am gonna try to tackle the cities hotspots, yet hopefully also slowing down and enjoy the place too (it would be easier if it was a little warmer!). This is just one of many trips to come, as I was just talking with Blair (the girl from KU) who found really affordable plane tickets to London and other cool places all over Europe from Malmo, Sweden (which is only an hour or so away by train). So, as usual I will keep you guys updated with new journal entries and pictures.
I hope that everyone is doing well, and it is awesome hearing from you both by email and in the guestbook!
**I will be adding pictures of the city center pretty soon, I am just waiting for a sunny day. When it is overcast out the pictures don't turn out well.
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