|
|
|
April 24th, 2007
05:59 pm
Well, when I last left off we had just arrived in St Petersburg. I forgot to mention that due to a mix up in the hotels we Uppsala people had to stay in another newer and much nicer hotel, on the main canal. I was extremely happy to have a double bed for the night, and a bathroom with lovey white tiles and a deep, deep tub.I didn't have a bath tha night, deciding that I should at least get some sleep, although later in the trip when I was much dirtier I would regret that decision. Anyway, so we had an early 7.00 start and headed down to the hotel breakfast--also very good. I was therefore unsurpisingly in an excellent mood when we started our brief bus tour of St Petersburg. Tom, Mike and Teresa headed out on their own whilst Jan, Christian and I decided to take the bus tour offered. Usually I would much rather just walk around the city, but the bus tour turned out to be quite good, taking us to places that we never would have been able to reach on foot. We also got an impression of just how many canals criss-cross the city--it really is very Venetian in that way. So, there were many picture taking stops, including Smolny Cathedral (Jan declared this tacky, but I have always been partial to sky-blue!):
Peter and Paul fortress was a wonderful stop, with views back down the river and across to the Winter Palace/Hermitage Complex. There was a man there with a little bear--fortunately not dancing, althouh I don't know that its fate will be any better.
And of course, no St Petersburg tour would be complete with out a visit to the Church on Spilled Blood, built on the Place where Alexander II was assassinated. Here's some crazy domes for for you Matt! Oh, and at this point I was overcome with an understandable craving for Wendy's. Mmmm, architecture.
Hm, will post this now but come back and edit later--visitor coming.
|
April 22nd, 2007
11:51 pm - All Over, Red Rover. (Russia, Part 1)
Well, it is with great trepidation that I begin the Russia blog. Is that because I am out of practice? No (well, yes), but rather I fear that in the tradition of other great Russian works of literature, it will become incredibly long. However, a certain person is begging for pictures, and pictures demand commentary, so I will begin. Let me start by saying that the trip was amazing. It is an incredible, overwhelming country, so different to any place I have seen before. It was also an exhausting journey--I had twenty hours of sleep the whole week! I was lucky to have the company of a great group of people who endured this all stoically--thus below are Christian, Jan, Tom, Teresa and Mike. They were a real delight to travel with, and like me, seemed to be relishing every moment of the trip.
Za zdorovje!
So, anyway, we started our trip with an overnight cruise from Stockholm, to Turku in Finland. I can now say that I have participated in a traditional Scandanavian "Booze Cruise"! There was a beautiful sunset over Stockholm:
The night was fairly uneventful, although I did not get much sleep at all. Early the next morning we landed in Turku and then hopped on the bus for the six hour journey to the Russian border. Finland was pristine, full of lakes and forests, and seems like somewhere I would really like to go again. We hit the Russian border in the afternoon--the border zone takes a couple of hours to cross, with multiple trips on and off the bus to show visas and allow the bus to be inspected. At one point in the proceedings a Russian soldier boarded the bus--we were tense, but she merely waved her hand in the air, and with a big smile said "Passports!". So we waved our passports at her and all burst into laughter--not what we expected. You can really tell the difference when you hit Russia though--the side of the road is covered in trash from the line of trucks that seems to stretch all the way across the country. Our first stop was a city called Vyborg at which point an interesting character called Viktor boarded the bus, with a big bag full of roubles. He gave us a good exchange rate for our euros, but let's just say that he looked like somewhat of a dodgy character! Here he is, doing business on the bus:
Vyborg was a run down city--looked very much like the Russia you see on TV--dirty and half ruined. But we moved quickly on to our next taste of Russian dodginess: the 'Forest Market'.
Here are Mike and Teresa re-enacting some Forest Market transactions:
Good times, especially if ridiculously cheap cigarettes and vodka are your thing! So, that night we hit St Petersburg at sunset, and the view was amazing. The light is magical and the river front is spectacular. You cannot get over how many palaces and stately buildings there are in this city. That night we wandered around and found a cheap and cheeful Italian place. They didn't really speak English, but it is all in the delights of gesticulation really. Here's a few pics, but that is all for now. This is going to take while! Next Issue: St Petersburg Cultural Overload, Gratuitous Use of Domes, and our stalkers arrive.
|
March 2nd, 2007
12:17 am - Notes to self--The Food Edition
1. Smagodis are not a food group.
2. Digestives are not a food group.
3. Dairy...well, it is almost a food group, but it is not a hobby.
4. Sometimes you can drink water WITHOUT coffee in it.
5. The ICA tomato pasta sauce does not your daily intake of vegetables make.
6. Patience is a virtue, especially if you are ordering fast food.
7. When in doubt, take the vanilla sauce.
8. When in doubt, assume the coffee refills are free.
9. Do not, in any case, assume that your plastic shopping bag is free.
10. Queue, but queue like you mean it.
|
February 21st, 2007
10:49 pm
Have just spent an three quarters of an hour chatting to a friend in the courtyard, enjoying the sunlight. The fact that it was minus eleven, and we were shin deep in snow, barely occured to me. I must be turning Swedish...
|
February 20th, 2007
08:06 am - PARTY party
Well, happy birthday to me! Thanks to everyone for your cards/emails/best wishes. Despite being far, far away, I still had a really nice birthday weekend. On Saturday night we had Reccegasque--each of the thirteen student nations throws a party for the new members. These nations have been in existence since the middle of the 17th century, so there is a fair bit of tradition involved in these events. We met at our nation and the marched behind the flag up to the University main building. Some of the nations even had brass bands leading them up St Olofsgatan! It was all very odd--excellent fun though. Not something I can see taking off at Adelaide, however.
So after lining up for a while--we were EXTRMELY fortunate that it was probably over zero degrees--we went into the beautiful main building for speeches. The main address was done by a famous Swedish comedian, apparently--but, of course, it was all Swedish to me. After that, back to Kalmar for our dinner in our best. It was strange tramping around in a cocktail dress and snow boots--we were relieved to get inside again. This is a picture of Meredith, Lauren, Kristen and I before dinner:
The dinner was three courses with wine, schnapps, beer etc. We sang about fifteen songs, not including the song you sung after every speech (and there were many speeches). I learnt how to toast my dinner companions in a proper Swedish style (look left, right, straight ahead, drink, look straight ahead, right then left again). Eye contact is very important. There was also a bit of competitive toasting going on between tables, which at various stages had people toasting under the table, standing on chairs, running rounds the table, thumping the table and of course, SINGING! A few of the Nations choirs dropped in as well. I snapped a picture of Vastgota's choir because of their snappy uniforms. All in all in was a hilarious night, after which we met up with our wider group of friends at Snerikes to finish off.
My birthday was a much quieter affair. I had dinner with the girls and then we had cake with more members of what is effectively the North-American/Australian exchange student network. It was really nice just to hang out, and the lovely Kristen did a great job with the cake. She is the "Betty Crocker" in our extended group--our go to girl for birthdays. I got a yellow rose plant from the girls--chosen to match my wallpaper apparently. So here are a few pictures of the birthday, and one out of my window today, at the beginning of the current snow storm.
I started Swedish lessons today. Turns out that my time spent learning to pronounce Middle English is actually helpful in learning the wierd Swedish vowel sounds. He he. And you all thought it was a waste of time;)
|
February 16th, 2007
08:40 am
First of all, a proof of life! This is down on the lake shore--I look tired, but we did have a very early start.
This picture is the river as it runs through the old town. We trudged a few kilometres through the snow along the banks to get to the museum.
Then, a bit of optimism (artificial, of course):
Lunchtime. You can see the haute cuisine I mentioned before--
Not everywhere was grey and gloomy:
But a lot of places were, especially the lake. It was fabulously moody!
So, that was Vasteras. Oh, and I have enabled commenting for everyone. Hopefully I'll have some good pics and stories after the weekend.
|
04:50 am - Vasteras
Today is my one month anniversary in Uppsala--celebrated by visiting Vasteras, naturally. Vasteras is the sixth largest city in Sweden (which means it is pretty small), and is on the shores of Lake Malaren. There's not a huge lot to do there--we went for a big walk along the river and up to an open-air museum recreating a traditional Swedish village. To be honest (and this is probably a good thing) there was very little difference between the "historical" architecture and that which was in use in the old town of Vasteras. It is a rough cut, red-painted timber, with sharply sloping roofs and brightly coloured shuttered windows. It is a little bit like something out of a children's book, especially when covered in snow. After our snowy trek out to the museum we were absolutely starving, so got the lunch special at this really sweet little cafe they had there. Basically, it was a dubious meat patty with cheese on the inside, on white rice with a tomato sauce. It was very...Swedish. Fortunately there was unlimited salad, bread, biscuits and coffee to go with that as well, The unlimited coffee afterwards is probably one of the best things Swedish cafes have going for them. It was actually a really pleasant meal, and a good chance to get to know some of the other exchange students (mainly from my course) that had come with us.
We saw the cathedral and the "castle" (basically a square, pink building), but the other real highlight of the day was walking along the docks at Malaren. It was utterly serene--everything was blanketed in deep snow so you couldn't really tell where the land ended and the lake began. Lake Malaren is massive as well, and seemed to stretch out for ages--made me realise how I have missed the horizon line, living inland and inner city. The sky, as it has been the last few days, was a light grey, nearly white. What can I say--love the serenity! So a very nice, Swedish-flavoured day. Tomorrow we are going to see if we can rent some ice-skates on a nearby lake. And Saturday is a gask, so all in all should be a fun few days. I will post a few pictures from Vasteras in a moment. Oh, and a special hello and good luck to Eilidh. The eagle has landed!
|
February 3rd, 2007
01:33 am - More pics
Here are some more pictures--the first few are from our trip to Gamla Uppsala--the Viking burial mounds on the outskirts of the city. Sorry, but I just don't have any pictures with me in them!
As you can tell, it was extremely cold!
To be quite honest, it wasn't the most interesting place I've ever been, but it is a but of a must see for the region. And now a few photos of the old town, the palace and the waterfront in Stockholm. It was very easy to take pretty pictures on a clear day, with snow on the ground. No explanations with these ones, I'm afraid.
|
February 1st, 2007
10:08 am - First photo...
Extremely unimpressive, I know, but this is for the family who want to know what the view out of the window actually looks like...as opposed to viewing it through the blur of the webcam. Let's see if this works!
And just a few scenic shots--taken before the snow. I'll get some pictures of Stockholm up later. First, the graveyard on the way to uni
Then a nice Cathedral view...
A view up the street where the Law School is situated...
And finally, along the riverfront...
Next time we have a good snow I'll bring the camera out. Well, here goes...
|
January 29th, 2007
07:06 am - Two weeks on..
Well, come tomorrow I am two weeks into my stay here--it is amazing how much I have been able to fit in. Today, however, I finally left this cosy little abode and went to Stockholm with Ellie, Meredith, Kristen, Lauren and Ron. It was a great day, and served as a good reminder of why I came here in the first place--to travel! It was -10 when we set off, and -8 when we arrived in the city centre. Incidentally, I have become a little obsessed with the weather--I check it on Wunderground when I get up and when I go to bed. I have become quite the authority on the subject, with the ability to give the five day forecast at a moments notice. Stockholm (or 'Stokkers', as the bogan in my head keeps calling it) is a lovely town--a fabulous waterfront and the architecture, as here in Uppsala, it extremely elegant. We wandered around the old town for a while and then up to the palace. As we got there we noticed the guards lining up, and as the church bells struck ten, the lead guy let out an almighty shout and the changing of the guard commenced. Now, this is slightly different from the guards at Buck Palace--they are mostly young military recruits, they cannot keep a straight face, and you can see that they are listening to every word you say. We spotted one laughing at us, then cracked up ourselves, and from then on everything they did was funny. You are allowed within metres of the guards during this process, and at one stage we had the whole lot coming marching straight at us, making us prepare to dive and roll, lest we get a bayonet in the eye. Fortunately, they diverted, but it was yet another moment of hilarity--let's just say the the reason for Sweden's pacificism seems pretty clear! (Possibly the addition of silly hats would help them seem more martial--on some people, it seems, loaded weapons CAN be an understatement.)
So we wandered around the waterfront for the while, and then decided to visit the Vasa Museum. The Vasa is a Swedish warship that was launched in the late 17th century, but within hours had capsized and sunk because of lack of ballast (or in the vernacular, not enough junk in the trunk;)).Now, because the waters of the Baltic are apparently inhospitable to the common ship worm (and most other life forms, I should think!), the ship was able to be raised almost intact from the briny deep exactly 333 years later. It is quite an amazing sight-it is incredibly ornately carved, and although it is big, the fact that 450 men were to live below decks is quite astonishing when you see it. In part of the museum they have recreated a portion of the below decks, and lets just say that it was created for much shorter people then I. A curious fact about the sinking of the Vasa--the pride of the Swedish Navy--is that no-one ever got blamed or penalised for it. Even though about a dozen ships from the same shipyard sunk for the same reason, there were no consequences. Those kooky Swedes--but I think I understand how the seeds for the socialist state were planted...Yeah, I know, but socialist jokes never get old.
Oh yes, and us embarrassing internationals made fools of ourselves outside the Vasa museum. Like everything else in Stockholm, it is surrounded by water, so we spend half an hour on the bridge outside just chucking lumps of crusty snow on the ice below, to see if we could either break the ice, or send the snow spinning out into the harbour. It was excellent fun, and after a while even a few Swedes joined in. Admittedly they were two and four years old, but that is not the point!
After lunch we split up, and while the others went shopping, Ron, Lauren and I walked around Gamla Stan some more. We wandered up and down by the palace--unlike Buck palace it is not really that fenced off. We stood on the stone steps in front and looked out on the harbour as it began to snow, and the lights came on. It was so serene and gorgeous--but I can't wait to see the city in the Spring. We walked through the close, old streets, and up to the square where the Nobel museum is housed. We didn't get time to go in, but I will scope it our for you soon, Matt--just so you can see what you are in for!
Oh, and the most surreal moment--wandering by people skating in a fountain, as ABBA blared from the speakers above our heads. Yes, it struck me then: I am truly in Sweden.
|
January 17th, 2007
07:44 am - Anna in Sweden
The time has come it seems--I am finally in Sweden. Uppsala is lovely--although we did just have the nicest winter day they have had yet. The exchange student experience feels like it has really begun--I even made the trip to IKEA today and have such essentials as bed-linen and pillows and cups and even a hairdryer. Civilisation is mine. Have begun the orientation process today at Vastgota Nation and have just come back from a welcome dinner at Snerikes. Have walked all the way to IKEA (5 MILES!)and the sun was out. I may even be a little burnt!
Yesterday was odd-the early morning start and the dash to Heathrow. Used to hate the London transport system, but have now changed my mind. Was really easy--took a bus to Hammersmith from Shepherds Bush, and the Piccadilly Line from Hammersmith to Heathrow. The excitement kicked in in time for the flight--I had Ellie (future microbiologist, UNSW) next to me to egg me on. Anyway, flew into Arlanda and could see snow on the ground. Ellie's University assigned buddy Matthias met her at the airport so I tagged along. Anyway, energy flagging about 5, really tired by 7, so when I hit home at Rackarberget the sight of the completely trashed corridor and kitchen almost sent me into tears. Was feeling very down when sitting in my empty room--and none of my corridor mates were in to say hello to either. Very low for half an hour--but everything has perked up dramatically after a good nights sleep and today was brilliant. This was helped by the fact that the reason for the trashed corridor was that they had a huge party on Saturday. The state of the fridge is horrible though--I will never criticise Mum again!
Corridor mates are all very nice-though are three of four are moving out in the next month. I met them all today/last night--Erik, Anna and Frieda. Another exchange student moved into the other room today, although I have not yet met him. From Vancouver apparently--anyway, am just rambling--really just wanted to start the journal. You'll get this all in group email anyway! Lucky, lucky you!
|
December 21st, 2006
|
|
![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
annainsweden's journal