HAPPY THANKSGIVING and much, much more!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Long time no post…if that even makes sense? I cannot believe how quick time is going here. I honestly thought I would be able to keep up with my blog—including both my travels and life in Lund. I tried my best, guys!! So, I promised myself I’d write a bit before my flight to Paris tomorrow (:

Basically, the month of November didn’t even happen. I actually don’t understand how it is already the 28^th, but here we are… I just finished with my second class, Evolutionary Psychology yesterday. In contrast to the hectic, strange sleep patterned finals week at UCLA, it was nice to have essentially an entire week to study for the written exam. Here at Lund it’s common to have exams as long as 6 hours! Crazy, I could never sit and think for such a long time.  There is one more portion/ project for this class that I will have to work on from LA but besides this, one gastronomy paper is all that stands between me and Vienna; then finally, home for the holidays.

I think one of the reasons November snuck away from me was my five day trip to Ireland! I know I said I’d post pics a while ago, but oooooops But, to fill you in, I had SUCH an amazing time hanging out with Molly, her family, and seeing Ireland from a different perspective.

I flew from Copenhagen to Cork on the evening of November 6^th. I wanted to beat the darkness, and in all honesty, didn’t have much on my schedule for the day so I arrived at the airport a few hours early. I mean, technically, I expected security to take more than 3 minutes but note to self, this is not America… Anyway, I bought myself a huge chocolate bar, found a comfy seat at Starbucks and spent the next few hours people watching, reading, and listening to Christmas music. Ah! Yes, Christmas music!! Don’t get me wrong I am very thankful for everything I’ve been blessed with and am totally missing my Grammy’s mashed potatoes right now (okaaaay and my whole family, tooo), but I am a BIG fan of the whole Halloween straight to Christmas decorating concept Europe has got going here. So, to ring in the season (and truly exemplify the ample amount of free time I’ve got while all my fellow Bruins are suffering through midterms) I compiled the worlds ULTIMATE Christmas music playlist!! And just for all y’alls information, NO I'm not tired of it yet!!

Anywayyyy with Michael Buble serenading me, needless to say, I was more than content at the Copenhagen airport. What is this non-rushed way of travel?! Mom…take note ;) JK I flew into Dublin and took one of the last busses to Cork, which is in the southern part of Ireland. Molly was sweet enough to meet me practically in the middle of the night.

Molly’s aunt and uncle, who came to visit her and Ireland were just finishing up the last leg of their trip in Cork. Luckily for meeee, I got to be an honorary member of the fam for a few days and join in on the car rides, castle touring, and Christmas shopping. Not going to lie, after 4 months on my own so far away from home joining this mini family vacay was so refreshing…No grown up decisions or cooking for two days say whaaaat?! Not to mention all three of them are the kindest and I’m so grateful for their hospitality!

On Thursday, I started my visit to the Emerald Isle off right with a huge traditional Irish breakfast at the cutest bed and breakfast! So delicious! While I loved the bloodpudding, I don’t exactly want to know its ingredients…not really a dish I want to make myself. Next, all four of us headed into the Irish countryside to see the Rock of Cashel, a church/ castle remains where St. Patrick once baptized some famous Irish peeps. Lucky for Molly and all those residing in Cork, I brought the sunshine with me (from Sweden?)! It was such a perfect afternoon in the countryside. And yes, it’s just as green as you heard. After some time at Cashel we drove to the small town of Kilkenny where we meandered through the very Irish streets, ate at a pub and did some Christmas shopping. I have a slightly troubling love for ALL winter outerwear, especially scarves and coats, so of course I found myself picking up some wool knit items that will surely keep me all too warm in LA. Sorry not sorry?

A true Irish breakfast with mushrooms, sausage, hashbrowns, tomatoes, ham, egg, and of course bloodpudding

Rock of Cashel

 

Kilkenny

First pub!

Another castle!

Friday was a Cork kinda day! Molly says they call the port city the true cultural capital of Ireland. With its smaller population, traditional pubs and Irish music, and more country-ish feel than Dublin I’d have to put Cork on the list of my favorites. We started our day at the bed and breakfast again (can’t pass up that gourmet brunch) and spent some time lounging and chatting about all things imaginable. Eventually we headed into the town center where we stopped in the English Market, bookstores, and shopping malls decked out in Christmas wreathes, lights and bows. We ended yet another night at a pub in town. I ate some Irish soup which is basically just your typical veggie soup, except the Irish seem to like to puree all their soups. I loved it so much I’ve even made some here in Sweden since its so easy and healthy. We stayed in the pub listening to “trad” Irish music and talking about UCLA, home, mine and Molly’s time abroad, weather and even plans after graduation (of which I have none holaaaaa atcha girl). Such great company :)

I mean, does it get any more Irish than this?!

Or this?!

A clay layout of the city

Molly and I found Ryan Reimer's Bar 

Pub and trad music

Saturday is for sleeping. JK Though Molly and I did spend a good portion of the day lounging, chatting, cooking, and watching Christmas movies…I mean what else do best friends do on rainy days?! Actually, we also did some more shopping lolol Ireland’s department store Penny’s supplied me with the best black leather gloves that are now my most prized possession. Forget fears of a stolen passport, steal my gloves I’d be lost… slight exaggeration but you catch my drift. I also bought myself another scarf because, try as I might, I just can’t resist. On the way home we picked up some key ingredients for dinner…peanut butter and Oreos. And no, I’m not kidding. The rest of the night was spent with our treats and various Christmas movies. On Sunday we took a trip to Blarney Castle so the magical Irish powers could bestow the “gift of eloquence” upon me!! The excursion consisted of running through the castle grounds in the rain, being held by an old Irish man as I kissed the stone, and spontaneous Chinese food. We then proceeded home to make dinner (a real one this time) and more importantly Oreo shakes(we miss Late Night).

Running through the grounds! 

Literally, we had to run before they closed...

Kissin' the Blarney Stone!!

We are chefs

Monday came all too soon and I didn’t want to leave Molly or the character and charm of Ireland. But after a pit stop in Dublin City Center, I found myself on my flight back to Sweden. 

Annnnnd that marked mid-November. I spent the rest of that week attending classes and wondering why I was ever homesick in October when I only counted FOUR MORE WEEKS LEFT asjkl;’ The third week of November was study week. Which you wouldn’t think I’d need since I’m so used to the fast paced, late night studying so graciously afforded by the crammed quarter system. Turns out constant studying is NOT as hard as attempting to study after vacationing for four months straight in various European cities… As Molly put it, we left all our good student juices in LA! (At least I hope they’re still there when I return). At least I didn’t spend study week alone! Some of my corridor mates joined to make it a week long study party. Oh talking about parties…

Malin the Lawyer

My corridor finally had its Tour de Chambre--a night full of food and drinks. Each one of us prepared a special drink and throughout the night visited each others rooms for games and such. We also had a corridor dinner and dessert. It was a lot of fun! Katie helped me make Jell-o shots since apparently they are totally an American thing. Whiiiich would be because the closest Sweden has to boxes of jello mixes is pouches of gelatin. We ended up making our own concoction involving gelatin, melted gummy candy, rum, and water. In the end everyone had to eat them with spoons...Ooops! But I still consider it a success!

Side note, now that I'm thinking about it, another difference food wise between US and Sweden. Pre-packaged goods are definitely a concept and are available here but equally typical is baking your own bread and pizza or mixing your own pancake mix and hot chocolate. Also, unless they're reheating or defrosting food, the mircowave isn't used. I'm not sure if it's a personal thing but at home everything goes in the microwave--oatmeal, veggies to steam, etc. 

Anyway,  since the tour I snuck out for another run and a few last sunny pictures. The weather is no where near as cold as I expected it to be by this time. In fact I'm pretty used to it and consider days in the high 40s to be warm. Still, the sun usually doesn't come out behind the layer of grey clouds. Even when it does, it sets around 3:30 now. It's an eerie feeling watching the whole day pass you by!

I love this series of pictures!! I really wish I were here long enough to see it covered and snow and add it to this collection. One of my Swedish friends will just have to help me out :)

My corridor pretty much thought I was a baby for trading my outdoor runs for the treadmill when Lund entered the 40s, so on one of the rare clear days I finalllly got my butt out of the gym to work out. And of course, it was 35 degrees! The first half of the run really sucked. But by the last 20 minutes I just wanted to get home and didn't even think about stopping to let the cold catch up with me. All in all it was a success (:

Last Sunday, the UCEAP program hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for all the UC kids. Of course, it had nothing on the feast which you are all consuming back home (right about now, as I'm posting this actually!). But it was more than delicious and great to see the whole program together one last time. 

Tuesday was my exam but more importantly the BeatSC Bonfire! I'm missing my wonderful school and all its pride more and more! 

Here are just a few other things I sorely miss about home (both LA and Riverside): 

-Driving along Victoria Ave- Ahhh windows down and music up; not much is better

-Running Mt. Rubidoux- I love this run and miss hills (I know I'm going to regret typing that once I get back to Westwood...)

-Sunsunsun- But not just that yellow joy, yellow WARM joy...I miss those strong rays on my face!

-Granola bars- Sweden has no concept of snack food which has been killing me; one can only eat so many almonds

-Workout clothes- You all said I couldn't do it, but I've proved you wrong muahah but that doesn't mean I don't seriously miss wearing running gear to class! January 6th, shorts and tennies are coming for you 

-Volleyball!- While so much free time here has allowed me to become Alyssa's biggest fan it also made me miss time on the court. Definitely taking advantage of the next year and half

-Football games- Don't even get me started. Both Buddy's and UCLA football hold a special place in my heart

-Belles- which pretty much goes without saying

-Fro-yoooo- Actually I will just include all kinds of food I miss from home such as but not limited to Chipotle, Juice It Up, In-N-Out, Mexican food, all things pumpkin, etc

-Dorm food- obviously food is very important to me and nothing is better than food you dont even prepare. All on campus friends, I'M COMING FOR YOU. 

-Campus in general- UCLA you're so beautiful, don't let anyone tell you otherwise ;) 

-Country music- OMG where are you KFROG

-My Keurig- you wonderful thing you; our reunion will be great 

And most importantly, all of my family and friends. I can't wait to celebrate the holidays (and some birthdays!) with all of you during break and at UCLA. I'm so thankful for all of your love and support while I've been away. I'm so beyond blessed to have so many amazing, influential, inspiring, and humbling people touch my life, not just when I'm 7,000 miles away or during the holiday season but every minute of everyday, whether in Riverside or LA. I've learned a lot while abroad but nothing more important than to cherish all my relationships. Traveling is not really about all the fantastic places you see (though those are great!) but more about the people you meet and everything you experience together. We would be nothing without our families, friendships, communities, teams, roommates, and co-workers. We are truly a product of our surroundings and I thank you ALL for making me who I am today. And on that sappy note, this post has come full circle! Happy Thanksgiving and Go Bruins!

Happy Holidays,

Xo