Monthly Archives: December 2007
Northern Exposure
Hola Amigos,
Hope you have enjoyed the week that has been Christmas. The Christmas experience this year has been a lot of fun in different ways. This year we spend the Christmas with Alex’s family in Örnsköldsvik. It was a really nice time and I managed to take a few pictures, but I don’t know that I am allowed to post them just yet.
Anyway, today is the last day up north for tonight we are flying back to Stockholm. As much as I have enjoyed it up north, it will also be nice to get back to Stockholm and to my own bed. I have to confess that I have kinda missed my apartment and my bed. I know that Alex has missed it up here a lot as well, but a lot of his friends are here so that is understandable. Maybe it is a good idea for him to come up and visit more often now. Who knows.
For this weekend there are not really any big plans. Tonight I will probably meet Markus at a bar for some drinks, and maybe this Saturday I will go out as well if I feel in the mood to go out. Otherwise, my plan is to stay inside and relax until Monday night when we are invited to a New Years Eve dinner and drinks.
Anyway, hope that this note finds everyone well!
Hugs, Rodney
Merry Christmas Everyone
So today is that special day….Christmas day. Sadly I won’t be celebrating it with my family, but Alex has been kind enough to let me celebrate Christmas with him and his family.
I have to say that I really like the concept of Christmas in Sweden when compared to how it is in America (as I perceive it anyway). For starters, Sweden and Scandinavians celebrate Christmas on 24 December…a day early by my standards where we celebrate it on the actual day. And also, from what I have seen in three different Swedish households over the last 5 years (Robin, Markus, and Alex), Christmas isn’t intended to be this budget-busting, go-into-debt experience that it is in the US: Within reason of course, what the gift is as important as the fact that a gift is given. It is acceptable to send $30 a person on a gift. Maybe I am too jaded from my US experiences, but I can’t imagine that $30 gifts are acceptable from family members — only from office workmates or friends. But I don’t say that everything is wrong with Christmas in America. Indeed, I have had some wonderful memories of American Christmas.
Anyway, let’s not lose the intent of this message…
I wish everyone a very very Merry Christmas, whether around the corner from me or around the world! May you get everything you wish for, and may you give more than you receive 🙂
Hugs, Rodney
Saturday Night Fever
So Alex and I went to a party last night. I met some of his friends and got some good background information. The party was very nice and the people were very friendly.
We were supposed to go out afterwards but it was rather late when we finally left the party so I decided to call it a night and head back home.
But overall, the night was a lot of fun. I’ll post some more pictures later here on LJ (and maybe if my feed is working this time, it will go right to Facebook!)
Saturday
Today I did nothing overly exciting. Getting ready for my first party in a long time. And it’s not at my place for a change. And then Alex and I will meet Markus and Warren and make a good night of it.
And Alex surprised me by making really cool decorations for my apartment. That was very sweet of him. So here are some photos.