This påsklov (spring break) brought me to four new countries!
A while ago, my host dad Lars had the fantastic idea of taking a big road trip through northern Europe to visit his son, Even, who fairly recently took a job in Brussels, Belgium. I of course jumped at the opportunity and, with Lars' consent, was quick to invite my good friend Rebecca from good ol' Indiana. Our trip was a total of 5 days and 5 countries including Sweden. To think I had never stepped foot in Europe until I came on my exchange!
Rebecca came a few days early to take her ACT in town. After an evening of baking and When Harry Met Sally, she was off bright and early. I met her at The Foxx after her test - traditions holding strong. A few of the waiters recognized us and we were welcomed back into that chill vibe. A stranger chimed in as I ordered and suggested the soup. How adorable is that? We claimed our usual green sofa and watched as Andreas, the main shop keeper, charmed everyone. He knew 90% of the people who walked through the door by name. After we left, we tried out a waffle and crepe place around the block and it was fantastic. Next, in only a manner she can do, Rebecca went with me to Nordstan and helped me find a quick outfit for my friend's birthday party I would be attending that night. Time had left us in The Foxx and I had no time to go home before heading out.
Sunday consisted of church and of course, more baking. Monday we relaxed in the sun and lost all inhibitions to cook a charming lunch outside in the sun for my host siblings. I wish I could say I got a tan, but let's be real. Tuesday came shopping and more shopping. I took it upon myself to help Rebecca pick out a few key pieces to her wardrobe for the new season. Let's just say neither of us left empty handed! That night, we camped out in my room and organized our clothes. An even more daunting task I was assigned was of packing. I've never been a fan. We fell asleep together after watching The Notebook. It was a regular girl night and I'm not even sorry.
We left at a reasonable time and started our trip with Mr. Jay Gatsby through an audio book in the car. We listening to the classic off and on in between dozing and conversing. The combination of the three plus the beautiful scenery was enough to make the time fly by. We would stop a few times, whether at rest stops for a picnic or a small town nearby to just walk the streets for a while before hopping back in the car. Our luck was not the best during one specific leg of the trip when a clunking sound told us something was wrong with the car. We had to stop in a small town in northern Germany to find a technician who promptly sent us to the slightly larger Oldenburg. We carefully drove and the car was diagnosed and left to rest until it could be worked on the next day. That left us to find a quaint little hotel. Rebecca and Lars and I headed out to find a small grocery store where we bought a few food items for an informal dinner. Rebecca and I spent the rest of the night using the wifi and FaceTiming with her family. Shout out to the Wiebkes for being adorable.
Our impromptu stay in Oldenburg extended until around two in the afternoon. Our time was spent wandering a bit and finding a few cute museums to visit. In the hotel gift shop I purchased some pretty soap that was made with the help of the local sheep. One of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make was between a few of the different, equally heavenly scents. Eventually, like a magnetic pull, I found myself sitting on a dock on the banks of a lake feeding ducks. Vegard and Rebecca and I lazed around on that dock for hours, reading children's stories to each other and trying to convince the stubborn sun to help us out a bit.
Our hero of the week, Lars, picked us up in the newly fixed and more importantly, newly washed silver Volvo chariot and we were off before we knew it to make our way to Lübeck, Germany. We only stayed for all of an hour or so, but I was impressed. We saw tall churches and beautiful squares and water canals. I have a thing for canals, I must say. I stumbled across a woman with a huge mobile shop selling a large variety of signature teas composed of a mixture of herbal tea and dried fruit. Another impossible decision, but I walked away with two different types. Our day ended at the house of Wiebke, Rebecca's good friend and former exchange student. Wiebke stayed with Rebecca's family for a year as an exchange student in the States and they were kind enough to let us stay the night. Their hospitality was absolutely incredible and it solidified my great impression of the German people.
The next day we stopped a couple times at some small towns, looking for a place to eat. While one of our stops lead us to a quaint little town, it was a holiday and everything was closed. We got to Brussels by the evening. It took a while for us to find Even's apartment because of how confusing everything is. On our walk up, we actually met two Mormon missionaries, so that was fun. The sun was just setting over Brussels when Even showed us his little rooftop secret right outside his bedroom window. I personally enjoy heights and I thought this spot was one of the best in the world. The air was nice and the sky was colorful and the street below us was lined with gorgeous brick town houses, each with its own little flare. I love Brussels because of the more rural streets with row after row and cultured, characterized brick houses with the wrought iron railings and detail. It reminding me of my beloved DC, but perhaps more broad and less black and white. It had the same diplomatic, political feel about the air and you could just look at the people on the street and know they were a part of something important. That night, Even and his girlfriend, Gabriella, showed us around the city on a tour lasting from 8 to midnight.
The next day we were driving north towards the tulips in the Netherlands. I was looking forward to this visit particularly. Lars surprised us by stopping in Gouda, a town towards the west of the Netherlands. You can assume it's famous for the cheese. In the drive there, I saw many cows and land stretching far out and flat, interrupted only by your classic windmills. It was so Dutch it hurt and I loved it. Gouda was just fantastic. Words escape me. The character of the streets and the cheery light shining in through the green trees framing the streets that lead us to yet more canals with decorative bricks and flowers. Bikes were everywhere, but not a single helmet. We followed the the people to a more commercial section of the town where groups were gathered, enjoying the beauty that is Gouda. We made our way to a large market going on in one of the squares and greeting us at the entrance was a huge shop occupied by a cheese vender. Oh heavens so much cheese. As I examined a few of the yellow mounds, one of the men behind the counter came up to me and engaged me in a fascinating conversation about his cheese. I didn't need to ask to know why he spoke English with me before I could say a word - he saw me knocking on the giant yellow wheels of cheese to see if they were hollow or not.
We purchased some cheese and butter that were locally made from these vendors and fresh bread from a local vendor around the corner. Add a bit of jam and milk with this and we went to sit by the canal to feast. I can't describe to you the quality of this sandwich, but it changed my life and I daydream about retiring in Gouda when I am old and wrinkled and I can eat as much cheese as I want from the friendly man at the market. I think I didn't know what butter tasted like until I ate the locally made butter. Just a moment of silence please as I recall. As if this afternoon couldn't have been more perfect, a particularly brave duck came over to us and ate right out of our hands! Soon we had a small group of ducks in the water around us. We even saw a crippled one who was still swimming along cheerfully, because one cannot be sad in Gouda. Oh, I was happy.
Later that afternoon we started passing the fields of tulips. Strips of brilliant color blazed across the land and my nose was pressed up against the window trying to find the end of them. On either side of us there were more and more tulips. It was breath taking and it made me happy to think that there are people out there who would devote their time and energy to such beauty that makes our world so much better. Unfortunately, we discovered we had arrived just in time to miss the actual festival, so we drove out to a tulip farm and reverently walked amidst the flowers.
We stayed in a small hotel in Germany that night and spent the day in Hamburg. I honestly wasn't impressed with the city so much at first. I didn't find anything special about it to note. We wandered aimlessly for a while before deciding to take lunch at a small sausage joint to eat one of the Hamburg famous currywursts. I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it. Next we hopped on a tour bus through the city and I realized then why it was such a big center of the world. There was a large industrial area by the water of course, which I did not like. I had almost given up when I suddenly found myself driving under canopies of emerald leaves. On my right was a huge glittering lake with people enjoying life on the grassy shores or out on the water. On my left were large houses that can only described as works of love and art. The houses were owned by millionaires (fun fact, Hamburg has a particularly high concentration of those) and I felt both horribly out of my league and entranced.
By the time the tour was done, all I wanted was to go back and walk the streets of those beautiful lakeside mansions. Instead, we cut our trip a little bit short and headed home. We didn't have so much planned after that anyways, so we drove all the way up to Sweden and home. I woke up the next morning in my own bed, wondering where the time had gone and who's life this was. Obviously not mine because nine months ago, I only had a handful of ideas of what Europe was like and more than a few stereotypes on which to construct my knowledge of the European people. Nine months ago I didn't know Becca, a new best friend of mine. The girl has the biggest heart and the sweetest disposition. Her introvert perfectly compliments my obnoxious gregariousness and all of her comes together to make an incredible friend. I am so glad to have met such an amazing person.
Rebecca came a few days early to take her ACT in town. After an evening of baking and When Harry Met Sally, she was off bright and early. I met her at The Foxx after her test - traditions holding strong. A few of the waiters recognized us and we were welcomed back into that chill vibe. A stranger chimed in as I ordered and suggested the soup. How adorable is that? We claimed our usual green sofa and watched as Andreas, the main shop keeper, charmed everyone. He knew 90% of the people who walked through the door by name. After we left, we tried out a waffle and crepe place around the block and it was fantastic. Next, in only a manner she can do, Rebecca went with me to Nordstan and helped me find a quick outfit for my friend's birthday party I would be attending that night. Time had left us in The Foxx and I had no time to go home before heading out.
Sunday consisted of church and of course, more baking. Monday we relaxed in the sun and lost all inhibitions to cook a charming lunch outside in the sun for my host siblings. I wish I could say I got a tan, but let's be real. Tuesday came shopping and more shopping. I took it upon myself to help Rebecca pick out a few key pieces to her wardrobe for the new season. Let's just say neither of us left empty handed! That night, we camped out in my room and organized our clothes. An even more daunting task I was assigned was of packing. I've never been a fan. We fell asleep together after watching The Notebook. It was a regular girl night and I'm not even sorry.
We left at a reasonable time and started our trip with Mr. Jay Gatsby through an audio book in the car. We listening to the classic off and on in between dozing and conversing. The combination of the three plus the beautiful scenery was enough to make the time fly by. We would stop a few times, whether at rest stops for a picnic or a small town nearby to just walk the streets for a while before hopping back in the car. Our luck was not the best during one specific leg of the trip when a clunking sound told us something was wrong with the car. We had to stop in a small town in northern Germany to find a technician who promptly sent us to the slightly larger Oldenburg. We carefully drove and the car was diagnosed and left to rest until it could be worked on the next day. That left us to find a quaint little hotel. Rebecca and Lars and I headed out to find a small grocery store where we bought a few food items for an informal dinner. Rebecca and I spent the rest of the night using the wifi and FaceTiming with her family. Shout out to the Wiebkes for being adorable.
Our impromptu stay in Oldenburg extended until around two in the afternoon. Our time was spent wandering a bit and finding a few cute museums to visit. In the hotel gift shop I purchased some pretty soap that was made with the help of the local sheep. One of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make was between a few of the different, equally heavenly scents. Eventually, like a magnetic pull, I found myself sitting on a dock on the banks of a lake feeding ducks. Vegard and Rebecca and I lazed around on that dock for hours, reading children's stories to each other and trying to convince the stubborn sun to help us out a bit.
Our hero of the week, Lars, picked us up in the newly fixed and more importantly, newly washed silver Volvo chariot and we were off before we knew it to make our way to Lübeck, Germany. We only stayed for all of an hour or so, but I was impressed. We saw tall churches and beautiful squares and water canals. I have a thing for canals, I must say. I stumbled across a woman with a huge mobile shop selling a large variety of signature teas composed of a mixture of herbal tea and dried fruit. Another impossible decision, but I walked away with two different types. Our day ended at the house of Wiebke, Rebecca's good friend and former exchange student. Wiebke stayed with Rebecca's family for a year as an exchange student in the States and they were kind enough to let us stay the night. Their hospitality was absolutely incredible and it solidified my great impression of the German people.
The next day we stopped a couple times at some small towns, looking for a place to eat. While one of our stops lead us to a quaint little town, it was a holiday and everything was closed. We got to Brussels by the evening. It took a while for us to find Even's apartment because of how confusing everything is. On our walk up, we actually met two Mormon missionaries, so that was fun. The sun was just setting over Brussels when Even showed us his little rooftop secret right outside his bedroom window. I personally enjoy heights and I thought this spot was one of the best in the world. The air was nice and the sky was colorful and the street below us was lined with gorgeous brick town houses, each with its own little flare. I love Brussels because of the more rural streets with row after row and cultured, characterized brick houses with the wrought iron railings and detail. It reminding me of my beloved DC, but perhaps more broad and less black and white. It had the same diplomatic, political feel about the air and you could just look at the people on the street and know they were a part of something important. That night, Even and his girlfriend, Gabriella, showed us around the city on a tour lasting from 8 to midnight.
The next day we were driving north towards the tulips in the Netherlands. I was looking forward to this visit particularly. Lars surprised us by stopping in Gouda, a town towards the west of the Netherlands. You can assume it's famous for the cheese. In the drive there, I saw many cows and land stretching far out and flat, interrupted only by your classic windmills. It was so Dutch it hurt and I loved it. Gouda was just fantastic. Words escape me. The character of the streets and the cheery light shining in through the green trees framing the streets that lead us to yet more canals with decorative bricks and flowers. Bikes were everywhere, but not a single helmet. We followed the the people to a more commercial section of the town where groups were gathered, enjoying the beauty that is Gouda. We made our way to a large market going on in one of the squares and greeting us at the entrance was a huge shop occupied by a cheese vender. Oh heavens so much cheese. As I examined a few of the yellow mounds, one of the men behind the counter came up to me and engaged me in a fascinating conversation about his cheese. I didn't need to ask to know why he spoke English with me before I could say a word - he saw me knocking on the giant yellow wheels of cheese to see if they were hollow or not.
We purchased some cheese and butter that were locally made from these vendors and fresh bread from a local vendor around the corner. Add a bit of jam and milk with this and we went to sit by the canal to feast. I can't describe to you the quality of this sandwich, but it changed my life and I daydream about retiring in Gouda when I am old and wrinkled and I can eat as much cheese as I want from the friendly man at the market. I think I didn't know what butter tasted like until I ate the locally made butter. Just a moment of silence please as I recall. As if this afternoon couldn't have been more perfect, a particularly brave duck came over to us and ate right out of our hands! Soon we had a small group of ducks in the water around us. We even saw a crippled one who was still swimming along cheerfully, because one cannot be sad in Gouda. Oh, I was happy.
Later that afternoon we started passing the fields of tulips. Strips of brilliant color blazed across the land and my nose was pressed up against the window trying to find the end of them. On either side of us there were more and more tulips. It was breath taking and it made me happy to think that there are people out there who would devote their time and energy to such beauty that makes our world so much better. Unfortunately, we discovered we had arrived just in time to miss the actual festival, so we drove out to a tulip farm and reverently walked amidst the flowers.
We stayed in a small hotel in Germany that night and spent the day in Hamburg. I honestly wasn't impressed with the city so much at first. I didn't find anything special about it to note. We wandered aimlessly for a while before deciding to take lunch at a small sausage joint to eat one of the Hamburg famous currywursts. I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it. Next we hopped on a tour bus through the city and I realized then why it was such a big center of the world. There was a large industrial area by the water of course, which I did not like. I had almost given up when I suddenly found myself driving under canopies of emerald leaves. On my right was a huge glittering lake with people enjoying life on the grassy shores or out on the water. On my left were large houses that can only described as works of love and art. The houses were owned by millionaires (fun fact, Hamburg has a particularly high concentration of those) and I felt both horribly out of my league and entranced.
By the time the tour was done, all I wanted was to go back and walk the streets of those beautiful lakeside mansions. Instead, we cut our trip a little bit short and headed home. We didn't have so much planned after that anyways, so we drove all the way up to Sweden and home. I woke up the next morning in my own bed, wondering where the time had gone and who's life this was. Obviously not mine because nine months ago, I only had a handful of ideas of what Europe was like and more than a few stereotypes on which to construct my knowledge of the European people. Nine months ago I didn't know Becca, a new best friend of mine. The girl has the biggest heart and the sweetest disposition. Her introvert perfectly compliments my obnoxious gregariousness and all of her comes together to make an incredible friend. I am so glad to have met such an amazing person.
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| The best hot chocolate in town, I promise |
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| Someone is excited about crepes and waffles :) |
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| Right after church |
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| T H R I F T S H O P P I N G |
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| After a long day of shopping |
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| And the trip begins |
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| The ferry |
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| We're friends |
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| Just modeling our new clothes |
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| Absolutely adorable |
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| <3 |
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| Massages to get us through the car trips |
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| Picnic on the way |
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| Lars wearing my sunglasses |
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| Our adorable little breakfast nook in Oldenburg |
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| Oldenburg |
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| We watched these sheep for the longest time |
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| The oldest brick church in northern Europe |
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| Having fun in museums. There's viking in his blood- |
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| My little duck friend :) |
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| The locally made soap made from sheep products in the area. I'm considering starting a soap collection?? |
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| A cute little German town we never learned the name of |
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| The beautiful Lubeck |
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| It's a mobile tea shop. Is this love? |
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| My newly purchased signature fruit and herbal tea mix. |
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| Becca is tired of all my pictures |
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| Our tour guides for the evening in Brussels - Even and Gabriella |
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| Our friendship can be mapped out in selfies |
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| Our little group |
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| I have a thing for ivy on walls |
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| Absolutely gorgeous |
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| Can I live here or.... |
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| The famed fries of Brussels |
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| On the roof right outside Even's room in his apartment |
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| Just in time for the sunset |
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| We're so cute and my hair is way too long I apologize |
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| As if they weren't afraid of heights <3 |
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| I love ivy I just can't |
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| A section of the Berlin Wall transported to a square in Brussels |
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| Apparently it's a famous statue?? |
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| Trying out the 'Becca' smile |
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| The tiny ferry that took our car all of three minutes across the water in the Netherlands |
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| Is that a windmill I spy? |
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| Cows were everywhere in the Netherlands |
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| Here is where we stopped in Gouda |
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| Gouda! |
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| Bikes upon bikes upon bikes |
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| The most amazing cheese and the cutest little shopkeeper |
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| Delicious locally made bread |
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| I make friends with ducks in every country :) |
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| The sandwich that changed my life |
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| Vegard feeding more duck friends |
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| These fields of yellow flowers were everywhere we went in Germany as well |
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| And here come the tulips :) |
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| Here begins Hamburg! |
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| A street artist reapplying her make up. Thought it was cool! |
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| I'm so artsy. |
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| An adorable couple right outside Starbucks, enjoying the sun. |
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| My very first currywurst |
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| Our tour bus |
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| Tourristing |
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| What a gorgeous tree, let's just appreciate this for a moment |
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| The millionaire lane. These houses were unbelievable |
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| We ended our trip with celebratory perfumes! |
