ENJOYING STOCKHOLM WITH FRIENDS

As our second trip to Stockholm, we really wanted to focus on spending time with our good friends Michael and Monika. We had done a lot of sightseeing three years ago and were really happy to relax this time around. Michael and Monika have been friends for years and have a similar story to Martijn and I. Also a intercultural couple (Dutch and Swedish) and they also met while Michael was a ESN mentor for exchange students. They are; however, a year ahead of us in all that. Michael moved to Stockholm three years ago and they've created a wonderful life there together!

The night we arrived, we were able to join Michael and his colleagues at a local bar. It's a spot they often frequent after work. As it is a very international company, it was very easy to get to know each other and there's so much to talk about. Since my time as an exchange student, I find it very easy and interesting to integrate into internationally diverse groups and often people are so friendly! As was definitely the case that night. It was also nice to get real-sized beers (pints) and am beginning to think Holland is the only fan of small beers. We made a short stop on the way home for what Michael dubbed the "best burgers in Sweden" at Max Burgers. Martijn and I; however, were not impressed. They were 2/3 the size of McDonald's burgers and I'm not sure I'm convinced their better. I am a big fan of the after-drinks McDonald's cheeseburger.

The next day we slowly woke up and got ready for the day. First stop was the biggest Ikea in the world! Luckily I was able to enjoy the most Swedish moment possible: Swedish meatballs in Ikea in Stockholm. Phenomenol! And even though there is a horse meat issue going on recently, I don't care! They were absolutely delicious! Next stop was the grocery store where I was happy to see it was a large store with many options, which is quite similar to the Canadian stores I'm used to. These may seem like minor daily tasks, but these are the things I love to experience in different countries. There are so often differences you notice and by doing these tasks you get to see how other people live their daily lives.

That evening Michael, Martijn and I headed on a walk in the city while we waited for Monika to join us after a day at work. It was beautiful! The weather also reminded me of Edmonton's winters. It was chilly, but not too cold and the sun was shining in a clear blue sky. It made the city look magical and I really enjoyed walking in the sunshine. We eventually made our way to Glenn Miller Cafe (http://www.glennmillercafe.com/) which was great! They are well known for their live jazz music and their mussels. Unfortunately, I'm not a fan of mussels BUT love live jazz. So it was actually a great night catching up with friends. We then made our way to a surprise dessert place Monika wanted to show us. Turns out it was an American style bar complete with a bowling alley, burgers and DELICIOUS milkshakes. We enjoyed oreo milkshakes as a perfect end to the night!

Sunday was great! First we enjoyed brunch with a few of Monika's friends. We were all so hungry and it took us all quite a bit of time to make our choices, but eventually it all worked out. After brunch we took a long walk around the city even taking some time to go to Monika's work. She works within the legal system and we were able to go into the legal rooms and check things out. As I had worked in the Canadian justice system for a few years, I found it very interesting to hear Monika explain how the Swedish system worked and noted the differences and similarities between the two. The boys ditched us when we walked into the city shopping area to check out some makeup and clothes. When we called to meet them for a coffee, it turned out they had found a pub instead. We really shouldn't have been surprised. After a few beers, Monika and Michael led us to a fantastic Indian place (http://www.indira.nu/start.php). Delicious and reasonably priced! Although I really shouldn't have overestimated how much spice I could handle. Thankfully I have an amazing boyfriend who switched me his sizzler for my spicy lamb dish.

The next day was mostly travelling back to Holland. Although one important task - coffee! There is only one Starbucks in Sweden (at the international airport); however, Monika said Espresso House and Wayne's coffee were the two Swedish brands closest to Starbucks. I ended up getting a Vanilla Latte from Espresso House (http://www.espressohouse.se/) which was delicious! Highly recommend it!

As Michael brought us to our bus the next morning to catch our flight, both Martijn and I felt sad we were leaving. We were so thankful to be able to spend some time with such good friends, but disappointed the time was already over. Hopefully it won't be too long before the four of us can enjoy each other's company again.