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From Sweden to Scotland in Lund, Sweden on Jul 31 '06

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Lund University
Lund University
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After a great week in Poland, a mild stomach bug from some obscure polish ham and  a cheap Wizz air flight that miraculously didn't see me drop out of the sky, I'm back to basics, her in Lund, Sweden.

The plan from here is none...just waiting on a nice tax return from the Australian government to keep my bank account happy and enjoying the last of the sun and summer and cheering on the crows till then!

It's a shame they don't show AFL here...although I have discovered many sports I never knew existed on the Eurosport channel!

Loving the swedish sun and beer with my cheap-bogan-very Aussie stubby holder!
Loving the swedish sun and beer with my cheap-bogan-very Aussie stubby holder!
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After being in Sweden for nearly two months...it's time for some reflection on the country!

When I came to Sweden I knew little other than IKEA, blondes, blondes and more blondes and volvos!

Well...I wasn't wrong about the blondes. Yes it's true they are everywhere, like coconut on a lamington, sauce on a meatpie..party pies and fairy bread at your 5th birthday party. Seriously...the albino children roam the streets, I was blinded by the light!

Volvos are also in abundance, but so too are BMWs, SAAB and Mercedes! I want! Damn these Swedes living so close to Germany!

Coming home...well sort of!
Coming home...well sort of!
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As for IKEA...it's a myth! I haven't seen one store, the closest I have been to one  is at the Adelaide airport. Where are they all hiding?

The food is different here too, I am missing a nice Balfours Meatpie...if anyone would like to send me one, I'd kindly repay you. Meatballs are big here, served with Beetroot! I don't mind them, although they are a little greasy. Another favourite here is Pyttipanna, quite literally meaning 'bits of food in a pan'! That is potato, onion and meat (ox or ham) chopped up! It's kinda like the national leftovers dish of Sweden and it's good! Greasy....but so is KFC, and thank god that hasn't made it to Sweden yet!

Best chocolate bar ever...and Sweden's answer to a tim tam! mmmm
Best chocolate bar ever...and Sweden's answer to a tim tam! mmmm
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So after doing some research on how long I am actually allowed to stay In Sveeeden, I found out it's only another 6 weeks or so! Arrrgghh....is that reality calling?? Sweden is part of the Schengen agreement meaning that most of bloody Europe have opened up their borders to each other...letting this little Aussie through, but only for 3 out of every 6 months. So I think I'll fit in a kick ass trip of Europe before immigration deport me and the push of the UK (Scotland or Ireland) where I am more welcome and my aussie dollar will by me a tent space in a caravan park! Either that or I could apply for a working permit here, but I might save that till later on down the track...decisions, decisions!


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Focus2Focus avatar Focus2Focus on Aug. 6, 2006 @ 04:07AM said
Mmmm lollies, I feel like some snakes now. Yeah Ive done the suitacase thing and Im just over it. Ive found all the temp agencies I plan to apply to, just going to wait until I work out where I want to work and mobile phone etc before I send in my resume'. Ive heard good things about Edinburgh, I hope to see a bit of Scotland. Seems geeky but I cant wait to see all the castles and history. To know that some of the buildings have been there for 1000's of years is just amazing. What type of work are u planning to do and are you on one of those working holiday visas?
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delete avatar delete on Aug. 6, 2006 @ 04:07AM said
I might try to arrange a stop over actually, my flight has to be changed from April to June at the moment anyway so it might be worth it! I can imagine how us poor innocent customers get ripped off! So I'm guessing your fare was about the price of a train trip to Freo!?! Most people would love to work as a travel agent though, those jobs are hard to get I hear. Are you studying tourism?? I did my undergrad in psychology, post grad in Conflict Management, and now I am floating around somewhere in Scandanavia...ahh the joys of being a Uni graduate! I enjoyed it though, and hope to work as a mediator in Scotland though the UK has all these guidlines and registration requirements, it might prove to be a little difficult! My email is sally_g@yahoo.com by the way incase real travel ban us both for spam or something! Or if your on msn?
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Focus2Focus avatar Focus2Focus on Aug. 6, 2006 @ 04:07AM said
$2 for a litre, ouch. I know it has its advntages and disadvantages being land locked. Especially in Perth we are so isolated so any communication with the outside world rocks. Must be good thou that you do have the inside knowledge as your other half is Swede. Knowing all the good restaurants and having someone that knows the language bargaining etc. for you. See a different side. Yeah Ive used gumtree, cheers, I also been getting the TNT magazine sent over and I have never read a more helpful magazine. See if you can get a copy, a good read. My going away started on Sunday when I finished worked and has only just stopped now after my last training session at my sporting club. I think Ive drunk enough and hugged enough people now, I just want to go. HAHAHAHA. I know Ill miss them thou especially since Im travelling independant but Im also looking forward to whole solo travel thing. Who'd you fly to Europe with?
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delete avatar delete on Aug. 6, 2006 @ 04:07AM said
I know, I was thrilled! The worst part of being over here is the lack of AFL coverage! Looks like we are picking up a bit...now all I'm hoping for is a non Victorian final! How are your travel plans coming along?
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Focus2Focus avatar Focus2Focus on Aug. 6, 2006 @ 04:07AM said
Your exactly right :) and Im looking forward to starting afresh. Meeting some Europeon woman HAHAHA sorry, bad joke. Yeah hmmm being a travel agent I probably wouldnt of recommended sta, did they stuff up badly? How was Korean, did you stop in Seoul? Very interesting city supposedly. Im flying with Malaysian Airlines. You know the deal own tv, 40 games, numerous movies etc etc. They phoned me up today and offered me a $400 upgrade to business from PER/KUL, I have to say I was tempted. But straight back to the pound my brain went. With the exception of Royal Brunei who I didnt fancy, Garuda (who I use to work for and had to go through 4-5 stops), Malaysian had the best one way fares. Plus it gave me an excuse to finally reach KL. Are u flying back with Korean and which city are u leaving from?
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Focus2Focus avatar Focus2Focus on Aug. 6, 2006 @ 04:07AM said
Good old lip balm. I've managed to get my backpack down to 10k before my toiletries, so leaving the shampoo at home might me an idea. You must be mising bbq's and good old aussie pies hahaha. Basically I'm meeting family on arrival and heading down to Devon for a week with them, then coming back up to London to find a tourism temp job. Taking into the consideration that the cold doesnt scare me home it should be fun. How about you, where abouts are you planning to set up in scotland?
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delete avatar delete on Aug. 6, 2006 @ 04:07AM said
2 days...it feels like forever! Dont forget lip balm...those flights are hell! Oh and Im not sure what you boys do...but don't take full bottles of shampoo, its too heavy! Im sooo excited! I can't wait to get some aussie...well english aussie food, and start to look for work! What are your plans in London?
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delete avatar delete on Aug. 6, 2006 @ 04:07AM said
Castles are great, in the middle of nowhere too, getting a car and going up to the highlands! Im looking for social work or HR but Ill settle for admin stuff to start with! Im on a working holiday visa, some of us aren't blessed with British passports! You'll be the envy of all the South Afs and Aussies over there, they are like gold, everyone wants one! Not long to go now...do you have an early flight?
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Focus2Focus avatar Focus2Focus on Aug. 6, 2006 @ 04:07AM said
Sounds like u had a bit of a dodgy agent unfortantly. Are you going to stop in Seoul on the way back? Researched I am haha. See once you have studied (still studying haha) and worked in travel its never quiet the same when u travel. hahahaha. See you learn how it all works, you know how much something really costs, you know if anyone gives you a line u can say now hold on I "know" thats not right. It also means you have passwords to all industry sites to check net fares and the actual taxes. Oh did I mention that it also gives you heaps of freebies too, sorry had to slide that in. Plus I think Ive read the LP guides 5 times through out. Oh and this trip is all tax deductable. hahah sorry. Oh by the way I dont actually want to be a travel agent (hahaha) just allows me to travel and work until me degree is finalised. Whats your ba in if I can ask?
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Focus2Focus avatar Focus2Focus on Aug. 6, 2006 @ 04:07AM said
Know that feeling with the money, work hard and all I can keep thinking is Ive lost 2/3 as soon as I arrive into london. $10 for Mcdonalds? You got to be kidding? 23 degrees sounds nice. It has been weird weather here. A late winter I think but some really nice days now. I still have all my thermal gear and jackets from when I went to China in winter. So I should be fine, however I am desperate for jumpers. However Ill wait till I get there to buy those I think, more stylish clothes. hahah. Where are you planning to go in Europe once you leave? I still cant believe Im going to be an hour from France and Spain. It's just FANTASTIC! How has it been staying with the family?
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delete avatar delete on Aug. 6, 2006 @ 04:07AM said
So you should get some sleep on the flight if your lucky! It's so exciting leaving, though I think it is the hardest part saying goodbye! Im counting down the days! I'll hire a car I mean...I don't think I could afford to buy one, though Im sure an old bomb(or boonger to be really politically incorrect, but Aussie) wouldn't be that expensive! At least they drive on our side of the road! Do you have any other site seeing adventures before working in London?
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delete avatar delete on Aug. 6, 2006 @ 04:07AM said
Oh yes, you have me sussed out! It's funny when you get o.s your money is so sacred. That $10 mcdonalds meal (seriously, its that much here in Sweden) requires serious contemplation! And I love the net, because I chat to my brother and friends at home, the world is so small I realised! I'll start work straight away, I saved up 3 months in Adelaide, and I hardly spent much here in Sweden (free accomodation), but I want a bit of routine back. My folks have friends down in Gloucestershire so Ill head down there on a weekend, but I think Ill save the major travel around Europe at the end and stay in Edinburgh for a while! The weather was sooo bad here for the last month, literally was the winter at home (same temps in the day but it doesnt cool down at night), but now the sun is shining and its about 23degrees! You might get the last little bit of summer and then it is winter, which is bad I hear! Are you buying a coat over there? Thats my plan.
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Focus2Focus avatar Focus2Focus on Aug. 6, 2006 @ 04:07AM said
Quick update in case you didnt here (you probably did), Crows beat Fremantle and progressed through to the next round of Finals. Who knows they might make it to he final?
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delete avatar delete on Aug. 6, 2006 @ 04:07AM said
The taxes here are insane, its about $2 for a litre of petrol, I thought oz was bad...but I love all the BMWs, the Swedes go over to Germany and bring them back! Defintely just hold out on the clothes, I bought all old stuff and I'll buy good stuff when I get over there, and your right it's more stylish and is actually made to be warm, not look warm! The thing that struck me the most was how close I am to Europe! It is AMAZING!! I jumped on a plane and in an hour I was in Poland, and it still fascinates me how I can get on the train and be in Copenhagen in half an hour! Your going to have a ball! Australia is great, but we miss out on all the fun of country hopping that these Europeans have! It's been great staying here, my other half is Swedish, but I still feel like the odd one out, not speaking the language. We speak English, and all Swedes do, but its little things like going to the supermarket which are annoying. http://www.gumtree.com/ is your best friend. Have you checked that out yet? Have you had your going away?
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delete avatar delete on Aug. 6, 2006 @ 04:07AM said
Ofcourse, you Westies are further away from the Aussies, let alone the west of the world! I checked out TNT online http://www.tntmagazine.com/ it's really reall good, gum tree can seem a bit dodgy at times! It feels like forever after you say the last goodbyes, sounds like you have been through quite a rough time, so this is the beginning of something great! Leave it all behind you, sure you will miss them all but believe me, once you get over there you know not much changes at home! People get together, people break up...someone goes to Melbourne for the weekend...same old, but you will be in the capital of the world! The language barrier can be hard, people don't get the Aussie lingo and I have found I hardly use my slang over here...(heaps, lollies, dodgy, bevvy)! I flew through Korean airlines...got a cheap flight with STA (they were crap and stuffed up my tickets) cause I flew into London first! Who are you flying with??
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delete avatar delete on Aug. 6, 2006 @ 04:07AM said
Oh your doing the backpack thing! A good option, Im suprised the plane didnt drop outta the sky with the weight of my case! Dying for an aussie bbq, none of this 'grill' buisness! Take some 'lollies' with you, I really regret not doing that! You'll find work easy over there! Have you send off to any temp agencies yet? Im heading to Edinburgh, Ill prob stay there for 6 months at least, and I'll travel at the end, apparantly it is a nice place, lots of castles!
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delete avatar delete on Aug. 6, 2006 @ 04:07AM said
From a purely hetrosexual point of view, I dont think that you will be disappointed with the European girls...except for Poland, its hard to discern who are on 'call' so to speak! STA was soooo bad. The lady stuffed up my tickets. I changed the date to fly out, and they lost the check. She told ME I had to pay again to change the flight, I said 'I dont think so' and gave the 'I want to speak to the manager line' It all sorted out, but I got my tix 2 days b4 I left, I wasnt impressed. I had a stopover in Seoul, but the airport was 50kms out and I was too exhausted to head in that night! The hotel was the hyatt though, beautiful considering the airline paid for it all! Malaysia will be great, I really regret not stopping in Korea and it's another pin you can add on your map. But the upgrade was a wise choice...an ipod or good book would provide just as much entertainment for free! Im flying home with Korean yep, I leave from London, I'm booked home for June next year! So I said I would stay a year...see where life takes me though. I know, nothing is ever for sure. Being a travel agent, u would be well researched on your trip then?
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Focus2Focus avatar Focus2Focus on Aug. 6, 2006 @ 04:07AM said
Haha yeah I know, Im pretty lucky to have a uk passport; Thank god for my mum. Im flying out Midnight so it gets me nice and early into Malaysia to get the most out of my time. My flight from KL leaves at lunch and gets me into Heathrow at about 6ish I think next week. Wow your getting a car, that sounds like a great idea and a good way to scotland. If I can ask how much roughly does it cost to buy a car in Scotland? Not too long now for you either...
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Focus2Focus avatar Focus2Focus on Aug. 6, 2006 @ 04:07AM said
As long as 2 non-victorian teams play Im a happy man haha. Travel plans have all gone to plan and Im only 2 days away, just that last hurdle of waiting. Not too long before your on the road again as well, r u excited?
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Focus2Focus avatar Focus2Focus on Aug. 6, 2006 @ 04:07AM said
HAHAHA good old boongers. But yes very politically incorrect haha. ohhhh hiring that seems cool. I thought of hiring out a scooter or small motorbike and just cruising around the uk. Wind in my air and a really really.....really cold butt. Im off to Devon for my first weekend with family to site see. Meant to be a fantastic cathedral built in around 900bc down there and Im very interested to have a look. The first few weeks will be obviously filled with the usual Tower of London, London eye etc. Malaysia will also keep me busy KL, Melaka etc. So I think by 3 weeks Ill be ready to work and get a small routine happening again. But hey working temp will allow me time off when I have the money, I hope. hahaha R u going to work first or site see first? I can tell your ready to move on, your in the net too much. haha Im on the net too much cause Im afraid Ill spend my poor aussie dollars that are going to be slaughtered once they reach the uk. Is it cooling down much there atm?
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