We made it to Malmo, Sweden!
I have to say the delayed flights were frustrating, and also shuffling between four countries in less than 36 creates a sort of surreal haze around everything we have done today (not sure if this would still be considered today). Both of our flights were delayed, the first one out of Newark was set to take off at 2:45 pm, but we finally left around 3:30pm.
Then we got to Toronto Airport, which was actually very nice. Their waiting area had iPads, free wifi, and chairs with tables. We could even order food from the iPad in front of us, but we just soaked up the free internet access. Toronto's airport is easily the most luxurious airport for flying economy class. I'd say once we heard our second flight was delayed, we both kinda went a little crazy and got bummed out (I know, even the nicest airports don't always ease the frustration). Before we knew it, we were on the plane taking off for Copenhagen.
Both plane rides were uneventful, and neither of us used our screens, iPods, phones, or books. We slept most of the time (I mean, as well as one can sleep on an airplane). I didn't eat my airplane meal, because all I wanted was to close my eyes and rest. It felt so good to finally land, and it was like our trip officially started. I was concerned about my backpacking bag going through the checked bags with all the straps, but it made it out fine! We successfully took the train from Copenhagen to Malmo and here we are!
We spent the day with Zach's extended family. We met up with Andreas, Zach's second cousin, and went to his apartment where we dropped off our baggage. We had some much needed coffee, and then we had lunch, and I had my first falafel. It was so good! Malmo is a beautiful city, and we haven't even explored the center of it yet, but I would be okay without doing that. I like the small, European vibe that this city gives off. It's got the vibe of a larger city, but everyone here is normal. There's no Gucci, Prada, Michael Kors, or ridiculous stores around. It's refreshing.
We also had a traditional Swedish dinner with Zach's family. Andreas took us to visit his cousin's apartment where we had Swedish meatballs, lingen berries, and mashed potatoes. It's definitely my new favorite meal! We met all his extended family members and we had such a great time talking with them all. It's so amazing to see how easily Zach's extended family has welcomed us, and how eager they have been to spend time getting to know us. It's really heartwarming, and it helps to make a city an ocean away feel like home!
We also stopped by a bar on the way home to catch some of the Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid soccer game. It was so fun to watch! I think it's still going on, but I am not sure.
As for my knowledge of the Swedish language, it's been pretty rough. I can get the feel of what they may be discussing based on tonality and nonverbal cues, but that's about it. A lot of people here speak English though!
Well, I am off to bed. I am so exhausted, and Zach is already asleep. So please excuse any mistakes or errors in this post. I am using a Swedish keyboard and I am half asleep.
P.S. It's almost 11pm here, and the sun is finally setting. That's crazy.
Katie
I have to say the delayed flights were frustrating, and also shuffling between four countries in less than 36 creates a sort of surreal haze around everything we have done today (not sure if this would still be considered today). Both of our flights were delayed, the first one out of Newark was set to take off at 2:45 pm, but we finally left around 3:30pm.
Then we got to Toronto Airport, which was actually very nice. Their waiting area had iPads, free wifi, and chairs with tables. We could even order food from the iPad in front of us, but we just soaked up the free internet access. Toronto's airport is easily the most luxurious airport for flying economy class. I'd say once we heard our second flight was delayed, we both kinda went a little crazy and got bummed out (I know, even the nicest airports don't always ease the frustration). Before we knew it, we were on the plane taking off for Copenhagen.
 |
| Toronto Airport Waiting Area |
 |
| Toronto Airport waiting areas |
 |
| Sculpture at Toronto Airport. |
Both plane rides were uneventful, and neither of us used our screens, iPods, phones, or books. We slept most of the time (I mean, as well as one can sleep on an airplane). I didn't eat my airplane meal, because all I wanted was to close my eyes and rest. It felt so good to finally land, and it was like our trip officially started. I was concerned about my backpacking bag going through the checked bags with all the straps, but it made it out fine! We successfully took the train from Copenhagen to Malmo and here we are!
 |
| View from the Malmo train station. |
We also had a traditional Swedish dinner with Zach's family. Andreas took us to visit his cousin's apartment where we had Swedish meatballs, lingen berries, and mashed potatoes. It's definitely my new favorite meal! We met all his extended family members and we had such a great time talking with them all. It's so amazing to see how easily Zach's extended family has welcomed us, and how eager they have been to spend time getting to know us. It's really heartwarming, and it helps to make a city an ocean away feel like home!
We also stopped by a bar on the way home to catch some of the Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid soccer game. It was so fun to watch! I think it's still going on, but I am not sure.
As for my knowledge of the Swedish language, it's been pretty rough. I can get the feel of what they may be discussing based on tonality and nonverbal cues, but that's about it. A lot of people here speak English though!
Well, I am off to bed. I am so exhausted, and Zach is already asleep. So please excuse any mistakes or errors in this post. I am using a Swedish keyboard and I am half asleep.
P.S. It's almost 11pm here, and the sun is finally setting. That's crazy.
Katie
Sounds awesome, guys!!
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