Le Stockholm

When I was a boy my Dad told me that in France cows go "Le Moo"

My weekend in Stockholm was planned 2 days before we left. This meant that the accommodation we got was the scraps of the weekend. Well that's what we thought but the strangely named 2kroner hostel was surprisingly nice! So I had to ditch the STV project early. I don't know if I've mentioned it but I joined the student TV station here, we have a broadcast tonight! So anyway, I ditched it at the break so I could meet Guilian and take the bus. After 5 hours of pretending to sleep we arrived. Stockholm at night was beautiful, things were lit up and there was a Melbourne style pace to the town, not too quite, not too busy. We met up with Jeremy (refer previous blogs, yeah i had a lame crush on him) and his girlfriend. This is where the French speaking began.

I cant blame them, its a hot language and I have learnt many things about the French now. They love to sleep, which explaines their "too-cool" lateness, they love ketchup, and wine. So thats enough ethnic sterotyping for one blog. Now. These guys were keen to eat so after we found our cute little hostel (in the old town or 'Gamla Stan') We head off to this little gay friendly cafe for some dins. Guilian was shocked at the drag queen that was sitting at the table next to us. I was then re-affirmed by them that France is more conservative than I thought, especially in Lyon.

Oh by the way I have no camera as it broke whilst creating Bertie that horrible snow man, so i'll update this blog with photos once G puts them on facebook.

That night the 4 of us hit up some dodgy bar and called it an early night. It was hard to stay awake at this point after the bus trip. So 2 more of G's friends, Lisa and Tiphaine turned up at the bar to see us. Lisa is studying in Finland, same deal as us, so she came over for a while with her friend Tiphaine who is living in London (didnt stop her speak french). It was cool, these girls were pretty fiesty. So after this G and I retired to our luxury suite in 2kroner hostel. On Saturday we were supposed to meet Lisa and Tiph at the royal palace at 10:30. This is when the French lateness kicked in, and we ended up meeting them at a cafe in Gamla Stan at around noon.

We head off in the freeezing cold (much colder than Jönköping) for the Museum of Modern Art and Architectuerere (hat that word). It was really awsome as there was this sick Video Art exhibition, and you guys know how much I dig Video Art. There was this one video by These Swiss guys. Check out a snippet here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVDJTLAyTNw

I think for me, this trip made me think about my communication skills. My humour is a big way I reach out to those around me, and without the use of cultural references, slang words, and story telling this can be difficult. The english level of these guys was only enough for me to have basic conversation. Unless I dare use my amazing french which Uni High blessed me with for 4 years (thanks Ms. Bozyk). I think I made it through though. I adapteded, did what any good comedian would do and just go with the flow.

After a quick eat at Max, mmm I love Max, We went for a nap in our hostel, after being attacked my white masked performance artists in the city. There was this crazy on ice dance performance in the center, for free. If it wasnt so cold we would have watched the whole thing. So after G got his much needed sleep, we headed out to a traditional Swedish restaurant. It was interesting. Some kind of "Sweish Idol" program was on a plasma screen on the wall, which contrasted with the old school fixtures and fittings of the rest of the place. After some cider and a good Swedish meal, we went to find a bar. Clubs are too expensive in Stockers, I mean you could do it maybe once, but im trying to budget and save for future trips. We tried one club and they said "Ok, first you have to be 23, then you have to pay 100:-, if thats ok, then come on in". We kept walking for obvious reasons.



We ended up finsing this hillarious place called 'the Axess'. I recomened it to anyone who visits Stockholm. You enter past this fat guy dressed as a pirate. then you go down stairs via heavy rock music to this cave like place with only candle light. The cups are big clay flagons and the bar tenders are piratey. Its kind of viking/pirate, but its a great vibe. We took lots of snaps so i'll show you when they're up.

After a bus trip back, I quickly got into my Cheap Mondays that I got from the original Weekday store in Stockers, mm they were $A20! Be jealous those in Melbourne. For some reason they were having a 75% off everything sale. I then ran over to Anyas appartment for Perri's 21st party. Ah it was amazing. Only a few select people, nice food. And Moet. me and Anya gave some weak speaches and Anya performed some songs on guitar, it was a really nice way to come back to Jönköping and celebrate the 21st of a new, but good, friend.

Apparently there was much drama in my absence. this little town moves fast! I'll fill you in later. haha.