Schools out for summer!

I have officially passed my courses of French language, Internet and Web Design, TV production, and Multimedia production at Jonkoping University! Each course truly brought something new and exciting to my current education.

Halmstad, Sweden

This is the town I have been staying in for the summer, and this Swedish town is known for its summer vibes and easy-beach living.

Swedish Midsommar

I am about to experience an annual holiday celebration in Sweden, Midsommar! It is tradition to wear wild flowers in your hair, dance, and drink with family and friends. Oh yes, and eat loads of pickled herring. I am making this a challenge to try every kind of herring I encounter. This will NOT be easy. We'll see what happens...

SO Midsommar was amazing!

What is Midsommar? I found out that it is the longest day of sunlight of the year it was still light outside at midnight so we got there at 1 and drank wine, Swedish schnaaps (40 percent) and ate swedish herring then we went and danced around the midsommar field.

I spent the entire day with my boyfriend and his family. Including his adorable Swedish cousins! As if talking to children isn't hard enough when you are an unfamiliar face, I had to face the challenge of a language barrier as well. At one point during the day, Alma, a two year old girl came up to me and spoke in Swedish, and all I could say was Hej! and asked her if she knew any English. The whole family witnessed this and got a good laugh at the two most confused girls in the room trying to communicate...

The Swedish Food 

I decided that the dishes alone deserved its very own passage in my midsommar post! Everything so fresh with bold flavors and unique presentation. Starting from the right of the table, we had a Crisp bread in Swedish means knäckebröd. This is a flat and dry Nordic type of bread or cracker, containing mostly rye flour. It is popular in armies and schools because of its light weight and simple, transport-friendly shape. Also, it is very cheap and if stored in dry conditions it will keep fresh and edible for a very long time. Next we have Gravad lax, (French in origin) is a dill-cured salmon which should preferably be served with a mustard sauce. 

Paris, France

I am absolutely in love with this city. With the aroma of fresh bakeries, the breathtaking monuments, the fast-paced hustle of city life, and the extreme influence of local street artists, this place will keep you on your toes for your entire stay.

Friendly Tip: Bring a jacket to the Eiffel Tower. Whether if it is a hot and sunny that day, or you are on the second  or top floor, it is super windy and cold!

I stayed in a Hostel called "Absolute Paris." Which I found on hostelworld.com. I recommend this hostel to all of my friends and family. It was totally affordable not to mention chic, clean, wireless + free computers to use in the lobby downstairs, and my favorite part was the breakfast. Mmm, every morning I got to wake up to a fresh croissant and baguette with Nutella, tea, cereal, and yogurt! Can't get better start to your day than with a fresh and filling breakfast. Yum. 

8 Cheap things to do in Paris:

1. Find a local grocery store, buy a baguette, some spreadable cheese, grapes, a bottle of wine, and some plastic champagne glasses, find a park, and enjoy the scenery with your authentic French picnic.

2. When your feet start to get weary from walking all over the city, buy an hour bus pass, take a seat by the window, and enjoy your free tour around the city.

 3. Buy more wine, and pick up a few more treats from the market. Like Ferrero Rochier bon-bons and freshly made crepes from a corner bakery stand. Wait till sundown, then go to Sacre Coure. This was a dream-like experience. The view of the church behind and the view of the entire city of Paris in front was so totally unreal, that moment was unforgettable. The best part is that it was not a tourist infested area. This was in fact a typical Tuesday summer night for many of the locals in France.

4. Visit the Sienne River Bridge and explore the locks of love. Maybe even add your own... ;)

5. Locate the Arc De Triumph, find a park bench, and watch the madness of this 6 to 8 lane round- about disaster. Maybe with a glass of champagne if you want to snazz it up a bit.

6.  Visit the Eiffel Tower! Rates are low and there is so many people and places to see. Rates start at €4,10 - €13,40. which is about  $19.50 tops. The view from above is remarkable, and the people watching is just as entertaining. 

We saw this kid going down the elevator from the top floor.

7.  Visit the Notre Dame. One of the most famous churches and bell towers in the world admission is absolutely free! Not to mention, stunningly beautiful. If you want to make the trip that much more interesting, I  suggest you read the novel of Hunchback of Notre Dame. (Or watch the film if you want to save time.)

8. Take a stroll in Pigalle. Named to literally mean "pig-alley" this street is full of exotic shops and burlesque shows such as the famous Moulin Rouge. It is most fun to go at night time, but be sure to have a group of friends to travel safely with.

Anders and I wandering the street of Pigalle