Here we are in the time of new beginnings and I’ve yet to complete some big events of 2023!
We spent a quiet Christmas in Lund, enjoying cozy time at home and setting up a climbing wall for Nori, with sound dampening acoustic panels in the living area to reduce echo. The plaster covered brick walls and high ceilings make installation a challenge so we’re making slow progress. Nori got a new cave and lots of toys, plus she loves L’s new hooded snuggie! Everyone enjoyed some new stuff from the Santa wish lists plus family gifts like a deluxe waffle panini maker. We made American style cinnamon rolls since those are hard to come by in Sweden.
The youngest had her year 5- IB personal project rough draft due right after break so she especially wanted to stay home, while the other was looking forward to seeing friends who were back in town for the Holidays. Neither wanted to travel so Bryant and I took a spur of the moment trip to join friends for a few days in Lisbon; our first visit to Portugal!
We revelled in our brief visit to Lisbon, especially since be were able to take advantage of the plans Erin had already made for herself and Ramesh. The apartment we stayed in, a fabulous place with original hand painted frescoes from the late 1800’s, was one that Erin had already shortlisted with the guidance of other friends who know Lisbon very well. She also had restaurants chosen, and a curated list of what to see and do, so we were the lucky beneficiaries of those connections and the experiences shared by other friends… definitely the way to travel!
We made it back in time for NYE at Shane and Melissa’s new place in the West Harbor of Malmö!!! plus our passport pick up in Copenhagen and Hil’s 19th birthday at Kasai in the Sky for Japanese fusion; great food and fantastic bonus views from the bathroom.
Our passports were ready to collect at the US Embassy so Hil and I made the early morning train ride across the bridge. She had to be back right away for the final exam in her International law course so there was only time for a quick coffee with authentic “Danish”.
Message on embassy website…
Last week Andrea and I (with her daughter and friend) squeezed in a visit to Van Gogh Alive in Malmö, a digital gallery experience, set to music. It was too crowded for my taste, but a fun alternative to a traditional gallery visit.
Cooking Club resumed and Alicia hosted a Taiwanese meal. With the upcoming Lunar New Year in mind, she choose these traditional dumplings, with Three Cup Chicken, a simple salad with black mushrooms, cucumber, and carrot, and Bubble boba (tapioca) milk tea with some Taiwanese goodies for dessert. It was so delicious and the best part is that I feel that I can replicate these recipes! Alicia gave us some fantastic tips and techniques that I think will make all the difference.
We’ve been getting so much more winter weather here compared to previous years. I don’t love it, but it is nice to see a winter landscape! We don’t even own a shovel and it seems no one from our apartment building is in charge of snow removal. It usually melts right away but it’s been accumulating for the last week or so and now we have genuine snow cover.
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