Living La Vida Lunda: A blog abroad

The Minnesota Noices

  • Another birthday in Sweden!

    Our 14 year old (yikes!) says we need to do something different for her birthday this year to distinguish it from the photos of previous b-days in Sweden. She’s right- it’s hard to tell since she requests the same cake, gets similar gifts in more or less the same setting. So this year we changed…

  • Twin Cities Theater Camp 2022 plus

    Now that we are back in Sweden I’m making time to elaborate on the TCTC experience which has been a focal point of our last 5 summers. It’s been a joy to see how much the kids grow in their performance skills, leadership qualities, and so many ways. This year was special because it was…

  • Minnehaha Park

    A cooler than usual start to the day inspired a visit to the other side of the river where we hiked around reminiscing about our Minneapolis days and the many good times at Mpls Parks, lakes, and pools. The self guided audio tour is a new feature, and we learned a lot of fun facts…

  • 20th Anniversary!

    For the second time, Bryant and I acknowledged our big day in different time zones. But happily we already made plans to celebrate with a food tour in Italy next April. Not a bad compromise since the timing just didn’t work to do anything big this summer. The Noicelings are both growing up so quickly…

  • Midsommar 2022

    Another strange summer for us, with everyone off on their own adventures. I’m with the youngest in MN so she can enjoy her final year as a camper at Twin Cities Theater Camp. Bryant is in Lund (Berlin, Helsingborg and maybe a few other work trips) until his vacation in July. The two will join…

  • Friday Afternoon Beverage

    At the Ingrid restaurant in front of the Grand Hotel – rocking the euro livstil!

  • Another school year done

    The girls completed their second school year in Sweden! They both had some fun end of year activities, while I passed my level 3 speaking make-up exam this morning – a 15 minute discussion on the topic of Lifestyle. I got stuck a few times but was able to give logical answers and get through…

  • Snapshots from my LU walking commute

    The botanic garden has a collection of the types of stone found in Sweden. Last photo is a birthday gathering for Katedralskolan friends, playing kubb. Such a wholesome party for 17 to 19 year olds. We hope the friend group stays this way!

  • Svenskakursen är nästan klar!

    Here we are but missing nearly half the class because it was a review day when we took the photo ☹️ I have to make up one last speaking test in order to complete the course, but my teacher hinted that it’s only a technicality so if I take the test, I will pass! Maybe…

  • A weekend in Amsterdam

    My first visit to the Venice of the North wrapped up this morning with an early return flight to Copenhagen and then train to Lund. I missed the first half of Swedish class after all. Stephanie, an adventurous friend I met at International Citizens Hub walks, invited me to sub-in for her travel companion who…