Nostalgia = Nostalgi

"We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open."

-Jawaharlal Nehru 

         Today has been the first brisk day in Stockholm – Fall is officially in the air! This weather has left me feeling a sense of nostalgia and I think that the changing of the seasons from summer to fall will forever remind me of the excitement and anticipation of soccer and of course going back to school.  Whether it was heading to the Wing School for rec soccer, pre-season for Sandwich High School or venturing up to Brunswick, Maine for another GUBFL season, the chill will always make me think of the fresh cut grass of the pitch and lacing up my cleats and new classes and professors. 
         Fortunately, I am still able to lace up my boots and step on the field. My past experiences in athletics and academics have helped me build a strong foundation to be able to live in a new city and still have an opportunity to continue to play a sport I love.   Although there are always challenges, such as the language barrier, missing the people you love and the realization that you have actually graduated from college and are not going back,  I have been able to appreciate the fact that this is a unique experience. Live in the moment and enjoy the ride. Leva Nu. 

Fall weather sets in - view from above the city

               Ragsveds IF came out with a convincing win this past weekend against Gustafs. It was a complete downpour, but a fun game to play in nonetheless.  I was able to contribute a goal to our 3 points and help us move closer to a chance at playoffs in mid October.  Our next game is in Northern Sweden, so I was informed we will be taking a bus about 6 hours, which is nothing I'm not used to being a part of the NESCAC league.  We just have to keep the momentum going! 
              Regardless of how our team does or how I do, I try to look at the bigger picture and realize how blessed I am to have this experience and I attempt to make the most of living in an interesting place like Sweden.  After the game, our team had a fun evening out.  I experienced my second crayfish party (I guess this is a very popular Swedish tradition!) and then we danced the night away at Café Opera. Thankfully one of my teammates had connections there because I forgot my ID- which I tend to do a lot, right Ben? And we didn’t have to pay the 180kr cover (which is about $25).  Not bad, huh? 

Some of the squad at the Cray Fish party

                This week I begin as a volunteer at PLAN International – Sverige-  an organization that fights for children’s rights and also to alleviate poverty in developing countries.  The office is located in Stockholm and as a volunteer I am responsible for controlling, registering and updating reports in computer the system, helping with major campaigns and events, and translating and reading correspondence between sponsors and the sponsored children.  Today I recorded updates (which include photos, education, health and family information) from sponsored children in places like India, Dominican Republic and Africa.  This volunteer opportunity has also been an educational experience. Today a speaker came to talk about human trafficking in Thailand and surrounding countries and what we in Sweden can do to help.  Also I was excited to learn that I will also have the chance to translate letters from Spanish to English from the sponsored children living in Latin America... so maybe my 3 Spanish seminars senior spring will pay off!! I am so glad that I have this opportunity to be surrounded by inspiring and extremely nice people, as we work together for an important larger world cause.  To learn more about this program check out: http://plan-international.org/ 

Ragsveds supporting PLAN's campaign "Because I am a Girl" 

              Although I am doing less sightseeing, I still managed to see a bit this past week.  I went to the Nobel Museum, Spirit Museum and did a boat tour.  I have never been to a museum quite like the Spirit Museum, however it was a great experience. It highlighted Sweden’s relationship with alcohol and gave a glimpse into the history of spirits in Sweden.  There was a cool artwork display of Absolut, which is made in Sweden, with modern paintings by Andy Warhol and others.  We also got to check out the inside of the an ice-breaker boat called Sankt Erik, including the engine room, which was pretty impressive and something I can't say I've ever done.  At the Nobel Museum I learned about Alfred Nobel and his idea of awarding ideas- the Nobel Prizes-, as well as the Nobel Laureates and their creative endeavors, most of which are awarded in Stockholm.  Although my tourists outings are slowing down, I am excited for them to pick up again when my visitors arrive- which will be very soon!!