... I try to say good-bye and I choke...

So with just 4 weeks remaining in my stay over in Europe, this past weekend I took a trip by myself for the first time.

Last Thursday night, I packed my bags and departer for the colder confines of Stockholm, Sweden. What a city! I absolutely loved it, as it reminded me a lot of Canada. It was very much a metropolitan Canadian city with a European historical flair. Beautiful girls, great food, water everywhere... the only downsides were my not speaking Swedish, and the difficult to convert in my head currency (1 Euro = 9 Swedish Kroners).


My hostel was on a small boat, which was really cool. The inside was nothing special though, and low ceilings meant I hit my head more times than I could count over the course of the weekend. I spent the first 2 days exploring Gamla Stan (or Old Town) which was not far from my hostel.


On Sunday, I walked up to Sweden's Royal Palace. I went into the Trey Kronner museum, the royal appartments, and the treasury. On my way back, I noticed a large crowd assembling in the main palace square. Seems I was just in time for the changing of the guard ceremony! They held an elaborate ceremony, with many guards and millitary men in uniform, as well as a marching band playing on and off throughout. It was quite the sight (much of which I have recorded in video form).


Nothing else too special the rest of the time. I walked around, seeing various churches and parks and fountains and things, did some shopping, and enjoyed some traditional Swedish meatballs.


I returned to Rouen on Monday, on a RyanAir flight than undoubtedly had the worst landing I've ever experienced. The plane was literally rocking back and forth as it landed, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief as it leveled out after hitting the ground.

Then yesterday night (Tuesday), some of the girls organized a Hawaiian party down in Cafet Ango in order to bid adieu to some departing friends, namely Jaimie and John. They did an amazing job planning and organizing it, with fruit centerpieces, Hawaiian pizzas, an elaborate award ceremony, and all.


Time here is coming to an end, and people are leaving. I'm sad to them go, and will miss everyone I met while over here. At the same time though, this has been a wonderful experience, but also one that has run its course, and I am also excited to go home on June 2nd.

But meanwhile, I can't wait to live up the next 3 and a half weeks.

Till the next time we meet (or well, the next time you read what I write),

Daniel Kramer