I went to the gym a couple of times this weekend. A girl on my floor has a membership to a really nice health club just down the street and because she is out of town this weekend, she offered me her card. I decided to do a class the other day and besides fumbling with swiping the card and checking in to the class, it wasn’t too apparent I’d never been there before. I walked away from the front desk but didn’t know which of the 4 doors lead to the ladies dressing room. I stood there for about 5 minutes until an older lady finally walked by, opened the correct door, and I followed. I went into the class a little early to stretch as it’s been a while since I’ve attended a Zumba class. In comes the male instructor, bouncy and vibrant, just ready to shake his tale feather. I was wondering if they would teach the class in Swedish… he did. I didn’t understand a word but it was more fun that way. I some how managed to sprain my elbow about 15 minutes in. Of course every move consists of waving your hands in the air so I just looked like an unenthusiastic, half-ass participant. Then it was hot tub and sauna time. This consists of a common area shared between both men and women. Greatttt….. I slide into the hot tub with an older man and women. They said something in Swedish to me and I politely responded, “Pardon me?” Immediately the man goes, “Ahhh, American?” We had a nice conversation whilst our legs awkwardly collided into one another under the bubbles. Then, when he left, 4 more old ladies and 1 pregnant woman came to enter the tub. That’s when I decided it was maybe time for me to go. It was so tiny and hardly warm. Not what I had in mind. Off to the sauna room. I was alone a first but I saw a mid-30, slightly balding, somewhat overweight man watching my every move and as soon as I walked in the sauna he got up to join. He was nice and our conversation lasted about 30 minutes until I finally said I had to go and I’d see him around later. His name was Pear. Physically fitting. Won’t have a problem remembering that one. My favorite class to attend at the gym is BodyCombat. The next day I decided to give the class a try and Oh My. The sexiest Swedish guy I’ve ever laid eyes on was the instructor. I haven’t taken the class for over three months but pushed myself as if I hadn’t even missed a class. I am currently so sore I can hardly move. Good motivation to work hard when your trying to impress but oh how my poor body is paying the price.
The weather has actually been very nice the last couple of weeks. People flock to the decks by the lake and sit in the sun for hours, drinking coffee and hanging out. They certainly appreciate when its sunny because the days are few and far in-between. I’m glad it has been an unusually warm winter (still freezing none the less) because I don’t know if I would have been able to handle a winter like they had the last few years. Tons of snow until mid April, no thank you.
It took me a minute to adjust but I’m certainly enjoying being a bit more social. Everyone loves to go out and dance and the clubs here are much better compared to home. I sang karaoke for the first time the other night. It was really fun! Singing is not an area in which I have much confidence so it was nice to get over the fear. I think I’ll hit up karaoke night more often when I get back. Dancing is of course a blast, but I learned quickly I need to watch myself. My first night out with everyone we all danced the night away having a great time but the next day I had coined the nickname “Horney dancer” and was told they had only seen dancing like that on MTV. The part I found most hilarious was that I hadn’t even noticed I was dancing different than everyone else. In North America, that’s what we do; Bump and Grind. As R.Kelly says… Ain’t nothing wrong with a little bump n’ grind… Unless you’re in Sweden and people dance next to each other not ass in crotch.
Swedish people are funny. They have some general personality characteristics that I can certainly appreciate. They are a bit reserved but good conversationalists once you get them talking. Maybe because I’m American its different and we have more to talk about… I know when I’m home and I meet someone with an accent I’m a little more interested just because I know they’re from somewhere else. Maybe that’s it. But it’s so fun nonetheless! I love having conversations about the differences between cultures. I always ask people I meet to tell me something about the people from their culture and it’s a great way to learn. It seems the Swedish are honest people, a bit reserved and maybe somewhat conservative. I was speaking with a Swedish girl at the bar one night and we were discussing socialism in Sweden. She said the only reason it works is 1. Because the Swedish people are honest and don’t strive to cheat the system and 2. They collectively agree that a comfortable lifestyle for all is best instead of a large gap between those with a lot and those with a little. You don’t tip at the bar and restaurants because even the bartenders and wait staff make a good wage that they can live comfortably on. They play by the rules and tend to listen to authority. When you come to a crosswalk, even if there are no cars coming, they still wait until the light tells them to walk. I don’t. They are kind of closed off in that they tend to run together and not let many “outsiders” in their circle. Once you get to know them they can open up and are wonderful, but generally speaking, don’t expect them to approach you wanting to be friends.
After my final next Monday I am leaving to Krakow, Poland. I am so excited! It was the cheapest trip I could find to book and a bit south so I’m hoping for some warm weather. I have booked a hostel for 4 nights so I hope that goes well. It will be the first time I’ve done the hostel thing. 10 visitors to a room… fingers crossed it works out ok. Beside my plane ticket and accommodation, I have no plans. I’ll figure it out when I get there I guess.
Hej då
L
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