Smitten by Stockholm
Cute bakeries & cobblestone roads are all you have to follow to have the perfect weekend in Stockholm. Although I'm the only American exchange student at Karlstand University, I've had the privilege to do some North American bonding with a few Canadians. We booked our appointments with the migration agency to receive our final paperwork to be residents in Sweden. Fortunately, finger prints weren't the total highlight of our trip but rather figuring out the metro system that led us to wandering around central Stockholm. We discovered the water way, museums & garlic butter so good it should probably be counted as its own food group.
Our main excursions included the famous Ice Bar & Gamla Stan. 19 degrees, but you better believe that I was excited to drink my fancy apple juice! I stick out a little more in Europe for not drinking compared to in Idaho, but I can't lie chilling in the Ice Bar was beyond cool. (I hope all these puns are making you cringe). Also, I need to get a parka like this asap! We looked better than the carefully thought out chiseled ice sculptures that greeted us when we entered the ice cave.
Gamla Stan is the historic area of Stockholm. It's what everyone pictures when they think of Europe. The narrow streets are lined with people weaving out of multicolored buildings. Emma & I stood in awe at every street corner trying to take it all in. Gamla Stan is incredible because every person creates their own individual experience. Everything is so close it's all a big surprise to see what cafe or art gallery you'll walk into.
I would't say I'm homesick more like boyfriend sick, but who wouldn't be when you're walking romantic streets like these! A lot of people think I'm pretty stupid leaving Clark for the majority of our engagement-- which is probably true. But discovering me & the girl I want to be is a step I needed to take before I could confidently be called Mrs. for the rest of my life. I love the idea of being married & having someone who knows me & accepts me for who I am-- even though I'm crazy & sometimes cry when I watch cooking reality shows because the person I wanted to win brings home all the money. The fact that Clark is allowing me to be my own person without him is how I know he's the one for me. Sometimes I get so angry over our small differences... or his political views. But I'm happy that we can be our own seperate people & come together to make a relationship that I never thought I would be blessed enough to have. Don't let your boyfriend or husband define you, let what they love about you be the definition.
In a Nutshell: Traveling is giving me the feels. I'll be back Stockholm.