All Around the World

For some reason this morning I woke up, laid in bed and thought about all the countries I was able to visit while I lived abroad in Sweden. I looked at my day ahead and saw -- school (3 classes), a visit to the mall, probably a starbucks run, the bachelor on TV tonight, dinner with friends (possibly if time allows it). I saw a day that I commonly go about while here in California. Then I thought about the days I lived and all the people I came across while in these countries...

Sweden

Stockholm, Sweden

Barcelona, Spain

BCN, Spain

TAllINN, ESTONIA

Amsterdam

Helsinki, Finland

PARIS, FRANCE

Then I realized that I miss these places very much. I met so many people-- friends, teachers, people in passing even David Guetta. I saw so many amazing things-- tourist areas, scenery. And I experienced knew things -- public transportation in these countries, different foods, cultures, languages. I thought about all the people in these places and realized they are going about their lives in places I was only able to visit for such a short period of time. I remember feeling so cramped in the subway in Barcelona one time looking around noticing the old Spanish man who got up just to let a young woman sit. Even though it was miserable to stand in the hot, crowded subway he did it. I remember walking to the train once in Sweden, freezing wishing I had my car. Now I look back and miss walking through the snow hearing nothing but the silence and the frequent crunch the snow made under my moon boots due to the drastic cold with each step I made. I remember the little cafes in Paris and the energetic men and women who worked inside them always greeting me with such warmth. They are still there today living a happy life. 

Everyones life, no matter where in the world you are, continues. How you live your life is important for the time past is the time lost that you will never get back. As I go about my day today I will think about all the other people who are going about there day wondering what everyone is doing all around the world.

-- Alaura

Date night

I love date nights. Here in California they are pretty common... However, last night was extra special because it was Dom and me :) We haven't really had a night out together alone since I have been back. We went to Andres's restaurant and ate mexican food. It was delicious. She had a chicken platter and I had shrimp. After dinner we had drinks and desserts. Everything was great.

-- Alaura

Skype date

 My little home....

-- LC

Long Day

Linda!! That spa looks so nice and relaxing I wish I was there right now. Instead I am at school. Wednesdays are my long days, I am here from 10-9 p.m. But thats okay it keeps me busy :)

Here are some pictures of my school. Not many but you can see which parts of campus I have been to so far. I think I already told you this but my school, San Jose State University is the number one school of choice by international students.  It really is a beautiful campus dead smack in the center of downtown.

Also yesterday, I started working again at Chili's Bar and Grill. I am a waitress there. I was working there before I left for Sweden so when I returned they offered me my job back. Couldn't refuse, plus I'm still skeptical about the job I got hired for in Vegas. I will keep you posted.

 -- Alaura

I need me time....

spa time...

 This is a Japanese spahotel in Stockholm that is called ' Yasuragi'. You are only allowed to use this Japanese robes.

 This is during summer time, but you can also bathe outside during the winter time when it's snow, because the water is heated.

Having Sushi.

When you come back to Sweden Alaura we have to have a spa weekend at this place.

-- LC

Love

Love... the most confusing thing in the world. I know it's my opinion but honestly I can't seem to figure it out. What defines love and who's to say we are or are not in love. There is a fine line in defining being in love with someone and growing to love someone. Knowing which of the two or where you fall on that particular line can be very confusing.

-- Alaura

A Night Out

Yesterday Alicia flew here from San Diego. It was the first time I have seen her since I have been home from Sweden. We went and had dinner and drinks at Santana Row. Dinner was at Sino Restaurant and Lounge. Drinks and dancing was at Rosie McCane's.

I think last night everyone had a bit too much to drink. So I stayed at Hotel Valencia which is right on Santana Row. Hopefully when you come Linda we can stay there one night. It is a very pretty place to stay.

It was nice enjoying this time with my friend. Some of her friends met us there as well. All together it was a great night.

-- Alaura

The Swedish Championship's weekend.

 it was -20 c this weekend in Stockholm witch is -4 F.

 Sorry kids but you can't play on the playground because it is covered with snow.

 Car window, so cold..

 Happy brother
(Adam Chiguer)

 He got silver in high jump (2.07 meters), second place in the Junior Swedish Championships, next weekend it's the big Swedish Championships where all the stars will be competing too, but it won't be in Stockholm, the competition is in Gothenburg. Fingers crossed that it will go as good or even better then too.

on my way to the Swedish Campionship.

-- LC