Hej Hej, International Love

Hej Hej! There is so much to cover, so I've decided the best way to start will be with my thoughts in the present and work my way back. It is difficult not to see my new friends from IAAS Sweden today. I connected with everyone at the conference much more than I ever could have anticipated. It feels like I've known all my friends there for much longer than one week. I found home in Sweden; home is where ever you find love.

After waiting for Brain at the airport for six hours, we rode the bus from Arlanda airport to the train station in Uppsala where the Swedish IAAS would meet us in order to drive us to the university where the first days of the conference would take place. At the bus stop, we met others from IAAS. I began hearing languages in addition to English and Swedish, a trend that would not end until we stepped back onto American soil. I could catch the main message of conversations in Spanish, but I have a lot of work to do between now and Peru. When we got into the car to drive to the University, I was astonished to hear The Whistle Song playing on the radio. The first song I heard in Sweden was an American song, and a crappy American song at that. I'm embarrassed this low quality of US music is known all over the world! We also heard many other familiar songs, and introduced a few new ones everyone should know, like Thrift Shop and the Cupid Shuffle. I was happy to hear Mumford and Sons is known all over the world as well.

Bus Stop at the Uppsala Train Station

From the moment we stepped into the car, there was never a lack of things to talk about. For a person who is often shy to approach conversations, I couldn't get enough of talking to people. There were so many things to discover: similarities and differences. We first convened in the Student Union. We spent time introducing ourselves and snacking on Swedish bread. It was delicious and tasted of cardamom and cinnamon. Paulo from IAAS Italy played Bohemian Rhapsody on the piano, and I quickly began embarrassing myself by singing enthusiastically. The Portuguese greeted us at the piano with kisses on both cheeks.

Bohemian Rhapsody at the Student Union

Swedish Bread

We soon would move on to our welcome dinner in a different building, where the Swedish had prepared an extensive meal for us all. Our first Swedish meal was absolutely delicious. While in Sweden, I never felt that I over ate. We took a good amount of time over every meal so as to converse and to enjoy. That night at dinner, Swedish traditional dances began. They were so joyful and fun! Many of the Europeans were excellent dancers. The Germans and the Americans seemed to have the most in common as far as dancing (or arguably non-dancing for the American) styles. After dinner, the conversations about agriculture began as well. With good food, dancing, and conversation about agriculture and culture, I was right at home. I already miss the freshness of the food, the creamy but not sweet yogurt, and the full bodied milk! 

The Welcome Dinner

Traditional Swedish Dancing

Tonight I am feeling ill and will go to bed soon, but more posts, especially those more detailed relative to agriculture and culture, will follow.