I have been lucky enough to make some really great friends here in the Southern part of Sweden. This past Saturday I was invited to a housewarming/Crayfish party for one of those friends. It was so much fun. Everyone brought their own food to eat and she provided beverages, music, and a whole lot of fun. The place she lives is on the edge of an old limestone quarry which is now a refuge to a host of wildlife and is available to tour. It is on my list to do one of these days. You have to book in advance and one of these days I will do it. Probably when one of you comes to visit.

The music was provided by a couple who lived in the apartment complex. He spoke and sang many Latin songs which are so hard to keep from moving your body. His girlfriend sang as well and it was so much fun. We got a little slow start in the beginning as we caught up with everyone there, prepared our food and sat down to eat. Great conversations and I was shown the proper way to eat crayfish, which is not my favorite but I tried another just to be sure. The couple I sat across from had their fill and even shared with a young 10-year-old girl who absolutely loved them. She was enthralled where I was just meh.

What was super fun was when they sang some drinking songs. I had never seen this before but had wanted to very much. My favorite was one where we sang a verse (lyrics provided) and we linked arms and moved side to side, then we sang another verse and moved forward and backward and after the last verse the men stood up when they said August and sat down again and the women stood up for Lotta and sat down. They repeated this many times, then said skål (cheers) and drank their schnapps. I wished I had caught it on video but I did not. It was awesome. Highlight to be sure.

As the night wore on and the music played we danced the night away. It was so much fun to just be myself with these people. I had a few interactions with people I hadn’t had a chance to speak to before as we dance, ate, and stayed until the party ended, helped clean up and home we went. It was a night to remember.

After this, the week was pretty uneventful but I explored the neighborhood a bit more, taking some walks around in the early mornings. There were lots of bicycles and cars in the early hours heading to work. The bicyclists are so fast and very determined. They ride pretty much all year around here. I love how serious they are and they are a bit more intimidating than the cars. Some have electric bicycles which really get going quickly but I am always impressed with those who ride so fast without.

I did teach the new Les Mills Body Pump release #122 on Tuesday. I was a bit distracted at first and had spent the previous day and that day learning 10 new tracks. I probably spent 10 hours watching, listening, writing and doing them and still needed my notes. I was a bit flustered when I arrived because I was a bit later than normal, my car gave me a little trouble on the way and I took the long route outside of town, but still managed. It was when I pulled into the parking lot I realized what time it was and had to hustle to get upstairs and get going, then I forgot my phone with the music in the locker room and had to return back for it. Overall it went pretty well but not my finest class.

Life is so much more lively here. People are out at all hours walking, riding, and playing. We have been to the little grocery/convenience store across the street every day now for a few things. We got a 6 pack of fresh bread rolls for $1 and fresh pita bread for $1.30. Very good. They also have fruits and veggies. There is also more graffiti here and tagging all over the place. Lots of different cultures in this area. As I walked I discovered some very interesting burial sites. There are three graveyards in my area. I did not have my camera but I will go back. They were so impressive I will have to share more later. Tonight I have some friends coming for dinner so best get ready.