Trying to get myself organised!!

Ok, after many a conversation about how I would most definately blog more (kerry) write more (nat and fo) and generally be much more organised and diligent through 2008 (with myself almost every day) – I figure the best way to get a jump start on that is to summarise on what I missed previously.

I did as I mention get a job. I am working as a PA to the founder of a new website aimed at helping women tranisition through their lives. In a nutshell the website aims to connect women throughout the world, whilst also essentially becomming a “google” for women (with what will be an extensive listing of resources, organisations, book recommendations etc etc so go check it out www.2balanceu.com (let me know if any of you are wanting to join, I will send you an invitation code.

As the days were growing darker and darker my spirits continued to lift out of the sundeprived depression with anticipation of Natty’s impending visit. She arrived on the 15th December and I must say, I am not sure how I would have gotten through the darkness without her visit!! We decided to drive to collect them, and it was my first trip over the Oresound Bridge! The view was spectacular it was a pity it was dark by the time we returned home ! It was of course WONDERFUL to have Natty and Alex with me, I didn’t seem to notice quite so much that we were only have 6hours of daylight and well Sweden actually pulled out some pleasant December weather (whilst I sit in Abu Dhabi airport writing this I am bracing myself for a hideous March as I believe the cyclonic wind and icy rain has arrived!!). We ate lots of wonderful food, made a couple of trips to Denmark, did lots of shopping and drank lots of cider and coffee!!

I think the highlight for the Sweden leg of our holiday would have been a visit to Krononburg Castle in Helsingor (which is actually in Denmark!) – It is where Hamlet was set and was a very unpretentious sparsely decorated Castle. Whilst the weather was not on our side that day, Helsingor is such a picturesque village that everyone seemed to grin and bear it. Chrsitmas was a double celebration, with Agneta and Claes kindly inviting us ALL to celebrate a Swedish Christmas (celebrated on the 24th December). Unfortunately the majority of Sweden’s Jul Bord (Christmas table in English) is fish based – and very strong fish i.e. smoked eel, caviar etc Whilst this type of food is a taste you need to acquire over many years it was nevertheless wonderful to be involved and welcomed. The traditional baked ham etc was still on the menu and of course no one left hungry nor empty handed (Thank you again Agnetta for spoiling us so!!!!). Christmas day was Australian Christmas, and this time I decided to treat the girls (Kel and Laura had arrived on 17th December) to Moose and Raindeer (I kid you not!). I am not convinced that Moose is best roasted, but none the less the plates were very empty and everyone very happy, merry and full!

After a night in Göteborg on the 27th we were off to Glasgow for John and Jo’s Wedding. It was so good to see Jess, Kerry, Kaz, Lib and John and Jo (obviously – they were the happy couple after all) Kieran and Val, and of course to meet Kerry’s lovely friends! We most definitely received a warm welcome to Scotland and the food and cider and good times flowed I guess you could say!
New Years Eve was spent at George’s square in the drizzle watching The View, and then on to a club with Kerry’s friends. It was a great night, and while I fell asleep on the couch (at 8am), I briefly work up at 10am when the majority of the kids headed home (and when I decided to kick the rest out!!!!).

The rest of the time in Scotland flew. We (Kaz, Håkan and myself) did however make a quick trip through the snow (only snow I have seen this winter) to Sterling, St Andrews and back to Edinburgh for dinner with Lib and Jess. When we were leaving St Andrews we decided we were starving, so what were we to do but go to the golf course and behave like we belonged there and ask for a meal :P I have long believed that if you have an accent, and you behave like it is perfectly normal for you to be there, you can pretty much get away with anything. I took the lead and strode towards the wonderfully kilted doorman, whom enquired could he help me. I explained quite matter of factly that we would like to eat in the restuarant - which just so happened to be closed. So with my two rock star and sheepish followers (Kaz and Håkan) we were escorted into the Library and given a private dinning menu. I am quite convinced that I looked like a manager/assistant to the rockstars in question, and all was dandy! To be honest the food was inexpensive considering where we were, and very enjoyable!

No for those of you who read libs - you already know the story about the haggis - for those who dont, go read Lib's blog!

After Scotland, we went down and met nat in London. Basically we only had time for a pub meal on friday night - usual transport issues ment Nat didnt arrive until around 10pm. Saturday we went to Camden (of course) which I am so glad we did as obviously it's not quite the same anymore!!!! Sunday Nat, Håkan and I went down to Banbury to visit a very heavily pregnant Leona (who has since had a little boy named Ewan) and Berners. A wonderful day, despite the hangover and more usual rail problems. What should have been a 1hr each way trip turned into a 5hr return trip. Oh well - it was an adventure.

Ok I will leave it there, and I promise to create a blog in the future dedicated to my thoughts on Bratislava and Paris. This is simply summarising, and not reflecting my thoughts on anything!!!















(and this one is from Lib's last visit in October!)