Santa Claus is Coming to Town

One of my favourite spots in the city

Ho-ho-ho-ho! Hello everyone! 

I am here and I am having a great time in Sundsvall (ok, except the weather and -12 degree and 30 cm of snow, but I am sure you all know that Swedish weather and I are not so good friends from the very beginning). 

The same place as above picture just a day before.

I know, I know I didn`t write anything for such a long time. My friend Davor (Heeeloooo Davor!) told me: "Maja, you must have a great time there when there are no posts lately."

So, what is going on in Sundsvall?

It`s December. Christmas is coming! You can feel it everywhere. Although it`s pretty cold somehow you can feel the warmth in the city center. I like it very much. Like there is something really magic and special these days in Sundsvall. Christmas - it`s not just decoration and presents for me, it means to me much more, but still the smell, the Christmas decorations, Christmas Market, snow, the music and I don`t know... it`s just very beautiful. It makes you feel special. :)

You see what I mean?! Its even better in a reality of course

But let`s be honest. I miss my family very much especially now when I know that I won`t be at home during the holidays. This is going to be the first time that we are separated during the Christmas. 

And well, I can say that now. It`s official. Two friends of mine are coming to visit me very soon and I am looking forward to them. We will spend a New Year`s Eve here and spend some time in Stockholm. I am sure we will make some memories to remember forever!

The look through the window at 8:20 in the morning.

Nacksta, the day after

Yeah, I know it looks beautiful, but believe me it`s sooooo soooo cold outside

Jelena, Igor! That is our building. That red one you see :D

One of the reasons why I didn`t write so much is that I have so many projects, presentations, seminars and exams to finish. For example I had my Swedish exam last week. I think I did it pretty good, but let`s wait for the results. I can finally say that I "know" this language, at least its basics. Last time I even tried to go to ICA (supermarket) and pretend that I am from Sweden saying, you know, things you say in every supermarket: "Hello!, Thank you! Thank you very much! How much is that?" :D It was quite good and I used to laugh at myself all the way home.

Me, before I turned into a snowman.

2.12. 2012. Christmas Market, Sundsvall

2.12. 2012. Christmas Market, Sundsvall

2.12. 2012. Christmas Market, Sundsvall

2.12. 2012. Christmas Market, Sundsvall

He made a cosy atmosphere there

Now I realise, there are just Germans and Croats on this picture :D

Choir. They are maybe nice, but I REALLY couldn`t stay in that coldness and listen to them.

30.11. 2012. Mid Sweden Uni, Student`s choir. Well done people!

One picture for Linux fans from FOI :)

I even had my first photo session ever last week. Thank you Amanda from the International office for contacting me. It was so FUN. I still don`t have any pictures, but when I do, I will show you. There were three students from China presenting Asia, one student from Nigeria presenting Africa and me presenting Europe. 

On the way to Lidl, a little bit of shooting.

See you soon I promise.

Christmas is coming! Do something nice for someone and just ...be good! :)

P.S. Greetings to my new friend Christelle who will come to Mid Sweden in January and who is my very loyal visitor. :)

Your Maja

Remember, remember the 5th November

Just a one tiny grain of rice in the chopsticks!

I will definitely remember mine 5th November in 2012.

Our friends from China surprised me with a real Chinese dinner. Of course I have to mention my roomate Marino who organised our dinner and took care of a chicken meat before the girls even started with a preparation. 

Preparation.

Don`t ask me for the name of a meal. Let`s say it was a chicken with paprika, onions, potatoes, tomatoes, eggs, hot paprika and who knows what else (something really spicy for my taste) and of course a lot of rice. They eat rice every single day in China and they prepare it in different ways then I do. But it was delicious though! 

Yes, I used a lot of water after every bite, but otherwise it was a great dinner. I even learned how to use the chopsticks. What to say, I am a natural talent! 

No, girls are really great teachers! Thank you girls! 

We also practiced some Chinese, Croatian and Russian as well. I can`t remember any Chinese word right now, but... it waaass soo fuun!

Yeeey, I can hold the chopsticks!

They tried my meat pie, too. At least few pieces left from my launch. Next time I will prepare more.

The main meal without rice and eggs with tomatoes.

Our great cooker Celia.

Just before the supper. Ready for eating.

Vera knows how to eat with them :D

Bon apetit!

Ohh yes, we ate everything!

Liah, Vera, Mia, Celia and Marino thank you for nice evening. :)

Sweet November

Autumn leaves peek through the snow

Hey guys! :)

Last time I promised you to take some pictures of Sundsvall at autumn. Well, I did that but I am afraid it looks more like Sundsvall at winter. :) 

I took the pictures last Monday when everything was white because of the snow. 

Take a look:

This place is 5 mins from my apartment

Arla - I suppose Swedish diary company (sth like Vindija in Croatia)

A lot of people are jogging every day here (no matter if its snowing, raining, shining - every day). That`s a spirit! :)

Under a bridge.
Notice: Just like "Bajer" at my home town. Boulevard on both sides of the river.

So good to go for a walk and clear your head.
Notice: Just like walkway "Drava" in Varaždin. :)

Railway crossing.
Notice: Behind my building - just like the railway station behind the Student dorm in Varaždin. 

Right now, there is no snow in Sundsvall at all and it`s not so much cold (I mean the temperature is over 0 degree and that is GREAT).

Last week we also had a Halloween party. Since I am not so much into it I didin`t put any mask. I was just Maja or as someone said - a victim. Someone needed to be. :D I will show you a few pictures from that party. Anna was the one who decorated a house for that occasion. Take a look:

The bat(man)s.

Happy pumpkins

Scary Alberto :D

A playboy and his bunny and two victims.

After a really busy week, I heard from the professor that he was very satisfied with my paper which made me soooo happy! I have even more confidence into myself now and that is really good. :)

This Friday we also had an awesome preparty at Andre`s place with some wine and guitars. They even played "I don`t wanna miss a thing" and I was melting I guess :D. After preparty we went to a real party at Oscar`s place and danced all night. It was so fun!

Great preparty! ;)

After that Friday I think everybody needed some rest. I really, really didn`t plan to go out on Saturday again :D, but then I suddenly heard that there is a salsa party in Casino, the last one in 2012. And it was "I will go...", "No, I won`t...", "But I could...", "No, I don`t have time to get ready.."... then Laura said "Come on, we will wait for you..." blah - blah - blah... and in the end we went there, we danced, we laughed, met new people and it was so much fun. Unplanned evenings are really the best one! :)

Salsa night!

Anyway this was a great week and I am looking forward to my next Swedish adventures!

Let`s make some chestnuts now! :)

Have a great Sunday!

Your Maja

Ahh, that Sweden...

First snow. I admit - it was kind of magic :)

Dear all,

I know it`s been a while since my last blog post here about my new life in Sweden. Even some international friends told me that they haven`t seen me for years. That is quite true. I was invisible a bit and pretty busy (FOI courses, Swedish courses, WLM) but I am here! :) And I feel very good! 

It`s been almost two months since I`ve been in Sweden.
Time is really flying! But really, really flying! 

So how am I?

I think I finally feel that going to Sweden and studying at Mid Sweden University was one of the best decisions I made lately. You should have seen me first few days, though. I was complaining about this and that (my poor family... I think they really felt sorry for me) but now I am doing great. Weeee! :)

• Sundsvall is nice. Even though I was surprised to see the first snow last week (it was middle of October) and even though it is very cold here if I compare it with my home country, I am used to those things now. There is my "standard" uniform for going out here: scarf, cap, gloves, warm jacket and boots and then world is perfect.

P.S. Have I told you I like scarves? Xmas, New Year, graduation day, b-day is coming... So if you are wondering how to surprise me and make me very happy - buy me a new scarf. :) Ahhh, I still remember packing my suitcases for Sweden with my mom... it was SO HARD to decide which scarf is going with me since I had weight limit. Ohhh, memories...

• Mid Sweden Uni or Miun as we call it is so...I dunno, so relaxed I think if I compare it to my home uni. I have a feeling that Swedish students have much more free time and they have relaxed and easy relationships with their professor than we do in Croatia. It was so strange to me at the beginning, but now I think it would be so strange to me to come back to home uni. Luckily, this is my last semester so I don`t have to worry about FOI lectures anymore.

• International students are really good. I am happy I met so many different people from the whole world. Of course you can`t be closed and agree with everyone, but in addition it is very nice to meet them all. I just think I need to spend more time with real Swedish people. :) I know just a few of them. And I want to try some real Swedish food. I heard they use a lot of cranberry sauce. It would be nice to try it. I won`t refuse some real Swedish dinner for sure. :D

Cranberry sauce (umak od brusnice)

I found very funny facts about Sweden and how do you know you`ve been in Sweden too long:

• The first thing you do upon entering a bank/post office/chemist etc. is to look for the queue number machine. [Ohh yess...] 
• Hugging is reserved for sexual foreplay. [I really haven`t noticed any couples here holding their hands or hugging each other. Swedes are not romantic or what?? :) ]
• You no longer see any problem wearing white socks with sandals.  [I mean, REALLY?]
• You have conversations with people outside when it is –10C. [heheheh]
• You get extremely annoyed when the bus is two minutes late.  [Ohh yes... Remember my Alnon adventure :P]
• You think women are more than equal than men and deserve to have better positions in the work place. [Indeed]
• Paying $6 for a cup of coffee seems reasonable. [Nooot]
• You start to differentiate between types of snow.  [We will see that!]
• You accept that you will never again wear your beautiful stiletto heels because:> a: there's snow everywhere and even if you did then,> b: you still have to take them off at the door which instantly ruins the hitherto glamorous line of whatever you were wearing as you drop, 10cm, onto your flat feet in your short and sexy little black dress. Not the same effect at all. [Unfortunately]
• You think it is normal EVERYTHING is regulated and you obey the rules voluntarily.  [heheh]
• When returning to "civilisation" you hear yourself saying TACK all the time. [hahahah]

Enjoy in the rest of facts by yourself! :)

I hope I will find some time to go for a walk these days and take a lot of pictures of Sundsvall in autumn before winter comes. Till then, enjoy in one of my favorite songs ever!  
Hej då!

One of the best dreams by Marta Lalić

Hey guys!

I lost a bet and needed to publish Marta`s short story written in English all by herself. She is only 11. I am proud of her because of her English, but still this post has nothing to do with my Swedish adventures. :P But promise is a promise! 

Here we go then...

BOO-YAAH! I was in Tokyo. It was night. There were so many trees and so many people as well. I found myself in such a weird street and nobody was there. Then, suddenly I heard some screams - Waahh!! A big green monster with a hole in its chest was there. The monster was huge and it had a bone mask on his big head. It was screaming so creepy and walking towards me. I was so scared and hide myself behind a stone. Then a woman in a black with her sword suddenly appeared. She was so cool and screamed: “Hollow!” It was very creepy again. Then she continued screaming something like: “Some No Mai! Hakuren!” The next thing I saw there were iced daggers that broke through that big green monster and killed it. After that the woman came closer to me. She was so familiar to me. Her powers were also very familiar to me. Ohh, yes! It was Rukia, the Shinigami, a cool girl from my favourite animated cartoon. (I don't want to say the name of the cartoon.) Shinigami's or Soul reapers are actually magic people who are fighting for good against the Arrancars, destroyers of the world. So, Rukia came closer to me and said ... 

Ooooh! Why now! My mum woke me up. Why!!!!????

Byeeee! See you soon with more appropriate blog post :D.

Her majesty Aurora Borealis

Aurora Borealis in the front of my apartment

On Tuesday very late in the evening we could see a natural light display in the Sundsvall sky which is showing particularly in the high latitude of Arctic and Antarctic regions. It is caused by the collision of energetic charged particles with atoms in the high altitude atmosphere. It is called northern lights or aurora borealis. (Well, of course Google helped me here). I didn`t know how to explain it although I still remember my strict teacher from the primary school and giving her best to describe the northern lights in simple words. I also thought it would be great to see that one day in the future and that day ALMOST came.

Why almost? Because I didn`t make it and saw it properly! Grrrrr.... I was doing something on my laptop as usual and then promised to myself not to go and check Facebook (Does it sound familiar?) and I REALLY wasn`t checking Facebook for some time. And then it turned out I should have because there I noticed Natalia`s great picture of aurora borealis acroos the sky in Nacksta, our place.

Then I moved my curtains from the window - didn`t see anything.

I ran on my balcony but still didn`t see anything.

Then I even ran outside (I just put my coat over pajamas) and still didn`t see almost nothing.

Northern lights disappeared. She could wait a bit so I can see her, don`t you think so? 

BUT, she will come again I am sure this time I will see her. There are more international students who didn`t make it to see the aurora borealis too but we are all very grateful to Natalia who took the excellent picture of it and made our day! Well done, Natalia! :) (Ahhh, Polish people, you must love them!)

One important lesson learned though - always check your Facebook! :D

I finally tried Swedish cinnamon bun!

So, morning after seeing/not seeing aurora borealis the International desk made a little surprise for all international students and showed us how they celebrate a sweet Swedish tradition - Cinnamon bun day. They prepared a little quiz about Sweden`s and Mid Sweden`s University history and facts.  Alex won on that quiz and got the Miun T-shirt (Ahhh I wanted it so badly :D.)

Delicious cinnamon buns

Cinnamon bun`s recipe

Cinnamon buns are good. Jocahim told me they are way better when they are warm and especially along with a hot beverage of some sort. I have to try that! :) Then we will see!

Anyway, I will also take this chance and say few words about the International desk here at Mid Sweden Uni. Girls who work there are really great and always ready to help you by giving you advice and telling you where you can find a good dentist for example (my teeth is better, thank God and the world is a better place now) or how to reach your professor and so on. 

Amanda, Cecilia and Sara thank you for being so nice to us! :)

See you guys! Enjoy the rest of the week. Weekend is near. Do you have any plans?

Your Maja

Sundsvall Dragons

Free tickets, donuts and T-shirts

It has all started on Tuesday when we got the free tickets (and donuts!) from Sundsvall`s famous basketball team "Sundsvall Dragons". We even took the picture with some of them. Aren`t they cute?

Part of the basketball team with their cheerleaders :D

After that we just needed to wait the big day - the match. It was on Friday afternoon and I think half of Sundsvall was there and of course all international students. They are everywhere all day/all nigh. :D

Most of the international students also came there earlier to get the free T-shirts. 

Cheerleaders with free T-shirts

I will show you some pictures so you can see the atmosphere.

Before the game
photo by Natalia Dobrowolska

Ready for the game

Sundsvall Dragons
photo by Natalia Dobrowolska

Go, go Dragons! 

photo by Mats Ågebrant

Our team lost :/

Although Sundsvall Dragons lost against basketball team from Uppsala we were proud on their game. This was the premiere game of the Sundsvall Dragons, so there is plenty time for winning the other teams. :) So, guys from basketball team don`t be sad and cheer up! See you on the next game!

P.S. I can see that I have more than 2.000 unique visitors (from Croatia, Sweden, Bosnia and Herzegovina, German, Pakistan, Japan, USA, Ireland, Belgium, Spain, Turkey, Netherlands and so on). Wooow! Thank you people and see you soon! ;) 

Fika (apple pie and coffee in McDonald`s for 15 sek) on Tuesday afternoon
My first visit to McDonald`s though