So where was I last night?
I was at the Stockholm city hall.
Isn't that where they award the Nobel prize?
Well, actually it is.
And why was I there last night?
Every year the Stockholm city hall holds a big dinner for all the exchange students in Stockholm...there are a bunch of us because Stockholm is a popular place because school is free. Anyway, the building is beautiful brick both inside and out, and it sits right on the baltic sea, whioch had a rather ominous haze over it, creating a beautiful yet haunting scene of the Stockholm night sky and cityscape. ANyway, all the myths about Swedish food being disgusting are simply untrue. There was salmon, roast beef, some kinda potato stuff, pasta salad, cheese, bread, mini bratwursts, and lots of other delicious foods. But the most amazing part of the entire night was the little plastic things in a basket on the table. I kid you not, you might want to sit down for this, it was a wine holder that clipped to your plate so you could stand and eat and not have to worry about holding your wine (which according to the french was crap) I am inclined to agree, because it was very, very dry, but no matter, it was free, so indulge. Needless to say, we stuffed ourselves. And then we went to the University of Stockholm for a party. On the way there, about a hundred of us walked past a parked VW jetta I think (perhaps all jetta drivers are jerks) anyway, we had all been drinking, and long story short, I touched the car kinda like a rail to kinda gather my balance, and whatever else. The important part is, I didn't kick it, I didn't punch it, I simply rested my hand on it as we walked past, its a bad habit I guess. So the car honks, and this punky looking guy gets out of it, runs up to me, and starts yelling at me about his car, and how if it was damaged I was going to pay for it. I threw my hands up and said whoa man, I don't wanna fight, I'm sorry I touched your car, I assure you it was not damaged. So finally this kid retreats back into his car. A couple of people assured me that everyone is not like that, he was just being "cool." But I learned that perhaps I shouldn't touch cars at all costs. So that was the closest I have come to getting into a fight. But there is no need to worry about fighting here, becuase number one, Swedes are kinda wimps, maybe not the ones who work up north, or down south, but the punk teenagers in the city are wimps...if its a fin, give em what they want because they'll kick your butt, but Swedes talk a big game, but are not so tough (I get this information on high authority from a Swedish friend of mine). Plus they are really skinny, and dress like the goth kids in teenage sex comedies. But most importantly, you're not allowed to have weapons in Sweden, so you won't get stabbed or shot, just maybe a black eye. Punk kids!!! This documents the second night where some punk Swedish kid has tried to ruin a night of fun by starting a fight. Anyway, after kinda talkin' for a while, I figured I better get home and finish my paper. So I did. And here I am....YAY!!!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Friday, February 15, 2008
Finally a new post
Sorry for the delay on the new post, but I'm busy, unmotivated, and scatterbrained so remembering to update a blog is not one of my many talents. Anyway...
Since last we left off I had just played at a club in Stockholm city. That night I went to a party which was fun, but on the way back on the bus was the real fun. Picture this: 50 drunk europeans on a crowded bus, me sitting on the floor becasue if I stand for too long I'll be sick...and given the circumstances, that would be a bad thing. Anyway one of them says "come on tennesse man (this is my new nickname which I am very fond of, too bad I can't keep it when I go home) play us something. So they start chanting, so I oblige. I played the whole way home, and they sang along, and it was freakin' awesome. My ego went up like 10 points. It would cap one of the greatest all around days ever!!!
On the subject of me rocking in stockholm (a subject I like) I played again at the club in Gamla Stan, but this time for two sets. I met about a bzillion people, alot of them musicians who are interested in playing with me more. But the coolest part by far was when I got off the stage the second time a guy comes over to me, gives me his card, tells me his name, that he ws just in memphis (to which I replied me too), that he works for the Swedish blues magazine, and that he'd like my email so he can ask me some questions...as in interview me. He's going to help me find places to play, people to play with, and places to hear music. It was pretty cool.
But, Stockholm specific stuff...I SAW THE SUN!!! It was glorious. All bright and in the sky. Anyway...still not much snow to speak of, but I leave for lapland which is the north on feb. 28th where I have a good chance of seeing the northern lights, and an almost certain chance of seeing snow. Speaking of upcoming trips, I booked my easter vacation with emily to Berlin, Brussels, AMsterdam, and Hamburg which I am really excited about. And, I almost wound up in Sicily this weekend. The story goes like this: My pal jen and I are looking for a place to go real cheap with ryan air. We find a cheap ticket to Sardinia (near sicily, islands off the southern coast of Italy) at first I'm real excited, but then I check the weather, and it turns out its not a real good time to go there becuase its a beach resort, and the weather is cold and rainy. Anyway, long story short, I look up and see the screen loading, and then jen says YES!! we're going to sicily. So I go home and think about it, and after doing some reading on it determine that it is a BAD idea, taking into account the weather, the price of hostels, the lack of prep time for a country where no one I MEAN NO ONE speaks english, the warnings that everyone tries to take advantage of non-italian speakers there, and about nine million other reasons. Anyway, ryan air doesn't give refunds, so I'm in this for 120 bucks one way or another. So in the morning I call customer support who were absolute a-holes, but I got the flight moved to London on April 3rd for only 7 pounds, so problem solved.
I have been cooking lots of pasta since I got here because pasta and dairy are the cheap things here. I've made some pretty awesome creations. We are having an international dinner tonight where everyone is supposed to bring a dish from their country, I'm bringing beer battered chicken and pickles with homemade ranch...its really good. Speaking of food, there is an International students dinner at the place where they give out the nebel prize on wednesday. It is a really big deal and its supposed to be a huge honor to go, plus the food is supposed to be the best in Sweden and the wine is supposed to be amazing too.
The swedish people, while they take a while to warm up to you, are not as rude as I once thought. Apparently I just had a couple of bad experiences. I've actually met a good deal of swedish people, some in my building, and a bunch at the club. They are very nice and hospitable once youget to know them.
Class is...well, class actually wasn't this past week. My professor cancels class alot because he is sick, but he usually wants to make them up. We're all probably going to bail on the makeup, cause this week was supposed to be the last class for the term, and we all planned trips and stuff. I have to write a term paper though which is due on friday where I will basically try to convince myself that the swedish system isn't too big brother for me, or essentially that the amount of Big Brotherness is infact a good thing the way it is executed. We'll see how that goes.
I will hopefully be going to coppenhagen in the next few days, so I will have more to share after that, but for now, love from Sweden,
ME
Since last we left off I had just played at a club in Stockholm city. That night I went to a party which was fun, but on the way back on the bus was the real fun. Picture this: 50 drunk europeans on a crowded bus, me sitting on the floor becasue if I stand for too long I'll be sick...and given the circumstances, that would be a bad thing. Anyway one of them says "come on tennesse man (this is my new nickname which I am very fond of, too bad I can't keep it when I go home) play us something. So they start chanting, so I oblige. I played the whole way home, and they sang along, and it was freakin' awesome. My ego went up like 10 points. It would cap one of the greatest all around days ever!!!
On the subject of me rocking in stockholm (a subject I like) I played again at the club in Gamla Stan, but this time for two sets. I met about a bzillion people, alot of them musicians who are interested in playing with me more. But the coolest part by far was when I got off the stage the second time a guy comes over to me, gives me his card, tells me his name, that he ws just in memphis (to which I replied me too), that he works for the Swedish blues magazine, and that he'd like my email so he can ask me some questions...as in interview me. He's going to help me find places to play, people to play with, and places to hear music. It was pretty cool.
But, Stockholm specific stuff...I SAW THE SUN!!! It was glorious. All bright and in the sky. Anyway...still not much snow to speak of, but I leave for lapland which is the north on feb. 28th where I have a good chance of seeing the northern lights, and an almost certain chance of seeing snow. Speaking of upcoming trips, I booked my easter vacation with emily to Berlin, Brussels, AMsterdam, and Hamburg which I am really excited about. And, I almost wound up in Sicily this weekend. The story goes like this: My pal jen and I are looking for a place to go real cheap with ryan air. We find a cheap ticket to Sardinia (near sicily, islands off the southern coast of Italy) at first I'm real excited, but then I check the weather, and it turns out its not a real good time to go there becuase its a beach resort, and the weather is cold and rainy. Anyway, long story short, I look up and see the screen loading, and then jen says YES!! we're going to sicily. So I go home and think about it, and after doing some reading on it determine that it is a BAD idea, taking into account the weather, the price of hostels, the lack of prep time for a country where no one I MEAN NO ONE speaks english, the warnings that everyone tries to take advantage of non-italian speakers there, and about nine million other reasons. Anyway, ryan air doesn't give refunds, so I'm in this for 120 bucks one way or another. So in the morning I call customer support who were absolute a-holes, but I got the flight moved to London on April 3rd for only 7 pounds, so problem solved.
I have been cooking lots of pasta since I got here because pasta and dairy are the cheap things here. I've made some pretty awesome creations. We are having an international dinner tonight where everyone is supposed to bring a dish from their country, I'm bringing beer battered chicken and pickles with homemade ranch...its really good. Speaking of food, there is an International students dinner at the place where they give out the nebel prize on wednesday. It is a really big deal and its supposed to be a huge honor to go, plus the food is supposed to be the best in Sweden and the wine is supposed to be amazing too.
The swedish people, while they take a while to warm up to you, are not as rude as I once thought. Apparently I just had a couple of bad experiences. I've actually met a good deal of swedish people, some in my building, and a bunch at the club. They are very nice and hospitable once youget to know them.
Class is...well, class actually wasn't this past week. My professor cancels class alot because he is sick, but he usually wants to make them up. We're all probably going to bail on the makeup, cause this week was supposed to be the last class for the term, and we all planned trips and stuff. I have to write a term paper though which is due on friday where I will basically try to convince myself that the swedish system isn't too big brother for me, or essentially that the amount of Big Brotherness is infact a good thing the way it is executed. We'll see how that goes.
I will hopefully be going to coppenhagen in the next few days, so I will have more to share after that, but for now, love from Sweden,
ME
Saturday, February 2, 2008
THANKYOU STOCKHOLM
Alright, I just had one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I must share, then I will talk about more Stockholm specific experiences. But-- so my new friend Aguida tells me of this blues club called Stampen in Stockholm city, and that there is an open Jam on Saturday from 2-6. Its like playing at night cause its always freaking dark in Stockholm. We get there, and it is like walking into a bar in the states...except in Swedish, but people were singing in English...its the blues. Anyway, its packed, I mean jam packed, standing room only, and not much to speak of, as in you have to push to make it anywhere. All I brought was my acoustic for obvious reasons, but the owner of the bar let me use his stratocaster which was very nice other than the really low action (sorry guitar nerd). Anyway I talked with a lot of the musicians before hand--we were all taking turns, and then I finally got to go up. Luckily I had my Jack Daniels in my guitar case, so nerves were not an issue. Anyway, I got up there, and the first two were just someone singing and me doing some soloing...which I did like a beast if you will. Everyone was so friendly. I tried to get some of the guys to do some call and response with me, but they didn't seem comfortable doing it I guess. Anyway, the guy asked me if I wanted to sing one, so of course, I did. I ripped of a tasty lick in E and kinda just went with the flow into my own version of Eric Clapton's Before you accused me. The monitors were really crappy so I couldn't hear myself sing very well, but if they didn't like it, they are really good liars. Then I took over the jam in that song, mixing it up, bringing the volue down and back up, and kinda ridin' the rythym section more. When we finally ended it people clapped and cheered and I smiled real big and waved, but I didn't say THANKYOU STOCKHOLM which I kinda regret, but I guess it is for the best. But it was absolutely amazing, Swedes were getting my attention and shaking my hand and congratulating me the entire way out. It was absolutely amazing. I haven't felt that much immortality since the second night at beale street, but I'm pretty sure this was better. I don't think I know anyone who has played in Stockholm, so take that snooty guys at the acoustic. Aguida is like my new best friend. My first experience with live music in Stockholm included me!!!
More Observations:
1.) Musicians are pretty much the greatest people in the world(with lots of exceptions of course). Sweden--a country of predominantly rude people, and I go into a music club, knowing nothing about the people I am playing with, and like so many musicians that I have played with anywhere, its like "you are a good musician" and you are friends.
2.) Swedes other than the people who want to meet foreigners, are rude...atleast by my SOuthern Amerocentric standards.
3.) Swedish food, not so good. Food that is available in Sweden from other countries, very good. Desserts in Sweden pretty dern good. Beer from Sweeden, piss water with a hint of hot dogs i.e. as the french would say"it is crap"
4.) Global warming-an inconvienent yet undeniable fact (more on this to come.)
5.) The sun-I think it still exists, but I'm not sure
And for all my friends in JC who will enjoy this one the most, my first experience with culture shock: Take into mind that I would've experienced the same thing had I been in NY or any other Northern city. So I was putzing around Stockholm with my good buddy Jen from PA near the NY border i.e. she's most definately a Yankee. So we are catching the subway to get back to central station. We see the train and run to it when a guy jumps in front of us, prys open the doors and squeezes on. Jen, being the rude yankee she is does the same thing. In awe at the audacity of such a feat I am not yet on the train when the conductor comes down, jumps in front of me, and in Swedish curses out Jen and the guy scolding them for squeezing on to the train or something. All the while I am standing there thinking," I'll be patient and she'll let me on when she gets out of the way, after all I am standing right behind her, it is obvious I want to get on the train." I am SO wrong. She pulls the doors shut, pushes me out of the way, and loads up and drives off. As I am standing there looking at Jen through the window mouthing WHAT THE i won't say the word in case my mother is reading, she looks at me laughing. Long story short SWEDES AND YANKEES GET ALONG WELL CAUSE THEY ARE BOTH RUDE. So for all of you back home in JC I will concede that with many exceptions that the percieved standards that we equate to rudeness in the South most certainly caught me off guard. While I maintain that I would rather get used to that than continue to deal with a lot of the things I hate about the south, ultimately, I am glad I am from the south, especially when I am around people who aren't. I feel so superiorly cultured and NOT RUDE. There is a Texan who is obsessed with texas, but I am the only southerner here...and you can tell. Matt's a good guy, but there ain't a southern bone in his body.
P.S. ever wonder why midwesterners are so cold and weird and rude...they are swedish immigrants.
I love this city though. The city itself would be breathtaking if the sun were ever out and you could see it. And the people once you get used to them, especially the ones who are dealing with you because they want to and not because they have to are awesome. Oh yeah, and I found a music store where I spent a few hours the other day, and I made a friend named Floran(I'm surely spelling this wrong my appologies) who is from France, and guess what...SLash is his idle and he plays guitar. We are going to go into the city and rock one of the music stores util they kick us out. Then we will find another one.
Observations about other countries based on my Amerocentric view of the world, and the few people I have met from those countries.
France: The french have the best taste in music of anyone ever. They all teach me many things which I would be lost without knowing like:
1.) German futbol is crap
2.) The wine in Sweden is crap
3.) The beer in Sweden is crap (I agree)
4.) Many cities in France are crap
5.) The cider at dinner last night is Shit(a more extreme version of crap) (also agreed)
6.) Italian futbol players are crybaby's which is crap
7.) English Futbol players get red cards a lot...not crap
8.) The French only like sports that France sucks at...which is crap
Italians...think Elliott meets drunk Nathan combining all the really friendly qualities to form one super friendly, really loud, loveable fella.
Germans...they come in many sizes, some adorable and small, some tall, but one thing in common. If you don't know where you are, follow a familiar looking German, cause they don't mess.
Spanish...they like to party!!! Also very friendly.
Mexicans...very pretty, very small (guys too), also like to party, and very friendly.
Brits...my teacher is the only British guy, and I'm pretty sure that he doesn't know what to do with me cause I'm so loud and so animated, but I can tell he enjoys having me in the class, which is what is important. He says RIGHT alot. It makes me happy.
Americans...We are a country of very big people. I am around average size for an AMerican male, where I am from, I am short. Here in the land of the European giants I am actually taller comparatively than I am in JC. Many americans are very silly because when they talk to people from another country about something really basic, they'll try to explain it like they don't have it in Europe or something. Like High school or something. I'm like "they're europeans, not space aliens" WHich usually makes them smile and the Americans look at me like WTF.
Love from Sweden. Ending Transmission.
More Observations:
1.) Musicians are pretty much the greatest people in the world(with lots of exceptions of course). Sweden--a country of predominantly rude people, and I go into a music club, knowing nothing about the people I am playing with, and like so many musicians that I have played with anywhere, its like "you are a good musician" and you are friends.
2.) Swedes other than the people who want to meet foreigners, are rude...atleast by my SOuthern Amerocentric standards.
3.) Swedish food, not so good. Food that is available in Sweden from other countries, very good. Desserts in Sweden pretty dern good. Beer from Sweeden, piss water with a hint of hot dogs i.e. as the french would say"it is crap"
4.) Global warming-an inconvienent yet undeniable fact (more on this to come.)
5.) The sun-I think it still exists, but I'm not sure
And for all my friends in JC who will enjoy this one the most, my first experience with culture shock: Take into mind that I would've experienced the same thing had I been in NY or any other Northern city. So I was putzing around Stockholm with my good buddy Jen from PA near the NY border i.e. she's most definately a Yankee. So we are catching the subway to get back to central station. We see the train and run to it when a guy jumps in front of us, prys open the doors and squeezes on. Jen, being the rude yankee she is does the same thing. In awe at the audacity of such a feat I am not yet on the train when the conductor comes down, jumps in front of me, and in Swedish curses out Jen and the guy scolding them for squeezing on to the train or something. All the while I am standing there thinking," I'll be patient and she'll let me on when she gets out of the way, after all I am standing right behind her, it is obvious I want to get on the train." I am SO wrong. She pulls the doors shut, pushes me out of the way, and loads up and drives off. As I am standing there looking at Jen through the window mouthing WHAT THE i won't say the word in case my mother is reading, she looks at me laughing. Long story short SWEDES AND YANKEES GET ALONG WELL CAUSE THEY ARE BOTH RUDE. So for all of you back home in JC I will concede that with many exceptions that the percieved standards that we equate to rudeness in the South most certainly caught me off guard. While I maintain that I would rather get used to that than continue to deal with a lot of the things I hate about the south, ultimately, I am glad I am from the south, especially when I am around people who aren't. I feel so superiorly cultured and NOT RUDE. There is a Texan who is obsessed with texas, but I am the only southerner here...and you can tell. Matt's a good guy, but there ain't a southern bone in his body.
P.S. ever wonder why midwesterners are so cold and weird and rude...they are swedish immigrants.
I love this city though. The city itself would be breathtaking if the sun were ever out and you could see it. And the people once you get used to them, especially the ones who are dealing with you because they want to and not because they have to are awesome. Oh yeah, and I found a music store where I spent a few hours the other day, and I made a friend named Floran(I'm surely spelling this wrong my appologies) who is from France, and guess what...SLash is his idle and he plays guitar. We are going to go into the city and rock one of the music stores util they kick us out. Then we will find another one.
Observations about other countries based on my Amerocentric view of the world, and the few people I have met from those countries.
France: The french have the best taste in music of anyone ever. They all teach me many things which I would be lost without knowing like:
1.) German futbol is crap
2.) The wine in Sweden is crap
3.) The beer in Sweden is crap (I agree)
4.) Many cities in France are crap
5.) The cider at dinner last night is Shit(a more extreme version of crap) (also agreed)
6.) Italian futbol players are crybaby's which is crap
7.) English Futbol players get red cards a lot...not crap
8.) The French only like sports that France sucks at...which is crap
Italians...think Elliott meets drunk Nathan combining all the really friendly qualities to form one super friendly, really loud, loveable fella.
Germans...they come in many sizes, some adorable and small, some tall, but one thing in common. If you don't know where you are, follow a familiar looking German, cause they don't mess.
Spanish...they like to party!!! Also very friendly.
Mexicans...very pretty, very small (guys too), also like to party, and very friendly.
Brits...my teacher is the only British guy, and I'm pretty sure that he doesn't know what to do with me cause I'm so loud and so animated, but I can tell he enjoys having me in the class, which is what is important. He says RIGHT alot. It makes me happy.
Americans...We are a country of very big people. I am around average size for an AMerican male, where I am from, I am short. Here in the land of the European giants I am actually taller comparatively than I am in JC. Many americans are very silly because when they talk to people from another country about something really basic, they'll try to explain it like they don't have it in Europe or something. Like High school or something. I'm like "they're europeans, not space aliens" WHich usually makes them smile and the Americans look at me like WTF.
Love from Sweden. Ending Transmission.
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