Trip: Sthlm – London – Miami – Cali

Having gotten the pleasant surprise of a 46 kg baggage allowance (easily filled with, among other things, a 5 kg Kubb-set) I was quickly about to discover why Heathrow has the reputation it has as one of Europe’s worst airports. Flights to and fro were delayed, causing me to land so late that I considered skipping the plan to visit a friend in London (i.e. crash on his couch). In the end I arrived 3hours later than planned in my designated bed, but was still happy for getting the pleasure of 4 hours sleep, sharing a relaxed breakfast and conversation before heading back to Heathrow for my flight to Miami.

Killing time in the underground at 1 A.M.

Already when I was queuing for boarding I noticed that most people were speaking in Spanish. I’ve been told that Miami is the unofficial capital of Latin America, and by the looks of that crowd it was easy to see why.

Bahamas from above. Next destination, perhaps?

Miami’s airport was a positive experience: U.S. migration was much friendlier than I remembered, plus it was very cool to hear so many people switch perfectly back and forth between Spanish and English.

Miami from above

On board I chatted with my fellow travelers, who were surprised to find a Swede next to them and even more surprised when they heard that I was heading to the slums of Cali. They did teach me some useful slang though.

Once safely on the ground, I thought my 42 hour journey was over, but apparently my luggage had other plans. One bag was missing, the other was missing its pad-lock. The second mystery was solved when I opened my bag and found my stuff slightly rearranged and damaged plus a note from TSA saying that my baggage had been searched.

Shortcuts: Main / Trip / Cali / House / Food / Gym

Netherlands Weekend

Last week I and three other Swedish interns in Cologne and Düsseldorf took a train to the Netherlands. Primarily because Henrik (the one who is an Architect) promised us a tour of cool buildings in Rotterdam, but also because it was a nice opportunity to see the country next door. After a 2h train ride we arrived in Amsterdam, where we spent 4h sight-seeing (2 of which at the Heineken Experience)
Thereafter we took another train to Rotterdam, which didn't disappoint with its Architecture.
This is a view of the central Erasmus Bridge and some of the high-rise buildings in Rotterdam. It is said that the Dutch are not only very liberal on social issues, but also on experimental designs and daring additions to the urban landscape.
Three of us at the observation deck of the Euromast. Later we enjoyed a dinner watching the sun set over Rotterdam's enormous harbour.
Our accommodation was very central and cheap, but a bit lacking in space. Hostel Boat The Clipper was money well spent and something I recommend to anybody going to Rotterdam on a student budget.Last but not least (although one should see it last, since it is very relaxing) we took a boat trip to the worlds biggest harbour. As luck would have it we saw a Swedish ship unloading paper products just as we went by. It is said that in the old times, when you wanted to grasp the basic concept of en economy you could just visit the market place and watch the buyers and sellers haggle. In the modern global economy I would say that a trip to Rotterdam Harbour would be advisable for anyone who wishes to grasp the amazing forces at work.

PS All of next week I'll be in Kyiv on a study trip.