First Full Week

It's been an eventful week. Our introduction to the Swedish academic system revealed a completely different way of doing things. Classes are held quite infrequently and an entire course is generally squeezed into half of an American-sized semester. Although four to five courses per semester is still considered full time, the classes are held two at a time during two periods within the semester. What all this equates to is free time. Instead of the regimented weekly schedule you would find at an American university, the schedule here is largely set by the student. This will be pivotal in determining our travel plans for the semester.

Here is a synopsis of the previous week:

Even the lecture halls here are beautiful. Surrounded by wood and ample desk space, it was oddly enjoyable to listen to two days worth of lectures from the international staff. Fully oriented, we are now prepared for the semester.

"Skrapan"-the tallest building in Västerås. We're actually in the Elevator heading down after learning that the observation deck was closed for the night.

The crew from Junior (accommodation where I now reside) invaded the local supermarket, ICA to do some group shopping after our trip up Skrapan. And I do mean invaded. Every person in the frame is from Junior and at least four other people are in other parts of the store.

A trip to IKEA yielded a green rum cake.

Also at IKEA: confirmation that ALL carts in Sweden (from airport baggage carts to shopping carts at grocery stores) have casters at all 4 corners instead of 2 casters up front and fixed wheels in the back. More culture shock, I suppose.

You know your school is good when it features its very own sky bridge.

A view of the school.

The sun! A view of its lovely face from my window, only thinly veiled by clouds. A truly picture-worthy occasion.

More proof that the sun does in fact come out from time to time in Sweden in the winter. I should really get something to hang on the wall. Although it looks like the room was attacked by a band of four-year-olds with beige finger paint, the peculiar patterns on the wall are due to selective removal of the wall paper, presumably from previously glued-on decorations.

Doin' laundry with the Finns. Actually it's two Finns and another American. Boy, they look pissed at me... Probably because I made everyone impromptu pose about 15 times before getting this gem of an unnatural snap. At least everyone made it in the frame, though. The laundry room is quite small.

That's all for now. There is still a ton to post about, but it's almost time for disco bowling. Stay tuned!