Stockholm.

For everyone that asked me "Why the hell are you going to Sweden?" let me just tell you it was amazing, and not even that cold!

The flight situation there wasn't exactly ideal, thank you RyanAir, but we eventually got there after 9 hours in airports. We had a layover in Milan, Italy and since we aren't EU passport holders, we had to go out of security and come back in. While going through security, the security guard struck up a conversation with us (which would never happen in the US) in broken English and mostly Italian. When he found out we weren't from Italy, he kissed our hands and screamed "Ciao Bella". I have never been so welcomed by a security guard at an airport in my lif. Best place ever to have a layover, especially if you have time to eat the food!

When we got to Stockholm it was super late at night and of course we hadn't thought to eat dinner beforehand so we wandered into this bar. There we met our bartender/waiter who was extremely overly friendly. He explained to us his whole life, where he was from, and the Kurdish history. His name was Ocean. Best first night in a new country, ever.

The next day we went to the aquarium. We aren't really typical museum people so the aquarium sounded like a nice option. They had this open rainforest exhibit without any glass. You could literally reach out and touch the fish, which is why they had signs that read "Danger, our fish bite". The next thing we knew all the lights shut off and it started thundering! Apparently they like to create a real effect. I wasn't too fond of walking in the pitch black over an unstable wooden bridge with pirahnas swimming under my feet. Needless to say, I screamed and ran. It was definitely a cool exhibit though. Then we walked around and played in the snow! All the water is frozen over and absolutely gorgeous. We did the same thing the next day, just walked for miles. There was so much to see just walking. When we stopped for coffee, they served us water and it had cucumbers in it! One of the strangest things I've ever seen, but it was very refreshing and tasted great!

The only downside of Stockholm is the nightlife. It really doesn't exist by American or Spainsh standards. You aren't allowed to dance at all because they consider it too rowdy and will kick you out. If it appears you have had more than 3 drinks, they will also kick you out. I can understand the general rule of not getting too drunk, but the not dancing definitely ruined the atmosphere and took out a lot of the fun.

Overall though, the trip was amazing and I would highly recommend going. The people are amazing and there really is a ton to see. I just got finished with midterms this week which turned out to be much easier than I was expecting. I guess its true what they say about studying abroad academics being much easier than they are at your home campus. Mom comes tomorrow which I coudln't be more excited about! It will be nice to have a little touch of home here with me. Anddd we leave for our cruise soon! Lots of exciting things happening soon!