Month: November 2022

Smålandsjul på Huseby

Published on by joslynhaysLeave a comment

Hejsan! While the US still debating over whether or not you’re allowed to listen to Christmas music before Thanksgiving, Christian-influenced countries without this extra holiday have entered into the full Christmas swing. Stores have put up their Christmas displays, new Christmas lights have been hung across the main roads in Lund, the weather has shifted into a grey backdrop (really allowing us to focus on the Christmas lights), and the famous Scandinavian Christmas markets have started popping up. One of the large ones in southern Sweden is “Smålandsjul på Huseby” (Smålandsjul at Huseby Bruk), which is about two hours northeast of Lund, in the Smålands region. It started on Saturday November12th, so Leah, Shea, Ashley, and I piled into Ashley’s car to go visit it. Of course, we stopped along the way at Åsnen lake, which is connected to Åsnen national park. Where we parked was next to some ancient burial mounds and stones, so we wandered along the trail connecting these graves and the lake. Leah very sweetly told me that my outfit matched the landscape (which is quite a feat, considering that I hadn’t known where we were going until that morning), so we did a fun little photoshoot in the area!

After we enjoyed the pastels on clouds sunset, we drove the final fifteen minutes to the Christmas market. It was such a cute spot, as the market was set up across an entire manor property. There were plenty of stalls inside various buildings as well as small lamps and Christmas trees dotting the paths. I am very glad that I got to enjoy the market this weekend, as I missed the Sugar Plum Festival back home. After spending multiple hours wandering through the buildings and tents, we entered into what I believe was the best tent (which was nestled in the back). This tent had all of the farmers market vendors, so there were so many cheese, sausage, candy, and glögg samples to try. I didn’t purchase any food, but I enjoyed the variety of tasty snacks being presented. The market closed at 8pm, and we drove the two hours back to Lund. I was quite tired after having a late night Friday and our full day Saturday, so I took a chill day Sunday to do homework and recuperate. I hope that everyone gets to enjoy fun Christmas markets and friends as we enter into this holiday season! Hejdå!

A Four Weddings Style Rating of European Cities

Published on by LshotkoskiLeave a comment

TLC (The Learning Channel) has produced countless classics over the years. One that really stuck out to me during my childhood was Four Weddings. Four weddings consisted of four brides who attended each others weddings and rated the others using a tier system based on food, venue, dress, and overall experience. The network stayed true to its name because I have learned it is a genius way to rank events in real life as well. In this article I will be reviewing four very different cities I have visited while abroad, and giving them my honest review of their food, dress, venue, and overall experience on a 10 point scale.

Dingle, Ireland

While categories like food and dress fell short in Ireland, the venue and overall experience on these adorable western cliffs made up for it. A simple bike ride around this Island was an unforgettable experience and something I suggest to put on your bucket list. This quiet fishing village had a surprisingly lively nightlife at the local pubs. The only drawbacks? The weather prevents any outfit other than a windbreaker or raincoat to be worn, and unless you like fish the food here isn’t very gourmet.

  • Food- 5
  • Dress- 5
  • Venue- 10
  • Overall Experience- 7.

Munich, Germany

I have to give Germany the benefit of the doubt because it was the last weekend of Oktoberfest and everyone in the city looked like they need a 72 hour nap. Despite the red eyes and rough attitudes of the waitresses, the whole experience was so unique. Not to mention the drindl being my favorite souvenir yet. Munich had a glimpse of home in it and also bridged the gap between chaos and relaxation needed in a city. Safe to say I will be going back here to see the beautiful streets and shop around Marienplatz. However, I will not be looking at another stein of beer for a very long time.

  • Food- 8
  • Dress- 10
  • Venue- 10
  • Overall Experience- 9

Paris, France

To no one’s surprise Paris excelled in the dress department. Everyone there looks like they planned their outfit the night before, and it’s hard not to have good style when every other street has shopping. Along with great style the city also does great cuisine. The Only drawback to the city was the sheer amount of people. It was hard trying to get from point A to point B with a thousand others also making their way. However, the history and charm of Paris makes it easier to wait in long lines and just enjoy the beauty surrounding.

  • Food- 10 (Coq and Fils, specifically)
  • Dress- 10
  • Venue- 8
  • Overall Experience- 9.5

Amsterdam, Netherlands

I know some people who would have 10s all across the board for Amsterdam, but in my opinion everything was a 7. It was a great experience and all categories were lovely, but I wouldn’t put any of the categories at the top. The city was very chill and I am very not. Therefore I am rating Amsterdam a 7 because it was lacking the chaos and commotion that brings cities to life.

  • Food- 7
  • Dress- 7
  • Venue-7
  • Overall Experience-7

Each city brought something unique to the table. I would recommend visiting all four cities because I truly believe there’s something in them for everyone. Unlike the show, however, I won’t make you wait for a commercial break to hear the results. If we’re talking places to live, Munich falls at the very top of my list. But if we’re talking places to visit, there’s no denying Paris is the clear winner. It really deserves all the praise it gets because it lives up to the glamour and ambiance associated with it.