Au revoir

End of term and the end of Uppsala for all the Erasmus students. Wonder why I write so many blogs about Erasmus students?  For one, there were many in my class the last few courses of the term. Two, they were most outspoken and active.

Swedish population in my class was still the majority. Never really got to know many of them except a couple. They are reserved, which was my initial observation. They keep to themselves but are great students, ask questions, proactive in finding something to keep their time productive. Anyway, the last few weeks we had great weather averaging a high of 30Celcius and low in teens. The favourite choice of hanging out was this place near Sunnersta, a retreat for sailboat owners by the lake Malaren. Located 25 minutes away from where I dwell if you cycle there. A beach is what the people call it- grassy or a gravel patch by the water body where people spend time either sunbathing or barbequing. A very popular spot was what we chose. The spot is perfect for a swim also if you found the water cold enough for a dip.

A quick view of where we were. Cloudy day, with a cool lake. Half the people couldnt find it to begin with, cost most were living not very far from the city. We got there finally, after a few calls to the friendlies.

Many were in the mood for a dip and off they ran in thier bikinis and swimsuits.





We started a fire by the place. There were a good few logs at our disposal to make a coal bed for a barbeque.

While many only a selection of wine and beer to make it an evening before leaving to their homes. We had some marinated chicken fillet, marinated Hungarian style, with mustard and spice blend.


Thats when a friend, Manuel Bazan joined us from nowhere. He was camping in the forest nearby for a week. He had his lease ended at the place where he stayed and decided to avoid an entire months rent by camping up in the forest. A very resourceful guy, Manuel. Charged his phone at his friends corridor, checked and replied to his emails during the day when he had to. Showered at the same corridor. In turn, saved some cash and an experience before leaving Sweden, for Spain.

Manuel was more than happy to pose with his multipurpose knife. Dressed in cargos and fleece with walking boots, he told us his story of how he camped with some Swedes who taught him more about landscape and camping skill.

Then it was mosquitoes that were out for their juice, our juice. Everyone got closer to the fireplace to repel the nasty pests.

It was then music time and scrap book exchange. Some had a novel idea of marking this experience- a Swedish flag and marker for friends to write some parting words. Also, make sure that we stayed knit on Facebook.

Many felt that they could ve had more moments of hanging out like that day. But as we all now it, only when you know you are going away will you realise how hard it is to say 'Au revoir' to your friends, your love- Uppsala.