T-minus 1 hour

Less than an hour until I have to be packed and ready to get to Allianskyrkan in Jönköping for the women's breakfast at 9 AM. This may be my last post until I get on the bus back to Oslo. We'll see. When I'm on the bus, I'll likely have internet. I'll be sure to update you on the concert/lecture at the Alliance church if I get a connection on the bus.

That's it for now. I'm off to pack one last time!

What does Sweden smell like?

It may be a strange question, but it's something I've asked myself over the years. But, it's true. Sweden has a certain smell. And I suspect that smell is slightly different for different people.

Sometimes, when I'm in the US, I'll smell something in the air and I will be back in Sweden for just a heartbeat. It's an odd sensation, but surely you've had a similar experience as well. Smell is such a strong sense and an easy way to reawaken a memory.

So, what does Sweden smell like for me? It depends. Sometimes, it's candles. Other times, it's crisp morning air. It can be car exhaust. Or cigarette smoke. Even candy. Sometimes fresh baked bread and fresh fruit. Coffee is always guaranteed to awaken a sense of Sweden in me. The smell of the sea is also a strong reminder. This time around, Sweden smells like newly fallen leaves.

I can always count on bringing Sweden back with me to the States, at least for a few days. I never unpack the first few days after getting back home. When I get around to it a couple days later, I open the suitcase and I am transported back to Sweden - if only for a moment.

Still packing

*Thinks* Hmmm, what are all these cords for? I'm not sure! Ah, who knows, I may need them. *Stuffs into suitcase*

Less than two hours to go!

Finishing touches and final snags

Tying up all those loose ends today and making a last checklist. I'm waiting on one final package, picking up batteries at the store, mowing my lawn. Those sort of last-minute odds and ends.

I also spent a little time finishing up my travel schedule. I tried to buy my last train & bus tickets, but it didn't work out so well. I have the same roadblock with my US SIM card. It's not working out so well at the moment. These little snags are expected though. It puts a little spice in the otherwise dry travel preparations.

I promise this blog will be more interesting once the travel gets underway. ;)

Testing, testing... 1, 2, 3

I spent the morning (according to my watch!) pulling out electronics, adding batteries/memory cards, and testing them. So far, so good!

I suppose other people travel with a pretty good amount of electronics. However, I've never really been one of them. I'm not sure if everything will fit in my carry-on. Will be fun to find out.

I should ask Jessi and Anja from jennyberggren.net. They know all about this sort of thing. I've seen them pack an entire mobile recording studio in one bag, unpack it for security checks, and repack it in a flash. They're pros.

Gotta Go!

It's just about that time. Time for making lists. Time for planning. Time for packing. I hope you're getting ready too - because you're coming with me.

We're going to Gothenburg.