Paul Georges . Alterego Construction

Well, this week was much calmer and “normal” than those that came before. However, I finally got a chance to do things I’ve wanted to do for quite some time now. I spent a lot of time downtown this week, walking around, observing Linköping’s architecture and its people in order to try grapse (and ultimately understand) a fragment of Swedish culture first hand. I didn’t succeed all too well at getting my hands on what makes the Swedes tick, in the same way that I don’t quite understand what makes Québecers tick. Nevertheless, I’ve come to the conclusion that Sweden, in general, is very much like Québec on many levels. I’m still not ready to explain the fundamental similarities and differences of both nations (the “Québécois de souche” in me has just made a stand) but I will definately do my best to express my thoughts on the blog once things are clear. After all, I’ve only been here for 3 weeks.

I spent last night photographing the city in twilight. Photography sessions by starlight are so purifying. Imagine yourself in a sea of black searching for subjects worth capturing. Your weapons of choice: a camera, a tripod and some great music. Your mission: try to secure some memories worthy of remembering and posting on Flickr (the former is much easier than the latter). The feeling you get when doing night photography is truly hard to explain… it’s just so cleansing. I took most of my shots downtown which happens to be a very charming place and an excellent spot to take photographs at night. See Flickr for the pictures.

So those last two paragraphs have been on draft for almost a week now… I have not had much time to post these last days but tonight I made it a priority to update the website.

Like I was saying beforehand, the week was pretty quiet. I made up for it this weekend though. Originally our weekend was supposed to be spent in Oslo but that plan feel through for a reason that still remains unknown to me. To make up for Oslo we planned on going canoeing and camping but that had to be put off as well due to Sweden’s constantly changing weather.

I was a bit disappointed to say the least… I sometimes get the feeling that I will regret not having used my time wisely here in Sweden. I want to take advantage of every minute in order to remember this trip for the rest of my life. I’m on the right track, that I’m sure of, but this last week I began to contemplate on the fact that I was taking things too easy. Yes, I know that I’m here to study and rest assured, there is nothing to be worried about, I’m getting my stuff done. The time that I have off, however, I do not want to spend in bed or staring at my laptop screen (unless it’s time taken to write a blog post which is a true therapy for me).

After having taken the decision to drop camping for the weekend, I was totally bummed out (an understatement). I knew that things had to change… I needed to get to planning my trips and activites. So I had a chat with Loïc and we arranged a week off in France. I also confirmed Copenhagen for a weekend coming soon. Last but not least, today I confirmed my 10 day trip to Russia. Now I’m just super pumped up and ready to go! Spain, Norway and Scotland are in the works.
Saturday night, although not spent in Oslo or camping up north, turned out to be fucking great. I won’t get into the details but let’s just say that some parts of the night remain quite fuzzy. In fact, I woke up in a trashed room with leftover food next to my laptop… I don’t remember having made food that night… lots of fun. I leave the rest up to your imagination.

Saturday was also Mr. Pierre Georges birthday! Happy belated Dad, I love you so much! Can’t wait to see you! I’m so anxious to hear your impressions of Europe and of Italy; trust me, you’ll love every second of it…

Speaking of birthdays, JP gained a year’s wisdom as well today! Happy birthday dude!

Tonight we had Canadian dinner at home. Pâté Chinois… Shepherd’s Pie… la bouffe des Québécois pauvres. We had to make it without cream corn because supposedly cream corn doesn’t exist in Europe (what a shame). The result of our culinary skills at work was an acceptable meal. Everyone was so hungry that we ended up eating almost all the food… and trust me there was a hell of Paté Chinois. Thanks to Dave le maître cook! You rock dude! See Dave’s blog for pictures! Here are some others (tsk tsk Silvia! Sundays are supposed to be alcohol free just kidding)…

So a big week in the works… Kalas (the kravall for all new students) is coming up soon. I have a lot of work to do if I want to travel around a bit, so this week I’ve got to get my ass in gear and be uber productive! Time to hit the hay!

“Go to sleep
At least lie here awhile
Best to look straight through your eyelids
Count or listen to the voices
But don’t go out and down to the landing”