Welcome to Ystad

I arrived here in Sweden yesterday and met my host family for the first time. Elisabeth (host mom), Axel (host brother) & Louise (host sister until she herself leaves for Fresno, CA. in a week or so) picked me up at the airport. I met Hans my host father after he came home from work that day .

Then we drove across a bridge, halfway through there was a sign that said "Sverige". My first Swedish meal was a Big Mac and fries at the nearby MacDonalds. I noticed that the trash bins were organized into different waste types like a recycling center. Also, Swedish chicken nuggets seem to taste better.

Soon after, we arrived at the house. I had seen a photograph before I came but I was still blown away. The Broberg (pronounced Broo-berry) house encompasses the better part of a block corner. The family lives in the main house and rents out the rest of the rooms. My room is upstairs, adjoined to Axel's and I have my own bathroom/shower across the hall.

Axel, Louise and I were responsible for dinner because Hans and Elisabeth had to go out later, so we made spaghetti bolongese with the groceries that we went and got earlier. They were surprised when I told them I usually put parmesian cheese on my spaghetti and that a lot of Americans eat spaghetti with meatballs. Athough they did put ketchup on their pasta. Hmmmmmm...

They wanted me to stay awake until at least 8 pm so I could get used to the time difference. So I played pool and Counter-Strike online with Axel and ate candy until I didn't feel tired. Then I decided to go to bed for my health. I crashed shortly after that and slept for 14 hours.