Lund, Sweden

Less than 24 hours after arriving in Sweden, I hopped on a train for a 5 hour journey to the southern region of Sweden, known as Skåne (pronounced Sko-nah). I was headed there with Swede so he could go run in a family race as well as attend the crayfish party planned for Saturday.

Train travel is actually quite pleasant over here, the train had free wi-fi, nice cabins that seat 6, and a cafe car that you could have a sit down meal at. As long as I'm facing the direction the train is headed, there's no issues of motion sickness for me. We arrived into the city of Lund and immediately set off to see the famous Lund Cathedral they are so well known for.

Inside the beautiful cathedral, I was taken back by the astounding astronomical clock they have, it was unlike any I've ever seen, so beautifully detailed and intricate. The church itself has been there since construction began in 1202... can you believe that? It's a big part of Danish history since the the region used to belong to Denmark up until 1676.

I've Arrived!

Sorry for the extreme lack of posts... I'm here in Europe... actually I've been here 12 days and have been around Sweden and even off to London and back. Lucky for me, I'm staying here in Stockholm for the next two weeks.

It feels incredible to finally be here after months of planning. It just feels strange knowing that after a few weeks, I won't be going home. At this point, I can't wait until I arrive in France so I have a room, and I won't be living out of my suitcase! Not too much longer now, it looks like I'm arriving on August 31st, two weeks from today!

Official.

JAX -> ATL -> AMS -> ARN
August 3rd, 2011
Departs: 2:00pm
Arrives: 12:15pm

First stop on my European Adventure.... Sweden!

It's Here!

It's here!! My French Visa actually beat me home from vacation this weekend! This means I get to actually purchase my airfare, and that my departure date is aiming to be August 4th.

10 days.

10 days to pack for 4 months, clean my room, do laundry, figure out my August travels. I'd better get to work.

One Step Closer...

An excerpt from an e-mail I received last week:

"Bonjour Mademoiselle R. ,

I am very pleased to inform you that I have just received the approval to issue you a long stay visa in order establish yourself in France."

*insert loud squeal here*

Also in the e-mail were instructions on setting up an appointment at the French Consulate in Miami, along with the forms I'll need to fill out and bring with me.

At 10:30am on Thursday morning, I'll be in Miami, sitting at the French Consulate, one step closer to my move. From what I hear, the wait time is 2-3 weeks from when you apply for your long stay visa to when it's approved.

Projected Date of Departure (Europe): August 12th or 13th.

Days left until 1st day in France : 42

Movies

I figure I'd list out some movies that I love that feature Paris or France. And yes, they're making the trip with me!

1. Amelie (2002) - Hands down, one of my favorite movies ever. Starring one of the most popular French actresses around, Audrey Tautou, it's such a charming movie. Set in the Monmartre area of Paris, this whirlwind adventure takes you into the lives of Amelie and her friends and family. She plays tricks, does good deeds, and plays Nancy Drew.




2. French Kiss (1995) - A really cute romantic comedy featuring Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline. She overcomes her fear of flying to go to Paris to find her fiancee cheating and with someone else. Kevin Kline is a Frenchman who stumbles upon her and helps her go from a meager weak person to a strong woman. Starts out in Paris, travels to the wine country, and then ends up in the Cote d'Azure.



3. Le Divorce (2003) - Starring Kate Hudson and Naomi Watts as two sisters. Naomi is married to a Frenchman that leaves her, while pregnant with their second child. Kate flies over to help her sister, and manages to have an affair with the uncle of her sister's husband at a series of fabulous French eateries.



4. Funny Face (1957)- A musical with Fred Astaire, Audrey Hepburn, and Paris. I adore those old feel-good musicals with loads of happy songs and wonderful dancing.



5. Midnight in Paris (2011) - I just saw this twice in theaters and I'm completely smitten with it. Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams (and a whole huge cast of big name stars) are visiting Paris with her family, and he goes on midnight walks to find something enchanting happens in Paris after Midnight. I won't spoil the surprise, you'll have to see it for yourself!



6. Ratatouille (2007) - I know this is an animated movie, but I can't help but include it. Remy is a rat that loves to cook, Linguini is his own personal human puppet, cooking for Remy. This movie will make you want to hop right in the kitchen.



7. Marie Antoinette (2006) - A movie that was filmed at the beautiful palace of Versailles. Chronicling Marie Antoinette's life from marriage to the end, this movie has a fabulous 80's soundtrack and is such eye candy. The costumes and sets are fantastic.




A few other movies are : Moulin Rouge, A Good Year, and Phantom of the Opera.

Waiting Game...

I got my approval from the French Department of Labor that says I'm able to go over as a wage worker! My host mom had to put up a fight with them, but after almost 7 weeks of waiting, it was finally given the positive rating. The best part about it is that there is no time limit, unlike the regular au pair visa which only lets you stay for a year. This also allows me to have a part time job if I choose!

I'm now anxiously awaiting paperwork from the French Consulate in Miami. What I'm hoping is that since I already have approval from France, that I don't have to go apply for a visa. But I'm a little excited to go to Miami, since I've never been.... I'm dying to take pictures of South Beach's Art Deco buildings and sample some delicious food!