Day 11

Have I mentioned how much I love the homes here in Sweden? It's not just that the pastel color palette resonates with me, it's also that each home I have been in has been so comfortable. I know that's not a very specific description, but I'm not exactly what it is that makes them comfortable. The furniture might be more or less formal, the decor might be artsy or traditional, but the feeling is always that of "Come on in, relax, make yourself at home!" I guess it can only be ascribed to the people who live in the homes. It must be they that give the places such warmth.

Pär and Lena's home is no exception. A really nice mix of aesthetics and function. I love that the sofa has two spots where you can put your feet up (really nice after a long day of walking!) That the beds are warm and comfortable (at least the two I've slept in ;)) That the bookshelves are full of both recreational and cerebral titles, as well as being stacked with the familiar-looking boxes of family games (though the names are definitely Swedish!) That there are always candles on the table, lit even for breakfast.

And have I mentioned the window sills? Every Swedish home, and even most of the commercial building I have been in, are constructed with deep window sills, and on every sill are one or more plants, and usually some kind of a small lamp. I really love this. I would love to have some of my home's window sills converted into this type. The greenery adds even more charm to the rooms, and the lamps are some kind of traditional Swedish thing. Pär theorized that it has something to do with the very dark winters, and the look of invitation that it gives a home. You know how we say, "The eyes are the windows of the soul."? Pär said, "The windows are the eyes into the house's soul." I can see what he means.

Then there is the thing about the comforters. This one I don't really understand. I didn't notice it until I was in one of the student's homes and saw a large (queen?) bed made up with what looked like two sleeping-bag-sized comforters. "What's with that?" I asked. "What do you mean? All couples have two comforters." Really? Wow - I had never noticed this. It turns out that pretty much all comforters here are the same size. If you have a small bed, you have one. If you have a large bed, you have two. According to the Swedes, it prevents cover-hogging. I don't know, I think I like the snuggling under one blanket idea better :)

By the way, this is the typical (I think) dryer here. It's a refrigerator-sized metal box with rods that hold the wet clothes, either directly or on hangers. The door is closed and a timer is set, and the clothes are treated to warm, dry air. Doesn't that make more sense than tumbling them around like we do? The ironing we'd save!!

This morning was again cold and rainy, which made it even harder to get out of my cozy bed (Morris thinks it's cozy, too) before dawn to start the day. First on my agenda were some student interviews. Then it was time for my meeting with Pär. I know it seems like we should be able to chat at home, but you know how it is, it never works out that way. It was nice to have some focused time to discuss his ideas about the program. I love that he and the other teachers are always trying to think of new and creative ways to give the students the best possible experience when they come to California. He treated me to a delicious lunch at a french restaurant run by a lovely middle eastern family. It was my first experience in a restaurant where the staff did not speak English. It forced me to practice my most rudimentary Swedish. The food was amazing, and the meal came with both the traditional salad bar and a coffee and dessert at the end (help yourself.) Yum.

Tonight was the night I met with the parents. I wasn't really nervous about this since I figured I would tell them what I do and what I know about the program, and Pär and Lena Carlsson would be there to explain it from their end. They gave their part of the presentation in Swedish, and then introduced me. Of course I opened the wrong presentation file on my computer, which rattled me a little, but the rest went smoothly. I showed photos of host families, SRJC, and the trips the kids went on this year (pilfered from their Facebook pages.) They asked their questions, mostly in English, and we did our best to answer them. Like any parents they wanted to be reassured that their students would be well looked after. They were a great group, and I felt their goodwill towards me. We took a break halfway through for coffee (the real stuff) and cinnamon buns. Such hospitality. I don't think I've ever been at a school meeting that served goodies?!? At the end I asked if they would each tell me the name of their student. It was nice to put faces to the parents of the kids I was coming to know. And I was very impressed that nearly every student was represented by at least one parent.

Lena had pasta salad waiting for us when we got home. She's not well, having lost her voice to a sore throat, but she made the effort to cook for us anyway. Amazing. We're hoping she feels better tomorrow.

Another long day. Really tired tonight. God natt.