 District 5580 GSE Sweden - GSE | All Comments |
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| 16th June 2008 Christer Thagesson | Wanted! - From: The last page!? American citizen is on the run in Sweden has anybody see them please get them back to Kallinge we miss them a lot! It was a great time and a pleasure to be a hosted family to Carol and Shana and having BBQ with the rest of the team Beth, Jamie Dennis and Peter. Take care for the rest of your journey and a nice trip back home. Best regards Christer Och sabine |
| 16th June 2008 Joran | Farewell - From: Made it! We miss you! Thank you so much for everything and your wonderful presentation on Skarfva gard! Have a nice time in our beautiful Stockholm. You are all very welcome back to your new friends in district 2400! Jöran |
| 16th June 2008 Sharon Minton | - From: Made it! Thank you for sharing your time in Sweden on this blog! You look like you had/are having a wonderful time! I also wanted to wish Carol a Happy Birthday on Tuesday! :) |
| 16th June 2008 Jill Zachary | Living The GSE Magic... - From: Made it! Hejsan Team Sweden! It has been absolutely delightful to follow your incredible GSE journey over the past 5 weeks. You have lived the magic of one of the most culturally enriching, professionally enlightening and personally transforming adventures of a lifetime! You are an amazing team that has represented District 5580 exceptionally well and made us all proud! We look forward to many more stories of beautiful Sverige upon your return. Enjoy the long summer night skies of Stockholm! Skål! |
| 12th June 2008 Chris Carlson | This ain't the end, by no means the end... - From: A day by the sea in Karlskrona This transition from the formal program (how long do you expect these Rotarians to cater to your ever whim, anyway?) to the long-lasting informal portion is a rather jarring one. Whomp! You're out the other end of the shoot, and left standing there, waiting to board an airplane. But I assure you - it is not the end. Rejoice! It is not the end! There is so much more to experience. There are countless opportunities to "try something" and "taste something", challenge yourself, revel with friends and strangers alike, and be inspired by generosity or awed by gesture. 'Tis simply the way it is... Lycka till med resan till Stockholm! Smaka på den djävla ålen, fegis! ...den smakar bäst med öl, givetvis! Kom snart hem, trött men glad, och då sitta oss ner och börja berätta om... Välkommen åter! |
| 11th June 2008 Chris Carlson | Poignant, that... - From: The last page!? As I follow your trip, I am dually thinking of the adventure you are having, while also reminded of the adventure I had. You are ever so clever in pointing out the depth, rarity, and treasure of what you are experiencing, with whom you share this experience, and more. Thank you for allowing ME to share with you, while also being reminded of the treasure that was bestowed upon me, and providing me a change to express my sheer wonder and gratitude for that. ...I hope you took notes on how to do that BBQ - that looked tasty! |
| 10th June 2008 Judy McAdam | - From: Time flies What an accurate description of what the GSE experience is all about, the inward journey is as important as the physical journey. I am enjoying every step of your adventure. |
| 9th June 2008 Chris Carlson | The garble of garage sales... - From: Time flies The "festival of fleas, the tables of treasures, the morass of merchandise...the bunches of baubles." You go half-way around the world, and find charm in a garage sale... Oh well, I guess indeed this is a voyage of discovery! Actually, there is something charming in the familiarity of a flea market. So I hope you did enjoy it, and DIDN'T bid on that used lawn mower or bed frame. You paint an interesting picture that again makes me look forward to hearing the stories. And now, you will have a dalahäst puppet to help illustrate the harrowing boat-ride, the power-climb up a pile of rocks, or windmill, the gallop out of the eel pond... |
| 8th June 2008 Ulf | Nice Tshirt Dennis! - From: Adventure on the high sea and in the Ronneby countryside! Hi team 5580. It´s nice to see that you still have a great time in Sweden. If YOU have something to do with the weather in our district I suggest that you all visit us every year from now. I like your T-shirt Dennis, looks like you´re turning to become a genuine Swede now. Did you wear it on the National Day? I´m also honored of what you wear on your head. Wish you wonderfull team a really fine and exiting last week of your trip and a good stay in Stockholm. I´ll continue to follow you on your blog. |
| 7th June 2008 Chris Carlson | Graduation day! - From: Hej, hej we're the monkeys! You should have Dennis look into whether he can get all of YOU hats - those white Popeye ones - for YOUR graduation from the GSE program! ...I bet he owes you at least that... You can embroider an eel on it somewhere, perhaps slithering around a windmill - that sort of mottif. Or not, heck, I just think the unique experiences you've shared is fantastic, and worthy of some commemoration and celebration. You folks are terrific. I am so proud of you, and I am also so happy that your experience has been enjoyed, has been meaningful, and has been profound. Thank you for the chance to share - from a vast distance - your exchange. I look forward to hearing the stories! And I really look forward to your presentation in Minot! |
| 5th June 2008 Vaun | Cowboy photo - From: Åhus and Kristianstad I enjoy reading about your travels and viewing the pictures! How did William end up wearing a white hat in the old west photo shoot? Have fun the last few days and a safe trip back! |
| 5th June 2008 Chris Carlson | You're making me jealous! - From: Åhus and Kristianstad AND THAT IS FANTASTIC! I love the pictures, and the commentary, and how together they evoke confirmation of such a powerful experience. Of course, it is impossible to convey the nuance, the depth, and the minutia of it all - but that is immaterial. Once you are home, this website will be all you need in response to the question "how was your trip?" Just point the inquisitor here. Good job! Good fun! And Good God, keep making me jealous! |
| 5th June 2008 Malin | Miss U - From: Hejdo, Osby...hej, hej, Kristianstad! Hi everybody, Just want to say we miss you a lot. It was really nice to get to know you all. Have fun and enjoy the rest of your trip! Carol, Jamie -Sixten has recovered and is out playing again :)/Malin |
| 4th June 2008 George Van Dam | more eels??? - From: Åhus and Kristianstad Thanks for keeping us informed on the eels. Do they have more than one variety of eel? Do eels have white meat or dark meat? Your public wants to know!!! Where are the pictures of the Absolut tastings? I received a nice email from Dennis today. Thanks for such a lengthy and informative recap of the trip. I have forwarded it to the GSE committee. We are all looking forward to your return home and hearing of more stories and pictures. |
| 2nd June 2008 Randy Long | Sweden in my blood - From: Hejdo, Osby...hej, hej, Kristianstad! You have gotten me so interested in Sweden I am downloading more ABBA tunes!! Glad to hear that you are having a blast! |
| 1st June 2008 Chris Carlson | Hello Kristianstad - From: Outdoors in Osby! It is gratifying to hear that you are having good times, good weather, and great expriences! Keep up the energy and enthusiasm, folks! HEEEE HAWWWW! Chris |
| 30th May 2008 GSE | AGAIN WITH THE EEL! - From: Welcome to Osby! Please tell me you, nor Shana, won't be waking up in the middle of the night, cold sweat running down your back, thoughts of eels racing through your head. SWEDEN IS MORE THAN EELS! (Although, those big Eel Limosines are quite the nice touch!) We have our own eel story, which we will share at the proper time, accompanied by copious shots of Absolut, and a big, steaming plate of... Ål! |
| 29th May 2008 Christy G. | so fun! - From: Welcome to Osby! It's so fun to live vicariously through you all!! |
| 27th May 2008 Chris Carlson | När vi två bli en - From: Ängelholm! Här kommer alla känslorna på en och samma gång... Per Gessle is the author of both of these songs, and both continue to resonate in my mind, whether watching your adventures (from a safe, restraining-order abiding distance), participating in the hijinx of the team now departed, or my own team. (I was blessed with a chance meeting of 2 of my team members this weekend, long enough to convey a sincere and boisterous birthday wish to my esteemed team leader.) The song mentioned in this title is "when two become one", and that commemorates your meeting with your counterparts, although the song itself has a more lusty meaning... The second song describes all emotions coming to the surface all at once - something that GSE continues to inspire in me. So, when you see me smile, and cry, all at once, I bet even transcribed Curious George will understand regardless of shape, or color... |
| 26th May 2008 Chris Carlson | Per Gessle and Gyllene Tider! - From: Musings from the team Halmstad is the home of Per Gessle, who formed Roxette after the demise of Gyllene Tider. Per Gessle and Maria Fredricksson stormed the world, and for a year or two were the biggest thing since ABBA. Per Gessle continues to put out music, and is likely as rich as anyone/anything in Halmstad. So, I hope you take some time to sing SOMMARTIDER HEJ HEJ SOMMARTIDER! Or, at least have someone sing it for you.... In Angleholm, you have to listen to Jill Johnson and sing Oh, Vilket Harlig Dag! ...or not. Not everything needs to be punctuated by song. ...or is that wrong, Beth? |
| 25th May 2008 Esme | Booking Shana for Fall Presentation - From: Musings from the team Just to let Shana know - her physio friends back in T-Bay have booked her for a fall OPA presentation - and we want the singing too! Your trip looks wonderful...glad you're all having so much fun! |
| 23rd May 2008 Chris Carlson | Gotta Love That Paper... - From: Halmstad These adventures have an odd ring of familiarity to them - or, at least credibility and poetic justice. We always knew one of more of you would be arrested, but to put you in the dog cage? So much for the notion of Sweden being "progressive"... I like the photo of Shana Oakly! Let us resolve to FIKA often, long, and to teach others the blessings of this tradition! Chris |
| 22nd May 2008 Vaun | William Happel - From: Just a few extras Enjoying your blog on this end! How about a few comments from William...he usually has something to say! |
| 21st May 2008 Chris Carlson | HEEEEEE HAW! - From: Just a few extras Fantastic! Amazing! SKÅL!!!!!!! |
| 21st May 2008 Chris Carlson | SHOUT IT OUT! - From: Up a windmill, down a fireman's pole Here, where stain-cutting products are not equally forbidden, you should be able to treat that coat, or it will disintegrate - hell, I don't know ~ and likely, you don't want me to do your laundry. Climbing a wind tower AND riding in a fire truck? NOW I'm jealous! If you get strapped into a boat that can do a full 360 roll in sea-swells at least 80 feet tall (ok, so we exaggerate over time) followed by cow-plop bingo in a neolithic boat-grave, then to hell with the rules, I'm going back for a second run at this thing! Actually, what is confusing to me is merely the names you mention then looking at the pictures, am I to believe that Carol and Shana didn't clamber up the windmill? Somehow, there has to be a story there, too. Today, we had a little "remember when" moment of exploits now 8 years past, and it was glorious to remember, I swear. My whole team joined in a collective sigh and skål, and I have to say - you all will join in that game too - and it will be wonderful, and you will all laugh, and sigh, and smile. I bet you a million dollars (Zimbabwean, given that I have the chance of assembling such a sum) that you will collectively NEVER look at a windmill the same again. Rock on, folks! Build your memories, just as we celebrate ours. And in the end, let us raise our glasses high, sing Helan Går (off-key, and likely already inebriated), and endeavor to carry on the spirit of GSE so the NEXT team too is prepared, wowed, safe, secure, happy, and helpful. To those who are given much, much is expected. What I expect from you all is to seek "wow" moments here too, and also to provide them to others. |
| 21st May 2008 George Van Dam | Keeping the world cooler - From: Up a windmill, down a fireman's pole You not only look cool in your hard hats but your are witnessing why we are haveing such cool weather. We are all enjoying your exploits and we wish we were there to help you. How are your presentations going??? Keep sending the pics! |
| 20th May 2008 Anna | - From: Falkenberg Hello beautiful people! Just wanted to tell you I'm loving the blog! Great writing, Jamers!! |
| 19th May 2008 Chris Carlson | I knew a girl named Eva.... - From: Falkenberg From Falkenberg she was, and she dated me twice and never ONCE gave me even a kiss... I've had something against that place ever since. Actually, Eva went to school with me at Gustavus, played soccer, and really was sweet - so sweet, I don't think she ever knew it was a date. ...maybe they weren't - age obscures all but wishful thinking, I suppose. So, if you happen to see a 44-ish woman by the name of Eva who still appears fit from years of 'fotboll', give her greetings from me, and if you are able - a big kiss too! |
| 19th May 2008 Judy McAdam | Memories - From: It's an eel! Hej, Love reading you blog. So many memories and even to odd familar face. To explain myself I was leader of a team from D9520 in Australia who was in the D2400 this time last year. Say hello to those we met. I have shared the link with members of my team. We look forward to following your journey. Judy (YUDI) |
| 18th May 2008 Chris Carlson | Mmmmmmm...Eel! - From: It's an eel! Oh, I know it well - that "fish" is one tough bugger to convince yourself it is edible. But you know what? It now ranks WAY up there on the list of fish I love! ...well, at least in a sushi bar. ...really. Thank you for the "aside" comment, but you are preaching to the choir, Jamie - so I too have that same sense of wonder and awe - STILL! Now, again I dare you - don't pass the eel twice, give it a try. You may never like it, but the story will last FOREVER! |
| 15th May 2008 Chris Carlson | SJUNG HOP FADDER ALLAN LEJ! - From: Bring on the photos! My liver is pining to travel with you... Once pickled by the jet fuel of Sweden, my liver seems to require periodic drowning in Absolut or OP Andersson, provided it is sufficiently serenaded by rousing bursts of naughty song. Thanks for the picture of Drettinge! That is just like the simple country house I hope one day to own! ...and just what sort of colo(u)r did you add? Make it paisley - that way, it is texturized! |
| 15th May 2008 Claudette Holly | District Foundation Chair - From: Bring on the photos! Glad to see that you are all having a wonderful time - I could wish I was with you to experience everything you are able to. Take advantage of every moment - you can always sleep next month!! Claudette |
| 14th May 2008 Chris Carlson | Presentation Performance Anxiety - From: Our first presentation! I know it well, so I am happy to hear you have one now "under your belt" and are going to get ever more comfortable with each successive one. If you feel like you're loosin' 'em, drop trouser and state you are going to do the whole thing sans pants, and invite them to join you... Ok, maybe that isn't the best plan, so do whatever YOU need to do to ease the stress... Ljungby! Ljungby? ...where the hell is Ljungby? I suppose I could look on a map, but that takes all the fun out of it. Sally forth, mina vänner! Be of good cheer - for here the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and ever more skin is seen on those who cavort out of doors. ...I suspect the same is true there, but how can I know - you don't call, you don't write... |
| 13th May 2008 Chris Carlson | Robes, no - clothing yes - From: More of Vaxjo! Ok, I just wanted to clarify that point... I love the street-scene in Växjö - it is so uber-Swedish. I have a picture of my forefathers/mothers taken at a studio in Wexjö, which is Old Swedish for the same town you are in. My forebearers were peasants from around that area - tired of more mud pies and dirt soup, they emigrated. Anyway, it is also close to where I went to school, so of course I am sentimental. I await reports on pastries, ice cream, Ramlösa, Pripps Blå, and how you like your breakfasts! Remember - be daring! |
| 12th May 2008 Vaun | You landed! - From: 33 days and counting... Everyone gets a metal from the Perham Club for spending most of one day traveling with William (Dennis "do I have any cavities" Happel)! Have fun but do not lead Dennis astray...he hasn't gotten out much! |
| 12th May 2008 Sharon Howk Ventrudo | Living Vicariously - From: Hejsan Sverige! Happy Swedish Adventures to you! Glad to hear you have arrived safely and the tours begin tomorrow. Love it! No wasting time. Try not too look too glassy eyed (wait, that comes closer to the end). Remember to dive right in, learn, enjoy, let go of control and just go with the flow. The hard part is over. And take pictures of the food. We want to see Everything (almost). Sharon (Team France 2007) |
| 12th May 2008 Chris Carlson | Eat Green Veggies! - From: Hejsan Sverige! Or, whatever you need to quickly gain your footing, infuse youself with energy, and cast that Hi-Pro glow! It will be terrific! Happy to hear that all feet are on the ground. Now, when possible, go have some GB Glass (ice-cream - the more colorful, the more delicious!), sniff as many flowers as possible, and go ahead - drink the bubble-water! Be daring! Be well-rested! Be of good cheer! ...in brief, get plenty of rest, and eat your vegetables. Your mother (hen) |
| 11th May 2008 George Van Dam | Let the adventure begin - From: Hejsan Sverige! Glad to hear you made it. I was thinking of you yesterday as it started snowing again. Not too good for the Walleye opener. Looking forward to seeing pics. |
| 10th May 2008 George Van Dam | 1 sleep left - From: 33 days and counting... I am sure there will be little sleep for the group tonight. Tomorrow you are off on an adventure. I hope you have as many good times as your counterparts are having in this Ccuntry. We are all looking forward to following your trip. Stay Safe! |
| 9th May 2008 susan | good luck gang - From: 33 days and counting... sounds very interesting...looks like a great group... Shana...not sure if the herring will agree with you |
| 24th April 2008 Chris Carlson | May ALL your group-meetings be this FUN! - From: Photos What a joy it was to witness the excitement of the team when it was announced that Jamie was going too. What fun to see you all laugh while you did your first presentation. YOU GUYS WILL BE GREAT! Have fun "over there" - come back hungry to tell us grand stories, helpful in recruiting GSE (and Ambassadorial) candidates, and with an affection for Rotary and the work it does. |
| 10th April 2008 Claudette | District 5580 Foundation Chair - From: 33 days and counting... You look like a GREAT team - especially you, Dennis - I know you will have a wondrful trip full of marvelous experiences. You have been well prepared by George, Jill, Chris, Mark, Gary and the whole team - who could have done it better? I hope they haven't skewed your expectations.......... Claudette |
| 8th April 2008 George | great - From: 33 days and counting... Looks great Jamie. I knew we did the right thing by getting you on the team. Keep up the good work |
| 8th April 2008 Chris Carlson | Trevlig resa! - From: 33 days and counting... Of COURSE you will learn to eat peculiar things - soon, such items will no longer be peculiar but instead cherished and sought-after. ...believe me, it happens. And then you drive 4 hours to get half-pounds of coffee and crayfish and candy bars and wonder how the HELL others can pooh-pooh eclectic food-choices, or gag when tasting shrimp-cheese, as example, or saying with conviction that they just don't like coffee... But, I digress. It isn't merely what you eat, it is where you eat, how you eat, who you eat with, and when you eat. Pork chops at 11:30pm? Sure, because it sure looks outside to be 7:30, and you're right - I'm hungry! But enough about food. HAVE A GREAT TRIP! |
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