Publicerad 2014-07-03 16:57:56 i Allmänt,
Spent a few days in my besties house on the Swedish countryside. Best thing was that she let me do a mohawk and draw eyebrows on her soon to be 1yo baby girl =D If you have a baby, you should really try this. For inspiration, google eybrows on babies and/or dogs. Heaps of entertainment!
Publicerad 2014-06-30 11:56:18 i Allmänt,
Spent the rainy weekend in various summerhouses in Kopingsvik and Djupvik/Oland.
Some serious cycling on ALVARET for att stilla cykel-abstinensen.
Non-carbon bike, forgot how to handles these...
Happy faces exploring the Swedish savanna
Celebrating Calle's 27th with Franzen family members and friends at Sinus in kopingsvik.
Publicerad 2014-06-24 16:44:07 i Allmänt,
Happy belated Swedish midsummer!
Must admit I'm, half depressed and half super happy to be home. It's a very strange feeling. Midsummer on oland was however great and was nice to be surrounded by my old friends.
Publicerad 2014-06-16 22:40:24 i Allmänt,
Hardest decision of my life.
The last day in my house and with Zelda and good friends was just emotionally draining. Although I have been sleeping alright I feel as if I havent slept for two weeks. Annabel came up to Brisbane on Friday night and Im so happy she did. Going through the last bits and pieces of packing and saying goodbye to people and places would have been way to hard to do alone.
Zelda and I had our last little walk along the river.
Did a last parkrun with Jess.
Had market breakie with AB and Nicky.
Had black star coffee breakie with a bunch of other people.
Emptied 3 wine bottles with my two Marks, John and Zelda the night before I left. At that time, I was mainly crying. Zelda was sitting on me like a bandaid. Marc2 was superdrunk from having watched soccer since 7.30am and Marc1 was drunk from visiting the archive after moving in all his gfriends stuff to the house. Must have looked quite funny for anyone else who joined in.
I stayed at Johns house the last night to avoid having to say goodbye to Z the same morning as the flight, as that mpst likely would have resulted in me missing my flight.
I got on it alright and am wondering what the hell I am doing. It is SO hard to have your life on two continents when both of them feels equally like home. But I am also very determined and excited to give this new chapter a real chance.
Zel and I sharing my fav yoghurt for the last time :*(
Right now, I'm sitting on one of the most boring airports in the world, Doha. The only thing you can buy is chocolate, which Ive had heaps of already as AB and I stocked up well before I headed off. The transition between hongkong and doha was the greatest so far! 45 min between landing and depature. Got escorted with 3 other guys who had the same connection flight by a super tiny asian ladie with superhigh cadance on her legs, past everyone in the tull, same check in as the captain and through all staff doors and elevators. Made it just in time! Think I have another 2hrs in Doha and should land on Swedish ground early on Tuesday morning. See you then!
Publicerad 2014-06-13 01:33:15 i Allmänt,
Last morning in the doggie park with Zelda's friends Autumn and Tippy. I have really loved my mornings in the park with the dogs and Karen and Wendy. Such good times. This morning it was quite miserable weather and a bit of rain. But just as I was about to keep walking the sun came out and a rainbow showed up over the park. The doggie parks blessing to me. Awww Im gonna miss this place!
Yesterday morning was my last Southbank sprint session with compulsary coffee after. Another sad day saying goodbye to all my training friends and southbank family.
Yesterday night I was meant to have dinner with Jess (3rd from left) and we had decided to meet at Lefkas Tavern at 7pm. She totally surprised me by organizing for all the ladies in lycra ladies to be there. I had no idea but very happy to have such good friends <3
During the day, I was modelling for a body paint fantasy session. Professional photos to come but this is a little teaser with me as an elven warrior and Simon as a tree (in a tree):
As for today. This is my last day at work. Although my work is far from being finished. We are going out for a lab lunch and then I'll head home and clean my room etc. Annabel arrives from Syndey tonight and Im soooo happy my Australian twin is going to keep me company for my last weekend downunder. As much as I love being surrounded by all my friends, I HATE saying goodbyes and think I will be quite relieved when I'm on the plane...
Publicerad 2014-06-10 01:59:02 i Allmänt,
Har haft Dex hos mig i helgen. Intressant hur de sma hundarna sover i varandras sangar och ater fran varandras matskalar. Men jag antar om du blev serverad mat pa samma tallrik varenda dag, sa skulle det nog vara kul att ata fran en ny (aven om den ser i princip likadan ut).
Publicerad 2014-06-08 01:01:10 i Allmänt,
As my last beach visit rained away, and both me and john had the day off, we decided to hit the winter wonderland once again. And this time, although the water was a tad bit too cold (22degrees) it was nice and sunny on land. Here on Burleigh Heads with the sun setting in the horizon.
In the morning I did my last Parkrun. (Everything I do is the last, it's quite sad). BUT I could not have ended it in a better way. Finally managed to run under 22min on the hilly parkrun course. Ended on 21.50 as 3rd female out of 176, 1st in my AG.
Parkrunners over the goodwill bridge.
Crappies running photo ever but also the only one Ive managed to get stuck on over the past 3 parkruns so this will do.
Am about to go for a walk with Megs now. Picnic on coootha tonight and guess who's bday it is tomw, if not the Queens! (=public holiday)
Publicerad 2014-06-05 01:48:04 i Allmänt,
Sahar sover vi nu. Faktiskt. Z och jag delar pa en 70cm bred soffa fran vilken hon upptar ca 50cm och jag far resterande 20. Lilla plutten vad jag kommer sakna henne!
Har nu bara 1.5v kvar i mitt land down under. Tiden gar fort och det ar manga hejda middagar och hejda kaffe och hejdan generellt. Jag hatar hejdas. Battre att bara latsas om att man ses igen nasta vecka. Som vanligt.
Sista dagarna ar sa fullspackade att jag vart tvungen att skriva ett schema sa att jag inte dubbelbokar. Ikvall ska jag pa min sista simtraning med min sim tranings kompis in crime. Igar larde jag ut min sista svenska lektion och i morgon blir det afterwork drinks med doktoranderna.
Publicerad 2014-06-01 06:21:07 i Allmänt,
Saturday = probably my last day on the beach
My friend Simon and I ignored the rain and headed down to Springbrook NP on Saturday morning for a little walk in the very rainy rain forest. We were actually soaked half way and the track was closed due to rock slides, so luckily we could turn back already after 40 min =)
Went to Burleigh beach instead to try n have picnic on the beach but the rain seemed to follow us and once again we got soaked. Normally, you can actually see the skyskraper sillouette of surfers in the distance of this pic. But not today =)
Nice and wet =)
This morning was a bit nicer, although still freezing cold. Me Martina, Greg and little Nick went to Doomen for a 5km fun run. I had heard this race is fairly flat and had my mind set on a new PB. Wanted to come under 22min and smashed a 21.30 (still inofficial but as measured by my garmin).
That was enough for a 3rd overall female podium place (medallion) and a 2nd in my AG (small medal). We also recieved a finisher medal so earned 3 trophies in this race. Furthermore, I won a gel pack (which I gave to my friend Damo) and Martina won a pair of asic shoes in lucky draw price. What a great day =)
Publicerad 2014-05-29 03:49:04 i Allmänt,
So the first State of Origin game for the year took place in Brisbane yesterday. Sadly QLD lost against NSW (8-12). I was too tired after the first part of the game but was pretty clear that NSW was gonna win anyway, so I went to bed to the complaints from my flatmates. App, I'm a terrible supporter =) But I found it more important to get up at 5am today for SBTC sprint session. And I am happy I did =)
Here is a blurry lil Zel on her sprint session in Musgrave Park last night. No one loves a tennis ball like Zelda.
Publicerad 2014-05-27 01:00:53 i Allmänt,
This year has been one of the best in my life. I have met so many amazing people and had so many amazing adventures with the triathlon club and its definately one of the things I will miss the most with leaving Australia. I'm very happy to have some nice memories of this year to put on my wall at home.
Australia is getting cold now. For your information, this is in fashion and I'll bring it home with me, don't care what you say!
Even lil Zel is cold and has to sleep with blankets (in my bed). She is undoubtably one of the hardest things I will leave behind. Love this little one to bits.
So in exactly 3 weeks time today, I will be very close to the Northen hemisphere. I can't believe its almost been 5 years since I left Sweden and made Australia my second home. I remember going to the bank during my first week in Australia in 2009 and my bankman Allan asked how long I was staying in Australia. I said, I'll start with 6 months but probably a year. He laughed and said 'and you are Swedish? You will stay here for at least 5 years but probably for the rest of your life'. He was damn right that man! I may as well have stayed forever but am actually very excited about moving home. Trying to focus on work the remaining 3 weeks is hard. I just have no motivation and am running around packing, unpacking, packing differently, organizing stuff, selling stuff, catching up with friends, swimming etc.
Heat up Sweden for me so it is warm enough in 3 weeks time! I guess this is the next final countdown!
Publicerad 2014-05-14 11:33:34 i Allmänt,
The last two days in northen QLD was spent in Port Douglas and at Mt Hypipamee nationalpark.
View from our van the last two nights from our secret camping spot on the beach
Mt Hypipamee offered more water falls to add to the previous days. All just as spectacular. These are the dinner falls.
And they actually consisted of abt 6 different falls
The drive up to Port Douglas is a bit of a great ocean road.
View over the four mile beach
Gotta chose where to swim carefully..
That is basically it from the trip north. As these are all basically photos from my camera, I might add a few later on from D's camera to fullfill the story.
But it was a great last adventure down under style. The only thing I could wish for would be that australia were more welcoming towards campers. It is indeed a beautiful country to explore and the best way to do it is from a campervan.
So I guess that means I have almost caught up with time. Dad is down exploring Tasmania by himself while I am working away. I was hoping to squeeze in a few training classes this week but believe it or not, got sick again. Ive been sick so many times this year I almost lost count. One of the great things with living in oz is that I have hardly been sick at all. Must be the stress of finishing off a PhD. Anyhow. I've decided to not be as slack as I have been with my foods etc and inspired by our German friend from the biodynamic café, I'll move as much as I can afford into a biodynamic and organic palio inspired triathlon lifestyle =)
Publicerad 2014-05-13 09:45:08 i Allmänt,
Day 5 - Water fall day
Day 5 consisted of a little waterfall circuit which overall included 7 different falls
Dad amazed by the Malanda falls
Ellinja falls
Me abt to have a swim in the most perfect waterfall I have ever seen - Millaa millaa falls
Millstream falls
On the road...Gotta watch out for both roos and kasowarys here..
Zillie falls
At the end of the day, we spontaniously ended up at a Rodeo in Ravenshoe. Unfortunately, it was pretty dark and not very good conditions for amazing photo opporunities. However, on the way out to the rodeo, road signs adviced to watch out for bulls big enough to tip your car over =S
The only decent photo we managed to take.
It was freezing cold the entire evening and night. Being at a Rodeo is like stepping into a movie. I just find it hard to believe that it is for real. Cowboys and girls in all sizes (from babies to grans) its just amazing. Dad however reminded me that they would probably feel the same if the stepped in to triathlon settings.
SPEAKING OF WHICH
I am not even going to give you a race report. I had the ride of my life at my last Australian triathlon in Byron bay on Saturday. Surviving the big swell, leaving the water as number 3 in my AG, I overtook the leader at 7km on the bike. For some incredibly stupid reason, I managed to screw up the ride and was convinced I was heading the wrong direction. A marschal lady basically confirmed this (although she was totally wrong), so I turned back, rode 2.5km and then realized by looking at the roadsigns that I had not at all been heading the wrong direction in the beginning. By then, my abt 4 min lead was gone and I turned back. Wasted 8 min on the bike (5km) and enetered transition where abt 10 bikes were racked already. The fact that I still came 4th in my age groiup, despite riding an extra 5 km may confirm that Im in good shape. But it didnt really make me happy in any way as I would have won female sprint overall (not just AG) if I wouldnt have done that stupid mistake.
I will NEVER make that mistkae again, thats for sure!
Publicerad 2014-05-09 23:47:46 i Allmänt,
Day 4:
Although pictures happen to be uploaded in the wrong order, this day was quite relaxing and included a lazy morning at Tinaroo, relocation to the crater lake - Lake Eacham, which if I remember correct is around 70m deep and almost perfectly round. On our way there, we made a little stop at the most amazing tree I have ever seen in my life, Curtain Fig tree.I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. Megs just came to collect me (now car-less person) for my last Australian triathlon down in byron bay.
Publicerad 2014-05-09 11:38:01 i Allmänt,
Still day 2:
After Mossman George, we were lucky enough to be able to visit Skybury Coffee plantation (which closed down the day after we were there). Unbeliavalbe that such beautiful pace would close down. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves:
If I lived close enough to a place like this, I would drink my coffee there every morning.
Day 3:
Managed to find a free camping site outside Mareebe, which unfortunately was full of mozzies and to avoid getting eaten, we had to spend most of the time in the van.
Also did a stop at Golden drop Mango winery and indulged in some mango wine tasting. However, those pictures are on dad's phone so can't show you. Can only say it tasted very good!
Continued to Davie's Creek national park. Went for a short little walk and swam in the beautiful and refreshing creek:
Dad in his antique bathers, which I forced him to in before the end of this trip!
Davies creek
We camped just meters from this wonderful creek. Shared a bottle of mangowine for dinner and woke early to give ourself enough time to walk the 5km to the start of the summit (required a 4WD), the 8km walk and the 5km back in the steaming hot sun.
Again, all the photos from that track is on dad's camera so will have to upload some later.
After we finished the walk, which inclided a steep incline to the very top, we were quite tired and very happy when we arrived to our next campsite: Lake Tinaroo Waterfront (Nationalpark)
In which no crocodils or stingers live, so I took my chance to do some triathlon training for upcoming race.
Sunset
Our home
Day 4 is to be continued.
Just to catch up with whats going on here. I sold my car. In less than 24 hrs after posting it on car sales, I saw it leaving my drive way in a very sentimental stage. Selling the car was really the point of no return. Its like all of a sudden I've realized I am ACTUALLY moving home. And all those mixed emotions of sadness, happyness, excitement and worry are floating around. Just to mention. I think if my science career completely failes, I should become a salesman. I sold my Miss Mazda for the same price I bought it for 8 months ago. BAM!
Publicerad 2014-05-07 23:58:19 i Allmänt,
Landed in a cold Brisbane after 9 days up in the tropical north. I know I'm well behind with the blog so I'll have to catch up over the happenings. So let's take it from the beginning.
Rented a hippie campervan for dads bday and booked a flight to Cairns. Sadly, there is no 'Jantelag' in Australia and people are frankly quite negative to campers on the road. We struggled a bit in the beginning but got over it quite quickly when we learned more about it. Flight was delayed and we only just managed to collect the van before closing. Drove north and eventuallt found a what we thought was a hidden road and crashed. The following morning we made a quick and not very long lasting trip up to Daintree, only to turn around and end up in Mossman George. And that's where things started to look good:
Early morning on our way up to Daintree
Walking in the Mossman rainforest
Lots of trees and palm treesactually do want to kill you in Australia. These little spikes are very posiones.
Mossman had a lot of stunning tree-formations.
More trees wants to kill you.
Swimming in the green water of Mossman George
No swimming on most places up north. It's either crocs or stingers.
Mossman was a great start to the trip. Could obviously post an album of pictures but this will have to to as a start!
Publicerad 2014-04-24 00:42:27 i Allmänt,
Swedish lessons are creating some results. One of my students has now completed his first Swedish cross-word, woho! Very proud teacher!
This week is a very normal week for me, despite having dad over for a visit. Loads of work and training so that I can take the next week off without feeling guilty.However its always nice to come home in the evening and cuddle with this creepy looking exorcist dog!
While writing this, Im watching this TED talk about how a new coloured wet suit may prevent shark attacks. Freakin cool stuff!
http://www.ted.com/talks/hamish_jolly_a_shark_deterrent_wetsuit_and_it_s_not_what_you_think?utm_campaign=&utm_content=awesm-bookmarklet&utm_medium=on.ted.com-facebook-share&awesm=on.ted.com_a09Rw&utm_source=direct-on.ted.com
Publicerad 2014-04-22 03:30:48 i Allmänt,
Det traditions enliga agget blev malat med tva farger av overstrykningspenna och en sharpie i ar. Pappa gav sig pa en abstrakt improvisation av en pask-hund, med Zelda som inspiration medans mitt agg uttrycker ett mer traditionellt pask motiv.
Publicerad 2014-04-21 01:08:54 i Allmänt,
Spent Wed-Fri down at Girraween. My third time visiting this beautiful piece of land. I love taking people there as the chance of spotting roos and wallabees are close to 100%, plus the landscape is like nothing else I have ever seen.
Little break on the way down..
Junction walk
On the top of Mount Norman
Wild roos :)
our house, secured with big rocks in the corners as the ground is too hard to put tent sticks in
dad's the one creating the clouds!
Secret spot on top of Underwater creek that an old man told us about
Tree practicing yoga?
On our way to conquer the steep incline to the pyramide
Group pic
Snack pause on the turtle rock with the sphinx in the background.
And thats my third time to Girraween, one of the coolest nationalparks Ive been to!
Publicerad 2014-04-19 06:50:59 i Allmänt,
Totally forgot to update after my second last race on Australian ground - The Luke Harrop memorial Triathlon. This race is, as the name suggests a memorial tri for a former champion triathlete, Luke Harrop, who tragically died as he got hit by a a stolen car driven by an unlicenced driver in 2002. It bring all triathletes in the QLD area together to remember his life and many of his friends are competing. It is really quite beautiful.
Meegan did the sprint race as she has been injured and smashed the swim to such extent she won her AG!
I had been suffering from my long-lasting flu basically until the day before the race and scored no medal this time. Even if I hadn't been sick though I wouldnt have as a few elite people decided to enter AG instead of their Pro category (not fair!). Anyway, I am superhappy with my time:
Swim (750m, although Garmin said 880) - 14.51min (10 out of 34)
Cycle (20km incl T1 and T2) - 38.25min (very windy!!) (5 out of 34)
Run (5km) - 22.04 (11 out of 34)
Total: 1.15.20 (7 out of 34)
Dad was there supporting the entire day. Altough he must have been standing on the wrong place for most of the race as the first time he managed to get a glimpse of me was when I was striding towards the finish line lol/ At least he got some practice in supporting (which he afterwards has admitted was not as an easy task as he expected) for the last and final race in Byron Bay in May.
The few days before easter weekend were spent in Girraween so a trip report will follow shortly.
Happy Easter everyone!
