Post-Sweden

We are all back to reality to our jobs and our normal lives. Our team is making the rounds to the clubs of District 5180 telling the tales of our adventures in Sweden, District 2350. We talk about our many vocational visits, historical & cultural visits, and the many good times spent with Rotarians and their families.
From this exchange, I have a deeper and more acute awareness of the many cultures of the world. My favorite part of the trip- spending time with the Rotary families and people of Sweden. I smile when I think back at the times sitting around the kitchen table with the families- talking, exchanging ideas, laughing, and having a good time. Of course there are differences in our cultures and ways of life, but I have come to the realization that people are just people, from whatever part of the world from which we come. I guess at some level I have always know this, but having this experience makes it real rather than just a concept. I am grateful for the experience and I thank you all of whom I have met on this wonderful journey. Cheers.

AND GREECE!!!

Just a few pictures to share the final experience. Yes, we had it pretty tough...take a look:

Here is our first hotel and beach on Mykonos, followed by a a rough ride up to the top of the island of Santorini via donkey and some shots of the type of scenery easily found from any angle on these two beautiful Greek islands.

Now back to unpacking the ridiculously "American" (or overpacked) amount of luggage from this trip...
Keep in touch if you can and looking forward to seeing you soon!

Cheers,
Christina

MORE PLACES AND PEOPLE...

UNPACKING THE MEMORIES

So I promised more pictures and here they are! After successfully traveling for a total time of 26 hours and then sleeping off any jet lag with a 14 hour slumber...I feel it is finally time to post the remaining pictures and see if anyone is actually still checking the blog!

As the last few weeks of our tripin Sweden seemed to speed up in events, presentations and visitations...I figured I would put a collage of some of the things we experienced that were maybe not included thus far. Can you recognize any of these places?

We traveled quite a bit...as the picture of my wonderful host in Stockholm Marianne's feet indicate! Marianne also introduced me to "stick walking" where one propels oneself forward with poles and greatly increases the workout and walking speed of any journey...this might be necessary for walks in Sacramento when one has to avoid cars, trains, and buses while treking through the city and subburbs in this ridiculous heat (now 37 degrees C!)

Cheers and hopefully we will see you soon!

Christina

HOME

We arrived safely back to our hometown of Sacramento. It was wonderful to see our loved ones. In the past six weeks, so many memorable events have occurred. In time and after some reflection, I think we will truly know how this Rotary GSE exchange has affected us.

Today, it was a little hard to say goodbye to my teammates. Of course we will see each other again, but not in the same way. We worked and saw each other every day for the past month, and I found that our voyage home was bittersweet as this chapter of our trip was ending. I go to sleep tonight surrounded by many images of our journey, which reminds me that I am thinking of you all. Good night.

DEDICATION

This blog is dedicated to ALL of those WONDERFUL INDIVIDUALS who kept in touch with, supported and enlightened our experience with their blog comments and posts. You have given us interesting your feedback, reflections and humor along this journey and we truly appreciate your time and comments. Whether you are aware of it or not you have contributed in a wonderful way, and we are GRATEFUL to have had such a response to our adventure. The following individuals have enriched and added to this already incredible experience...Thank you!!!

And The TOP BLOGGER Awards Go To...

• #1 In Posts: Duffer Don (Kelly Shiromizu's Dad-Surely Employed by Blogspot.com...)
  
• Closely followed by Kelly's Mom (Cindy Shiromizu), Kelly's Sister (Julie), and even Kelly's Grand mother (Farmor)!
• By Far the Most Informative Blog-Ron Pavellas (The Former American who now lives in Sweden)
• Slowest Learning Curve of How to Blog-Emily Cunnison (Christina Cunnison's sister-Also Best Idea for a Post Trip Friends & Family Nite!!!)
• Ultimate Blog King and Founder of OUR Blogspot.com experienc-Peter (If you don't know his last name you must have no idea what this site is all about!)
  
• Most Posts Dedicated to Improving Bob's Shopping Skills-Chris Alexander (Bob's Partner and President of East Sacramento Rotary.)
  
• Best Quote From a Former Host "It's Payback Time!" Describing his upcoming visit to Peter's home in Sac-Johan Oberg (Peter's host from Enkoping and our skilled 70's dance/ABBA singer/ coordinator from Enkoping)
  
• Most Difficulty in Posting to the Blog-Vanessa Real (also Most Persistent Blogger)

• Best Pictures with Men in Suits-Kelly Shiromizu
  
• Biggest Swedish American Supporter-Gabriella Lundqvist (one of two fantastic swedish language tutors! Tak so mycket Isabella and Gabriella!!!

• Most Evil Church Goer-Christina Cunnison

• Most Unlicensed Swimsuit Photos on Sweden's District 2350 website-Eddie Biemann (Nortalje Cordinator and Fierce Pirate Chauffeur..Har Har!!!) Also representing #1 Defeated Bowling Champs of Sweden!!! Hee Hee!

• Biggest Influence on Sweden's New Baseball Hat Fashion Trend-Bob Deering (Team Leader with the most unique Presidential tradition in Rotary)

THANK YOU AGAIN to all of our Bloggers, GSE Followers and Comment Posters!!!

We have truly more wonderful experiences than we know what to do with and will probably not fully realize the ultimate outcomes until much later especially after we return to "reality." After being transported and treated like "Rock Stars" in the words of the shared experience of Vandella-the Swedish team leader in Sac, it may be a difficult transition!

To our host families-

We truly have been touched by your hospitality. You have graciously welcomed us into your homes, shared your lives and stories with us and ultimately passed on something that will last a lifetime. This is much more powerful than any tangible item we could receive and the only way I see to return this favor is to "Pay it Forward" and give this to someone else in order to spread what you have spread to us. We hope to bring many good things back as a result of this trip and are looking forward to continuing these new relationships.

Till Alt-Tak So Mycket! Vi Ses Snart!!! (To All-Thank You So Much! See You Soon!)

Christina Cunnison
Stay Tuned...More Pics Coming Soon!!!