An Impossible Task

How am I supposed to orchestrate a perfect final day to fittingly bookend the best trip of my life? What could I possibly do to make sure that I have the "best day yet" in order to ensure I leave with the best possible taste in my mouth? What happens if I can't do it? Does it sully the experience as a whole?

Well, I didn't have the perfect day, but I'm honestly alright with it. Because this morning, I was able to, once again, have an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience.

After waking up late this morning with a headache induced by what can only be described as a "Jager Marathon", I took a little time to get acclimated to the day. After a shower, some tea, a handful of Tylenol and some DMB, I was good to go. So Lauren, Kim and myself headed out to explore Copenhagen for a bit before lunch.

(MORE TO COME)

A Roller Coaster Ride From Sweden to Denmark

This morning I woke up know that in a few short hours, I would be on a plane to Copenhagen, Denmark. From what I have heard from friends and acquaintances, I was going to be in the best city in all of Europe by days end. You'd think I would be ecstatic, right? Then why the hell could I not stop wishing I was on my way back to Chicago...?

Yesterday was far and away one of the best days of my life. In fact, it was an absolutely perfect way to end my  journey here in Scandinavia, and it seemed only right to be on my way home. Consequently, I was less than thrilled when our plane touched down in Copenhagen. I guess the big guy upstairs wasn't listening.

But things started looking up almost immediately after getting off the plane.

Why thank you!

However, they quickly started nosediving once again. After confusion at the airport, we lugged our heavy baggage to the train. After confusion on the train, we lugged our heavy baggage to our hotel (a 15 minute walk). As it turned out, we were at the wrong hotel. So after the confusion at the hotel, we lugged our heavy baggage back to the train (another 15 minute walk). After arriving at the correct stop, we got off at the central station downtown Copenhagen. As you might guess, confusion ensued. After resolving that, we lugged our heavy baggage to our hotel. However, on the way we got lost, and again, confusion ensued.        

The Copenhagen Central Station in our state of confu

Luckily (eventually) we all arrived safely at our destination, tired frustrated.

Hooray for Copenhagen!

Needless to say, everyone was in pretty desperate need for a pick-me-up. What better way is there than 10kr. shots of Jager? None apparently!

Needless to say, the night's mood increased dramatically. Everyone ended up having an amazing time. The highlight of the evening was definitely when I coerced the bartender into playing some DMB.

Jager.

DMB.

Friends.

Total Bro-out in Copenhagen. Definitely a highlight of the trip.

More adventures in this beautiful city tomorrow1

Are we really done?

I guess so! At least that's what everyone is telling me. Fortunately, this has been an absolutely incredible day, and a perfect way to close out my time here in Sweden

To start the day, it was back to the old grindstone. The freezing f***ing cold grindstone. Today was a frigid nightmare, but that didn't stop us from trekking around the city! This morning was our visit to Wireless Car, a Volvo subsidiary, housed in a beautiful facility on a neighboring island (just a short ferry ride away).

(PICS COMING)

We were again treated with such hospitality, I feel like I'm getting too used to it! I must say, after todays presentation regarding all the technological (r)evolutions going on in the luxury car game, I've been given just one more piece of motivation to go succeed. I want one of those toys!

Lucky for us, Professor Shields gave us the entire afternoon off to enjoy our last day in Gothenburg. After going to get lunch with the group, I embarked on my lone wolf Swedish adventure. It was the most surreal experience.

I really wish I could tell you all about it, but it's kind of a secret. For now. (That's right Joanna)

In due time, I will flesh it out in it's entirety with details, pictures, and insight. Until then, just wait patiently on the edge of your seat. (That's right Joanna)

Finally, a break in the trend...

This trip has been amazing. So amazing, in fact, that I swear, each and every day we're here is "the best day yet!" Well, not today...Not to say that it was bad! It was just a little bit on the bland side, but hey, everyone needs a down day once in a while right? Especially people who have been wearing themselves down as much as I have.

For a few days now, the trip has been officially winding down to a close, but it didn't really hit me until today. What a bitter-sweet feeling. Don't get me wrong, I am so excited to get home to see my family, my friends and my lovely girlfriend. Especially the latter. But this really has been an amazing trip, and I'm not quite ready to see it go. Can't they all just come here?

Sorry, I'll stop complaining.

On a positive note, I had a great afternoon running around the city with Holmes. We hopped around to a few stores running errands, and I got a chance to return a(n admittedly) stupid purchase. Right before we caught a train home, we decided to stop in at an absolutely beautiful Celtic cathedral.

Oh, and you wanna hear something awesome? Tonight was the last night in Sweden where we have had to feed ourselves on our own dollar. Tonight was also the first night Matt and I realized we could cook our own food in the Hostel kitchen. Huh, I wonder if that would've saved me a few bucks over the last week?

Goddammit.

How Could I Forget About the Robots?

That's when you know you've had a big day. This morning was our second visit to ABB robotics, and today, we got a full demonstration of some of the hardware. It really was amazing.

Sorry for the low quality, but my Carthage email account doesn't allow me to email high quality video (the file is too big). Nevertheless, you get the idea of how these things work. Blue collar workers, meet your new co-workers!

Oh, and I also managed to snap a few more pictures of their facility without security seeing me. It really is a beautiful place.

Don Draper of the New Millennium

That's the picture I had in my head. When I officially declared marketing as my major, this is what I imagined my ultimate success would be like. For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, Mr. Draper is a brilliant and successful ad agency executive from the TV show Mad Men.

This guy. Yeah, he's as awesome as he looks.

Well, I feel as of today, I no longer have to look to a  fictional man to see exactly where I want to go in my career. Instead, I have become inspired by another man: Erik Ekholm. He is the founder and CEO of the advertising firm Skapa. Thanks to Professor Shields, we were lucky enough to be able to pay their office a visit. From the moment I walked through the door, I was nothing but impressed.

Don't act like you're not impressed

 From the vibe of the office, the demeanor of the employees, the hospitality and the poise, to the AWESOME presentation and thoroughly impressive organizational structure, I knew that this was the endgame. This is where I wanted my career to go. This fact was established even more concretely following a post-presentation conversation with Eirk. He imparted on me some of parting words of wisdom for my future career - much appreciated and definitely taken to heart.

The other highlight of my day was my evening out - The Nefertiti Jazz Club

This place was incredible. We saw two bands, the most impressive of which was the Ocean Brass Band (pictured above). Each and every member was so talented, I really was blown away. Matt, Lauren and Max and I all enjoyed it so much. This was definitely one of my favorite things throughout the entire trip.

Jazz and Martinis. Talk about a classy night.

Wash Out This Tired Notion That the Best is Yet to Come

This was my epiphany.

As I stood on the upper-deck of a fairy late this afternoon, something happened as I leaned against the railing, looking out over the water. The funny thing is, I didn't realize it right away.

As the sun began to fall towards the horizon, the boat continued to cruise along to an island off the coast of the city. It was a beautiful day, though the air was almost too cold for comfort, and the wind stung just a bit. But it didn't matter to me - my head was somewhere else...

Having just turned 21, I can't really kid myself anymore about these delusions that somehow I'm still a kid. It's a transition that I have struggled with for years, but lately it has really been wearing at me. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that I'm such a strong believer in the whole "Carpe Diem" philosophy. The problem with that lies in the fact that though I want to adhere to it so dearly, I day-in and day-out struggle with the ability to really live for the day at hand. But not today...

Around I looked, taking in what is easily among the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen. This was one of those times where you feel that God's paintbrush stroked in just the right way. As I marveled at the beauty, I found that I began to softly sing a song to myself - Pig by David J Matthews - and for this time, I left myself. For the first time in my life, I truly forgot all that was ahead of me and all that was behind me; All my hopes and all my worries.

All that was left was me, this moment, this view, and those immortal words softly echoing in my head:

Isn't it strange?

How we move our lives for another day

Like skipping a beat

What if a great wave should wash us all away

Just thinking out loud

I don't mean to dwell on this dying thing

But looking at blood

It's alive right now deep and sweet within

Pouring through our veins

Intoxicate moving wine to tears

Drinking it deep

Then an evening spent dancing it's you and me

This love will open our eyes

From the dark side we can see the glow of something bright

There's much more than we see here

Don't burn the day away

Don't burn the day

Don't burn the day away

Is this not enough?

This blessed sip of life is it not enough?

Staring down at the ground

Oh, then complain and pray for more from above

You greedy little pig

Stop, just watch your world trickle away

Oh, it's your problem now

It'll all be dead and gone in a few short years

Just love will open our eyes

Just love will put the hope back in our minds

Much more than we could ever know

Oh, so don't burn the day away

Don't burn the day away

Oh, come sisters, my brothers,

Shake up your bones, shake up your feet

I'm saying, open up and let the rain come pouring in

Wash out this tired notion that the best is yet to come

But oh, while you're dancing on the ground

Don't think of when you're gone

Love, love, love

What more is there?

Cause we need the light of love in here

Don't beat your head, dry your eyes, let the love in there

There's bad times but that's okay

Just look for love in there

And don't burn the day away

Look, here are we

On this starry night staring into space

And I must say, I feel as small as dust lying down here

What point could there be troubling

Head down, wondering, "what will become of me?"

Why concern? We cannot see, but no reason to abandon it

The time is short, Time, that's alright

Maybe I'll go our in the middle of the night

Take your hands from your eyes my love

All good things must come to an end sometime

But don't burn the day away

Don't burn the day away

Come sisters, my brothers

Shake up your bones, shake up your feet

I'm saying, open up and let the rain come flooding in

Wash out this tired notion that the best is yet to come

But, oh, while you're dancing on the ground

Don't think of when you're gone

Love, love, love

What more is there?

Cause we need the light of love in here

Don't beat your head, dry your eyes, let the love in here

The bad times, well that's okay

Just let the love in here

Just let the love in here

Oh love, light up

This is the start of something new.

Weekends in Sweden > Weekends EVERYWHERE

Absolutely no doubt about it. Last night was - hands down - one of the wildest nights I've ever had. After hitting up a couple of bars downtown with the group, Lauren and I split off and headed over to a local Karaoke bar to hang out with some grad students from the University of Gothenburg. After having a few beers and taking a few shots the students, we headed down to the Avenue to a club called Park Lane that some of the guys were telling us about.

Ho. Ly. Shit.

Need I say more?

Well, I will anyways. This place was CRAZY. The 25 minute wait, having Lauren's Debit Card lifted from my pocket, and the expensive drinks were all totally worth it. Needless to say, we were having too much fun to come home any time before 5:30...

So I slept till 1:30! At 3:00, we all headed over to a hockey game at the Scandanavium. I couldn't even remember the last time I had been to a hockey game, so I thoroughly enjoyed it.

After the game we headed across the street to a really nice Italian restaurant where I got some incredible lobster and crab ravioli, half lobster, and clams.

Any sane person would think that after all this today, it's time to unwind and go to bed....

Well then! Back to Park Lane for the night...you only live once right?

The Real Side of Sweden

Finally, today broke the trend of tourism. Thanks to a couple of lovely young ladies from the University of Gothenburg, I

A Brighter Day?

YES! Literally! After a straight week of clouds, rain, snow, and heavy fog, the sun finally decided to kick it's lazy ass into gear. Unfortunately, I was stuck indoors all day...

...in three hours of conferences about shipping in the Arctic. Yes, it was just as exciting as it sounds. Don't get me wrong, I sincerely appreciated the fact that the school allowed us to attend a $500.00 conference free of charge, but it didn't help the fact that I have absolutely no way of putting the information to use. Oh well, maybe it will make for good small talk with some poor soul.

On the bright side (no pun intended), I got to spend a little bit of time running around outside catching trains and buses from the University to ASCOM, our second destination of the day. The sun put me in a tourist-y mood, so I decided to snap a ton of pictures.

Its amazing how much the sun can make the city so much more beautiful.

ASCOM was a fantastic opportunity to get to know an amazing organization. In fact, I can easily say that this was far and away the best company visit we have had yet. That says a lot, considering the other places we have visited thus far.

After ASCOM, we headed over to the docks for some AMAZING dinner...cooked by us! One of professor Shield's friends generously set us up with the opportunity to cook with some incredible chefs - a four course meal. Just to give a good idea of the caliber of this place, both the Queen and the PM of the country have done the same thing! What a way to end a day.

A Bright Future?

What happened to Blade Runner? What happened to Terminator? Remember, those movies where the future is a dirty mess? Dirty crowds of dirty people? Dirty garbage? Dirty air? I thought the future was supposed to be bleak! At least, that's what every sci-fi movie since 1982 has taught me...

Apparently, that's not quite right. At least, that's what we learned today when visiting ABB Robotics. During an awesomely educational presentation from an awesome and educated business executive, we learned that we (as humans) are on the cusp of something HUGE. According to the experts in the technology field, in a period of time, our world is going to experience something of an industrial revolution. That is, a revolution that will improve human quality of life across the globe as drastically as when we experienced the first industrial revolution. Well shit...isn't that a relief! I've always been skeptical about what drastic technological advancements could do do society, but I know am optimistic (with only a hint of caution) about what's to come. 

By the way, the facility ABB operates out of is incredible. I managed to snap a few pictures before security yelled at us. 

Afterwards, we made our way back over to the University to sit in on some pretty awesome lectures that covered, maritime shipping, global hotspots, somali pirates, and China. Making me even more scared of China.

Oh yeah, and we saw a riot! There was this huge protest going on against deporting Iraqis and Afghanis back to their home countries. Crazy shit!

Is This What it Feels Like to be a Grown-up?

It sure as hell feels like it! What a busy day...

First off, I thought I remembered what it was like to be a freshman with 8:00am classes. I guess I was wrong, because 8:00 never felt so early!

Today was the first day of our company visit tour here in Gothenburg. The first stop of the day was Auto Adapt. I can honestly, and regrettably, say that of all the organizations on our list to visit, this was the one I was least looking forward to...boy was I wrong. From the moment of our arrival to the time we stepped on the bus to leave, I was nothing short of absolutely impressed by every stretch of the imagination. From the organizational culture, the setup and demeanor of the warehouse and its workers, the beyond-awesome, overtly-educational, strictly-professional presentation (given by the owner and CEO), to the incredible on-the-house lunch given at the end of the session, I was floored. My father has always tried to instill the benefits and merit of owning and running your own business, and I can, with complete confidence, say that if I ever earn myself the opportunity to do so, I hope to be able to put together an organization half as well as the esteemed individuals at Auto Adapt have.

(COOL PICS AND VIDEOS THAT WON'T SEND! THIS INTERNET SUCKS, WILL COME TOMORROW)

Our second stop of the tour was Volvo...talk about the big time.

I felt so privileged to even have been sitting in the building I sitting in, listening to the accomplished business executive teach me about what it means to succeed in the business world. Can I just start my business now? I swear I'm ready!

However, if I learned anything today, it's one single fact: CHINA IS SCARY!
Just ask the fine employees at Volvo.

Lastly, what kind of grown-up would I be if I couldn't throw back a couple of cold ones at the local bar with a few of my colleagues?

(COOL PICS AND VIDEOS THAT WON'T SEND! THIS INTERNET SUCKS, WILL COME TOMORROW)

A Moment of Clarity

It came to me today while visiting the University of Gothenburg.

As I sat in a boardroom on campus overlooking the city, I came to a realization that hit me in a peculiar, albeit awesome, way. Over the last few hours, I had been privileged with the opportunity to hear both presentations and dialog from, with, and between esteemed professors from Korea, Germany, Sweden, and the U.S. Each of these men spoke with great knowledge and experience about marketing, business and everything in between. However, the kicker was that each of them spoke to us in a single, universal language: English. It blew my mind that though there are significant cultural barriers throughout the world, we all come together in a universal manner for the sake of academia and commerce. Its something that I always knew occurred, but on an entirely passive level. To be in the middle of such an exchange was really a special experience.

At the same time, I cannot express how awesome it was to feel as if the experience today was tailor-made to my liking. Due to the fact that I have a great interest in business and marketing, I found myself riveted by the material being presented hour after hour, presentation after presentation. It provided me with a feeling that I have been waiting for since coming to college: assuredness. After three major-changes, I know feel absolutely confident in my decision to pursue this line of work.

I very much look forward to further lecture taking place later this week at the University, and again, feel so privileged to be given the opportunity.

Tour de Gothenburg...to the Ghetto and Back

I recovered! Unfortunately, it required me to sleep in until after four in the afternoon...nothing like waking up to a night sky, right? Fortunately, Connor (who also slept in) and I made the most of our Sunday and had quite the adventure.

After catching a train down the street from our hostile, we quickly realized we had no idea where the hell anything was. So, we took our chances and rolled the dice, getting off at a random stop. It just so happened to be a short walk to the University of Gothenburg, so we decided to explore a bit. We decided to check out one of their libraries, which could not have been more different than ours back in Kenosha.

Chandeliers and a Mural? Just a bit classier than Wisconsin.

After that, we wandered for a bit and met some locals. As it turns out, Sweden and America have a lot more in common than I thought! When inquiring about Swedish restaurants to experience Swedish culture, we were told 

"Sweden has no culture! We just take it from everyone else." - Priceless

After a bit of exploring down the Avenue, we found a perfect pub, the Gimle Port. I cannot speak highly enough about it. The food - fantastic. The beer - fantastic. The atmosphere - fantastic. Plus, the Bears - Seahawks game was on! I couldn't believe it! 

Hands down the best fish & chips I've ever had

After dinner, we kicked it there for a while with a few pints and some good old American Football before heading down the street to an awesome cafe for a latte.

Then things got interesting, to say the least. Connor and I got beyond lost. It's pretty clear that the Gothenburg train system is not our friend. We ended up riding the train all around the city, into the ghetto, to the end of the train route, and all the way back. In fact, we were on the train so long, we ended up running into our bartender/waiter after he got off of his shift at the pub!

Anyways, we finally made our way back, feeling very accomplished that we conquered our own stupidity. Hooray us.

The Storm

Tequila. I'm going back to bed. What a night.

The stomping grounds

The Calm Before the Storm

This morning was rough.

There were some pretty rough looking Carthage students this morning in the cafeteria for breakfast (which if I may say is nothing close to a good old American breakfast). Last night was pretty wild. Bar-hopping. Shots. Beer. Meeting locals. Shots. Beer. Yup, sounds like a good night to me!

(Oh yeah, and I sent a very drunk Matt Holmes into the ladies bathroom. Yeah, it was just as funny as it sounds)

After a very light breakfast, everyone showered up and got on what is probably the nicest bus I've ever been in (leather seats anyone?) for a tour of the city. Though it was a little on the long side, it was awesome to get better acclimated with Gothenburg. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so i'll let them do the talking.

(Pics to come)

After the tour, a few of us, including myself, took a much needed nap before we all headed out to an awesome dinner.

A salmon fillet later, and we're all back at the hostile to prep for the night out. We're headed to the Avenue for some clubbing, so we'll see what the night brings!

Oh yeah, it's my 21st tonight....uh oh.

Planes, Legal Drinking, and Icing Bros

We're finally here!

After a long day (night? this time change is already throwing me off) of traveling, we have arrived at our hostile in Goteborg, Sweden. Thankfully, the jet lag isn't hitting my system too hard because I was able to get a solid 7 and a half hours of sleep on the plane (thanks to a couple of my generous classmates who drugged me up for the flight).

 When we landed in Copenhagen, we were greeted by foggy, dreary weather and a pretty awesome airport. The terminal was home to bars, grocery stores, high end retail stores, and even a Ferrari and a Porche. Connor and I decided to look around a bit - stopped in at Burberry, Gucci, Ralph Lauren and Hugo Boss. Everything was incredibly expensive, though granted, we were in an airport.

After puddle-jumping it over to Sweden, Connor and I got off the plane and he bought our first round - LEGALLY! (Photo courtesy of the bartender)

We then headed down to baggage claim, Smirnoff Ice in hand to christen the trip. Congratulations Matt Holmes! You couldn't even make it out of the airport before  getting Iced.

After a short cab ride to the hostile, we got our (tiny) room, unpacked, and are now on our way to dinner with the group. After that, we'll see what the night brings!

Cheers!

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