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October 22, 2004
Karma
It's not even noon, and this might just rank as my best day in Sweden. That's right, I found a new apartment! But let me start at the beginning. Jess was supposed to accompany me this morning, but overslept. So I went by myself, taking the bus to Centrum and then walking a couple blocks to the address where I was going to meet the landlord.
From Centrum, I walked towards the main square (where the farmers market is held on Saturdays). The sun was shining for the first time in days, and it glinted off the wet cobblestones and fallen leaves. It was a lovely morning to be out, with crisp air, little traffic, and the knowledge that the coffeeshop would be serving me a soy hazelnut latte in a few minutes.
Continuing past the square, I walked through the Admiralitetstorget (a beautiful park with an old church at one end), crossed the street, and walked toward the water. I quickly identified the apartment, with its red brick facade and its blue balconies. The landlord was waiting for me at the entrance, and took me up to the third floor, where he showed me a cheerful, sunny 2 room apartment. While there is a living room and a bedroom, we'll just use both as bedrooms. In addition, there is a balcony, kitchen, entryway, huge closet, and bathroom. The entire place is nearly new, and it is a great improvement over the other places we looked at. There is free laundry in the basement, as well as a bike storage room where we can safely lock up our bikes at night. There is a full complement of recylcing bins, including compost, so we won't have to drag our trash out to a common disposal site.
The landlord was very nice, and quite shy about his English. He noted that the neighbors are really nice, and there is a retired lady living directly above the vacant apartment. He will help us set up the electricity (which is not included) and can help us with the internet connection. I assured him we wouldn't be having loud parties, and he seemed pleased to let us have the place. He also confirmed that we could probably drop some stuff off on October 31st, to help ease the moving rush.
Although I hadn't talked to Jess yet, I was sure this was the place for me. I told the landlord that I would check with my roommate and call him back this afternoon. I walked out the front door, noticing the Baltic Sea just a block away to my left, and the old Admiralitet church one block to my right. I meandered around for a bit, noting that there is picnic seating near the water, and lots of places to sit in the park. In fact, it is the perfect place.
But wait! To be really perfect, wouldn't I need a contingent of muscular, uniformed men nearby?
Did I forget to mention that the Swedish Navy is located directly across the street from the apartment? In fact, I look directly out at the barracks from my balcony...yes, it truly is perfect.
After reveling in my good luck, I walked back to the Wayne's Coffee (a mere 5 minute walk!) and had a latte and scone. I sat in the back, making a list of the furniture I'll need to buy for the new apartment (it's not furnished) and doing a bit of studying for my exam next week. After enjoying a surge of caffeine (mingeld with new-apartment adrenaline), I bundled up again and set off for campus.
Rather than taking the bus, I decided to walk--not needing to be there until the afternoon. On the way, I looked in the windows of a couple second-hand stores, noting with delight that they have a good selection of stuff I need. The main one isn't open today, but I'll go tomorrow and reserve the items I'll need, and arrange to have them delivered on November 1. Hurrah!
I arrived and campus and quickly confirmed with Jess that we would take the place. She agreed and I called back the landlord--who turned out not to be the 'real' landlord, but an assistant. So we have the apartment reserved, but won't sign the paperwork until the head honcho comes back from his vacation in France on Monday. Until then, there's nothing to do but wait, buy some new furniture, and gloat over my good fortune!
Oh, and finish my group project, of course. I'm meeting with Renaud in a couple hours to go over our section of the report. With any luck, we can get it done quickly and I can get back home. There is a LOT of cleaning that needs to be done.
