december in california

i'm finally back at home in california, getting everything in order and counting down to my departure to sweden on january 26th. amongst the most recent of my ongoing travel preparations was the removal of my four wisdom teeth yesterday, which was necessary but inconvenient, to say the least. solid foods are my friends and i miss them! still, it's going to be worth not having toothaches on the road, far away from home.

here's some updates on my intinerary and various things i've got together for the trip so far:

1.) depart: friday, january 26th, 2007: san francisco international: one way
arrive: saturday, january 27th: stockholm-arlanda, sweden - spend night in stockholm

2.) jan. 28th: overnight Connex Norrlandståget train to Gallivare, sweden
jan 29th: arrive in Gallivare and head to my accomodations in Porjus, sweden, approx. 60 km north of the Arctic Circle
jan 29th/30th - feb. 4th : attend the 402nd annual Sami Historical/Winter Market in Jokkmokk

3.) things to look forward to at the market in no particular order

+taxidermy championships
+films in Sami and in English about everything from constructing the northern railways to historical films about shamans/bear cults, the market tradition, and yoiks (trad. Sami singing)
+ high mass in Sami on sunday
+tons of dancing - "folkmusic in the barn" and "disco"
+textiles, arts, crafts, food
+everything!!!

for more info about the market, visit here.

....looks like i'm going to have to continue this post later, as my achy teeth implore me to go to bed this minute. more updates very very soon!