The Life of James

All is well in the cold north. Although for a while there it wasn't all that cold as we had several days of +degree-weather. While that's fine at the time; surfing around in slush is actually really fun on a snowboard but when it cools down again and without any fresh snow, you are left with acres of ice-rink that isn't much fun for anyone. Ouch.

Work is good. Life is good... of course I wouldn't be James without my share of misfortune: but thus far it has been kept to minor hand injuries, pulled back muscles, rapidly-passing fevers and awkward infections. I still manage to soldier on.

Partying is becoming less often but nonetheless still alive and kicking. What better way to spend your pre-drinks than getting drunk and seeing how many people you can fit into a two-person sauna? According to the above picture the answer seems to be eight. Not a bad effort I must say. I bet you're all loving the ratio as well. Classy.

What would a trip to Sweden be without some seriously biker-esque rock and roll? I seemed to have yet another reason to stand out not knowing who Mustache was at the start of the night but after surviving the chaos of the mosh-pit and the epic power of their beards I was soon one with the crowd.

Friday night we had a 75-year party: Swedes love to add up everyone having a birthday and 3 people celebrating their 25th.... well you can fill in the rest. I found myself playing host to an Australian kid (18) who had lessons with the ski school and got dragged out for some partying. Encouraging people to speak a bit of English was actually hard to do but it was good hear a thick Aussie accent from the Northern Beaches. Comforting in a way. Apparently the police were called out to the house but clearly I didn't notice as it was something I heard about the next day. Two of the supervisors from work showed up to give their best; always nice to cheers with the bosses.

Tuesday night is the first staff party; pulkas (bum sleds) food and drinks... Sounds like heaven as long as you're not antibiotic-ing it up? Ah to be James.