Double feelings at goodbye parties

Hej Hej,

Writing this, I am thinking back of all the memories that have been made the last 5 months with people that were strangers in the beginning, but now I can call many of them friends. The first semester in Sweden I did things I never imagined doing in my life, but still I believe that people make the place at the end. The middle of August I came in Sweden, had to wait 4 hours at the pick-up service with Sara because they were having a fika and then they finally brought me to Räslätt, my new house. The first night already started legendary with a beer pong at my place with Gabriele, Alex and Jade, which I can still call my friends. And now, 5 months later, -30 degrees later and countless memories and friends later I can say this experience gave me life-time experiences. The good thing of this story is that I am only half-way and that I can enjoy this whole experience again, even though it will be different. And yes, it will be different, because many of my great friends are leaving now or have left. However, they will for always be remembered, because pictures have been made and in my heart there is a special place for them. I decided to dedicate this blog therefore for my exchange friends that are leaving now. At the end of this blog I gave these people the chance to write something on my blog as a memory that can’t be forgotten because of the alcohol.

Actually I also wanted to write something about the last few weeks in Jönköping, but as I was super busy with all the goodbye parties and also keeping my head above water for my studies, I didn’t keep on track with the activities done. However, the last weeks were hard for many people, I like to believe that they are so hard, because the times were so amazing and if they were not that hard, something would have been wrong. Besides all the goodbye parties, there was a final Räslätt party in Sockertoppen, another ice hockey game with Kyle (Canada), Maurits (Netherlands) and Gabriele (Italy), an IKEA brunch with Kristina (Slovakia), Ilona (France), Marcelo (Mexico), Tasha (America), Dany (Mexico), Gabriele and Kyle, Sinterklaas & Zwarte Piet surprises with Gabriele, my first ever Marathon Monday with Gabriele and Maurits, who tried, screaming of Maria Jose’s balcony the Spanish way and also a final Christmas dinner at Sockertoppen with my new family (together with my new family Kyle and Ana (Spain)).

The last week I have spent with my family. Monday morning at 11 o’clock I saw some familiar faces walking around, looking lost, in Räslätt. The week started in Jönköping where we had the biggest city tour possible in Jönköping for one hour, included was the number 1 tourist attraction The “Tandsticksmuseet”. Because we had two days planned in Jönköping, we decided to do a husky tour nearby Jönköping. My expectations of this husky tour were really bad, because the dogs did not look like husky dogs and also because there was no snow. However, this experience was awesome, so if you see me next time riding a husky instead of a bicycle it is my new pet I took.

After this 2 days in the big city called Jönköping, we went to an even bigger city, yes it’s possible. In Stockholm we spent around 5 days. These 5 days were full of fun with museums like the Army museum, the Vasa museum, the ABBA museum, the Nobel museum, the Palace and Skansen. Also did we do a lot of fika and did we have two tours of which one was a ghost tour throughout the city. In order to get the full experience we went to the ice bar and to an ice skating match. At the end we got rewarded with after-Christmas-snow. For more insights in this you can take a look at the photos on Facebook I made in the rare free time.

Now it is time to go back to Holland or The Netherlands, however you want to call it, to spend some quality time with my family and friends and also to give this experience a rest so that I can realize the good times I had and replenish my energy for the second part of my life in Jönköping.

Proof that I can stay at their places, memories described, but most of all quotes of people I can call my friends:

Kyle Patrick Hennessey, mostly known by the name “banana” and his “I don’t care attitude” of which I learned a lot:

Well Kevin, we have been through some crazy times together bud. I don't even know where to begin. We have had amazing times in aka. Everytime I missed the bus you were always there to get a cab with me. This led to me sleeping on your couch in a banana costume which led to you starring in mine and Ana's Happy Banana casino commercial and us starting a family together!

I also remember having a 4 person after party at your place after AKA (me, you, Chris and Alfredo.) we ended up getting security called on us.... It was well worth the fine though ;)
We even got the cab together during my last AKA and had scrambled eggs and my place at 4 in the morning.
Then there were the awesome trips we have taken together. Norway and the Sea Battle! The karaoke night in Bergen with Roy, Fredrik, Jenni, Gabriele, you and me was incredible. Some guy started screaming at us in Norwegian for drinking out of a flask together in the bathroom. He should've joined us.... That shit is expensive in Norway...
The sea battle was absolutely incredible. It’s just too bad I can't remember much of it!
And one of our last nights in Jonkoping turned out to be amazing too. You got kicked out of klub Enkelt, which led us to go to the Grand Royal! I ended up winning again playing blackjack and I'm not really sure what happened afterwards.
Cheers mate, it's been an amazing few months. Keep the party spirit alive next semester! ;) :)

Tasha Anderson, my crazy American beer pong partner and kick-off partner:

I was terrified to come to sweden at first. I didn't know anybody, I was a total introvert before I left home, and I had no idea what to expect. We were placed in kickoff groups on the first day and I quickly figured out that these people would essentially become my family away from home. I am so happy that I had you in my kickoff group, you helped me to come out of my shell and relax. Every time we were both at some kind of party or event I had a great time because you are so much fun to be around. You helped me learn that I shouldnt take everything so seriously and I am so lucky that I had you as a friend. Even though I was a terrible beer pong partner and I have given Americans a bad name for everyone who had to witness me play.

Ronnie Forcier, organisor of the best Beer Olympics I have ever played:

Kevin I'll always remember when we met on the stellar Norway trip. Especially in Bergen at the top of the mountain with you and Gabriele. I've had so much fun with you man, it would be impossible to recollect every time. I'll always remember the nights at AKA where we would dance the night away, the times in Sockertoppen trying to play table soccer, the parties at Råslatt where you had your priorities in order, and the Norway Trip. You climbed that glacier like a hero. I'll always be here waiting for a party with you in USA. You can come visit me and hang out in the beach or party together like we always talked about. I'll miss you much and you will always have a place in Florida.
See you soon, and take care. Ronnie

Ana Palomo, Spanish girl, perfect in making fun of and fun with:

Kevingg! It is impossible to describe with words these amazing four months. I will never forget all the crazy moments that we have lived in Raslatt. The horror video with the sound of the knife, the words ended in -GG, the object to cut cheese, shouting at my window... All of them were awesome and unforgettable! Thanks for being part of this experience. Please, never change. Be as crazy as you are, because it is the best way to be happy.
See u soon KevinG! A huge hug from Spain

Maria José, dream team with Ana, once I get in Murcia we will throw paper airplanes and drink cheap alcohol for once:

“For Kevinggg I’ll never forget you! ;) I love you

Maurits van der Wal, great movie maker; can even let Feyenoord win in his movies:

“Hey Kevin, you are one of the best people I have ever met man! I love you dutchness man. We have done so much drinking together, it is crazy. We have had some of the best parties. The fun thing was you never made it to the last bus. I have won so many bets just by saying you would not make it. Sometimes I wondered how you are still alive, but then again you always find your way out of a bad situation. I will never forget the awesome moments in Aka, Copenhagen, Enkelt and Sockertoppen that we had. Now let’s go to Systembolaget and buy some beers!

Bernarda Minov Petkov, Slovenian girl that was at every party with me and even though I got to know her much better in the end, we made memories for life:

Kevin… Well, during the exchange we got into a small fight, but that is not what I am going to remember you for afterwards. I am going to remember you as the craziest person I have know there. You were partying constantly even though you knew you should probably not, but that what makes Kevin Kevin. So if you wanted to party and you had no one to join you, you just called Kevin.

Alec Burnap, also called mr. Olympics, with him you can’t lose in life:

The morning of Arla was our moment together. Sneaking past the trucks. Hopping over the “stoek”. And hauling off with the freshest milk of all time. It was legendary and one of my fondest experiences in Sweden. I am gonna miss you bro. Keep in touch!

Sofie Hendrickx, typical Belgium girl with a lot of fun, but at the end she has to admit Heineken is the best:

"Amai, It is hard to describe my Erasmus experience here in Sweden because it goes beyond words. But just to give a poor expression, it was unbelievable, incredible and a once in a lifetime experience which I will cherish for the rest of my life!"

Nicoletta Ruggiero, Italian girl who knows the deal of making Italian food and I will definitely visit when I come to Siena:

Buon Natale a tutti i miei amici nel mondo... To all my friends in the world especially to my Great Jönköping family!!! To my Jonkoping Family,
In these four months I met some special people and many of them have remained in my mind as friends! Together we organized a lot of parties where I as Italian girl I did not ever miss to bring the tasty “bruschetta”.
So I can say that Family isn't always blood, it's the people in your life who want you in theirs, the ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who care for you and would do anything to see you smile.
I'm sure each of us has good memories of these past months in Jonkoping, there have been many adventures especially with the citizens of Raslatt, that I greet with particular affection.
When you are going to plan a trip to Italy call me, you will be welcome.
Before I leave I would like to make an appeal.
My appeal is: SEE YOU ALL IN JONKOPING THE THIRD WEEK OF AUGUST IN 2020.

Vera Lukkezen, most happy girl I have ever met, everyone could tell you had an amazing time in Jönköping:

Kevin, bedankt voor al je gekkigheid en spontaniteit en samen met Gabriele was je toch wel het mooiste zwarte piet en sinterklaas koppel!

Ana Lucera Serna, typical Mexican, always friendly, besides the time she makes you eat spicy food:

My dearest Kevin, I still remember when I met you. It was maybe the second or third day I arrived in Jönköping. The girls and I were having a nice picnic outside our buildings and then you arrived with your big smile, saying hi to everyone and then just lying on the grass telling us how you got locked out your room. I’m glad we became friends so early. I’ll always treasure all my memories with you. Like the time when we went to Norway, or when you came to our place in the food safari to eat Mexican nachos. Every time you made us laugh with your crazy stories and your crazy sense of humor. You are so fun to be around. Your pre-parties where great, but I’m sorry we always got you in trouble with security (or more like with the cranky person that always called them). Thank you for being who you are, for being such a good friend and for everything else. Know that you have a home in Mexico. I really hope to see you one day, because such a funny, loving and crazy Dutch is hard to find.

Rox Sarabia, another typical Mexican girl I will visit when I come to Mexico or more specifically to Cancun:

To the most memorable, amazing and exciting time of my life! Jönköping will always stay in my heart!

Mariangela Mtz, Mexicano that likes to party and is always fun to hang around with:

Kevin, the craziest Dutch I've ever met. Too many memories that I don't know where to begin! All those crazy and funny experiences that we share and that I'll never forget, the ESN battle and all the Aka nights are only few of all the amazing moments in our exchange. I'll never forget the night after the last Aka, when we met you in your building at 4 am and you were just making fun of Dany and me hahah, thank you for helping us though. Or the random night when you and Gabrielle convinced Lisa and me of going out instead of just chilling in Råslatt. Thank you for teaching me that life is about having fun and making friends, but most importantly about being yourself without being afraid of what others might think. Remember that Mexico is waiting for a crazy Dutch to come and party here! I'll miss you! See you soon my friend!

Dany Vaca, another Mexican girl, but one of a kind, arranged an amazing Christmas dinner for our new family and fell asleep on a wooden couch:

Kevin, I am going to miss you so much ! Enjoy your family in Sweden and you will always have a place in Mexico and in my heart !!

Jenni Kündig, Swiss girl that got part of the three musketeers, because just like us she was always at the dance floor:

Äs unglaublichs Semeschder isch das gsi z Jönköping! Mit dem rise Kick-off händ mir dä pärfekti Start gha inän unvergässliche Läbensabschnitt. Mit ganz villne noiie Fründe vo überall uf de Wält und en Huufe Iidrück vo Schwede, Norwege, Dänemark und Finland! Kevin ich wirde oisi Karaoke-Session in Bergen nie vergässe und bi dir dankbar das du en Teil gsi bisch vo dem Erläbnis im Nordä!
#ABBA #Seabattle #Aka #Overalls #JKPG #küssliusdeschwiiiiz

Ines Dirsch, German girl that likes to live life to the fullest and was always at the preparties, inbetween parties, parties and afterparties:

Before I came to Sweden, I didn’t really have any expectations (except for blonde people and red houses!). I think it is the easiest way to have an amazing time without missing something, you don’t have to worry and hurry.
And it turned out to be the best way to have an awesome time in Jönköping. Obviously Erasmus is more than just going to university, getting to know new people and learn to live alone and abroad. It is about enjoying independence and freedom that fortunately feels like some kind of vacation. Jönköping was for me a quite big city and definitely the place to be for my semester abroad. I got really close with so many people I never would have thought and enjoyed (almost) every moment I had. Råslätt, THE hood, became my new temporary home where I felt safe (but not all alone in the night at the bus stop!), comfortable and happy. The internationals and Swedes in Råslätt and whole Jönköping became a family that loved to party, drink some Jägermeister and where everyone enjoyed everything wink-emoticon and I really wouldn’t want to miss anything that happened! It was an unforgettable and amazing time!

Lucia Aguirre, the girl with the hard last name that was always in for a game of table soccer in Sockertoppen:

hmmm i don't know.. all the experience was amazing. I would say that living in Raslatt was the best part. It was incredible how safe and confident I felt with people that only a couple months ago were completely strangers. And all the hours we've spent in sockertoppen... For me it's the core of Raslatt. It's a place useful for doing group assignments, or for to be relaxed in the sauna or just spend the spare time with the people; playing soccer-table or maybe ping-pong... And of course, the Raslatt's parties and their pre and post-parties

Gabriele Luca, last but not least this Italian guy which I probably spent most time with. The crazy times we had, the crazy things we did, the crazy things we can’t share with the world, we will definitely meet again:

“Whatever I would write can express just a few percentage of the crazy shit we did and we will keep doing ;) lion kings kickoff speaks for itself, Jäger on the Norway hills, knocking on Bergen doors...
ok too long,
other stuff cannot be told!
I am too present on your blog.
Marathon Monday and sea battle cruise,
And in copenhagen trip My life I was about to lose
In your place I was the first Italian one
And for the rest in Belgium and Netherlands? Pure fun!
Ok let's skip the mushroom..I cook
But so many shared experience we took.
To be continued stay hungry and crazy as you are! Good luck, and gimme a yeah


THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR MAKING ME NOT FEEL LONELY SPENDING A LOT OF MONEY ON ALCOHOL!