Our first flight together

Had a few more days in Cologne, visiting friends of Caroline, going out and many great hours making love. On Tuesday we took the train South, to visit Caroline’s mum who lives near to Stuttgart. I really like travelling by train… talking, kissing, and listening to music…and all sorts of strange people to look at to. We shared the carriage with Mr Splendini and his assistant, who was unfortunately not well and caused quite a commotion during the trip.
It was good to meet Caro’s mum and her brother. Her mum was nice and tried her best to talk to me in English, even if its not her strong point. Florien was friendly and took a walk with me across the fields near the house, speaking very good English and telling me about his life and interests. Unfortunately both Caroline and I picked up a bug and were very ill during the night and were very week for a few days. Can’t remember ever being so ill…first time I’ve ever lost 1.5 kg at Christmas! Anyway, it was good to be there and see where Caroline had grown up and meet her family. On the Friday we took a plane from Stuttgart direct to Stockholm. This was another first…first time we were travelling on a plane together. And we spent a lot of time talking about the options for our future together…in the neutral air space between Germany and Sweden. It made me feel very emotional…had tears in my eyes…looking into the eyes of this very special girl I love.

Christmas Eve

I can see it’s a big mistake to not keep up with my blog entries, as I’m having problems remembering in which order I did things over this Christmas period.
Being back at Caroline’s flat in Cologne felt very good and being with her 24 hours a day now seemed very natural to me. On the Saturday, we made plans for the coming days and did some shopping for food during the day. I put the final touches to my rhymes for Caroline’s presents and attached them to her already wrapped presents. Caro had organised tickets for us in the evening to the Köln Philharmonic Concert Hall to see a Christmas performance by Bach. We met Friederike and Matias who were also at the concert. It was a really good performance and a special thing to do at Christmas… I was a little tired and nodded off just a few times during the first half… but I was refreshed during the interval with a glass of Champaign and the second part was more enjoyable… especially with my girlfriend by my side.

Christmas Eve was such a great day for us both. We really spent the day as we had planned, together and at our own pace…the way we wanted it to be. We spent the morning in bed and opened the first of our presents together. We had a late breakfast and went for a walk into the city centre. It was only a few degrees plus and we followed the river up to the Cathedral, which we decided to visit and take a look inside. It was quite dimly lit inside, but various areas were lit up with candle light and looked very pretty. I suggested we each light a candle too, and that we could remember someone. I could see Caroline was moved by this moment and suspected she was thinking of her father. I held her and we left this great church together, both perhaps with a tear in our eyes, thinking of the ones we had remembered. We jumped onto a bus and got home quickly, both keen to get warm again and continue our Christmas day. We opened the remaining presents… mine included a backgammon game, which Caro had made herself… I was very impresses with this one. Then we made wonderful love together, celebrating this special day in our own very special way. In the evening we cooked salmon and ate our Christmas dinner together… then later on, we went out with Friederike and Matias to a club and danced to disco classics until late into the night. This really turned out to be one of the best Christmas Eves I have ever had… thank you Caroline… this was special.

Friday...on my way

After a very busy week, I have at last left work...I need this break and I need my girl. Just some last minuite things to fix...take Hannah and their stuff over to their mums...and finish packing. In a bit of a rush now...dont forget the things in the fridge! and my book and the Christmas presents. Throw my bag on my back, and head for ths airport bus...just in time...I catch the one I wanted to get. Check in, pass security...and relax...on my way. I call Caroline and we agree to meet at the airport, wonder if she will make it to the airport in time this time? Call my Auntie Carol and my Dad and say Happy Christmas...and sit n write rhymes for the presents to Caroline...looking forward to being together with her for Christmas. On the plane...write and doze...land a little late... and Caroline is waiting for me, and that kiss, that hug...my love, it´s so good to be in your arms again.

Christmas Market

I landed in Munich, then a short wait and a 1 hour flight to Cologne. No time to waste, I take a taxi from the airport to get to her flat as quick as possible. As usual we had a beautiful evening together and woke in the morning having enjoyed our loving hours in the bed together. Caroline was attending her course on Sunday, so I sat in bed and wrote some stuff on my PC, read and had a relaxing time. Then I walked around her neighbourhood

And took a few pictures of Cologne and found the Starbucks where we should meet up. I like this feeling of sitting in a café and reading and waiting for my girlfriend to turn up and come in and give me a kiss and a hug. We went to one of the small bars and had a coffee and a light snack and wrote Christmas present lists together (another first for us). Then we went to a traditional German Christmas Market and enjoyed the atmosphere, found a present for my sister and drank a mug of Gluvine…very Christmas’y.

We had a great evening together…ate some food and talked about lots of big and small things in our lives…and then to bed. We got up together and I left for the airport. Leaving her is easier these days…and I knew it would only be 2 weeks before I would be back for the Christmas holidays.

A week in Delhi

It’s strange, but after all my travelling, this is my first trip to India. I’ve wanted to visit India for a long time, but never got around to it, so I was pleased to get the chance to make this first trip with my work. The visit was as usual mostly work, but I had the chance to get a little taste for what this great country has to offer. My boss Magnus has been working on this project for some years and now its time for more of us to get involved. The flight via Munich to Delhi was business class, so a little more comfort than usual, but I arrived with much less sleep than I needed on Tuesday morning in New Delhi. The hotel was centrally located and had quite a neat trendy design and the room was very comfortable.

Business wise, the week was very intense, with an almost continuous schedule of meetings with our Indian partners and the Indian Railways. The railway in India is the largest in the world and being the largest single employer in India and the world, it’s a big organisation to get to know and work with. It’s also a separate government ministry with a complex political and bureaucratic organisation. We made several visits to the ministry building to have meetings with the board members and ministers. It’s a large building where life revolves around finding room numbers and waiting patiently for people. The Indians have a special style when it comes to meeting procedures. Usually you enter their office and sit in a small sofa group, while the current visitor conducts their business. Then, when their finished, your invited to join him at his desk, or he might join you on the sofa to have a cup of tea. Drinking tea is a central part of almost every meeting in India, some times also with some food. Most of the senior staff have an army of assistants, who hurry in at the push of a button, to bring tea of food of documents or what ever is needed.

We had planned to try and meet a least one of the 3 government ministers for the railways. We had a good chance to meet one and he was in the parliament that day, which was debating an important amendment to a railway bill. His under secretary was a very nice guy and had helped us to meet people in the ministry during the week. He said the minister would return after the parliament, so we came back later in the afternoon, but we were then advised he had gone directly to his residence after the late session. The secretary asked if we would like to see the minister at his residence. Yes we said, a little surprised by the question. And so off we went with our taxi, which had waited for hours outside for us, which is apparently quite normal! At the ministers residence we were introduced to him and sat in his reception room where we were offered whiskey and small things to eat. He was very social and as we talked about our project and India. He explained a little about his political role. It’s expected that politicians in India are available to the people, and so such meetings were an everyday part of his job as a minister. It was quite an experience and key lobby meeting for us.

As usual we had very little time for our selves. We did manage to go for a walk one lunch time and visit the bazaar at Connaught Place, a sort of centre point for Delhi. It’s quite a run down area with shops and stalls and an underground bazaar. Having found some things to buy, it was fun to bargain and haggle with the traders and it seemed quite easy for us to negotiate down the prices. I also bought a pair of Levi jeans which were about half the price you’d expect in Sweden.

Not so unexpected...most things around the streets are very dirty and there are people sleeping at the side of the road and small children run along side you and beg for money. It’s hard to deal with this and feel comfortable with it while were living in our luxury hotel next door to all this poverty. There are still more than a third of the Indian population living below the poverty level, which is just 1 dollar per day! At the end of the week I am tired and looking forward to flying home. I will stop in Germany on the way and spend the rest of the weekend with Caroline in Köln…so much looking forward to this and to cuddling up beside her and sleeping.

More Firsts...

Looking back to this weekend there are some special moments to remember and some more firsts to document. Like the meeting at Arlanda…again the most sensual kiss when Caroline arrived. Also those special words whispered into her ear…I love you…this is such a special phrase. We were naturally very passionate following this 3 week gap since we last met. And the beautiful love making in my bed that night showed we both had been missing each other. On Saturday morning we eventually got out of bed and had breakfast, before going into Stockholm to do some shopping. We went to the old food hall on Östermalm and then did some sort of Christmas shopping together, which was a first. We then went to see a film together. A great first…we both love films and it seems we have similar taste in what we want to see. We chose a Woody Alan film, Scoop, which was funny and Woody Alan was just great in his role too. That lovely Scarlett Johansson was also in the film. We cuddled and kissed and enjoyed the film together...I just love watching a film with my girl sitting next to me and her hand on my leg…never knowing when it might move up my thigh.

After the film we went home and I prepared a curry, the first time I have mode one for Caro. We were a little short of time, so I had to rush it a little, but it was quite good and Caro seemed to like it. After dinner we met up with Josip and went into town to go bowling. This was also the first time Caro and I have been bowling together. Happy to say she was good at this too…and I played quite badly and Josip wiped the floor with us with a row of strikes and high scores. After a drink or two at a bar we arrived home at around 12.

The Sunday was a nice mixture of morning intimacy, discussions and meeting up with Jonas and Pia and to see their new born baby Axel. He was very sleepy and well behaved and we enjoyed a 1st of advent fika with them. Again we are saying goodbye at the airport and its in some way easier…now we can believe in our loving relationship and the knowledge that we love each other, and that we will see each other again soon. I am happy to make Caroline smile with joy, when I confirm that I’m ready to share all her “baggage” of life and her past and that together we will deal with our life, love and happiness together.

It was great

This was just a great weekend. My girl from Köln is like a supply of oxygen...I feel so happy with her by my side. I'm off to India for a week on business, so I should find some time to write about the weekend. There were some great moments...a few firsts...I need to put them into words, and remember :)

A reason

Sometimes I wonder why I am here…living in a foreign country, working for a Swedish company, trying to remain British in a sea of Swedes…
but then I remember that its not important where you are in the world, what’s important is that you enjoy your life and that there is someone else in your life that matters….and if your lucky, someone who cares and loves you. That’s what makes it all worth while. And I’m lucky enough to have a special person in my life and she’s coming to see me this weekend…and that’s what matters just now. Can’t wait to see her and kiss her at the airport…I know she’s also looking forward to that kiss, that long embrace…and another weekend together in each others arms.

Lucky Tuesday

Well after being reminded by my boss I might need a visa for India, as I’m due to fly there next week on business. I made some calls and yes, shit, I needed one. Not like me to miss something like this! Suppose this is what happens when someone else organises a trip for you…anyway,
I had to download and fill out the forms, had a photo and my passport at work, lucky, dived into my car and rushed into town. Ran into the embassy at 11:55, they close at 12:00, lucky, and sat down and waited. Waited an hour for my number to come up, which was last. Was advised that it takes 5 to 10 day to get a visa! Showed him the letter saying I would be meeting the Railways Minister and that it was very important, also that I was flying on Monday! Monday! he said. Yes I said, can you fix it by then, PLEASE. After some more questions I seemed to be winning. Can you collect it on Monday at 12 he said, Yes I said, lucky. Ran back to the car, which I had abandoned in a very illegal position, no parking ticket, VERY LUCKY. I’m sure there’s a good moral to this story…but who cares, sometimes you just have to be a bit lucky!

4 days to go

Now there are only 4 days to go before I will see Caroline again…that’s if my aching heart can wait that long! I have this wish to simply fast forward the next few days so that Friday will come much faster. Caro is flying to Stockholm on Friday evening and I will collect her from the airport…and as usual I will be waiting there for her with my heart beating and my mind spinning with desire… and what a kiss she will get when she arrives :)

Good Friday night

After a very tough week at work, filled with difficult meetings, stressy customer calls and too much e-mail, I needed a fun Friday night. I arrange for Therese and her man, Christian, and my friend Josip come over after work. Started with a much needed beer and some nibbles while we prepare our dinner together, which is a taco feast. Josip and Tess fix a fantastic Guacamole with lots of garlic.

Then we take a real drink, a mojito and Christian checks out the ice-hocky while we fix a play list for the music. We sit down and eat and have a good Friday chat and laugh lots which is very important on a Friday! Then we clear away and play a game of Poker. This is always good fun with cool Josip, hard to read Christian, and win on the river Tess :) But after a long game and much to and fro of chips…I manage to win… and it was a while since I last won so that was fun. All in all a very satisfying, fun Friday night...I just wish Caroline could have been here with me, to enjoy the evening together with me. I hope to do this again soon but togther with her.

Calls to my family

I have been talking both my Mum and Dad on the phone this week about Caroline. I’ve been pleased the way they have both been asking about my new girlfriend. I don’t speak to them so often, every few weeks or so, and some times months go by before we speak again. I had previously discussed Caroline with my mum, so she already knew about her. She was anyway asking about our trip to Madrid and was pleased to hear our relationship is moving forward, which it is :) She doesn’t seem so surprised, but that’s perhaps not so strange, as I left England some time ago and have previously been together with a girl from another country, so nothing seems to surprise her any more. I spoke to my dad this evening and he mentioned it right away. He’d had the news from my auntie Carol, who had sent him a print out of an e-mail I sent her. My dad doesn’t have a pc and doesn’t want one either, so he’s always the last to hear any news. Nonetheless, he sounded very pleased and asked how my German was going…I have to admit I haven’t learnt so much yet. He remembers some as he was stationed in Berlin when he was a young marine. So I was happy to discuss Caroline with them both and look forward to taking her to England to meet them.

Seven!

Sunday in Madrid
Again we wake in a warm embrace… we have to catch breakfast before 11 and get off to the German Embassy to fix a temporary ID for her. Its not far away and the ID’s soon fixed. Then we walk to the park and find a quiet spot on the grass to lie-down, soak up the Spanish sun and talk to each other. We have a lovely chat about lots of things and how we met in Greece. How we met on that last night, in that bar, and now 4 months later, I’m so unbelievably happy and in love with this girl. So I have to say that this was the luckiest meeting ever.

When we get back to the hotel, it was clear we both wanted to take advantage of the last few hours in Madrid together in our hotel bed. I live in a permanent state of anticipation that I’ll be able to re-live this day, to see if there’s a limit to our enjoyment of each other.
At the airport we again find it hard to separate, and as she’s leaving me, I want to say it, but I don’t get the right moment, and as she goes through to the plane, I want her to look back and see me through the glass, so I can point to my heart and then to her, but she’s gone with a wave, and now my heart is aching and I know this means that I do love her.
Its funny how its hard to say sometimes…but I can do this the next time we meet…because I can write it now its true…see…I love you :-)

Saturday in Madrid

Hmmm…there’s movement in the bed next to me…a soft hand is gently stroking my shoulder, moving down my back, over my backside, along my leg and back. This is the most pleasant way to woken up that is humanly possible, as I am waking up…and I realise that my girl is in need of love and attention. She’s lying in my arms and looking satisfied with her man and this great bed…and I relax and enjoy this morning cuddle and we make plans for the day ahead. The breakfast in the hotel is excellent and we take advantage of the easy atmosphere the hotel offers us. After breakfast, we set off to collect the police report that Caro has phoned in for the stolen wallet. It’s a sunny day and we walk through the twisting streets and soak up the Spanish sun. We walk through the palace grounds, around the old town and back to a small bar where we eat more Tapas.
Back at the hotel we run the bath and enjoy a bottle of Champagne and chocolates in the warm bubbly water, and just chat and absorb this great moment. We go out with Ignacio and his wife and eat tapas at 2 different places and then on to a bar for the last drink on the night. This part of the old town is full of such bars. This was a perfect day… and I want to keep on having days like this with Caroline for the rest of my life.

You are the best…my love…I love you.

Friday in Madrid

I had some work to do on Friday morning, so I had to get up and leave my beautiful girl at the hotel. So while I discussed the details of a major project with Madrid Metro, Caroline explored the old streets of Madrid, enjoyed the fabulous weather…which at 18degC, was much warmer than usual and much better than the rain that had dominated the weeks before we arrived. Now it was sunny and warm, and Caroline was enjoying her free time. I finally got back from my business at about 7 and met Caro waiting for me in the hotel lobby. We changed and then walked down through the old town in Madrid and found a little Tapas bar near the Royal Palace. This Spanish food is so good, and we ate the special cooked pepper dish and the cooked potatoes with eggs…just so good. It was just perfect there. Then we walked to a small bar and had a drink, and then to another bar where they were playing live Flamenco music. Caro had found this place on the internet and it was fun to see the way the locals joined in and sang these strange Spanish songs. Then on the way back to our hotel, a small disaster, Caroline had her wallet stolen. There followed some distressed moments and phone calls to credit card companies, but we eventually got things in some order. I felt so sorry for Caroline…she’s not an un-careful person, it was just very bad luck. We eventually got into bed, a little distracted by the evening’s events and very tired. I did my best to console her over the lost wallet and we soon fell asleep in each others arms.