Spring parties, birch branches & champagne

Birch branches are often used to decorate for a party.

Over the last week, Stockholm has suddenly turned to full-on spring. Just as quickly, it seems as if everyone has stepped out of hibernation and there are lots of celebrations going on – both spontaneous and planned. When I came home the other day, the entrance to our building was decorated with birch branches and balloons for a graduation party. The birch is a very typical party decoration this time of year – I think it’s a nice touch. As to how did I know it was a graduation party, there was a photo poster of Clara with pig tails and grattis or congratulations written on it on the other entrance pillar.

I’ve also been to several fun parties, including an impromptu ladies night at Dita’s on Friday. It was a truly international mix: Czech, Russian, Australian, Swedish and American. Conversation turned to how long do you live abroad before you begin to lose touch with your own culture. And then this group of internationals proceeded to fill me in on American high school life courtesy of Glee, which I’d never seen. It sounds like high school life on Glee is much more glamorous and cool than what my own high school time ever was.

Then on Saturday night, we went to a party at Zanne and Micke’s. Zanne’s mom Pat is visiting from Florida. When you live as an expat, your friends become your second family. Thus when your actual family comes to town, you have your friends over to meet them. It’s always nice to bring the worlds together.

Dita pours the bubbly.

Zanne and her mom Pat.