Week 24 - Alone during a Firealarm, Last-Minute Gifts & a Very Surreal Goodbye
Updated: Sep 2
Week 24 felt like the kind of week where everything suddenly becomes very real. The office was quiet, my department was on vacation, and I was officially the only one left at KMH to keep things running. It was a mix of “I can do this” and “wait, I’m actually alone here?” — but somehow it all worked out. It was my last week, and that made everything feel a little more emotional, a little more meaningful, and a lot more surreal.
Monday was my first day officially alone at KMH. All of my department were on vacation, so it was up to me to keep things running. That meant international emails, final touches on the written interviews (adding pictures where I had them, proofreading, fixing grammar, and all the little details), and making a list of the interview students’ contact info for the Communications Department. I also received some background music for the Intro-Week-Film, which I forwarded to the department. I really hope they’ll use it for the final film — it would be such a nice full-circle moment. (edit: THEY USED IT!!!)
Tuesday was a mix of international emails and last-minute gift prep. I wrapped presents and wrote thank-you cards for the whole team, because I wanted everyone to have a little something to remember me by. Most of the girls got some handmade hair ties, but there might also have been some alcohol and energy drinks in the mix for the others.
I also double-checked all the uploads of videos, transcripts, subtitles, and written interviews, making sure everything was ready to go once people came back from vacation in about three weeks. After work, I went shopping for some essentials to bring home — mostly spice mixes, because apparently I’m turning into that person who brings home food instead of souvenirs.
Wednesday was more of the same with the international emails, plus a few tricky messages that I flagged for Malin, who had promised to check her inbox once or twice during the week for anything urgent. After work, I went souvenir shopping — specifically on the hunt for the prettiest Stockholm fridge magnet I could find. Because if there’s one thing I’m good at, it’s collecting tiny pieces of cities to stick on metal.
Thursday continued in the same rhythm with international emails, but with a small twist: just before lunch, the fire alarm went off, and we all (American exchange students and some teachers who hadnt started their vacation yet) had to stand outside in the sun for 30 minutes. Oof.
After work, though, it was date night again — this time at the Ice Bar with Sebbe, followed by food and a dessert cookie from Pressbyrån on the way home. A very cozy, very "chill" (hihi) way to spend one of my last evenings here.
Friday was my last day of work, which felt incredibly strange. I sent some final emails (mostly reminders to my boss about where I put the keys and such), kept an eye on the international mail, and worked a bit on my blog until it was time to “hand in” my work laptop and keys. It was such a surreal moment to realize that my internship was actually over.
This weekend was a mix of goodbyes and small joys.
I spent most of my time packing my suitcases, taking long walks around Sebbe’s place, and trying very hard not to cry 24/7.
In the evening, we went out with friends for a buffet-style dinner and finished the night at an arcade, playing billiards.
Angelo and I tied 2:2 against Sebbe and Jocke – since Jocke sank the 8-ball first. What a champ, letting me win. 😄
The last few days in Stockholm are a bit of a blur between tears (happy and sad) and anticipation.
Five more days until I take the train home. One last adventure...
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