I’ve been in Sweden a little more than a week now, but I just have to share a little surprise I had planned for my sister, Erin, before my departure.

Before I received my decision regarding my visa, I had been conspiring with Erin’s boyfriend, John, and her roommate, Jess, to surprise her with a visit. I couldn’t possibly leave the country without seeing my little sister! We discussed dates and whether or not she should take some time off work until we decided that I would already be at her apartment when she got home from work. As soon as my visa was approved, I booked a flight to Boston and then another flight the following day to Copenhagen. As John calls it, Operation Sibling Surprise had been set in motion!

After spending the afternoon with my friend Lauren, I went to Erin’s apartment to wait for what felt like an eternity. I don’t know why, but I was so anxious and nervous for her reaction and if I had successfully kept this visit a secret. Jess was kind enough to take a video of Erin arriving to the apartment:

After the shock wore off, we got ready for dinner. John, Jess, Erin and I went to a new restaurant called Ward 8 that Erin had been wanting to try for awhile. About 30 minutes after dinner, Jess suggested ‘second dinner’ at a nearby pizzeria called Regina’s. As you can see, it was a really great idea.

The next day, Erin and I went on a veritable food tour of Boston. Yes, we walked around and saw the sights but mostly we ate. Since it was my last day in the U.S., we were able to justify pretty much any indulgence. When was the next time I was going to have raw oysters and clams?? I was only moving to a city right next to the ocean for heaven’s sake!

Or how about cannoli from Modern Pastry? We’ll take two.

By dinner time, I was sure I would never be hungry again for the rest of my life. So we did the most American thing we could do; we went to a family style Italian restaurant. After about two bites, I gave up. The pasta had won. And while the overstuffed feeling was thankfully temporary, all the memories of spending time with Erin will last a lifetime!