Meetings in Stockholm

A meeting with fellow Texan Ausben Jordan is on the agenda today. He worked with Loreen last year during both Melodifestivalen and Eurovision. They took home the top spot at both competitions and that's why Sweden is hosting Eurovision in May. 

Take a look at their winning performance:

Ausben is an accomplished dancer, actor, and musician currently preparing for his role as Loco in West Side Story at Stockholms Stadsteater. They are rehearsing today since the show opens on Friday, but he's graciously invited me to speak with him about his work during his lunch break. I'll find out what the contest looks like from a dancer's perspective and how Sweden's Melodifestival compares to Eurovision, the biggest live non-sporting event in the world.

After that, it's time for another CouchSurfing experience. Alexander is a student from the Netherlands who is staying with a Swedish family. I'll meet him tonight at a popular vegetarian place in town and learn about his experiences studying abroad. He'll be my host for the next several days and has promised a guided tour of his favorite places in the city.