Remembering the days

Our big family, iceland house 2005-2006...

On your graduation day, the smile of triumph and pride with your smart graduate uniform...
This is the last image that I have of you and will always be the image that stays in my memory, happy, confident, hopeful, spirited!

Si Jie

Dear Daniel
Even though we didn’t have the longest or deepest conversations and didn’t spend too much time together you still managed to capture a corner of my heart and become a valuable part of my RCNUWC experience. Living together in little Flekke for 2 years meant that I saw you almost every day walking around and laughing with your friends, planning your great projects, sitting in the cantina or at a meeting and fixing the sound system during world today, movies, our show etc. We also had a lot of small chats while walking to the kantina, eating “fiskekake”, you trying to teach me to play the guitar (I had your guitar for months and months, Daniel! And you would laugh your heartily laughter every time you asked me how the playing was coming along and I would reply “ehm, not a single chord yet. But you just wait, soon you’ll see me as a superstar on MTV with your guitar in my hands" :) and while walking to wherever we had to be. I can honestly say I never ended a conversation without leaving with a smile on my face or laughing like a maniac. Even if we were talking about our problems, stress or our bad days a smile would pop up before we were done! That’s how I’ll remember you Daniel – Calm, optimistic, funny, caring, devoted and with all the time in the world for everything. You would seem calm even when the auditorium were shouting and shivering impatiently during a presentation or when we were preparing the travelling show with our first show was drawing nearer and we were freaking out every time the microphones weren’t working or weird noises came from the speakers. All these memories are a part of me now. I’ve noticed how much only now after reading the sad news about you and reading all the things people write about you. I guess living together in a little bubble ties stronger bonds than one sometimes realize!

It’s strange sitting here writing to you as if you were reading every single word. Maybe you are, so I have to say that it’s a shame I didn’t get to know you better and that the world won’t get to know you better either. Oh, and Daniel, do you remember our plans for a nude revolution? Just wait a while for me and the world will see the revolution we’ve been waiting for :)

Rest in peace, Daniel. I’ll keep you in my heart and memory!

With love,
The Norwegian who still sucks at the guitar, but thanks to you know a chord or two
Karina

For Daniel

Life is such a fleeting thing. It seems to run away the minute you turn your back. Daniel's life ran away far too soon. It seems like just yesterday that we were just hanging out at the dinner table over a cup of tea and Kantine food. I cried for Daniel because it is unfair that he had to leave us so early, with such a promising future ahead of him. Daniel was always there when you needed him, no matter what time of day or what the request, you could count on him to pull through for you. You inspired so many of us Daniel, I only wish I had said that to you more often. You live on in our hearts Daniel.

For Daniel: Where you were during 2004-06

This picture was taken on the day when the College held a memorial ceremony for Daniel.

Xiaohang

A Few Pictures

Browsing some folders, I came across these two photos. I think they are from the 1st of December 2005 (Snikkarbua). Daniel is no more...man...look at these pictures though - they bring happy memories to my mind

Mathias

RCN '06

Daniel

Dear Daniel,

the only thing I regret about having met you was not using fully the opportunity to get to know you better. I know in my heart that you are doing good wherever you are right now. You would be surprised to know in how many people's hearts you will remain alive.

Thank you for reminding me, though in this terrible way, how valuable life is.

Until we see each other again,

Katerina Byanova
(Bulgaria/RCNUWC '03-'05)

From Togi

I received sad news about Daniel. It is very difficult to believe it, because he was my roommate. I was living with him second year of studying in Flekke. He was hard worker. He was sick sometimes in his room, but I want to tell you that he was good man.

I was thinking about him that he would be successful in his future.

How sad news it is.

I thank you for sending news. And I want let you guys collect him every moments as photo. I believe that we all are going to continue his work and his willing.

He will be alive in our heart forever!!!

Tsogtoo Altangerel

Daniel

Vem kan segla förutan vind,
vem kan ro utan åror?
Vem kan skiljas från vännen sin, utan att fälla tårar?

Jag kan segla förutan vind,
jag kan ro utan åror.
Men ej skiljas från vännen min, utan att fälla tårar.

Lyssnade på College CD:n, tänkte på dig.
Tack!

From Margina

It took me a while to think what to write and when I finally came around doing it, I found out that there is nothing I can say that will make me or you my friends feel better, because there is nothing to feel good about, except maybe the fact that he is in a better place (for those that believe in something else after life) and that thankfully he didn't suffer when he passed away.

I was not like his best friend, but we talked many times and we passed many hours together, since Manuel was his roommate in the second year. I am happy that I had the chance to meet such a wonderful person and that is what makes me sadder every time I think about the situation, because such a kind and thoughtful person did not deserve to have such a short life when this world needs more Daniels around.

I cannot deny I was in shock when Sakun told me on Saturday. I could not believe it, he looked as if he was full of life and suddenly this happens.

Sakun and I went to church on Sunday morning and I must admit we felt better after that, we prayed for him and took a moment to commemorate his memory.

So, Daniel, where ever you are Daniel, and I know you are reading and listening what ever your friends have to say, we miss you, but we are all glad that you enjoyed your short life and that you are in a better place away from suffering and pain.

It was nice meeting you Daniel!

Margina

Daniel...

There are several memories still vivid in my mind. Remember when we were planning to visit Emmi? I was really looking forward to that. Spending time with the two of you. But we never went... I guess we couldn't afford it, or something like that.
You were a great guy to have around. Working on the show together. It was reassuring that you would be in front of us, managing the controls for the sound, never a mistake.
The bussrides to all the many places we travelled with the show. There was a particular one, where we sat next to each other, and I really felt like you were the kind of friend any person would wish for.
We had so many plans of spending more time together, and if I regretted when we left that place that we hadn't, then now I feel as if I made a very big mistake by never showing up with my pipe, never just dropping by. I'm sorry Daniel.
We were the only two people of our year who did not take English... that also meant something. Meant we were the only non-stressed people the day before the english exams, the only people who had time to do anything at all that day in fact.

I hope you rest in peace, and that your family will soon recover this great loss. I hope that if there is an afterworld, a place we go when we die, you sit by the throne itself, jamming your guitar, smiling, as you always did.

With love, and grief in my heart,

Birita / Bunny

Kära Daniel

Minns det som igår, när du ringde mig och grattade mig för att jag hade blivit antagen. Vi satte genast ett datum och jag skulle få glädjen att fika med dig och Linnea- prata om hur skolan funkar och så.
Du åkte in från Nynäshamn. Lång resa, och jag ville ringa dig och kolla var vi skulle fika. Din mor svarade i telefonen. Glad med jätte vacker röst; "Daniel har redan åkt kära du." Tyckte hon var så trevlig, så jag såg fram emot vårt möte med ännu mer iver.

Du var den första från RCNUWC jag mötte. Tyckte du var den trevligaste kille jag träffat på så länge. Ingen av mina frågor gick utan svar, och även de konstigaste frågorna svarade du på så gott det gick och log.
"Tiden på UWC går så snabbt, ska du se. Man märker det knappt, så är semestern slut."

Japp, Daniel, det gick otroligt snabbt. Har dig att tacka för så mycket av min lilla tid på RCN. All den hjälp du gav mig- att du orkade sitta och läsa mina uppsatser, rätta dem. Lät mig prova på alla dina istrument i ditt rum. När jag praktiskt taget blev en extra roomie, då jag, Seth och Philip hittade våran vänskap välkomnade du mig med öppna armar. Under min tid spenderade jag mer tid i ert rum än något annat, och alltid hade du ett leende på dina läppar sittandes tvärs över rummet med din gitarr.

Du ställde alltid upp när någon sökte dig, och bad aldrig om någonting tillbaka. När jag väckte dig mitt i natten, flera gånger, med sömniga ögon skrattade du och sa att det var okej- jag och Seth som sitter vid skenet av datorskärmar. De roliga diskussionerna mellan dig och Manu om allt mellan himmel och jord.

Du var viktig för så många av oss Daniel, och det kommer du att fortsätta vara i allas våra tankar och minnen. Mina hälsningar går ut till Akin och de andra som stod dig så nära, som måste ha det väldigt tung just nu. Allas vår sörj är stor, och mina djupaste hälsningar till din familj, som måste ha det svårast av alla. Tack för att jag och så många andra fick äran att träffa eran son.


Tack till dig Daniel. För din vänskap, din vänlighet och din värme.

Vänligen

/

Armand Mirpour, din första åring.

To Daniel

While I am sitting here trying to understand what happened I start remembering...the end of our first year, the point when I was allowed to get to know a wonderful person! I remember how it started of with a random visit to your room and it ended in long nights with beautiful movies, baking chocolate cakes and celebrating the last couple of days of our first year. I can still see you waving at me with Akin on your shoulders while going down the stairs to Iceland house and I wasn't worried because I knew that within a couple of hours I would see you again. Either you'd come around to make some weird faces in front of my window or I would sit on my window sill looking and listening to you playing the guitar in the corridor of your house just across the street. Of course I would shout across that now I understood why Akin threw you out of the room as soon as you started playing but only because I knew you understood what I actually wanted to say.

My thoughts just start jumping around, from the bathroom celebrations we had with cheese and crackers, to long nights we just chatted away or tried to figure out what we just did to my phone until we realized that we were filming ourselves... and they get stuck with a particular scene... You coming into my room to bring me apple soup and chocolate because I was ill and you were convinced those were the only things I needed to get better...I wish I could give you this apple soup and chocolate right now knowing that these are the only things you need to get better, to come back...

You remember the night we were out watching the Northern lights behind the boat house? That night I asked you what happened? What happened to us, to our friendship...I never got an answer and now I have to live with the fact that I never will. Please forgive me for being too proud, for thinking we had enough time! I am trying to be thankful for the time I was allowed to know you and to be part of your life and I hope it becomes easier with time!

You once wrote in my yearbook "think of me every day" - And I promise you now that I will and I know that the tears accompanying these thoughts will eventually turn into a smile when only the beautiful memories remain!

Goodbye Daniel!

Thank you for everything, I'll never forget...

with love,
Nora (RCNUWC 04-06)

You are alive in my memory

Daniel,
I cannot believe you are gone. Until now I can’t really imagine that. I wish if it was only a nightmare that would disappear. This devastating news broke my heart, I can’t hold tears inside me for long, and I don’t want to accept this fact because you are still here, alive among us in our hearts, thoughts and memories.
I will never forget your generous hospitality you offered me, and the fun time we had when I visited you in the summer. I will never forget the stressful and the fun time we had in managing the sound system in the auditorium, it was quite a job, but with your determination and sense of humor we managed to over come this job and successfully accomplish our mission (most of the time).
Thanks for the amazing 2 years that you shared with me in our little flekke, thanks for every moment of joy, laughter and hard. I have been inspired by your motivation and your positive spirit, and that means a lot to me.

I would like to express my deepest sympathy and condolences to your family and beloved ones and all your friends.

I am going to miss a lot
Rest in peace

Sami 04-06

Daniel

What can be said my friend? No words will ever explain how I felt this past night when I heard the devastating news. Daniel has passed away; he died in his sleep.

So early you have left this world making it a sadder place. Yesterday was the gloomiest day I have ever experienced, disconsolation took over me. Today, in the other hand, I celebrate! Celebrate your days among us. Let’s curse the reasons that took you away as we praise those responsible of your existence. Caminaste la vida con la frente en alto, reconociste, tal vez, un mejor lugar de donde pudieras cuidarnos acaso? Desde lo alto you will shine! Your life was the best poem you have ever written! And you know how it is, the best poems might be short but full of life. Your poem i´ll never forget because you wrote authentic poetry.

I will always treasure your friendship and the moments we have shared. That last week before I went to Belgrade, when you and your parents so hospitably hosted me at your place… THANK YOU. Thank you for the sailing days –even though you almost drowned me- and the motorbike ride. “Easy rider” you were, do you remember? So vividly I also picture the time we sat in the small boat you borrowed from work in the middle of the archipelago and waited for the Gotland´s ferry lights to shine on us. 

Irreplaceable you are, as each and every second left and gone. Not even the amounts of tears i´ve shed will match the smiles you drew in this world’s face.

My friend, my hat wearing Swedish friend, I am aching inside! It really hurts to say goodbye and for that reason:

HASTA SIEMPRE AMIGO MIO!
HASTA QUE NOS VOLVAMOS A ENCONTRAR!

UN ABRAZO EN EL CAMINO

The annoying latino,

ALE

Ahlsen,

I never told you this, but I always went to you when everyone else was either out of or uwilling to give up cigs. You never turned me down even once. Well, maybe once or twice, but I think you were down to your last pack of Davidoffs, so I mean...

I just feel inconsolable about one thing. Strange thing, this life eh? It looks like I won't be able to pay you back any of those cigs.

Daniel, it has been and still is an honour to know you, as a friend, as a fellow smoker. I am sure this is true not only for me but also for several, several of those (even the non-smokers) who came together at the place known as Flekke.

Thanks for all the cigs,

Eduardo

Dear Daniel

It was November, dark and rainy as it is in Flekke, when you, me and Nareg got the idea of starting "John's Burger". This was also the time where I really got to know you. You somehow managed to make that autumn time into memories of fun and excitement. I remember how much we laughed, when we through our crazy imagination came up with names like "Long John" and "John's Sticks". And when creating that logo. Yes, your humour still makes me laugh. I remember the night when we planned and designed the webpage, a result to be proud of. I remember going to Dale and almost emptying the supermarkets for cokes and hamburgers. I remember the busy and stressfull times in the Høegh kitchen, where you always managed to maintain coolness.
My first impressions of you seemed to prove correct. You were always very tolerant, open, creative, cool, a person of honour. A co-worker. A friend. Your memory will stay with us.

Andreas Bakkerud

a song

meant to meet you but I couldn’t stay
till now never knew how life tears you away
now I wait for the springtime in spain, my love.

Beautiful being so sad and so strong
You gave me a story you gave me a song
When he played his guitar she would weep, my love

Rainy day, that spirit took flight
But she made him a cap full of magic and life
For his birthday to rule that great stage
And perform till I age, my love

Why did you never arrive?
Before you left us all tears in your eye
And your mother just told me you died, my love

To stay he was born, boy got rhythm within
Is to put it so mildly her crying face in
it would spring from all fibres of humanly everythings, my love

because, nothing's sure but that love never reasons
now the world might have lost all its springtimes
and all of the seasons are bleak without you, my love

For Daniel

Oh, Akin... Marie, Airiin, Nareg... and you so close to him, what could I possibly say to you? They say that the one thing harder to understand than death is the sorrow of others, and I can't even begin to imagine your pain.

I'm writing this for Daniel, trying to cope with these devastating, impossible news. I won't say as a friend, because we never were, and he's not here to correct me for claiming to be. The thing was, not being his friend was fine. As long as I knew that my classmate was happy and living his life.

I saw it at 5 am Sunday morning. Just checking my email before going to work. And the words "Sad News" created a sinking feeling in my chest I've come to be a little too familiar with. Yet I never expected the name Daniel Ahlsén to greet me. I was unable to move at all, just staring at the screen in disbelief, hoping that somehow I could undo it, force the words away, do something. The helplessness was unbearable, I couldn't even stop the numbing pain and sadness that overtook me, and the fact that Daniel is gone, it still hasn't sunk in. It just can't be true. So what if we'd only meet in 10 years and say hi. I still want everyone to be safe and happy, and knowing that now Daniel will never get to do all that he wanted to do, that he died, no, I can't accept it. He was Daniel, I remember him, he's right there in the pages of my yearbook. And reading about his death so far away, that feeling of helplessness... a small bit of this feeling will stay with me forever, and I'll always wonder how it could be his name in that email.

Goodbye, Daniel. I didn't know you, but I wished you all the best. How can you not get that?


Selina

Dear Daniel,

It can't be over. It seems like just yesterday we were "chilling in Akin's corner", and had worked in John's Burger just the day before that. You're one of the funiest guys I know. Your lust for life cannot just be gone, I don't believe it. You had done so many great things, and wanted to do so many more, you must still be out there. I still feel as though we could meet tomorrow.

A friend who cried,

Anton Chaevitch.

"Daniel Ahlsén (no network) wrote
at 3:55am on January 29th, 2007
Yep, it was called Guttye school before the summer. But they changed it before the demolition though. Hope all is good, I better go and get something sugary now before I faint.
ciao!"

Buddy, did you not get enough sugary? If not, why did you not call me? I remember making fun of you for buying a lot of candy and you saying that you'd die if you did not have these candies. I thought that was all just a joke, wasn't it?
Buddy, this is not the right time... Remember, we still need to get old and I promise I will take care of myself and still be the same me so that you won't have to call a 19 year old prostitute. You will stay in my scene will get a taste of the action. Remember, just like you said;
"That dear old Akin does not in any way change life patterns and will always be followed and desired by attractive young women. And that is a good thing you see. Because when we all are old, rich and successful you will be the last one to call for a 19 year old prostitute to come to your office. Since you will have a couple of them coming for free anyways. So, when are in that state, I have to remember to stay in your scene. So even I can get a taste of the action." and it was not even a long time ago when you said that!!
You will still come visit me, right buddy? Just like we did in Norway, we will go smoke waterpipe,or just randomly go crazy, or have a cigarette with the beautiful coffee you make. We will still laugh with Xiaohang, sit with Per, Sanda, and Simon. I will still say "how the hell do you spell entrepreneurship (I still cannot do it)?" in the middle of an economics exam and you will laugh and laugh and laugh.
Like I said, come visit me anytime buddy! My room is smaller now, it is as big as my heart. But you can still fit in it, right? Just like you fit into my cupboard. And in that way, you will not have taken the other half of my heart from me... Does this sound like a deal to you?
I will put one more plate and one more glass of wine on the table on my birthday. You better be there, as you promised. And if there's anything I haven't done for you, please forgive me, buddy!
Your brother, your buddy,
Akin