It has been three days since we arrived at Malmo. I started work today.
I have visited Sweden a a few times over the years and have been struck by the variety of people belonging to different ethnic backgrounds. Our taxi driver from the airport
to the apartment was a Iraqi who has lived in Sweden for over 20 years.
Here are some observations over the last few days.
1. Our apartment is on the third floor. 36 steps up each time. So bags have to be light! No elevator. Laundry in the basement. Another 20 steps down.
2. Migration board is very well run. Polite people and the place has clean bathrooms and a play area.
3. Best time to visit southern Sweden in mid June to mid August. You get unlimited rides on public transport for the equivalent of 85 dollars and get to take two people under 20 years with you.
4. Almost all restaurants have clearly marked vegetarian options that do not include cheese pizza
5. Free wifi is available on all buses and trains. Using it also means that you run out of charge.
6. No sweat, they also have power outlets and the more modern ones have USB points.
7. Remember that American plugs will not work without adapters. So ride public transport for free wifi . But take a charger with adapter to really enjoy the experience.
8. There are lot of Arabs. Identified by their hijab. Girls as young as 12. However, they dress very modern and use lot of make up. Don't know how many are recent immigrants and how many from a longer time.
9. Helsingborg had a grunge band playing when we were there. Attended by goths all dressed in black. Adjacent parks populated by Arab families, enjoying sun and fresh air. Study in contrast.
10. I rode the bus to work. Took me 1 hour to get to work with 5 minutes walk on each side
11. I got a little lost on my way back. I boarded the connection going the other direction. Figured out my mistake and got off the next stop and waited for the right bus outside a tattoo parlor.
Could have avoided it if I had just asked the driver. But till you get lost how will you find yourself!
Sounds like our first apartment in Boston. I have no idea how we got furniture up to the 4th floor! Does everyone speak English? I am curious to hear about your language adventures.
ReplyDeleteSo happy you are settling in!
Hi, almost everyone i have interacted with speaks English. Younger people learn english from grade 6 or 7 and are fluent by the time they are adults. Several older people have done a semester in the US at some time so speak english. There are so many ethnic groups in the places I have been to so far, and you dont feel at all odd as a brown person!
ReplyDeleteLuckily the apartment is furnished. But rajesh had to carry all our suitcases to the third floor! on laundry days we get a nicer workout with having to go to the basement to run the washer and dryers!
My first thought is that you won't be needing a rigorous fitness regimen.
ReplyDeleteSettling in a new country has such a feeling of adventure!
absolutely! There are timesI have to actually shut my mouth so that I dont reveal how surprised I am! So far, the surprises have all been pleasant!
DeleteAbba, Ikea and the Northern Lights is probably all I knew about Sweden, so happy to be with you on this exciting journey and discovering the country through your eyes !
ReplyDeleteGiven our common love for food, would love to hear about your culinary adventures too :) Have you experienced Fika breaks at the workplace yet ? Remember a friend talking about this.....I mean officially sanctioned coffee and cake breaks ? What a delightful tradition !
You're indeed lucky to have embarked on this exciting journey at a point in time when some of us are probably feeling a bit jaded with the routine ! Savour the experience
Ah Neerja! Food!! Have been so impressed with the variety that is available here in terms of restaurants. I have tried to get into a patterns with cooking too. the kitchen is small but adequately equipped. I came with some daals and rice and some jeera powder(all the clothes that came in the box smell of jeera now). Right now plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits are available. I wanted dhania and bought a plant in a pot!
DeleteGlad you asked about FIKA. My colleagues in the US gave me a book of recipes for FIKA goodies as a parting gift! the bakeries have a marvellous collection of goodies. the few I have tasted were lovely. Mildly sweetened and fresh and light. Since just 10% of the office is occupied, havent experience FIKA breaks as yet. Though will not be surprised since the office has a relaxation room for rest and contemplation!