Typisk Svensk Familje Tid

      After a long, dark, depressing winter- Swedes attempt to make the most of the spring. One way of showing seasonal appreciation which is typical Swedish is to take your family out in the woods for a hike and a picnic. I joined my au pair family and some family friends for this very type of excursion.

Our group of three mixed families got dressed up and ready to go and were in the cars around 11. It was funny for me to see everyone getting so bundled up. I had on a long sleeve shirt and jeans with a jacket and thought I was ready to go; while everyone else was wearing long johns and three shirts and warm fleece sweaters. One thing that really made me chuckle was the Norwegian who had packed a large hiking bag to bring along- equipped with the warmest of winter jackets, and a hiking helmet.

   We crowded ourselves into two cars and started our venture into the Swedish countryside. The father of my au pair family told us on the way out that he and his family used to do this kind of thing every weekend in the spring for the majority of his childhood. I think it is so cute- just imagine these Swedes going out with all of their wilderness equipment and food ready to take their children into the woods and show them how to enjoy and appreciate the spring. It wasn’t too long of a drive; and very soon we were shuffling back out of the vehicles and loading our arms with picnic supplies for our hike. I really love walking around in the Swedish woods, it’s so peaceful! We hiked around for about 2 kilometers enjoying the scenery and talking about a ton of things. 

   Along the way I learned an old Swedish superstition that if you walk underneath the roots of a toppled-over tree, you will get trapped underneath the tree forever. Gruesome, hm? 

When we finally reached our picnic destination, the adults began preparing a fire pit whilst the young children went shrieking and playing around in the woods. After a combined effort we go the fire started and soon our korv, (almost like bratwurst), were pleasantly roasting on the fire. Being around this kind of grilling session confused me- it felt a lot more like the fall than the spring.

After I was sure that the fire was taken care of- I went and joined the little kids at a game that they were playing. It was a lot like tag but there was a base and… well I was thoroughly confused but the girls really appreciated that I wanted to play with them, it was cute. One of the best things about being around little kids is that I can actually speak to them in Swedish. One would think that perhaps it would be more difficult to speak to that age group but it’s almost like they know who to ‘dumb down’ their language enough to speak with a novice speaker.  

Very soon I had a few more friends to add for my forever growing list of Swedes. 

We feasted on the most delicious pasta salad and korv, and had saft, (Swedish Juice), hot chocolate, and coffee with kanelbullar (cinnamon buns). 

Even though it has been sunny and somewhat warm the past few days, by the end of our picnic my hands were freezing and the sky had become rather cloudy. Before I knew it, little white specks were floating down and landing on my nose and my plate. SNOW! It was quite bazaar, it really didn't feel like it was cold enough to snow, but that's Sweden for you! That weather didn't last for too long thank goodness, and I hope I won't see it for a few months at least. 

When we finally packed everything into the cars and were heading home, I sat dreamily in the back seat and wondered how my family would enjoy doing this kind of thing. Not only am I making a list of friends and people I meet here- but I'm also making a list of traditions I want to bring back with me. 

'Till next time

Let the Good Times Roll

Sometimes it’s unbelievable where life can take someone. Here I am; this wide-eyed farm girl from central Illinois living and working abroad in Helsingborg, Sweden, experiencing new things with every venture. A few days ago I received some marvelous news that will create a whole new chapter in my life:

I am accepted to attend Lund University this fall!!

 Lund University Website:

http://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/

I have often wondered what would come of my higher education; where would I go, what should I study, how will I be able to afford it? It is such a relief now to have all of these questions answered! For many years now I have been thinking about schools that I would like to attend, I knew that I would have preferred to study out of state, but never in a million years would I have guessed that my college years would be spent in a foreign country! Even during my senior year of high school, I knew that I was going to Sweden to work for the year but the thought of going to school here was not a likely option! 

I am currently accepted into a sociology course, it is focused on international migration and development. I still waiting to see if I gained a spot in the Bachelors program of development studies; for those of you who aren’t sure what development studies are, here is a link that I think explains it pretty well:

http://www.lu.se/o.o.i.s?id=320&lukas_id=SGUTV

Both the sociology course and the BA program are taught in English. Thankfully Lund is very compatible with international students, and I know Lund will be a wonderful fit for me! I'm very excited to start my studies and enjoy life as a student here in Sverige! 

I'm going to have to work for this wonderful opportunity, and I am ready to face that head on. Not only am I potentially enrolling in a very intense BA program, but I also intend to remain working as an au pair for the family here in Helsingborg (at least for one more year). 

I am still going home this summer for two months, it will be a perfect time re-uniting with everyone! I am returning to commence my work and studies next August. 

I still am amazed where my decisions have taken me in the last years. It has been very difficult finding out what I want to do, how I should do it, etc. I always knew that I wanted adventure in my life, but I could hardly imagine the possibilities that awaited me out here in the world. I remember how unsure I felt about 'taking a year off' from my studies to come to Sweden to work- I almost felt like it was frowned upon because I was doing something different than the traditional plan of 'finish high school, go straight to a U.S. college' that has been beaten into my head from at least my freshman year in High School. I still wonder if I would have been as happy if I had followed that overly-paved path. I am so lucky that my parents are so supportive with every decision I make- I don't know what I would do with out them on my side! 

I leave you with an inspirational quote:

Change and growth take place when a person has risked himself and dares to become involved with experimenting with his own life.

— Dr. Herbert 

Let's Get it Started

Waking up nice and early, looking out the window to see a beautiful sunny day, and having that feeling in my gut that I’m going to die; that’s what I felt like when I knew I was going on the first run with my boss. As I said before, I’ve never been much of a jogger- I’ve tried cross country several times but drop out because either I get bored with it or some injury-related problem springs up.

I haven’t run a long distance for at least a year now, of course I’ve ran at my too-fast pace for shorter distances and have been going to the gym a few times a week but I know that shouldn’t have conditioned me to start running 30 kilometers a week. But to my surprise, it’s actually very energizing and refreshing to go out and jog at a 10k pace and talk and be outside on the great nature trails. I really want to keep up with this- the trails around my house are absolutely perfect and I love running close to the sea and past Sofiero castle… and saying “Hej” to fellow joggers on the trail. The poodle, Fox, also thoroughly enjoys going out with us. 

I did my St. Patrick's day celebrating in the student town of Lund. I had a lot of fun, we ended up going to a corridor party and I really enjoyed seeing the student life. I truly hope I can get accepted next year. 

The days keep getting longer and longer, and I'm really feeling that spring is upon us! 

One thing that is typical spring is that love is in the air, and babies are born. I want to give a huge congratulations to my cousins who are engaged and getting married, and also my cousins who have had babies! I am so happy for you guys. 

On the farm, spring brings baby animals. Every year I'm used to seeing baby sheep, baby cows, and baby chicks, it's so cute! I guess I have to miss out on that this year- I don't know if my family would appreciate me adopting 50 baby chicks and keeping them in my room. 

Until Next Time 

Spring Around the Corner

Unmerciful wind has been howling through these parts for a while now. Perhaps this blustery weather is what has caused such a change in temperature this past week! First we were blessed with sunny warm delightful days, and then before I knew it there was snow on the ground once again. Thankfully for us, the snow has melted already and if it wasn’t for this frigid wind I think it would be quite pleasant outside. Spring is supposedly the nicest time of year here in Southern Sweden, there is a special white flower that comes out and carpets forest floors, but we’re still awaiting the time for when these flowers will pop out. Looking around though I have spotted a few early blooming flowers, Swedes call them “snow drops”, they are white little flowers, but they aren’t the ‘special’ ones that I’ve heard so much about. Just have to wait for that!

One thing that I’m noticing a lot more of in Sweden are tulips. I am seeing tulips in vases and large planter pots everywhere! They’re absolutely beautiful and I think it’s fun that Swedes pull these out aiding in the ‘it’s nearly springtime’ feel.

This week Mira was involved in an informational concert. She was playing her cello along with many other girls and boys who are involved with the music program that Helsingborg offers. Greta was trying to explain to me how it works here, apparently Sweden is extremely proud of their fine arts and attempts to promote this in every way possible. This concert was to educate young children from many different schools and backgrounds about all the different instruments and to inform them that if they were ever curious about them, then they could come back to the concert hall and try any instrument they wished for free. I think this is a very good deal- they are making it possible for any child, rich or poor, to learn and find talent- whether musically or artistically. 

Greta and I have been having many talks this week about my job, for instance tonight we just calculated that I am indeed, working the correct number of hours for an au pair. Being an au pair is a very different kind of job. It’s difficult for me to realize when is considered work, and when is considered my time. I’m used to having foreign exchange students stay with my family, and I like to draw from those experiences of familial bonding and such and bring them to this job, but sometimes I have to remind myself that being an au pair and an exchange student are two very different things. Although I really love this family, and I like spending time with them I have to remember that I shouldn’t feel bad if I don’t spend my time-off with them. For instance I feel funny if I spend most weekends away from here, or if during dinner I leave and go to the gym or to SFI, it’s just the way I was brought up to respect and socialize with friends. I just need to remind myself that it’s OK if I leave ‘the workplace’ during my time to do what I want. It’s a hard concept to describe but it’s a hot topic for me.

Pretty soon Greta and I are going to start running together. She thinks that if I run at her pace, I’ll be able to run at least 30 kilometers a week. I’ve never ran that much in my life, not even in track or cross country. I’ve always tried to get that in-shape but I always seem to give up. I like running fast, I’ve never been a jogger who just goes on and on forever so it’ll be interesting to see if my Swedish boss can change this. Anything is possible I guess! 

There's No Place Like...

Howdy everyone!

This week I’ve been dreaming more about home than ever before… I’m not necessarily home sick, I’m just thinking about a lot of things that are different from here. The other weekend I showed some of my friends how to line dance, they probably thought I looked stupid but it really brought a feeling of home to me. I find it funny that people here find it hard to believe that real cowboys and that ‘redneck’ culture really exist. To that, I put on my cowgirl hat and show them how it’s done!

My friend Caylie is also feeling that want to be home. One thing that we both miss is the good food; from burritos to burgers to hot wings, we are craving American food like crazy! Swedes are not typically fans of hot spices, and that reflects in their food. At home, both Caylie and I are used to putting our mouths on fire with spices, from hot sauce on Mexican food to wasabi on sushi, we like our spices!

On the other hand, Swede's main spice is salt, (pepper is stretching it). If you are a fan of meat and potatoes, then you will enjoy eating in Sweden. Fish is another important aspect to the Swedish diet, along with all dairy products. 

A few weeks ago we went to Copenhagen and ate at the Hard Rock Café, yesterday we made a similar trip to a restaurant- T.G.I.F in Malmö. It might seem kind of silly to make a trip to just eat at a special restaurant, but I see it as fun and spontaneous. I’m glad my friends wanted to go!

T.G.I Friday’s wasn’t too far away from the train station, it’s the second time we’ve lucked out with that aspect of our adventures. We got there kind of late, but that just meant that we were seated immediately and could feast our eyes upon the marvelous menu. It was very strange to be in that restaurant, I felt like I was in America because everything looked about the same and Caylie and I were going fanatic… I’m pretty sure my mouth was gaping as I turned from page to page of delectable food. One of the best things about going there was the fact that when we ordered soft drinks… we go free refills! Have to love that!

After becoming satiated, we briefly walked around Malmö trying to scope out the nightlife but unfortunately, (on Saturdays especially) the age limit to enter bars and clubs was raised up to about 23. Discouraged of finding anything suiting our age, we came back home to Helsingborg.

It’s feeling more and more like spring here. The past few days have been delightfully sunny, and if the wind is absent then it’s nice enough to sit outside and try to soak up the warmth. I know this time of year at home is for Spring Break… unfortunately Swedes don’t have this break, (they just had Sports Break… meant for skiing and such things). Around this time of year I normally go to Florida to visit my Grandmother, and I’m sad that I won’t get the chance to this year.

Another thing that is an obvious difference between my homes is the weather. I come from tornado alley, and treacherous storms are something that just have to be accepted. Recently, horrible storms have swept across America, leaving several dead and much destruction in their wakes. Tornadoes are one of the scariest things I can think of, therefore I'm very happy to be spending my spring and autumn in Sweden. 

I can almost start the 100 day count-down until I'm home again... time flies! 

Swedes...

One of the hottest topics in Sverige this week was the birth of the princess Estelle.

It’s a funny topic for me to grasp, the royal family. To me it seems like such a story-book fantasy to have a king and queen… it seems almost unrealistic that they exist. Of course they do exist, in Sweden as well as many other countries around the world, and here I am experiencing one of the happiest moments a nation with a monarchy can have- the birth of a royal.

The new princess’s name has been a huge controversy. It is normal for Swedes to have two middle names and the princess is no exception; Estelle Silvia Ewa Mary. Apparently many people were bothered about the name Estelle, because it is not a very common Swedish name.

Things will finally be coming back to normal here in the next few weeks. The family has been traveling around leaving my schedule somewhat askew, being a full-time stable hand, dog walker, house-sitter and this weekend a babysitter as well.  Mira and I spent this weekend watching Harry Potter and eating candy, called Lördagsgodis (Saturday’s candy). That is a special tradition here in Sweden, every Saturday kids go and get to spend their allowances on candy. In the stores here they have walls full of tubs containing different types of candy, and kids pick up a bag and a scoop and pick whichever their favorites may be. It’s mesmerizing to look at… total Willy Wonka effect. I really like this, and it’s something I wish I could bring back to America with me,  I know my little brother would love it too. 

'Till Next Time

Holding Down The Fort

My week of freedom, the family has traveled to Gran Canaria for Sports Break!
Or not.
Actually even though the family is gone, there is still the poodle to walk and the horse to take care of, and other small tasks that need to be done. I have been a very busy girl on my 'week off'.

This week I made a trip to the dentist. That was quite a deal! I got a letter saying that I could go to the dentist for free since I'm under 18, so of course I took that opportunity! It was a fun experience to compare Swedish dentists to American dentists. First of all, this dentist office was way up on the 5th floor of this scrawny apartment building, (sketchy). When I finally made it up the stairs, I was not greeted by a receptionist; there was a big room full of chairs with one computer screen. I walked up to the screen and typed in my personal number and then sat down and waited. People came and went, and I just waited and waited. Finally, a lady came in and asked for Corianna. I got up and followed her through the portal to where I would be getting my teeth checked. There was a lot of hand shaking and introductions. Then they decided to take some x-rays and soon found that I have marvelous teeth.

"Bra tänder" "Mycket Bra" "Bra, Bra, Bra"

After about 50 other "bra's" I was free to go. I hesitated for a moment... I expected them to clean my teeth like American dentists but that didn't happen. Maybe that's why Americans have such great teeth!

Another interesting thing that I've done is going for a fika with two Mormon missionaries that I met on the bus. It's kind of a funny story of why I would be doing this but it was great! I've never met a missionary before and I was duly curious about their thoughts and work. The one that has been keeping in contact with me insisted that he told me the origin of the Mormon church, and I have nothing against learning so we made a date. It was really nice, as we were sipping our coffee we were casually discussing religion and what they have to do every day and then they were curious about my beliefs and what I do every day... it was a conversation-packed hour, quite delightful.

Other new things... I've officially booked my round-trip tickets home! I'm going back to Good Ol' 'Merica on June 13th! It feels wonderful to have a date picked out!

So, that's what I've been up to. Reporting to you from this (nearly) empty homestead in Helsingborg,

Corianna