Let’s just say my experience in Sweden has been good, bad, beautiful, and yes, even ugly 😐. I’ve had high points and low points, and I’ve learned a lot. Sweden has taught me humility and patience. If you didn’t have those qualities before, trust me, this country will train you 😅.
1️⃣ Experiencing All Four Seasons for the First Time 🍁❄️🌸☀️
This was one of the most beautiful things for me. I got to experience all four seasons. Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter & not just watch them on TV.
There’s something special about seeing the changes firsthand:
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Summer is still my fave - warm and sunny, what’s not to love? 😍
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Spring gives that “no more big jacket” feeling 😌
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Autumn says goodbye with falling leaves 🍂
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And Winter… oh dear, Winter is still my least favourite ❄️😪
📷 Quick Tip: Always take pictures! Seasons change fast, and if you don’t capture those little moments, they’ll just pass you by.
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| Summer (My best season yet😍) |
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| Spring (Just in between😐. That "no more big jackets" feeling) |
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| Autumn (When the leaves say goodbye😕) |
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| Winter (My worst season yet😪) |
2️⃣ Meeting People from All Over the World 🌍
I’ve always loved meeting new people, but living in Sweden took that to a whole new level. Thanks to the international student and expat communities, I’ve met people from Ghana, Zambia, Pakistan, Mexico, Spain, India, Turkey, Brazil, Uganda, you name it! We shared stories, food, traditions, and a lot of laughs. These people became very close friends to us
📷 Quick Tip: Take pictures with your new friends. Trust me, one day you’ll look back and smile (even if you’re not the “photo” type 😜).
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| Friends we met in Sweden (L-R: Ghanaian, Zambian Couple, and Us) |
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| Friends from My Swedish Language Class (L-R: Mexican, Pakistani, M,e and Indian) |
3️⃣ Learning the Swedish Language 🇸🇪
Now, this one is neither a high nor a low point, let’s just call it a middle point 😂. Swedish is the official language, and if you plan to live or work here long-term, you have to learn it. The good news? It’s not the most difficult language I’ve encountered. The bad news? It can be painfully boring, especially when you don’t have people around to practice with.
I understand the language more than I speak it (hello, k-leg Swedish 😆), but my biggest advice is: start learning early, even before you arrive. It will make navigating everyday life so much easier, from the mall to the doctor’s office.
💬 Quick Tip: Anytime you meet a Swede, just say “Hej”. Even if you don't speak the language yet, you’ll likely get a smile in return 😊.
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| Hej = Hi or Hello, Hej då = Goodbye. Got this image from here. |
This has been my lowest point in Sweden so far. In Nigeria, we have “morning and night” 😅, simple and consistent. But Sweden,
❄️ In winter, the sun sets at 2 pm (yes, TWO!), and it looks like midnight by afternoon. It’s gloomy and honestly depressing.
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| Took this shot at 4pm on one of the cold winter dark days |
5️⃣ Food (Screaming in Amala 😭)
Let me just say this loud and clear: Swedes LOVE potatoes. Mashed, fried, baked, boiled, you name it. I don’t think there’s a method they haven’t tried 😆. In two years, I still haven’t found a Swedish dish I truly love, but what Sweden has done is push me to become a more creative chef. I’ve invented quick recipes, learned how to adapt Nigerian meals with what’s available, and I now cook dishes I never thought I would. Amala and poundo still reign supreme in our house though 😋.
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| Eko and Akara💪 |
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| Steamed Corn (Abari) and Tortilla💗 (Perfect for Dessert) |
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| Banana Bread💗 (One of my quickies) |
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| Waffle Akara and Hausa Koko😋 |
While I can’t say I love everything about Sweden (there are still things I don’t enjoy), I can proudly say that the experience has shaped me in ways nothing else could. Like they say, experience is truly the best teacher. 😍. Until next time… Xoxo💋
Loved reading your experience. And well done for being able to pick up bits and pieces of the language in such a short time! British people love potatoes as well. Lol! Well, if I ever come to Sweden, i'll be sure to let you know and say 'Hej'!
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Thank you Kachee💋
DeleteOh dear, I can relate to the language struggle as I have been in Belarus for almost 5 years now and still can't speak Russian language fluently.They also love potatoes too. I guess it's an European thing lol!lovely post.
ReplyDeleteThank you Madiora. I cannot even imagine what the Russian language looks like, lol. I have just learnt to live life everyday as it comes whether I can speak or not. And yes, potatoes is an European thing, I think you are 100% right in that.
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