Interim post

Well, the first time I drafted this post, it got completely deleted by my dumbphone. I'm writing this as a text filler before I post the next update on the whereabouts and happenings I have yet to catch up on, and I can't post more than one photo at a time from my phone. So here goes, I'll try to write this again.

     I don't know why the "unfriendly" stereotype originated—perhaps it is because Swedes aren't often the ones to begin conversations—but the ones I've met have been nothing but hospitable and friendly. They've been willing to open up to foreigners like me, to show me around their homeland and teach me more about themselves—both as a culture, and as individuals. They've been curious about other cultures, too, and shown interest in learning a lot of different things. They're not so much "quiet" people as they are simply reserved. And sometimes, one must visit the nation to learn about its people, not just to reinforce the stereotypes that seem so true on the surface. It's about learning and appreciating a different culture, and understanding the reasons behind the ways they may do certain things. I came here to experience Sweden for what it is, not to breeze through my time here with no intentions of making friends with the native Swedes. I didn't come merely for the booze cruises and the expensive nights in Södermalm. I had different goals. I'm not the stereotypical American who loudly flaunts American-ness in people's faces (I hear that many of us do, although I think it's often unintentional). I've observed and studied the customs of the people here, both before I even planned to make a trip to Sweden, and once I got here, and I've learned a lot of things. It's an active lifestyle here in Stockholm, where public transportation is abundant, but cycling and walking are also promoted. The fresh air is always enjoyable when the weather is clear, like it is today.
It's a busy lifestyle, one which requires a lot of responsibility for oneself, both at the workplace and in studies. Everyone is expected to be responsible for his or her own duties, and nobody is expected to overachieve or be better than anyone else (in fact, it is looked down upon because of Jante law). But despite the difference in the culture, it suits me for some odd reason.

It is obvious from their international population that the majority are open to foreign cultures, despite the minority that still prefers to close borders and toughen immigrant policy. (I won't get into politics here.)
     Even the international residents and other exchange students have told me they really enjoy it here. I have yet to hear someone say they hate Stockholm. However, sometimes you have to take the extra step and start a conversation with a Swede. I've heard a few non-Swedes complain that the Swedes aren't outgoing or talkative, but it's more about getting them to warm up to you (and, of course, there are exceptions). They've plenty to say once you get them going, but it sometimes takes a bit of effort—which can take even more effort from me, since I am pretty much the same way and rarely am a conversation starter.

     It's about stepping beyond the boundaries that isolate a culture from others; it's about the experience of living somewhere with entirely different motives and perspectives. But mainly, it's about living a little in the moment.
     Before I agreed to come to KTH, I debated with myself off and on whether I would actually come to Stockholm for studies, for various reasons. I worried I would simply be throwing myself into a disaster of a situation, being ill-prepared and unaccustomed to life in Sweden. It could all crumble apart at a moment's notice. Perhaps it would be better to stay in the US and only take summer holiday to travel. But at the same time, I had the hope that I could turn this into one of the most positive experiences in my life—and so far, it hasn't disappointed. I came here to find myself, whatever it would take, and I've learned a lot about myself throughout the seven or eight weeks I've spent here in Stockholm.

     I wanted to study somewhere I hadn't already been, in a place where the primary language wasn't English. Of course, nearly everyone understands English here, but I've thrown myself into the habit of using Swedish from Day 1, with store clerks and university administration. I practise Swedisj at every opportunity I get, since that's the best way to learn. I wanted the full experience of living here, including working my way to fluency in their language. They do seem to appreciate the effort, too, and are encouraging to people who bother to learn Swedish.

     Even with my busy schedule, I've gone and explored much of Stockholm at any opportunity I've gotten. While it's nice to see the typically tourist-infested locales, oftentimes a quiet walk in a nature park is what I prefer. Sometimes, the best sort of relaxation is to be out in the open air with nothing but your thoughts and reflections to keep you company. Other times, it's sitting in a quaint café with ambient music droning in the background as you draft pieces of poetry or a novel. And there is always the option to open the window in your room to let in the fresh air as you practise nyckelharpa.

And honestly, I just want to say that I like this place, and I've discovered more of myself here than I knew before.

/The Swedish Fish