5 things I Do Different Since Moving to Sweden

Moving to Sweden has reshaped not just my surroundings but also the quirky habits that define my daily life. In this exploration, join me as I unravel 5 things I do different since moving to Sweden. From coffee rituals to seasonal adjustments, each quirk paints a vivid picture of the delightful changes that have marked my transformative experience in this Nordic wonderland.

1. Coffee Overdose

In Uganda, coffee was a ritual for special occasions. In Sweden, it’s practically a food group! Forget a gentle cuppa; here, it’s all about fika – the Swedish coffee break. My coffee consumption has skyrocketed. I’ve gone from “Is this coffee?” to “How many cups until I can speak fluent Swedish?” My friends back home think I’ve joined a secret caffeine cult. I just tell them it’s a Nordic initiation.

2. Vitamin D Fashion Show: Shining Bright in Sunshine Deficiency

Uganda, where the sun is practically a permanent resident, didn’t prepare me for the Swedish darkness. I’ve transformed into a walking Vitamin D fashion show. Sunlight is a rare gem here, so I strut around flaunting my Vitamin D supplements like they’re the latest fashion accessory. Who knew a pill could be so fabulous?

3. Winter Fashionista: Layering Like a Pro

In Uganda, winter was a myth. Now, I’ve mastered the art of layering like a seasoned fashionista. Forget about just wearing a sweater; I’m a walking onion with layers upon layers. I’ve even developed a signature move – the Arctic Tumble – gracefully disrobing layers as soon as I step into a heated room. It’s the hottest winter trend, literally.

4. Politeness Overdrive: Sorry, Thank You, and More Apologies

Ugandans are polite, but Sweden takes it to a whole new level. I’ve caught the “Swedish politeness bug.” I apologize for things I didn’t do, thank people excessively, and throw in a “sorry” just for good measure. Back in Uganda, they’d think I’ve been replaced by a particularly polite robot. But here, it’s just the Swedish way – and I’ve fully embraced it.

5. Embracing the Sauna Life: Turning up the Heat

Saunas in Uganda? Unheard of. Saunas in Sweden? A way of life. I’ve gone from wondering if I’ll spontaneously combust to considering a sauna my second home. Sweating it out in a room hotter than a Ugandan afternoon has become my ultimate relaxation. My sauna game is strong, and I’m convinced I can out-sweat a polar bear.

In this tale of cultural adjustments, I found myself not just surviving but thriving in the unpredictable land of Sweden. Coffee in hand, layers intact, and apologies at the ready, I have embraced the absurdity of it all and turned my Nordic adventure into a hilarious film of several interesting experiences. The end? Not quite – the saga continues, one fika at a time.

Yours, Chelsea.

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