January 12, 2024
From Ugandan Sunshine to Swedish Snow: Embracing the Winter Wonderland
In the heart of Africa, where the sun dances in the sky, I embarked on a journey that would lead me to a world far removed from the equatorial warmth of Uganda. Sweden, with its enchanting landscapes and renowned education system, welcomed me, 
little did I know, this journey would bring some delightful surprises!
Embracing the Winter Whirlwind: My First Encounter with Snow
Ah November! It was as early as November – Linköping was covered in a soft, white blanket. Snow! I’d only seen it in movies before. Now, I was right in the middle of a real-life winter wonderland, and I couldn’t have been more excited.
The Weather Tango: Learning to Dress for the Cold
Adapting to the Swedish winter wasn’t without its challenges. The cold, the darkness, the layers of clothing – it was a dance of weather extremes. Gone were the days of flip-flops and sun hats; instead, I found myself navigating the art of layering and mastering the art of thermal wear. The cold surprised me at first, but every day, it felt less like a problem and more like an adventure.
Thriving Amidst the Darkness: Finding Light in Unexpected Places
As the sun took its winter hiatus, plunging Sweden into extended periods of darkness, I discovered a different kind of light: The cozy glow of candles, the warmth of communal fikas (coffee breaks) and friendly faces made the darkness less scary. It turned out, even in the cold, Sweden had a warm heart.
Snowy Fun: Strategies for Coping and Thriving
Thriving in the midst of cultural and climatic contrasts required more than just adapting; it demanded resilience. To make winter awesome, I decided to try things the Swedish way. I played in the snow, tasted delicious Swedish food, and even built a snowman. These activities became not just coping mechanisms but avenues for celebration, turning the winter season into a cherished chapter of my academic journey.
The Heart-warming Conclusion: A Girl, Snowflakes, and a Resilient Spirit
Now, as I write this with snow falling outside, I can’t believe how much I’ve learned. From Ugandan sunshine to the cold and dark Swedish weather, the surprises were many, but so were the good things – making friends, finding joy in simple moments, and turning winter into a cool part of my story.
In the end, it’s not just about surviving the winter; it’s about thriving, finding beauty in the frosty landscapes, and turning every snowflake into a unique, enchanting chapter of my own story. The cold, the darkness, the snow – they are not obstacles; they are integral threads weaving into the colourful closet of my big adventure in Sweden.
Yours, Chelsea.
