I am indeed in Sweden for those of you who have yet to hear from me! I arrived three weeks ago by plane, via Copenhagen. It was quite an adventure making it here to my apartment. The plane ride wasn't too long, but sleep was scarce and I was running on fumes when I got to Copenhagen to start my journey. Unfortunetaly the airline lost one of my bags so I was walking around for an hour looking for it in the airport, thinking that I
simply had not noticed it at the baggage claim. But it turns out that it hadn't gotten on the plane from Nashville. Luckily I did receive one of my suitcases so I wasn't at a total loss. And I had packed extra clothes in my carry on.
I managed to sleep on the train ride to Karlskrona. It is about four hours from Copenhagen.
Once I got here I managed to find my way to the real estate agency here in town and get my account settled. They gave me my key and I took the bus to my apartment, here next to the BTH campus. (BTH stands for Blekinge Tekniska Hogskolan). Basically its a small technical university.Since then I have gotten settled into this new Swedish home. A couple of the things I've noticed since being here:
Housing prices are comparitively cheap to the United States. For instance, my apartment overlooks a beautiful bay, its close to campus, and I pay about the same as I paid in Knoxville for it.
Food (and all goods) is extremely expensive. The cost of living is very high in Sweden, and they pay the second-highest taxes in the industrialized world.
It is custom to take your shoes off when entering a house here. Swedes get very upset when you don't do this...
The Swedish people are a little stand-offish at first, but once you get to know them they are very very kind. They generally take well to foreigners, and everyone speaks English here.
School is heating up as well. We have to give two presentations next week and there is a test. I shall be ranting on here more soon, with more details of this journey.
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9 comments:
Blog away Son!...always good to read your life story. Getting cool here now, today's high in the low 70's. Tonight it's getting down to 56, brrrrr! Is it under armour weather there yet? Love ya buddy!
I am reading a book about Sweden that took place in the 1600's. I have never known much about Sweden or their culture. You are getting to experience it first hand. Your dad is right - it is getting cool here but you have us beat - it is getting down into the 30's over there at night. Thinking of you. Love ya, your mom.
Very cool! I look forward to reading all about this big adventure!
Sara
ya think he's forgotten about the UT-FL game tomorrow? You need to skype me before dog day Sat.9/20 son!
Be careful...and stay "cool"!
I thought I sent you a post to thank you for pictures. It is not showing up on my screen so maybe I didn't do something right. It's my first time to write a blogger.
If it shows up twice forgive me. :0
I enjoyed talking/seeing you on Skype so much on Saturday. Wonderful! Have a good week. I love you bunches my special nipote..be in touch! Mims
My first blog - woohoo! Love reading your blog and hearing your voice on skype. I am so proud of you, I tell everyone about my nephew who is studying in Sweden. Keep on writing, it's your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share everything with family and friends. We'll get Mommy Polly and Daddy Paul to read too.
Love you,
Aunt Vicki, Sophie & Rocky
Just a quick note: Matt should now be in Denmark. His bunch left either by bus or train for the neighboring country on Tuesday morning I believe. I haven't gotten to skype with him much since he says he's been busy (doesn't that happen with kids nowadays?), but he seems to be very, very contented with his life of adventure! Matt, if you happen to get knighted "Sir Matthew" or run for Swedish government office or become a Prince or something, don't forget your family, ok? And, if anyone wants to keep up with Swedish news, try: http://www.thelocal.se/14672/20081001/
There you can find interesting Swedish stories like the woman who found the word "Allah" in a rotten mango...interesting. Stay safe my Son!
Matt, it's 65F now going down to 35F tonight! This is cold, and I know you're colder! Bundle up and don't catch a cold or the flu! Love ya buddy!
Looks cool man. I'm linking your blog to my blog www.jamesdmccurdy.com . I expect you to do the same. Come to Hong Kong! I want to come to Sweeden!
Jay
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