Three weeks in Lund. More personal observations:
1. Things are built to last here. There is little evidence of cutting corners when it comes to construction or building materials. Green alternatives are the norm, not the exception.
2. Nice ashetics and eye-pleasing designs create a feel-good environment which makes people happier and calmer. Good urban planning + entwining nature with man-made structures + simple, functional furniture = life that is easy to navigate and pleasant to inhabit.
3. Silence is ok. In day to day interactions with locals and friends we've made, there can be moments of complete silence within a conversation and that is absolutely ok and not at all weird. It may feel uncomfortable at first but if you learn to embrace the silence, you shall be rewarded with a more meaningful conversation and not just fluffy words to fill the airspace.
3. 90 square metres of living space is more than enough for our family. After unpacking our bags, we still have many empty cupboards, drawers and closets ... and absolutely no intention of filling them.
4. Buying milk is not so simple. It can result in purchasing sour yoghurt which will only be discovered the moment you have your first sip of morning coffee. You have been warned.
5. Fika is serious business. Sure, everyone has hectic schedules with kids, work and the usual obligations of life. But never, ever mess with fika. It is like an institutional right to have coffee and cake every afternoon. A kind of national pause in the day to reset and regroup with friends.
6. Cheese. So. Much. Freakin. Good. Cheese. All at affordable prices. That is all.
7. Sweden is made for kids. We have found free summer activities all over the county for kids, from boardgame clubs to outdoor concerts. We literally live within a couple of minutes to a dozen playgrounds. The selection is mind-boggling.
8. A city that has good, reliable public transport is a city worth living in. Public transport is excellent here. We never have to wait more than 10 minutes for a train or connecting bus. Allowing citizens to move freely and easily creates a sense of freedom and ease so that we can focus on the more important things, like buying the right kind of milk.
9. Do your own thing, it's your right. People mind their own business and won't usually question something slightly unusual if it doesn't hurt/bother them or greater society. People are friendly and curious but they won't over-share.... unless you ask. And I'm a good asker.
10. Personal space. People respect each other's "bubble" and won't enter that sacred sphere. I guess physical distancing was already happening here before it was mandatory around the world.
11. Rumour has it the healthcare is excellent in Scandinavia. I now have first hand experience to tell you that that is absolutely true. Tai had a mysterious allergic reaction which resulted in full-body hives, non-stop sneezing and a puffy face. We called the National Heath Line where you can talk to a nurse to help you diagnosis whatever it is. The next day it wasn't better so we went to the hospital. They were professional, competent and we hardly had to wait. A shot of cortisone and some antihistamines later, Tai is fine again.
12. Getting your personnummer (PN) is essential. We were lucky and received our PNs within 2 weeks after applying. Basically it's your identity in Sweden and after you have your PN, you exist here and will be able to access all other services. Best thing is, all your information is in one central database. No more filling out multiple forms for various things. Want to sign up for summer camp or register for a night course? Want to get a library card or get a points reward card from the grocery store? Are you moving and want to inform all government authorities so they know? Just give them your PN and nothing else. Too easy.
13. Bike and road safety. Learn it and join the masses on the paths. I had no idea how much I would love cycling here. If I had to choose one thing that I love most about Lund, it is the cycling culture. We actually choose places to go to just so we can bike there.
Well, that's it from me. I've been enjoying an extended fika by myself at the local cafe while Tai's at sailing skola. Time to pick him!
