I’m back with another update from the past few weeks. It’s hard to believe that I’ve now been living in Stockholm for over a month. The day’s are getting brighter and daylight extends a few minutes each day. I am (slowly) picking up more Swedish and am learning more and more about the quirks of Swedish culture every day. Right now, life is good.
Last week in Stockholm, I got to enjoyed another Swedish tradition, ring in the beginning of the Lenten Season, and celebrate Lunar New Year. Fettisdagen, also know as Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras, marks the day before the Lenten fast is set to begin. Of course, this day corresponds with Christian tradition, although Sweden is a relatively secular society. However, Fettisdagen hardly goes without celebration, as tradition dictates that it be commemorated with the eating of the semla, sweet wheat bun flavored with cardamom topped with almond paste and whipped cream. I was lucky enough that the Swedish Program treated us to Fettisdagen fika, with semla as the star. While semlor were once sold only on Fat Tuesday, the season has been growing longer. as of late, to mixed reactions. According to some of the Swedes I have spoken to on the subject (mind you, I had already eaten three before Fettisdagen), the “controversy” of the expanding semla season seems similar to how people feel about Christmas music being played earlier and earlier on the radio every year. I may be anti-early Christmas music, but if it was up to me, I’d eat a semla every day.
The following day, Ash Wednesday, kicks off the Lenten fast. Unlike the semla, Ash Wednesday traditions hit close to home. Despite being thousands of miles from Syracuse, I was able to attend services (in Swedish) and join my family, friends, and however many others around the world in welcoming the start of Lent. For me, receiving ashes reminds me of home and provides a sense of familiarity that can be incredibly comforting. In contrast, celebrating Lunar New Year a few days later reminded me not of home, but of Hamilton (s/o to Hamilton’s Asian Student Association), as my first experience celebrating the holiday was at school. In that way, Lunar New Year, like Ash Wednesday, makes me feel like home and the Hill don’t always have to feel so far away.
Finally, I had the chance to take a weekend trip to Tallinn, Estonia. Armed with a bag stuffed with snacks, I got on a boat that was much larger than I imagined (I’ve never been on a cruise) and enjoyed a fun time with my friends. My contact family had mentioned that Tallinn can seem a bit like Stockholm, but from fifty years ago, and I can’t say I disagree after my short time in the city. We spent most of our time in Tallinn’s Old Town, which included some sightseeing, lots of Google maps, and a pretty amazing visit to a modern Estonian restaurant.
The week that followed was much more routine. Classes are progressing, and I find myself appreciating my studies in ways I didn’t expect. For example, I’ve never taken a writing course at Hamilton, so I decided to enroll in Writing Sweden, a creative writing course focusing on writing dedicated to place. Despite the initial challenge, I find that the change of pace from my usual Public Policy coursework has been a welcome shift. Not only have my assignments given me an opportunity to reflect on my time here in Stockholm, but also how I interact with the places that are important to me.
Time is continuing to fly by, as I look forward to another exciting week!
