Tag: sweden

Learning about Sweden from Popular Culture*

For many years, Sweden has been frequently represented in popular media, especially in the US. Ranging from typical references such us Swedish blonde girls in American Horror Story: Hotel to the Swedish chef with a thick accent on The Muppets Movie, Sweden is often narrowly depicted as anything that other countries are not.

Media representation can be too stereotypical and misleading sometimes, but as an expat living in Sweden, I found that popular culture about Sweden helps me to understand the country and its culture better. But, I prefer the “local” ones, which contain more “insider perspectives” than Hollywood productions. These are my personal favourites: Continue reading “Learning about Sweden from Popular Culture*” →

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Things You Might Want to Know about Lund*

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Lunds Domkyrka before sunrise. Picture by Hayu Hamemayu.

It’s old, it’s small, yet it’s full of charm: It’s Lund!

Less known than cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg or Malmö, Lund is actually one of the oldest cities in Sweden. Its roots can be traced back to the Uppåkra settlement from around 100 BC. For this reason, Lund is rich with history and remarkable landmarks. This small city is located in the Skåne province, the southernmost of Sweden, which was once part of Denmark before the Treaty of Roskilde was signed in 1658. Famous as a religious centre in the past, the city is now better known as a centre of education and innovation.

I’ve been a Lundensian for almost two years now and have been to other Swedish cities as well, but Lund is still my favourite. Below, I compile the most frequently asked questions about it. Continue reading “Things You Might Want to Know about Lund*” →

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What to Expect when You’re Expecting … In Sweden*

I had just recovered from severe flu when I realised I missed my period. I was a bit surprised but kept my expectations low as this wasn’t the first time I missed it. Days passed by and the monthly visitor still didn’t come. I started to wonder: “Am I really pregnant?”

My skeptical husband asked me to wait for a few more days. “Maybe it is because you are tired after our trip to Oslo. Maybe it is because of all the medicines you took to counter the flu,” he argued.

“Could be,” I thought. So I waited.

Days turned into weeks and I felt that this was so unusual. This was different. Thus, I decided to buy a test pack online and waited until the package arrived.

One morning I woke up and rushed to the bathroom. I had the pregnancy test with me, took the test and …

Two stripes. Gravid. Pregnant.

Continue reading “What to Expect when You’re Expecting … In Sweden*” →

Hayu Hamemayu4 Comments

The Weekenders

One of the most common “needs” in our generation is the urge to always spend the most of the weekend. As if, after five consecutive days of hard work, we all deserved two days full of joy and excitement.

Work hard, play harder, they say!

And frankly speaking, I’m not an exception 😅.

Ever since the years when I studied in the university, to the times I worked full time and now freelance, the craving for a fulfilling weekend remains the same. No matter how the weekdays pass by, I consider weekend as a special moment. A moment to have a break from routine and do anything I cannot do from Monday to Friday.

It can be as simple as, having relaxing moment in the morning, not rushing to get things done, Netflix time, dining out, or having a weekend getaway. For me, it doesn’t have to be fancy. The idea is just to make weekend feels special. To recharge ourselves before Monday calls. Continue reading “The Weekenders” →

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The Perk of Being a Lundensian

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With only 25.75 km² area, Lund is indeed small compare to other cities in Sweden. You can explore the city in three days and you would have literally been everywhere 😄. The city is also bit quiet as the population is just around 90.000 inhabitants and much lesser on July to August, because most of them are student and they leave for summer vacation during those months. Haha.

But, as the second oldest city in Sweden, Lund is rich with history and has remarkable landmarks. I’ve never bored of the idea to stroll around its cobblestone’s streets and enjoy its colourful houses. Besides, there are other things that make me more than just happy for being a Lundensian. Continue reading “The Perk of Being a Lundensian” →

Hayu HamemayuLeave a comment
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