September marks eight months since I stepped off the plane in Sweden, suitcase in hand, heart racing with equal parts excitement and nerves. Back in January, I was still fumbling through everything; from waiting for my personnummer to figuring out which milk carton was actually “regular milk” and not filmjölk (sour milk).
Now, with the first hints of autumn in the air, I realize that some things that once felt so foreign have quietly become normal.
What Feels Normal Now
-Fika as a rhythm, not an event. In January, I thought fika was just coffee and cake. Now I get it; it’s a pause, a way to reconnect with yourself or others. My days feel incomplete without that little break.
-Silence in public. Swedes don’t fill the air with chatter, and honestly, I’m grateful. There’s no expectation to make small talk in lines or on buses… and that quiet feels like freedom.
-Walking and taking the bus. I’ve learned to rely on my own two feet and public transit, and it feels natural now. The bus system that once felt intimidating is part of my everyday rhythm.
-Shopping without Google Translate. Back in January, I leaned on my phone for almost every label. Now I only pull it out once in a while… and sometimes I even surprise myself by just knowing the word.
-A supportive partner. My husband has helped me acclimate in more ways than I can count. Having someone patient, encouraging, and willing to answer my “why is it like this?” questions has made all the difference.
What Still Surprises Me
-The recycling system. I think I’ve mastered most of it; but sometimes I still stand there with a package in my hand, wondering where it belongs.
-Grocery shopping adventures. Even now, I’ll spot something in the store and have no idea what it is. Sometimes I buy it anyway… half the fun is figuring it out later.
-The bike incident. Let’s just say I haven’t exactly embraced biking yet. After running into a whole rack of parked bikes outside a shop (yes, it was as embarrassing as it sounds), I’ve stuck mostly to walking. One day I’ll give it another try… maybe.
-The light and dark. Back in January, the darkness was like a blanket. Now, September evenings are already shorter, and I know the dark days are on their way again. Swedes seem to embrace it with candles and coziness (mys), but I’m not sure I’m ready yet.
Looking Ahead
I grew up in a place where snow was rare; more of a novelty than a season. Here, winter is part of life, and strangely, I’m excited for it. I can’t wait to experience snowy walks, cozy evenings, and the quiet beauty of a Swedish winter. My husband, on the other hand, is not quite as enthusiastic about the snow… but I think I’ll make up for his lack of enthusiasm with my own.
What I Love Most
Even when I feel like a fish out of water, there’s a deep sense of belonging growing inside me. Sweden has this quiet rhythm of nature, of seasons, of traditions… that I didn’t notice at first. Eight months in, I feel myself syncing with it.
Moving abroad is never just about geography; it’s about the small details of daily life that slowly shift you, until one day you realize: this is home too
Swedish Wanderlust 