Seven Days a Week

It's been a week already, but so far only one blog post - I've been too busy enjoying my life instead of writing about it. And there's been a lot to enjoy: exploring Malmö and its streets, shops, cafés and restaurants, catching up with old friends and meeting new people, finding out new things about Sweden and the Swedes, and first and foremost, settling to everyday life with my boyfriend. After all those months of being apart, it's wonderful to wake up together every day and just do normal things like laundry, groceries, cooking, cleaning and watching TV. In the long run, and in "ordinary" relationships, those things usually become a bore, but real happiness lies in things like your partner offering to take out the trash for you. Skype won't do that. So appreciate everyday life while you can.

I think it's about time to show you the neighbourhood. We live on Per Albin Hanssons väg, about 3 kilometres from the centre of the city. Our street is named after a Second World War era prime minister who was born here. Well actually, here:

Here's Per Albin himself, his very own pub and one of the cute street signs on his street:

Our friend Per Albin wasn't born in a bad neighbourhood at all, it's very pretty around here. Lovely houses and blossoming gardens, plus a chestnut tree fit for Totoro.

Our house and our part of the street aren't as pretty, though. But, we live right next to a big mall, and we have a video rental store right downstairs so it's not that bad. We even have our own little wino gang, enjoying their summer days in the park across the street.

My first week in Sweden has been smooth sailing. The only thing interfering with our peaceful being has been graduating students driving around in convertibles and trucks, honking and shouting. That's another thing you don't see in Finland. But sure, they've earned their celebrations. I just hope they shut up soon cause I sure as hell have earned some peace and quiet!

-Karoliina