Its been almost two weeks since my last post, its about time to update on whats been the buzz up in Norland. Things are really starting to settle down and routine's are forming. Its easy to get like that, so a good shaking up is always good for keeping things interesting.
Its finally great to have internet in the apartment, its taken ages for them to install the line, but now that its installed it really rockets, an average of 1Mb/s. (For those who, like me are not that familiar with tech speak, it means that its a pretty fast connection). This new addition really makes it easier to keep connected with family...and waste great time surfing the net and all other things associated with the internet.
University is in full swing, with normal classes happening twice a week, much much reading and preparing of work in the rest of the time. Already, we have two assessments due in this last week of September, with a written test the week after.
On top of this, Swedish language courses have also started, and I have decided to take two separate courses, both part time, to learn as much as possible, as fast as possible. :) Let see how it goes...
Autimn (Höst) has set in and temperatures are cooling quickly. Last night, the 25th of september we finally recorded the first frost (The huge lake nearby keeps things regulated to an extent, hence the late frost), with the night time average dipping to -0.7 degree's. The day time high's are also around 7 or 8. But the sun shines and when it does it makes it much much easier to handle.
This is really a great place to keep fit and be outdoors, and many many people here in Östersund take advantage of the outdoors. Once again, Östersund this year is hosting the Swedish Biathlon Championships in December, this is the kick ass sport of skiing and shooting...very very cool. And all over in the forests and off road tracks, people are practising on roller ski's till it snows...
And on that note of snow, I have finally seen the first snow's. The fjall's (mountain ranges) around here were covered in snow today on the run, its so beautiful, I will post a photo as soon as possible on this...
The 24th of September was National Braai Day in SA...it was one of the days that I really missed being back home. It was 7 degree's and raining here in Östersund, while in SA, people were in shortsleeves and having braai's...gosh I missed it tons.
So I celebrated, by making a Malay curry, drinking an SA wine and enjoying an eve with a few friends...wasnt the same, but in my heart I was with all you in SA...


So, all in all, autumn greetings from a cooling Norland...

One month down...

August 13 2010 I landed in Sweden. Lots of planning, preperation…and prayers had gone into it, and it was about to start.

Today, the 13th of September 2010 I have been in sweden for a whole month…and wow life can change in a month…so one month down, and lets recap on a few changes.

1-Countries-worlds apart from SA to Sweden

2-Attitudes towards family and friends. Family’s you cant choose, and thanks God for that, because I like my family. And friends. guess life’d be very boring and lonely without them.

3-Climate-gosh what happened to spring in SA from what I hear? Its getting chilly here, leaves are turning gold and orange…and winter’s fast approaching. Global warming eh?

4-There are places in the world where people still are trusting, filling in a form actually gets things to work properly…and yet, an internet connection no matter where you are in the world can still take over a month to be connected and working…

5-Students are students, no matter where they are in the world or what language is spoken.

6-Friends can be friends, no matter the language and where they are from.

7-English truely is a worldwide language, and having it as your first language can be a very, very helpful asset. And yet, even dodgy swedish can help you in tough situations, particularly in Istanbul…

8-Skype, Facebook, emails and telephones are wonderful inventions to keep you in touch no matter where you are in the world.

9-Sweden is a beautiful country.

10-South Africa is a beautiful country.

11-Swedish girls are prettier though...

12-South Africa=synonemous with the FIFA World cup…and yes the vuvuzela is really hated by all countries except South Africa.

13-Proper braai’s can actually be made if South African’s are present.

This picture is actually in Sweden, not Asia...

So all in all, Month one has been a great, God sent month...lets see what the next has to offer...

Mitt Universitetet

Ok so university has officially started, and I hopefully have a picture attached of the place. Wowza, it was on old military barrack, and when Sweden de-militarised, they had to figure out something to do with the buildings...so the airforce base was converted into an airport, most buildings became business's, and a university was formed in the town centre...pretty well masked I must say.

The classes have officially started too. The academia started with a group meeting of roughly 70-80 people gathering in a hall, all "Freemovers" as we are called, internationals with a right to study here. And international we are indeed. I think the only continent that was skipped was South America...but seriously, there are people from all over. And since last week thursday, its been getting to grips with the place since then...
Classes itself started on Tuesday the 31st of August. There are approximately 30-35 people studying Masters in Tourism...three are swedish....interesting indeed.
Classes are different to South Africa, with much self study required, in a short space of time. There are two lectures a week, two, which in a space of three weeks, we would have basically self read two books and a journal, in which we are to be tested...in groups, like group work...Alrightey then...

Besides from Academia, I am so greatfull to God for His guidance in this move. There is a drastic shortage of accommodation in this town, and people have been moved from pillar to post, and have struggled to find a place to stay. Those getting accommodation now are paying crazy prices, for very little indeed...

There is also a new addition to my life, a movable asset, that I have named Norman...a decrepit beat up, needs some attention mountain bike. But at 350:- what could you have expected. It has one gear, (the hardest), so uphills are exactly that, uphills, and the brakes are...well, need a little work...but it looks good and it gets from A to B quicker than walking...so its a winner...

One thing I have had a laugh about, is what the Swedes call a Grill, some other nations call a BBQ, and we know it as a braai...They have no idea. They light about 9 coals in a foil pan and try slow roast a sausage, in weather that is about 9 degree's and cloudy...oh how I miss a proper braai! Please see pictures attached. I will secretly humour these people for now...but one day the braai instinct will take over...

And that for now is signing off...more to follow in time...

Cheers