Settling Into My New Home

I have now been living in Växjö for five days and I couldn't be any more in love with this city and country! The Swedes are beautiful and friendly people, and so many of them speak English so well.

Yesterday morning, I was able to pick up a bike for 750 kronor (about $120 Canadian) at a bike sale from an on-campus shop with the sweetest owners. Meet my baby blue, slightly rusty bicycle that has a ton of character and I’m sure a long history of university students enjoying a ride along the lake.

It's cheaper and much healthier than riding on the bus to campus every day. While my residence is a bit far from campus (about a 40 minute walk), I'm able to make it in about 10 minutes on my bike while enjoying the beautiful lake view. The bike paths run through the forest area away from the road, so you're able to walk and bike to the university in peace.

This is the amazing lake view we bike by every day on the way to campus. It’s so breathtakingly gorgeous.

There's even a disco ball in the middle of the lake that never stops spinning. Not sure what the purpose of it is, but it definitely adds some unique character to the lake. 

Earlier today, we picked up our Växjö International Students cards in one of the main buildings. Afterwards, it was ridiculously busy in the building so we left for Willy's grocery store, where I picked up some smoked salmon, which is amazing on flatbread crackers with cream cheese, and a little bag of candy. I only grocery shop for a couple days at a time, so my food doesn't go to waste and it's much easier to pick up only a bit of food at a time when I'm biking.

Tomorrow I'll begin classes and I'm looking forward to enjoying my view on the way to class in the morning, even if I have a few 8:00 am lectures to attend.

"I'm not sure what I'll do, but — well, I want to go places and see people. I want my mind to grow. I want to live where things happen on a big scale." -F. Scott Fitzgerald

I agree completely with F. Scott Fitzgerald here. Just traveling to Sweden and wandering around for a few days, I have been able to observe the culture and people. By learning about a new culture and way of life firsthand, I’m coming out of my comfort zone and experiencing new activities. I've also been introduced to many wonderful new people from all over the world, who have shown me differences in their cultures as well. I feel comfortable here with the support of my floormates, as well as others in my building who I've become close with and it has made the transition a breeze!