Ex-Expat Day 292

It’s been a bit over 9 months since I arrived on these here shores, and I’ve settled in. I guess I can say that now. There are routines. There’s a job. There’s a daily commute. There are places that I frequent often enough to be a “regular” and, conversely, there’s already a list of places that I don’t need to revisit.

And yes, there’s a very long list of things and places to explore, and also quite a few things to get used to, to figure out, and to learn. But I live here now … so I have time. There’s no rush.

One thing is certain, though: this was not an easy move, and I hope I never have to move again. Moving, especially long distance, is definitely one of my least favorite things to do. Of course, I’m glad I did it … but jeez, what a pain! Literally every aspect of that experience was unnecessarily stressful, unpleasant, and expensive. But it’s done … phew!

Anyway, in other news, it’s springtime, and the weather is spectacular. Sunny. Warm. Amazing! The funny thing is that I always think of Sweden as being grey and rainy with a few nice days sprinkled in here. But at least this year it’s sun, sun, and more sun. And the days are long. Sunrise at 4:30a and sunset at 9:30p … and the days are still getting longer! This will take some getting used to 😊

So, some 9 months later, truly every aspect of my life has changed. But I feel it’s been for the better. I can (and do) walk everywhere or take public transportation. I don’t need a car and don’t even miss it. It’s one less hassle to worry about. Better (and healthier) food, and in general, a lot less stress.

My old life in the States seems so long ago. In fact, sometimes it feels as if it never happened … and that’s a very strange feeling given that I lived there more than half my life. And, at the same time, so many things here still seem unfamiliar 🤔