I am quite sure that we did not reply to your question (on our blog) about Sweden and about Arvika. Apologies. Life gets going so fast sometimes that it’s hard to slow down!

In retrospect, the thing that I think I miss most (Kurt, here…the dad) is the people. This is something that you may already know about Swedes: Many Swedes have walls around themselves. They hide behind these walls and they only let certain people in. When I met someone new, in a random place, they were almost always very reserved with me. Very cautious. They were embarrassed that their English was not good enough (even if it was quite good) or they seemed pained that they were making me stumble my way through their language (in which I can communicate and understand the basics pretty well, but only the basics!). I actually got to feel as though I must be an intimidating person, which is so not me.

My first Swedish job lasted 3 months and during that time, there were people who were there every day who never spoke to me during that entire time (at the time I knew so little Swedish…) and others were, actually, very friendly and with whom I still communicate (it was black and white, on or off with that crew). Now, if I was introduced to them through a friend, or if they have been to Minnesota, or if…whatever, they tended to open right up. With that opening, most people were immediately very warm to us.

We did meet so many really great people (I’m getting a little emotional right now, actually) and we were made to feel right at home by them. It felt very much like home and that Arvika could really be our home town. We have a great life in Minnesota, so staying was never an option for us, and that was so hard.

The people, for sure. We shall return, though!

Have you been to Arvika since you posted on our blog?

Kurt

Thank you so much for sharing your adventures.

Taking the entire family to experience another country is a wonderful idea. Thank you for sharing your inspiring story.

I live in London now (I’m actually American but I’ve lived A LOT of places) and I have friends in Arvika. I very much have Sweden on the brain and I want to spend in Arvika as well.

What do you reckon will be the things that you miss most about your Swedish experience?

Again, keep well and thank you for sharing!

Enjoy the summer!

At this rate, you’ll be extending into forever, though…