I spent Nov.4th through Nov.13th in Sweden visiting my friend Anna. I stayed with her and her family. It was very relaxing and it felt nice to be in a “homey” atmosphere. Her parents were super nice and hospitable. I felt welcomed and safe and warm! It was very cold in Sweden while I was there. Freezing temperatures were about 20 degrees (Celsius) colder than in Milan.
The low temperatures were accompanied by short days where the sun would set around four thirty. I wasn’t used to the cold or to the darkness, but the sunsets and sunrises made it worth it. The most beautiful displays of light I have ever seen! The shades and intensity of the sunrise and sunset made me feel so warm inside, despite the cold outside. It was so beautiful that no matter how eloquent my description, it will not do it justice. I also lament, that no matter how vivid my recollection of the moment is, it will never be as beautiful as seeing it live.
During the week I went with Anna to school. While Anna was in her usual classes where only Swedish was spoken, I would sit in to the Spanish and English classes. It was a cool experience to be surrounded by the Swedish students, who were trying to learn English and Spanish and more about the American and Latino culture. It was perfect timing for me to visit. I would introduce myself, in the language of the class I was in, and then the class would ask me questions. I would explain that I was born and raised in America, and that my parents were originally from El Salvador. I realized that saying I am from the United States in like saying I am from Europe. It is not specific and people always want to know what state and what city. When I said North Carolina, most people had no idea where it was, and a few thought it was in the north. I got used to saying that it is on the east coast, near the middle. I always added in that I love North Carolina because it is one of the only states that has the coast, the mountains, and the plains within a few hours drive of each other; even though I have never been to the mountains of North Carolina. No, that’s a lie! I have been to the Blue Ridge Mountains with Duke’s “Step into the Wild” through Mr.Gaspar and my Outdoor Ed class. It was my first time in the mountains and they don’t call them “Blue Ridge” for nothing.
Anyway, the students would then ask me questions about America. A few of the questions I couldn’t answer. Some questions were like this: what is New York like? Have you seen the Hollywood sign? Do you get to meet famous people on the streets? Have you been to Disney World? Or Miami? Chicago? Texas? Even though I have seen the Hollywood sign, on my adventures seeing the world, I realized I haven’t seen so much of the US that I must see. As an American, it’s an embarrassment not to have been to all these places that my country is famous for. I haven’t been to New York or Miami, or many other places. But after my gap year, I am sure I will be better equipped to travel the states and to get the most out of a tourist experience.
These questions were the some of the stereotypical misconceptions foreigners have of the United States. It was funny to see them in action. But others were more serious, like: Are there many Latinos in the area where you live? What is the weather like in Durham, North Carolina? How does your high school compare to Swedish high school? And the question I heard most often: How does Swedish sound to you? Apparently, when asked that, many foreigners say that it sounds like they are singing. I don’t think it sounds like they are singing exactly, but their language has many ups and downs in pronunciation and is very melodic. It is euphonious is comparison to German, where at times I couldn’t figure out if they were in a heated argument, or just telling a really funny joke. I have gotten used to not understanding what is being said around me, and now instead of trying to laugh when everyone else laughs, I occupy myself with other things, like the food on my plate or the decorations on the wall. I get so distracted that I don’t realize when I am being addressed in my own language. Instead of being left out, I have tried immerging myself into the languages I am surrounded by as well.
I learned a few words in Swedish and am proud of the ones I remember. “Vatten”, which means water, was one of the first ones I learned. One of my favorites is “fredagsmys” which doesn’t have a direct translation but means something like, Friday happy chill time, with some tea around the fire. Lol. J Anna’s mom tried to teach me some Swedish but I would always forget, as the pronunciation was difficult to remember. I also learned one of the first things people want to learn in another language; how to say I love you. “Jag Alskar Dig” pronounced like “yog elscaar dey” more or less.
Swedish school reminds me of college. Students are in specified programs for their career already. They don’t have school all day, class after class. They have time slots where they may or may not have a class, where they get to sleep in a day or two during the week, and sometimes have a three-hour break between classes. I liked to see the difference between Swedish and American cultures; it also made me want to be in school again.
Overall, I got to help out with the classes and get some volunteer work in while also getting to see what life in Sweden was like for Anna. I enjoyed it very much and I told Anna that just as I had promised to go see her and I did, the next time I would return would be for her wedding. That gives me some time to save up again for the trip! Tack Anna and your family and Sweden! Tack for the hospitality and the experience of a lifetime.
