Today marks the 4th year we have been in Stockholm.
Many have asked me how the four years have been and those in Singapore asked when will we come home. My answer has been the same since we moved here. We have no plans to move back to Singapore as much as we miss our family and friends there. It is no longer what Nicke and I want but what is best for the kids.
We have built our modest and simple home in Stockholm and have grown accustomed to the lifestyle here. It is definitely not as convenient and comfortable as Singapore at times and I really experienced a new level of the famous acronym D-I-Y. Waking up at 5 am, getting on the public transport to seek shelter from the cold, eating freshly baked bread from the supermarket, rushing home to get kids out of school, cooking inspired by the Masterchef series, looking at simple home improvements, enjoying the neighbourhood pizza occasionally, doing the housework on autopilot, completely exhausted and sleeping by 10 pm are just part of everyday simple life. Do i crave for my favourite laksa or char kway teow? Of course i still do…only if i think about it. But i do master the courage to invent my own dishes and make Nicke try them.
The children are speaking swedish fluently although I cannot say the same for myself. I see the Swedes’ amused look when i try to speak Swedish and how they try to get me out of my (or their) misery by responding in English. I need to try harder I tell myself everyday.
Jonathan is happy and don’t complain so much about going to school. Linn is growing up so fast and enjoying school.
I am enjoying many new found friendships and also discovering a new culture. Personally, I have gone though different struggles here but there is really no turning back. The world is small, but with internet and facebook, I am consoled that my loved ones and friends are never too far away.
So for now, I am contented to call Sweden our home.
Well done SKY. A good call to move to Sweden & i can see the kids are flourishing, specially Jon, in that environment. Oh! I still remember the Nokia Alexandra Park days. To think that Linn will be turning 9 & I met you in 2005, APJ media agency review my first project, Aug when you were expecting Lynn 🙂 Take Care
very nicely written.
Even if we don’t see as much as we should is nice to have you guys in sweden,
Has it been 4 years? Still miss having you around.
You and Nicke should win the best mum and dad award for what you are doing for Jon and Linn. Bravo my dear friend…and wherever you are, our hearts and minds are with you and your family
I think it’s the same for me in Hong Kong Szeto. Been here 7+years and have gotten used to lifestyle. Our family and friends are still there for us no matter where we live and that’s reassuring to know.