Autumn - falling leaves, falling temperatures

When I left Malmo in August, it was nearing the end of summer.  The days were still long but it did get a bit chilly.  I had to wear long sleeves and a cardigan over it as I made my way to the airport.  I knew that when I got back, it would get colder.  Pete would update me on the weather while I was back in the sweltering tropics.  He told me that the temperature was dropping and that it was raining more often - signs that fall has replaced summer.

I've never been in Malmo in the fall, or anywhere else in the fall, for that matter actually.  Back home, I was trying to imagine how cold it would be.  I thought it'll be a bit chilly, cold enough to need a good thick cardigan.  I was also thinking that a good sweater could keep me warm enough.  But when I arrived at Copenhagen airport, I saw other people in thick down jackets and was a bit taken aback.  Even Pete had his winter jacket on.  Oh boy.  I braced myself for the cold.

Luckily I brought my thick jacket and it kept me warm as we waited for our train.  There wasn't much wind either so it was a nice trip home. By the time we reached the apartment, the temperature had risen and it was a comfortable 10C.  That was ok, I thought.  I can handle this.  And I could.  At first.

I enjoyed going out since the cold kept me sweat-free.  After two months in my hot and humid home country, the cold was quite welcomed.  I loved the fact that I was in jeans and not having it sticking to my legs.  I was also happy to not have to do anything to keep my hair off my face since my neck and scalp weren't sweaty at all. 

That was only ten days ago.  How fast the weather can change here.  The past couple of days, trips outside meant a good ten minutes of me putting on layers after layers of clothes, swaddling my neck with a scarf and lacing up my boots.  It has been very cold - between 3 - 10C.   I'll be lucky if it is 8C outside and most importantly, not windy.  The wind has this way of making it seem 5C colder.

But, having lamenting about the cold, fall is a great time to go outside and take in the beauty of the nature around me.  On the train and bus ride back, I couldn't take my eyes off the trees.  The lush greenery has given way to shades of yellow, orange and brown.  The leaves that have fallen off the trees decorated the walking paths.  Hazards, said Pete, if you were to step on them and slip.  But this is my first fall experience.  I know I am probably looking it through rose-coloured glasses, but it really is beautiful here.

It is even better when it's nice and sunny.  It's still cold but the sun makes everything look so much better.  It's therefore a pity that the days are shorter now.  It starts getting dark around 5pm.  By 6, we would need to switch on the lights.  I guess that's why a hot mug of tea or cocoa is a must.  It keeps us nice and warm.  It's lucky then that I managed to bring back some Milo.  Nothing beats having a cup of hot, chocolaty Milo and cookies while it's cold and dark outside. Mmmm....          

Swedish for me

We got me registered for Swedish classes today.  As usual, Mr Punctual-and-wants-to-get-everything-done-as-early-in-the-day-as-possible, aka Pete, got us to the building 10 minutes before it opens.  The morning was windy and chilly, well, chilly only if you're Swedish.  For me, it was kind of freezing.  Luckily I was warmly dressed. 

I thought that signing up for SFI or Swedish for Immigrants was going to be easy and straightforward but I was mistaken.  We spent about an hour for the whole episode.  First, we had some problems finding the right office for that.  We followed the sign that pointed us to the 2nd floor but a lady asked us to got to the ground floor where a queue was already formed outside the building.  The few minutes in the line was not so fun as the wind blew the cold on my face.  I had to pull up my scarf over my face for warmth.

Once the doors opened and we were let inside, we found we were in the wrong department.  We had to go to the 3rd floor instead.  Once there, I was asked about my educational background, especially in languages.  I was also registered for a week-long course to get to know more about Sweden.  Each session is 3h long and covers topics such as Swedish culture, geography, political system and social services.  I would list the other topics but the course program is written in Swedish.  How helpful for a non-Swedish speaking/reading immigrant.  But the course will be in English, of course.

Then we had to go to another department on the ground floor and here another lady talked to me more about the Swedish course.  She asked more about my education and my plans in Sweden.  She helped me to determine which type of course I wanted.  I could opt for the normal course which consists of four 3h lessons per week for a total of 500h or an intensive course.  I could also get onto a Swedish for entrepreneurs when I do this intensive course.

We decided that I would do the normal course.  There's no rush to finish the course so quickly and the best part is that the course is held very near where we live.  The school is just a ten minute walk away.  If I were to take the intensive course, I would need to take a 40 minute trip on the bus.  Also, lessons are conducted everyday for 5h each day.  Plus homework.

I haven't been studying for awhile now so I want to ease into it.  But the distance to this school is the major factor.  I was told that I would be studying at my own pace anyway, so if I find the course too slow, I could get onto the intensive course in future.

But then again, the lady said that it all depends on the intake.  If there are too many people registering for the course at this school, I could be sent to another venue.  I also have not received the starting date for the course.  It all depends on when they start a new class.

We were then told to go to another office.  Here, I was asked about the level of Swedish I have acquired.  I don't know much so I didn't have to take a test.  I would just start at the beginner level.  The ladies I met said that I shouldn't have much trouble since I already speak English and Pete can help me with the Swedish.  I would probably be in a class with others who speak English well too.

So now, all I have to do is wait for the notification to tell me when and where the classes will be held.  While waiting, I'll continue to learn basic words and get Pete to re-start our Swedish hour.  He has collected plenty of materials for me to read - newspapers and magazines.  Can't wait to start learning! 

Oh, by the way, the best part is that the courses are all free! There's even a bonus paid out if you finish the courses within a certain period of time.  You could get between 6000 - 12000 SEK if you are entitled to it.  I'm not sure if my residence permit allows me to receive the bonus but I won't turn it down if I do get it!

Home is where my heart is

It's been a week since I got home.  I should have written in this blog but I haven't really been myself since then.  I was feeling a bit...lost.  Displaced.  Disoriented.  I guess after having adapted to living in Sweden for just three months, I had to leave it behind and go back to my old life. 

I spent two months back home and in that time, I got used to living there again.  There's nothing to 'get used to' since I basically picked up from where I left my old life. 

I visited relatives during the Aidilfitri celebrations.  I met up with friends and hung out, sometimes at odd hours of the night.  I went shopping with my sister.  I baked and cooked in the hot kitchen.  I played with my cats.  I even had a short stint as a relief teacher.  And as in the past, before I moved here, the only time I got to see and talk to Pete was through FaceTime. 

And then after having a great time back home, I had to leave my family and friends and get back to Pete and my life here.  There wasn't too many tears at the airport this time.  I tried to keep the goodbyes brief.  The emotional, teary send-off in May was too tough to get over so I didn't want a repeat.  But I guess I really needed to get the tears out since they would eventually find their way out.  I discovered it just a few minutes ago before I sat down to write this.  I wanted to have tea and some of the marble cake that my cousin baked for me the day I left for Malmo.  But when I found out that the cake that I have been savouring little by little each day has turned bad, I started crying.  But the tears weren't for the cake.

The tears were for the family and friends I left back home.  The tears were a reminder to me that I have lots of people I love back home, waiting for me.  My loved ones.  They are awesome.  They made my stay so wonderful with their kindness and generosity and patience.  I know they have always been amazing, and now here, 9000km away, I am wondering if I have shown them my gratitude for all they have done for me - not only during my two months there, but throughout the time they know me. 

If I have, I know it's not enough.  So, my dear family members and awesome, awesome friends, thank you for all that you've done for me.  My trip back has shown me that I am a lucky, lucky girl to be blessed with such amazing family and friends.  I know I wouldn't be here if I didn't know I have such strong people as my parents, siblings, cousins and friends.  All of you being so supportive of me being here...well, it really means a lot to me.  It makes me feel comforted. 

And being here, I know I have people that love me as well.  Pete and his family has been amazing too.  They make me feel so welcomed and I do feel like a part of the family. 

I guess thinking about it, the lost feeling I had at the beginning of the week was just homesickness.  What I need now is to have more Face Time chats with people back home, when the internet connection is not wonky, that is.  Hopefully I'll be back to my normal self soon. 

For now, I still feel a bit emotional.  I should then try to think about how lucky I am for unlike most people, I have two places I can call home.