5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving to Sweden - Just a Brit Abroad
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- Опубликовано: 10 июл 2024
- What should you know before moving to Sweden? What are some of the things I wish I had known before I moved to Sweden? What is it really like to live in Sweden? Today, we're talking about moving to Sweden! In particular, what are some of the things that I wish someone had told me about Sweden, the culture and the country before I made the decision to move. We'll be covering cultural differences, holiday habits, the darkness in the winter and lots more. So stick around for the full video and then let me know what you think in the comments below. Do you think these are important things to know before you move to Sweden? And did I miss anything? Let me know down below!
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The 5 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Moving to Sweden:
1. Being active in Sweden is not a lifestyle choice - its the way of life! And don't get me wrong, not everyone is super active all the time, but people train and look after their bodies on a whole different level to in the UK!
2. It gets dark - no, seriously! You've heard Swedish winters are filled with long, cold and dark days, but did you know that the light pollution is so low in Sweden that you'll need to prepare to experience dark nights like you've never seen before! No wonder its possible to see the Northern Lights!
3. Coffee is basically a human right in Sweden - almost every workplace you go to will offer you free coffee throughout the working day. Same at popular public spots and institutions. Wave goodbye to all that money you've thrown at Starbucks over the years!
4. Everything shuts down in July! - you've heard of the Swedish summer, I'm sure, but did you know that Sweden basically closes down in the month of July? By law, employees are entitled to FOUR weeks of paid vacation back-to-back and you'll find lots of people take up this opportunity!
5. Swedes love to queues! - I thought I knew my fair share about queuing because us Brits are famous for our love of queues as well. But we seriously have NOTHING on the Swedes! Prepare to need to get a kölapp in basically every food, clothes or utilities store you visit! No kölappar - no purchase!! So look out for those red machines!
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So here's 5 of the things that I wish I'd known before I moved to Sweden🇸🇪😱but I know I'm not the only one whose new to this fantastic country, so let me know below if you think I've missed something which deserves its place on this list😆what do you wish someone had told you? Or if you're Swedish, what can you imagine might be a little bit foreign to someone setting foot in Sverige for the first time😳can't wait to hear what you all think! have a fantastic Sunday🙌🏻
Nothing beats watching a newly arrived brit after 2 days on Swedish coffe 😁
@Anne Woodward 🤣😂😂😂😂
On a trip to Sweden and Finland I entered a post office to mail a card. I was the only person in the lobby, so I approached the counter and told the clerk that I wanted to purchase a stamp. She told me to take a number, then she would help me. I looked around the lobby… No one there but me. So I demurely snatched a number ticket, returned to the counter and finally got my stamp.
haha wow, it really does happen!! I don't understand sticklers for the rules like that!
Maybe she wanted the ticket for statistics…? I have never experienced that. 😁
😂😂
SAME thing happened to me in Portugal!
We surley know that wasn't in Sweden. Post office? We haven't had post offices since the Stone Age. Another proof. Did the post card reach the addressee? Not Sweden.. 😆😆🙄
Sweden is so gorgeous during the summer. There's a Right to Roam law, you can swim in most lakes and camp anywhere appropriate. Plus, with a land mass almost twice that of the UK but only a fraction of the population, you can easily find a quiet spot. Most of my Swedish friends take a long hemester (staycation) in the summer (very many have a sommarstuga (holiday cottage) in the countryside, then fly to the Canaries, Portugal or mainland Spain for a Winter break from the dark & cold. Magic!
I think the kölapp-system was invented because we really don´t like to stand close to other people, like you sometimes have to do in a queue, by using kölappar people can stand more spread out (and go around while they wait, and perhaps buy something more they (don´t) need.
yep exactly! I think you're right Åsa, that's kind of the conclusion I drew as well. and it works quite well, once you know that you might not get served without a kölappar😆
I am in the category of "I am from somewhere else but lived in Sweden for 2 years when I was young".
I have nothing but good memories and would love to re-visit some day. Your page brings back so much good memories
Very useful! Much appreciated ☺️
I'm moving there soon, and I'm so looking forward to seeing stars again. I think I've only seen stars properly only once or twice in the last 18 years or so.
Oh really? Wow! Where are you moving from? I definitely noticed that the level of exposure to stars that I had went up by like 300% when I moved to Sweden. I remember nights just staring up at the sky, admiring them as I walked home haha. Will you be moving for work or study?🤗
Exercise, coffee, and shut down in July: this American says yes to these aspects!!! No wonder Swedes are more happy!
I've never seen a queue for the kölappar, but I have played hunt the machine quite a lot. I think some places deliberately make them hard to find.
haha good point! I've noticed that too😆really make you work for that purchase haha
As usual you are Spot on/på pricken om allt speciellt kölappar,I somtimes forget about Them. 😎
haha tack så mycket Roger! har en försätt harlig dag!
Yes i agree as a Swede. We drink coofee and work out and stand in line. One things that changed the last decade we have scanners when we shop for groseries/food and many shop from internet a get it delivered to your home.
glad you could recognise some of the thigns I spoke about Tommy. Thanks for checking out the video btw!
I'd move there for the simple reason that they value physical exercise. I do work out a lot and where I come from, Morocco, people sometimes still look at you in a puzzled way if they see you run outside! Thanks for the vid!
you're welcome Otmane! interesting to hear its not so common in Morocco!
Great video as always. I think I'm hooked. Thank you for preparing me down for my big arrival to Sweden. With your videos, I feel like I'm closer than I think.
thanks Adedoyin! so fun that you're enjoying my videos🤩and I'm glad that they're useful for you as you prepare for your move! doing my part to keep you close and connected to Sweden🙌🏻
We Swedes love work out and i don't drink coffee. Yes. I'm a Swede and i don't drink coffee, i drink tea and soft drinks instead
cool to get your take on this Chisszaru! glad to know there are Swedes that exist who aren't addicted to coffee😉 trevlig helg!
Saaame. I can't drink coffee. I enjoy the smell of it but not the taste.
And I wasn't aware that Swedes love to work out. To me at least, that is a necessary evil. I only sort of enjoy it when my body finally understands that it releases happy hormones but it takes months to get to that point.
@@SpookiCooki I'm taking strolls everyday, so i work out in my own way
I’m glad to see there are Swedes who don’t drink coffee. We may be moving to Sweden soon and I have seen so much talk about fika. I love coffee, but it gives me stomach troubles, so I can’t drink it. I was worried I would be the only one not drinking coffee and hoping I wouldn’t seem rude.
@@raspberrybriars We exist! I can’t drink coffee for the same reason as you, although I love the smell of it. ☕️ People will not be offended, there are other beverages you can have instead. ☺️
I like the dark winters my favorite time of year. I'm not a summer person far too hot all the time
ah fair enough, the heat isn't for everyone is it! I for one really enjoy this time of year!
Good information👍
Queueing to the queue is so common here, when I went to get my Covid vaccine there was a whole system of queues, and it wasn't possible to skip one of the queues because they had blocked off all possible shortcuts.
Here is how it played out:
1. Queue-ish for everyone whose booked time hadn't been shouted out yet (from time to time they shouted out "Everybody who has their appointment booked at [XX:XX] can go stand in the queue to the masks and hand sanitiser!")
2. Queue to the masks and hand sanitiser
3. Queue to the health declaration forms and pens
4. Queue to get indoors
5. Queue to the registration machines
6. Queue to getting vaccinated
wow, there were really so many queues?😆 I'm impressed that someone was able to manage and coordinate all of that!!
Wow another interesting video thanks for taking about it the same things happened to me too🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
No problem at all Mariama! thanks for watching🤗 was there anything else you experienced that I didn't give a mention? I'd love to hear!
@@JustaBritAbroad Well when i came here i think is like Gambia greeting every one you meet😂😂😂😂😂😂
@@mariamajallowsd hahaha yeppp, I can imagine that was a bit of a shock😅when my mother first visited, she als commented on the fact it was weird that she would smile and wave at people but that it felt like they were reluctant to reply haha
@@JustaBritAbroad Yea i understand how It's feel actually 😂😂😂😂😂😂 but it's the culture different they might think it's weird
@@mariamajallowsd haha I can imagine😅 but you're right, once you begin to think about why it might be, you realise people aren't being rude. its just different!😆
Another thing that you touched about vacation is that the employer can demand that you take up to three weeks off during a specific period during June to August. And you as an employee have the right to get four weeks in a row during the same period.
good point Örjan! I've talked about how much vacation you're allowed to take consecutively a couple of times, but I often forget to mention the point about the demands the employer can make! thanks for stopping by, hope you enjoyed the video!
What he says its not true, I live in sweden, they can not force you by law. They prefer it it you take it but there is no obligation that you have to take at that period. Maybe in the future they can reject vacation but there is no law that you have to. Sweden is amazing during summer, I do not see the point of taking break that time, I always do at autumn or winter. @@JustaBritAbroad
hahaha I laughed so much while watching this video. I have been living in England for 9 years and I never think of myself as a typical swede apart from the importance of personal space. if you're not invited don't be up in my face. I do love coffee and I find it funny how every time I mention that I am Swedish people mention 4 things, IKEA, VOLVO, ABBA and polar bears in the streets. Also they were often mistake Sweden for Switzerland as you have mentioned in a video before. Why did you move to Sweden? Have a lovely Sunday :D
aaah I'm glad to hear you found it funny Sara! we try to keep it lighthearted and entertaining on this channel, so its glad to hear that you enjoyed it🤗 so funny that you mention Swedish stereotypes too. I recently did a video about things Swedes don't like (here: ruclips.net/video/6mDiIfxyG4Y/видео.html) and most of the ones you said were ones I also picked up on😆including the polar bears and Abba haha. I'm thinking of doing a follow-up video sometime where I debunk Swedish stereotypes, do you think that could be funny?😆
I actually moved because my girlfriend is Swedish and though we met in London, she'd already signed up to come back here for studies, so I hopped over to join her after about a year and a half of doing long distance! what part of England are you in and how did you end up there if you don't mind me asking?😊 hope you're having a great Sunday too by the way!
IKEA won't be seen in smaller towns here in Sweden, so it's funny to me that non-Swedes will find it so typical of the whole country.
It is true that my father only drove Volvos as far as I can remember, but you will see other cars as well.
And as good as ABBA were, we've had plenty of other internationally successful artists too.
And I must laugh about the polar bears, because you have to go to Norway (well, Svalbard) to see polar bears.
@@Furienna all good points! funnily enough, I've got a video coming out this Sunday all about stereotypes that Swedes don't like and I talk about pretty much all of these points that you've raised in your comment, so it'll be fun to see what you think of it!! I look forward to your comment!!
@@Furienna it’s not a big surprise that people will think of IKEA when they hear Sweden, IKEA use a lot of “Sweden” in their store. Like “Swedish meatballs” “Swedish cinnamon buns” and so on, and ofc, all the things that you buy has a Swedish name. So it would be weird that they didn’t mention IKEA! (I also live in England but I’m from Sweden)😁
@@ericanoren5212 It sounds a lot like British people go to IKEA more than I do. 😄
Yep, Swedes are really puzzled when I say after dinner is too late for coffee.
I can imagine!! but it really is, isn't it? there comes a point where I can't face any more coffee - or caffeine for that matter!
I love it, for sure the #1. I might be the lazy one but I have coworkers that go out for runs during the lunch break. Because yes, my workplace actually have showers... (I'm an office worker...)
so nice to have showers at work!!
Well everyone isnt out running intervalls, but yeah, good video! 👍
A thing I think may surprise people is that more and more shops/cafés don’t even accept cash as payment anymore. I can’t even remember the last time I had cash on me. And that is probably more common among younger people. We updated our bills and coins years ago and I can still be surprised by not ”recognising” the coins, if I get hold of any.
good point KL!
Hi Gregg, you're right I'm sorry
what I wrote!
Have a nice summer!
No problem Kjell. Thanks for your message, I appreciate it. Have a great summer and if you decide to subscribe and continue watching my stuff, it'll be great to have you along!
The insane obsession with salt candy 😁 it got me too ha ha!!
haha so true Emma!! but once you start, you can't stop!!
I used to leave for vacation around 18-20th of may then be off for 5 weeks i like that since i rarely get into issues with colleagues also wanting to be off at the same time, and less time off is not my thing, hard to feel like you are on vacation if you have like 1-2 weeks only.
yeah that's a good idea actually! because you still get a decent period of time, but not when everything is super busy and expensive because everybody is off! I know what you mean about not really feeling like you have the time to feel relaxed when you only have a week though. I don't find that problem with two weeks, but with 1 week it definitely takes you time to come down from the hustle and bustle of work life! Thanks for watching by the way!
I have never seen kölappar in a clothing store. I´ve seen them at opticians and that kind of electric stuff store that has a desk and almost everything in the back, but never att Åhlens.
oh really? I hadn't either until I was visiting Malmö recently. Perhaps its a big city phenomena?
helpful thank you
How else are we supposed to survive the long and dark winters without coffee?
There is a nice organisation with kö lappar, i can do something else if my number is far from being served!
Ha en fin söndag!
I'd take that one step further Sina - I don't know how I'd survive getting up early for work every morning without coffee😆 I'm totally onboard😅and you're right about the organisational value of kö lappar! Its so convenient to just be able to go along with your day and continue to browse other items in the store. Funnily enough, its one of those things that us internationals forget to take advantage of. Took me agessss of standing around, waiting for my kö lapp to be called, instead of for getting back on with my shopping😆 its a game changer once you unlock the full potential😉
Hoppas att du har en fin söndag också! Har du semester nu eller väntar du lite senare i sommaren?
@@JustaBritAbroad Som du säger så går Sverige i sömn läge runt juli så jag passar på att uppskatta tiden via ledighet och ser fram emot att komma igång igen när saker och ting startar upp igen!
@@SinaFarhat låter fint Sina! Jag hoppas att du njutar av sommaren😊
So about the summer vacation. Five weeks is the legislated minimum but a lot of us have more, you also get extra weeks with age. Me myself I have seven and a half weeks paid vacation so I can both get five weeks off during the summer and have scattered vacation days spread across the rest of the year.
Never seen kölappar at Åhléns but at the Pharmacy or the local Deli there always are.
Good point about the vacation! I've also heard of people saving up to 5 days a year to be able to take longer in the fifth year? but wow, 7 and a half weeks! Nice to be able to spread your holidays like that and get the best of both worlds. Then I understand having longer off in the summer! is that due to age or because you've been working at the same place for quite a period of time?
Really! I was down in Malmö just a couple of weeks ago and that's where I got the inspiration for my comments about kölappar from as I had to take one there to be served to buy some sunglasses. Though perhaps its because its a particularly busy store? or maybe something they've implemented for corona times? I'm not 100% sure!
@@JustaBritAbroad Åhléns in Malmö does definitely have them. Don't know if its through Covid times or always.
@@JustaBritAbroad My employer gives You 6 weeks vacation as standard (standard for govenrmental employees), 6.5 weeks when you turn 30 I think and 7.5 when you turn 40. It´s the same whether You worked there long or if You start after You turn 40. I also have saved paternity leave. I took out about 9 months of paternity leave for each of my kids when they were born and saved the rest, so this summer I'm off work for 8 consecutive weeks back to back. about half of the weeks paternity leave and half of the weeks vacation... Still have plenty left to spend...
@@JustaBritAbroad If it is not busy you can usually ask if they still want you to take a number or if you can go ahead.
@@martah5369 yeah I thought so! also not sure when they brought it in though!
You've missed the knowledge of rainy july. It has the fruntimmer week, six name days are female and usually it rains.
ooh interesting Lotta, I've never heard of that! but you're right, there's a lot of rain in July! I'm just glad to find out what the reason is behind it - thought I was going mad😆
If I can I do not want vacation in july, it is often around 30 C most days and then you sit indoor most of the day. At least most work places have AC.
30 degrees most days? wow! where are you living, I need to go there haha
We have those numbers too in my country (South America)
oh the queue system you mean? interesting!! I didn't realise it had spread so far!
0:03 ohhh joked on you im swedish but are looking on vids for my bf that are planing to move to sweden next year.
Great pronunciation of "kölappar"!
Good morning I love your videos, could you tell me what website you used to apply for jobs in Sweden, I’m looking at Stockholm. Please assist!!
I really wanted to move too Sundsvall, although since am not double jabbed as I don’t want it my opinion, this went downhill pretty quickly unfortunately ):
The July weather mostly has been worse than June and August in Sweden, that's my experience, even before the climate debate was even an issue. I usually take my vacation in August, for that particular reason. Also, July is when I can either work on my backlog - or take it more easy at work - depending on the status of the backlog. Therefore, when I go on vacation, everybody comes back and takes care of the "back to work" workload, and I get back in September, being less stressed. Sneaky, huh? ;) Also, that means I'm more effective at my work when the workload is really big, since I'm less stressed out. Plus, another benifit, August is less domestic cramped with swedish vacation people, making the vacation experience so much more enjoyable. Now, of course, a lot of Swedes will apply this life hack. Didn't think of that. Uh-Oh! ;)
I'm glad its not just me that has noticed it Robert! Thought I was going out of my mind😆 but I agree with you about the opportunity July provides for playing catch-up and getting things sorted. Its the time I do all the jobs I've not been able to do all year. so I can totally see your point! and you're right, when it comes to the vacation experience, if you do it a little bit out of season its not only less cramped and packed, but also cheaper!! life hack or what😉😅
Same in the Netherlands
I wish athletic cycling (not just as transportation) was more prevalent there though. I am a bit shy about talking about it as a hobby because so many people I've met think wearing lycra is weird.
I thought it was pretty popular as a hobby here? interesting to hear its not
Finding the ticket machine can also be a headache
as I have spent longer in some shops
looking for the ticket machine
than anything else LOL
you're certainly not the only one John😆I've had countless of the same experiences haha but still, that's less embarassing than the times I've tried to go to the counter without even realising they had a ticket system and I needed to take a ticket. then I get seriously red in the face haha
@@JustaBritAbroad
It helped that I was guided to
"find the ticket machine" first
by Swedes who understand the system
and who know foreigners struggle with it.
I anticipate a ticket system now
in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland
and in government offices in Germany where I live.
@@johncrwarner that was helpful - and very kind! and no doubt helped to make the transition a lot smoother hahaha
But I don't drink coffee and haven't even tried to for almost twenty years!
And I would say that kölappar are mostly seen in banks and pharmacies and post offices.
But I don't see them as much in regular stores and boutiques.
that's alright then Furienna! more for the rest of us😉😆 and you're right, its certainly more common in certain types of shops than others! thanks for stopping by, by the way! hope you enjoyed the video!
Do I first get a job to move or college I want to study as a plumber do you have any tips
The caffeine ingestion rate requires the walking/running/working out to burn it off before bedtime, lol
Recykling and healthy Swedish food
Queuing is part of the culture unless your at a bus stop then as soon as the doors open its a free for all. I'm here now
Well, it's actually a law that you are allowed to have 4 connected weeks of vacation in June, July or August.
You don't have to, but a lot of places wants you to at least take 2 weeks in a row
Where I live, the sun doesn't set in the summer and it does not rise in the winter.
So how do we deal with that? Well snow + moonlight is kinda like sunlight? Or rather we just deal with it, as you do with your life.
I used to live in Uppsala and once getting back up here... I wouldn't change it for all the money in the world, it's where I belong.
So fun to hear that you've found the place you belong Michael! Isn't it fun that we all need and search for different things. Would be a shame if we all had the same idea about where we belonged and what conditions we needed, because it would be very expensive in that area and everyone would be fighting for the same places😆
As you say, I think it all comes down to what you're used to and what you were exposed to growing up. There's beauty everywhere right!
If you think the south gets dark... 😅 Great list, very true. ^^
Yes Ambi!! such a good point, I've heard its magical to experience the darkness in the north of Sweden. Especially if you get lucky enough to see the northern lights. I'm hoping to experience it for myself sooner or later😱🤩so far I've only visited in the summer! Where would you recommend to visit in the north? and where are you yourself from if you don't mind me asking🤗 thanks for watching by the way and have a lovely Sunday!
@@JustaBritAbroad
The thing is, since we usually get quite a bit of snow up here in the winter, it doesn't feel as dark and gloomy and depressing as it does down south... Imagine going for a walk in the middle of a winter night, but the moonlight is enhanced so much by the snow that you don't even need a head lamp or flashlight to see where you're going! 😍 It's breathtakingly beautiful! 😍
@@attesmatte you're right about the difference that snow makes! that's something I noticed this winter when it got to like -15 here for a few weeks! I remember thinking it was magical and so incredible, so it must be just showstopping up north. I need to experience it sometime!
@@JustaBritAbroad Stay at the ice hotel. 👍 I'm sorry I can't remember where it is but if you Google "ishotellet", it should show up. And in that area you have the greatest chance to see northern lights. The farther north you are the more common it is.
I dont go to gym or something you can often chose when you will have your vacation. Everything works here . Feeling free.
As far as i can tell, renting a flat in sweden is like half the cost of flats in uk. Do you find yourself financially better off in sweden?
A funny thing about intervals is that the English-speaking world has borrowed the Swedish word fartlek for one particular type of intervals.
Also worth noting is that the coffee machine often is subject of heated debate in many Swedish companies. Some will think it's too slow (you don't want to queue for your coffee, you want it nownownow!), or the coffee isn't good enough, or there are too few types of coffee available. One place I worked at got a new machine every week because the previous machine wasn't deemed good enough,
That's a new word on me Rasmus! never heard that one before - but as you say, its a funny translation in English😆a new machine every week😱wow, you guys really do love your coffee don't you haha. I've also worked in places where there's a choice of 2-3 different machines and I figured it must be for this very reason - people have their preferences when it comes to coffee, and you want it how you want it, when you want it😅
Yea.. if there is not free Coffee.. you can just forget about emplyees in sweden..
One of my coluegs got a coffie maker from home in his office that he fills up with office coffie se he dont need to ineract with someone unecessary..
Do you speak Swedish and what's it like for English speakers?
Hi my name is charlie I thinking about moving to Sweden I love your video
As a swede I would choose Finland (among the Nordic country's). They do everything like schools, roads, hospitals/healthcare and poletics (most things) better.
Wow the queue thing sounds really interesting, never even heard of it. I am also not sure, if I would think it's super cool or I would find it rather annoying 😅
haha its a tough one!! Its certainly something that catches you off guard when you first arrive - and can lead to some awkward situations where you end up accidentally barging into a queue because you didn't realise that just standing there behind the person in front isn't enough😅but once you realise, its kinda convenient. Take your ticket a couple of minutes before you're ready and then you can continue browsing. As long as you don't miss your number of course😂have you visited Sweden before?🤗
Once you get the idea, it's actually incredibly convenient! 😀👍 You don't have to stand in a long line, you can either browse the store or just go sit down somewhere if they have that option. In the pharmacy it's especially nice, because all the older and/or not so able bodied people don't have to be on their feet while they wait. 👍
Tourists get confused though. 😜 I don't know how many times I've helped non Swedes getting a queue ticket... 😜 😁
@@attesmatte exactly!! once a Swede explains it for you, you suddenly begin to understand the full potential!! and you're right about the benefits in pharmacies, that's not something I'd really thought about before to be honest. but good job there's people like you to help us tourists understand why we're not getting served😆
@@JustaBritAbroad sadly I haven't visited Sweden yet. But I'm looking forward to visit Sweden when I am studying becoming a teacher because I'm fascinated by the education system!
So... All in all I am excited to experience things like the queue on my own because now it sounds very clever to me :)
@@lehramtsfunke8605 ah cool! I know quite a few people studying out here to be a teacher and I've heard really good things about the programme! I particularly like what I've heard about how applied the teaching is. it seems like you get lots of opportunities to be out and about, in school's practising your skills and working with students, which I for one thing is really awesome!! where are you from originally by the way?🤗
Ah I'm glad my description of the kö lappar didn't put you off😅its just a different way of doing things, and something which takes some people a bit of time to adjust to. but that doesn't make it a bad adjustment at all! in some ways, its pretty clever!
I'm 46 and I've been in Sweden my entire life and have NEVER seen the northern lights. I've still never been north of Stockholm though. Where do you live?
I'm in Östergötland, so sadly I'm not seeing them down here either. have to visit the far north some time in the winter one year! I've made it to Umeå but that's as far as I've been so far and that was in spring time, so not really prime conditions!
@@JustaBritAbroad Not that far from me, born and raised in the nothern most part of småland. My mother is from the area around Kisa in the southern most part of Östergötland. I actually went to gymnasiet in Linköping
> I've still never been north of Stockholm though
As someone from Norrland I can't even fathom what you just said 😂
vacation... august is have become even better the june.. :)
do you think so? I thought August was quite unsteady this year?
@@JustaBritAbroad nope, touché, summer came late, (midsummer)and left early :)
smell in the air or moist or something it was really early autumn this year..
(sundsvall)
but the last 10-15 yeas August have become a much better vacation period (or my age) better temperature in the lakes and sea, less (but more as the years pass) competition about dates... june is 4 nobbs, july for conservatives :)
Yes!!! the darkness :D
I have been here 16 years . You need to move out in one of the 10.000 100 peaple towns .
I'm sure I will do at some point! the Swedish countryside is beautiful after all🤩 glad you're enjoying it here too though!
Doesn't work out, takes walks instead, doesn't drink coffee , takes July off. Snow makes the darkness lighter, norther lightnings is far more common the more norther you are at.
I was kind of including walking when I was talking about being active but, fair enough, coffee isn't for everyone! and I actually should've been clearer when I was talking about the darkness. I didn't mean how dark the winters are, I was talking specifically about how darkness allows for you to see the stars and then you really experience the sky properly🤩
I have been living in Sweden for six months and I feel severe depression💔
Is it not good sorry to hear
How come?
Too far north?
Why is it more focus in the darkness in the winter, than the bright summer nights when it will never get dark especially in the northern parts of Sweden?
Because the bright summer nights is mostly when most people are asleep, while the neverending dark winter days affect people during the day when they are used to daylight.
I've not really experienced the northern parts of Sweden yet Robert, so its not something I've really got many experiences to draw on just yet. That said, when I was talking about the darkness on this occassion, I wasn't talking about long winter nights - I was talking about how brilliant it is to see so many stars and such clear skies!
@@Mycenaea that's a good point as well though! definitely depends on what people experience more of!
Who needs to be "prepared" for light, bright and long days.
Espresso House canceled their coffee subscription; was not profitable.
Swede here!
1/5 things this video said actually applies to "living in Sweden" - And that is: "it gets dark".
The other 4/5 are totally anecdotal...
...I think... or assume... or... I dunno....
Can't really tell ...
Don't @ me as I can't say for sure due to:
I don't wanna brag about my knowledge regarding my way of living.
Skål!
oh yes- the queue tickets. whats about everyone thats not from sweden and the queue tickets?
yeeep, its something that caught me off guard a few times when I first arriived😆 I'm not sure if I understand your question though - do you mean what happens if you don't know about the queue tickets?
@@JustaBritAbroad most a joke about the fact that no one seems know anything about gueue tickets xD
@@fizzlefrizz hahaha glad its not just me whose noticed that😅
I am one of those ppl who hates to work out 😩 and I am surrounded by triathletes, cross-fitters, cyclists etc etc! Uuuuuugh, they are everywhere…! And they drag me along and I can’t understand why they keep doing it because I’m the whiniest person ever when I work out 😂😂
And the coffee obsession is so true… I have just received my new coffee grinder I’v been saving up for and I’m waiting for my new brewer! 😁😁 Coffee is the fuel of life.😐
This guy is underrated
aww thanks🤗🙏🏻
@@JustaBritAbroad No problem!
I just moved from Sweden a week ago. Went there to stay, found a job but they don’t accept you to start working without the personal number, and the personal number takes from a month to a year depending on your luck. And meanwhile you have to live there with your sufficient resources which means a lot of money considering the housing market and cost of life. Very disappointed
What do you mean? You're supposed to be able to work without one?
@@felicia8660 not really, most of the jobs require you to have it already, the others that accept to sign a contract have to wait for you to get the personal number then, before you start working for them.
Another reason why swedes take their holiday in june-july-august. Companies are legally obliged to offer you four weeks of uninterrupted vacation during those months.
yes, good point Anton! I've talked about that in other videos, but its interesting to wonder what came first. because surely the reason companies ended up legally obliged to do so was because people wanted to take holiday in July? which has led to a tradition where its just continued and continued😆 but hey, I get it! who doesn't want to be off when the weather is at its best!
What can you tell us of no go zones?
in Sweden?
You need to stand on the righthand side of the rulltrappa, i dont remember the word for that right now but hope you understand
What is social culture like!?
Get a 1993 Volvo 240 sedan. It's like a land boat. Take good care of it and it'll last until the end of the world. We've had a Dutch Volvo 460 sedan 1992, not as tough but I can't get another car with better road handling. The multi point injection gas engine choice is a modern vintage. If you want a hatch get the 440 2.0 litre. I would avoid the cvt trans though. Either manual or regular automatic. Volvo for life.
a land boat😆
Wow you talk so fast, me beeing Swedish. Relax and have a paus and take a breath. :)
Um, but I don't drink coffee! (;
Your videos are always interesting!
no problem at all Freeman - that's more left for the Swedes!😅and the coffee converts, like me😆glad to hear you found the video interesting though! did you learn anything new about Sweden?🤗
Actually : For swedes born the late 70´s and the 80 (not sure but 90´s and 2000´babies) it is not that uncommon not to drink coffe or "the worst sin" for the swedes older than us: nothing drinking coffe or tea, how rude ! ;).
@@karinelfwing9095 oh really? I wonder what changed that made it such a habit!!
The kids from 90 and younger only drink energy drinks.
@@cathrinerehn6992 I hope that's a trend that changes Catherine! I'm born 95 and I really don't like energy drinks - the taste, or the concept!!
Alot of Swedes drinkes coffee manny times a day.
1 pre-work coffe.
1 morningcoffee in the beginning of the workday
1 coffee during breakfast
1 coffee in between
1 lunchcoffee
1 annother coffee in between
1 coffee at the end of the workday
1 comming home coffee
1 dinner coffee
1 evening coffee
1 coffee putting us to sleep.
That's about 11 mugs, ("cups"), of coffee a day for a typical swede.
wowzers! that's more coffee than I drink in a week, almost hahaha
@@JustaBritAbroad That ammount of coffee is no exageration. Manny Swedes drinks that much in a day. One day manny years ago I tried drink that much coffee in a day. I couldn't sleep for a week. I where super-hyper-hyper-deluxe. 11 mugs that's enough coffee for a week for me, I am on the low end of Swedes coffee-consumption.
@@swededude1992 I think I'd have the same situation as you! wouldn't stand a chance of going to sleep after 11 cups of coffee. sometimes 4 is too many for me!!
Thats a recipe for a migraine haa and I love coffee!
Healthcare?
No 5; You get in a queue to get a kölapp? Thats very unusual. You must be in Tokholm
that example was actually from Malmö! but I live in Östergötland😅
I don't work out and I don't drink coffee and I prefer my vacation in August... I guess I'm not a Swede! 😂😂
I was about to reply and say "you sound like my kind of person Sara, we need to hang out!" and then I read the part where you said you don't like coffee and now I take it AAAALLL back😉only kidding😅I must admit, Sweden's changed me when it comes to working out and drinking coffee, I do both of those things way more than I did in the UK. But vacation in July isn't something I'm really doing! I'm interested to hear why you prefer August though? is it better weather up in Norrland in August, or is there some other motive behind your choice?🤔🤗
@@JustaBritAbroad - Sacrifice good weather for clearer roads, less packed shops/bars/beaches etc, less drunken Swedish holiday makers being obnoxious...be my guess! lol
@@JustaBritAbroad
Lol! 🤣 🤣 Hey, more coffee for you. 😜 😂
I don't know why I prefer August, maybe because I like the weather slightly cooler. These >25 degrees temperatures are absolutely killing me... 🙈😂
@@danosverige there's certainly a lot to be said for the Swedish way!
@@attesmatte haha good point, I'm not complaining at all - give me the caffeine😆
ah gotcha! then again, I live in an apartment, so that actually makes me a bit more likely to spend my holiday days in the middle of summer, just to get me out of the sweat😆
Hmmm, among all of my friends I think only three of them do sports or go to the gym, the norewgians are far worse than us w excersise mania. So I think it comes down to either the people you hang out w are gym fanatics or not. Most of the people I know, around our fifties, the only excersise we get is daily dog walks and that is enough. Perhaps the younger urban population is different?
oh they are? interesting! I don't know that many norwegians so its interesting to learn a little bit more about the common activites there!
@@JustaBritAbroad I think many in Norway like to ”gå på tur” (go hiking). Who wouldn’t, beeing surrounded by that amazing nature they have…!
the whole idea is to take time off in june so that no one notice you dont don anything while at work in july, dont spoil it ;)
hahaha😅 is that the way to do it?😅 now I'm learning all the secrets lol
Kölappar is the holy grail of civilization. The rest of the world should follow. God, I miss Sweden.
haha strong feelings Martin! where are you living now?
@@JustaBritAbroad lol. Unfortunately I am quite nomadic and I have been traveling outside of Sweden for the last ten years or so. Been living in the U.S., Portugal, Germany. Since about three years I live in a motorhome that I take all over Europe. Since Covid I have kind of been stuck in France. Covid, hah! Another one of those things that the Swedes did just right. You have all these other oppressive governments, they didn't mind beating down on the population in the blink of an eye, shutting down children's playgrounds for crying out loud, forcing hypermarkets to zeal off children's shoes. But Sweden be like, "only scientists make the calls for very clear objective scientific goals".
I am just outside of your home country actually, contemplating driving in or keep going North to Belgium and Netherlands. Tough choice! 😂
You know I used to hate the weather in Sweden, which is just about the only thing quote unquote "bad" with the country. But back then I wasn't experienced lol. I have to say, when the scorching sun makes it's way across the sky there's not much you can do down in the south. Your brain and body just shuts down. And so, the people in the south tend to take "siestas" or just hibernate in a basement somewhere. Then the kids go out for a quick soccer game at ten p.m. or whatever. It's crazy. So, I actually like Sweden's weather. Hence why I am northbound at the moment. And the closer I get to England the more rainy and cold it gets. I LOVE IT. In this kind of weather you get to feel alive, and you can be active, live your life. So my conclusion is that Sweden's weather is great!! So with that said, what did they get wrong? Like, nothing. ALL services and products you consume there as a consumer: top unbeatable quality. All the rights you have there as a woman, worker, whatever else: impeccable. The safety net you have as an entrepreneur with the state even handing you out unemployment benefits for a year and you get to keep all the company's revenue: amazing. Healthcare, education, infrastructure, hot Swedish women .... Sweden is paradise, for real. Well okay, Swedes are hard sometimes to get to know. I mean you can be sitting there on a bus ride right next to someone and if you open up your mouth after two hours to ask her how she's doing she'll pepper spray you lol.
Can't you make a video, like more personal, not so commercialized, what is your personal opinion on where you want to live, where you even compare countries, both the good and the bad? And where do you want to live, where have you lived, where do you see yourself in the future? What do you do in the future? Where will you raise your kids?
@@themartinandersson wow, sounds like you've seen some cool places and experienced lots of different parts of the world - even if covid's got you stuck in France for a while😆 I hope you enjoy England if you decide to go there next!
I've actually already done a couple of videos where I answer some of the questions you had in the end there! All of my videos are based on my own personal experiences and impressions, but some of these questions you can find answered in this video:
ruclips.net/video/gsOYd76pPBM/видео.html
And then in this one I answered some viewer questions about how I feel about living here with my family in a different country - and where I might choose to stay long-term: ruclips.net/video/i08E5Ilp4_U/видео.html
But point taken, good to know there's people interested in the personal stuff too. I'll have to find a way to dig deeper into some of my personal thoughts on this channel!
Another great video! Here you have a non-coffee dependent. 😁
Thanks Bosse!! No wonder you had to migrate to England - you didn't meet the coffee consumption quota😉😅happy Sunday!
@@JustaBritAbroad when in Sweden the say goes, tea, coffee, coffee, coffee and a coffee. Milk and sugar. 😁
@@bosse1998 I've not heard that before! I take milk, but no sugar in my coffee! Perhaps that's where I break ranks with my own people😆
Not really important to active in physical sports. What is important in Sweden is if you are in an activity; that may be a gym, a group of people sightseeing or a roleplaying or boardgame group. Coffee chains in Sweden sucks. Just go to any ordinary cafe or restaurant and you get great coffee. No shut down in July, not even in small towns. Dark? There is a problem here with too much light pollution. Queues: yes they exist outside of some popular night clubs in Stockholm. Anywhere else? No, not really. Have you even been in Sweden?
I'm 56 years old and have drunk no more than three cups of coffee in my entire life. Yes, there are Swedes who aren't members of the Cult of Coffee. Now, a nice cuppa tea, on the other hand...
Omg coffee in 🇸🇪
All these are true
Glad you could recognise some of the things I spoke about Robin! thanks for stopping by and checking out the video!
Have you been somewhere in Middle east? You haven´t seen dark yet :-D
😆😆😆
You don’t need to run or do anything like gym. If you don’t like coffee don’t drink it. What city do you live in? Yes I had a hard time with winter darkness. During winter sun, more daylight, starts around 8:30 to 9:00 and goes down around 15:00 to 16:00. During the summer the sun gives diwn around 22:00 and upp around 2:00. So I had problems sleeping att first when the sun came in the room making everything bryter. Yes swedes drinks a lot of coffee and eats a lot of candy. And those who like alcohol, beer, whisky etc, you will have to bye it in systembolagets shops. I will give you a tip. Speak slower so everyone can understand you. You seem hipper have you been drinking to much coffee? 😂All countries has some good and bad qualities. Take care 😊
"Kölappar" singular is "kölapp"
Also, "kölapp" also means "keel application" but then it's pronounced differently =)
good point! thanks :)
AaaAaa . Here in Denmark that same year of 1997 we were not allowed to slap our children at home. And since 1967-1968 the children certainly not in school. :-)
oh really? I never knew it was the same year!! interesting, thanks for sharing!
Hi im Swedish
Scroll down if your Swedish
Hej jag är svensk.
We have "Kölappar"!
to avoid queuing in a row. Much like in hospitals in civilized countries.
\What do you do in Sweden for work? Id love to move one day, I used to be a nurse and looking for HR/Equality & Diversity jobs to change my career..but Id love to work in Sweden and not sure whats available for British people
Sweden is dreadful for coffee. Not many espresso machines anywhere outside the cities. I love the place but it’s a real let down to not have good espresso coffee available anywhere. And the one that have it open so late. One of the very few downfalls to the beautiful country
Which country you from
England! you?
@@JustaBritAbroad Bangladesh🙂
@@shuvohussein4076 oh cool! I've never been there!
@@JustaBritAbroad Bangladesh is a country in South Asia
@@shuvohussein4076 yeah, I've heard of it! And I know that the capital is Dhaka - because I used to work with a team who were based there. I just meant I haven't had the opportunity to visit yet!
I don't know one Swede who likes coffee, but they do like tea. Per started his 4 weeks today, it was well earned and needed. My car's high beams are automatic, so bring on the dark hahaha.
really?😱that's actually kinda shocking Herk! there's actually a stat that goes around which says Swedes are something like one of the top five consumers of coffee per capita in the world! but you're right, a fair few like their tea too!! haha yep, bring a torch too😆
@@JustaBritAbroad Some stats say Swedes believe no one is any better than anyone else, but look at how that turned out in the countryside haha. I think all of these stats are from Stockholm and they just assume it means all people are the same hahaha
@@JustaBritAbroad For most of us, coffee or tea depends on your mood and what you have on the side. Tea and coffee are both totally ubiquitous (a crazy word, which I'm sure is the wrong style level here).
What kind of strange circles do you engage in then?
@@herrbonk3635 Don't believe everything you hear or read about any culture or society, I did and found it to be misleading. I also heard that all Swedes love their coffee, but the Swedes I know hate coffee. Can't stand it, never touch it.