EVS in Sweden. Chapter 1: To get used to Stockholm

My adventure, entitled «Volunteering in Sweden» started just two weeks ago, so I can not say yet that I have already formed a holistic view of Swedish culture and lifestyle. But I have already collected a small list of the most vivid impressions of life in Stockholm.

Here are my short notes:

1. Multiculturalism. When you first come to Sweden, the first thing that catches your eye is the diversity of nationalities that surround you. I don’t know how the situation is in other regions, but speaking about Stockholm: it is sometimes more difficult to meet Swede, than to meet an immigrant on the street. You can hear snatches of phrases in Arabic, Hindi and Russian from everywhere. And English, sure!
2. Tunnelbana! It’s Swedish metro and it’s just awesome! Well, sometimes it’s hard to find the right destination (especially on T-Centralen, which is the central station), but the stations’ design is really impressive! Some of them look like museums, and others — like futuristic art creatures.

   Это слайд-шоу требует JavaScript.
3. IKEA. If you didn’t see the world’s biggest IKEA — than you didn’t see it at all! Its’ size is really monumental and it looks (and feels) like a labyrinth inside.
   There is everything you need (or don’t know that you need). Just literally E V E R Y T H I N G. And it turns into a dramatic adventure when you finally decide to find the exit. It’s not so easy, believe me! But, before escaping from this furniture town, don’t forget to try IKEA famous meatballs cause they are soooo delicious!
   
4. Beauty. Despite the fact that the weather is often quite windy and the locals complain about the lack of sun, the landscapes and architecture are so marvelous. Even to enjoy them in cold weather. Just admire!

   Это слайд-шоу требует JavaScript.

    

Реклама

Museums in Sweden, Sweden in the museums

My 3 months in Sweden were rich in new places, emotions, and of course museums!

And now I’m telling not only about Stockholm (but mostly about it, lol), but also about other Swedish cities that I was lucky to visit – Sundsvall and Göteborg.

So, let’s start my short touristic guide for Swedish newcomers interested in museum culture.

1) Moderna museet (Modern Art Museum). Stockholm.

Highly recommended for all the contemporary art lovers. You can find works of Dali, Picasso, Matisse, Modigliani, Malevich, Warhol and many more here. An indisputable advantage of “Moderna” is that the permission to the permanent exhibition is completely FREE (and it’s really rare for Sweden)! There are also reading points with numerous art books so, you can use this place just like the library. It was the first Swedish museum that I visited, but now I can tell that it’s one of my favourite.

My personal impression 9/10

Это слайд-шоу требует JavaScript.

2) The Swedish History Museum. Stockholm.

It’s a big museum that completely corresponds to its name. Usually, I’m not a fan of history museums, but this one was quite interesting — especially because of numerous «you-can-try-it» stuff. This interactive part makes this museum more vivid, I would say. And before going here you need to keep in mind the fact that 3 hours are not enough to discover every corner of the building cause it’s quite huge.

My personal impression 7/10 (just because I’m not into history museums)

Это слайд-шоу требует JavaScript.

3) The Army Museum. Stockholm.

As I told, I’m not a fan of history museums, and especially army museums! However, this one really surprised me. I would never have discovered it, if a friend of mine hadn’t advised me. I really liked it cause it’s not boring at all, vice versa, you can find a lot of realistic installations, once again «you-can-try-it» stuff, and of course, numerous weapons. I’d suggest it for all the haters of such kind of museums — you’ll like it (or not).

My personal impression 8/10

Это слайд-шоу требует JavaScript.

4) Sundsvalls museum. Sundsvall.

A tiny good museum in the good city with good people 🙂
I suggest you this museum just like one of the purposes to visit Sundsvall — cause it’s worth it.
Talking about the museum itself, it’s not big, but located in the city center in an old and beautiful building. There are always some temporary exhibitions of modern artists as well as some permanent ones — both historically and art oriented.

My personal impression 7/10

Это слайд-шоу требует JavaScript.

5) Vasa museum. Stockholm.

What is Vasa? Vasa is a ship. What this museum is about? It’s about a ship. Right, just one huge ship… Well, more precisely, I’d say, it’s a museum about and around the biggest Swedish fuckup and you surely should visit it in order to discover the full story. Swedes know how to make history interesting and captivating and this tremendous wooden creature helps them even more. The museum is not free (it costs something about 120 SEK), but absolutely worth it.

My personal impression 8/10

Это слайд-шоу требует JavaScript.

6) Tekniska museet (Swedish National Museum of Science and Technology). Stockholm.

It’s a heaven for children cause the synonym to this museums’ name is fun! And for adults as well — cause you don’t even notice how you come back to your childhood again.

I’ve not many photos of it, but not because it’s small or there is nothing to take pictures of — but because there are so much cool/fun/interesting/gaming stuff that you don’t really have time to take pictures of. You just want to try everything and to follow your inner child. Totally recommend.

My personal impression 10/10

Это слайд-шоу требует JavaScript.

7) Gothenburg Museum of Art. Gothenburg.

Yes! Yes! Yes! You need to see it. Totally recommend. I’m in love with this museum (maybe because of its temporary exhibition that I was lucky to see), but the permanent one is also splendid. If you are in Gothenburg — you should visit it for sure!

My personal impression 10/10

Это слайд-шоу требует JavaScript.

8) Fotografiska. Stockholm.

It’s a centre for contemporary photography. It’s not free. It’s expensive. It’s worth it. Just take a look on some of my not really good pictures of really good pictures.

My personal impression 10/10

Это слайд-шоу требует JavaScript.

I think, I did a great job (at least, I tried) and now you know a bit more about Swedish museums even if not — you already read this for some reason. Thanks.

How can it be?! 2 months have passed so fast!

I looked at the calendar and realized that summer has come, without me noticing this fact and that means I’m here for 2 months already!

WHY SO FAST?

Btw these 2 months of my Swedish life were absolutely amazing. A lot of stuff has happened to me during this short period and now I’m struggling trying to organize all these memories both in my head and in my blog.

Somehow I managed to create this list of the most significant events/impressions/feelings for me, just to remember them later (I’m really bad in long-term memorizing).

So, I’d like to capture in my memory such moments as:

1. On-arrival training.
   It was the most awaited event for me since my arrival to Sweden. And it was really awesome! I’m so happy to be still in touch with some people from that training. My «red box» team calmed me down somehow, helping to understand that I’m not the only one who’s experiencing same strange feelings and fears. So, «on-arrival» is a really important part of the EVS experience.

   Это слайд-шоу требует JavaScript.
2. Getting to know Framtidståget team.
   Thanks to these wonderful people I’ve visited Finland and had my first ever ferry trip (and it was just amazing, if you’ve never experienced «Giant-boat traveling» — I highly recommend you to try).
   Few words about Framtidståget (will I get paid for advertising?). It’s another Swedish NGO with other EVS volunteers — that automatically makes them a part of my Swedish family — who conduct numerous events on different topics, including refugees and migrants issues, that I’m always happy to take part in.

   Это слайд-шоу требует JavaScript.
3. EVS Reunion in Sundsvall.
   Sweden is so rich on beautiful places to see and Sundsvall is one of them, for sure. This trip was completely unplanned and unexpected (well, almost like all other trips in my life…), but it was really fun! I had a possibility not only to see some known faces from my «On-arrival», but also to meet new people from all over the world volunteering and living in Sundsvall. It was also a good chance to see some snow in the mid-may and to destroy completely my sneakers…

   Это слайд-шоу требует JavaScript.
4. Täby loppis.
   It’s just a paradise for all the second hand lovers. You can find here literally everything you may need (and some strange stuff you surely don’t need but will buy cause «Omg velvet pony!»). I’ve been lookin’ for new sneakers (thanks Sundsvall!), but got a pillow instead. Well, nice pillow for 10 SEK, so why not?
   

   Это слайд-шоу требует JavaScript.
5. Sunsets.
   I love sunsets everywhere, regardless of country or city, but Swedish ones are really special.

   Это слайд-шоу требует JavaScript.

   For sure, I have a lot more to share within my 2 months in Sweden, but for now these «other» feelings and moments are too raw to express them clearly, so I’ll do it later during the summer period (if I will not be lazy).

   Adjö!