It has been a while since I posted my last blog. I had intentions of posting a new entry, but kept on procrastinating until today when I decided it had to be done. I departed Chicago on the 4th of August on an emotional high. My parents, brother and aunt visiting from London all came to the airport to see me off. I rarely get emotional when saying goodbye to people that I will not be seeing for a long time, but this time was an exception. I was still doing relatively well until I went past security and was waving to them, I almost had tears in my eyes but quickly collected myself and headed to my flight terminal.
I flew with SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) and I have to admit that this was the most comfortable flight that I have ever been on, although I was still nervous for a good part of the flight. I barely noticed when the plane was in the air and had to look out the window to verify that we really were in the air. The flight was a direct one from Chicago to Stockholm and was approximately 8 hours long; I spent a good part of my time listening to my ipod and tried falling asleep but my attempts were unsuccessful. The stewardess presented me with a couple of drinks shortly thereafter and that calmed me down a bit and helped me relax for the rest of the flight.
My flight arrived in Stockholm on the morning of August 5th, I was shocked by the number of other American passports presented while waiting at passport control; I was not aware that Sweden was a frequent destination for Americans. I also thought about how much easier it was for me to get into another country than my own! (This stems from an incident last year when I was interrogated and forced to miss my flight to Chicago when I arrived from Sweden in NJ). Upon getting my documents approved by the customs agent, I proceeded to obtain my luggage and took a train into the city where I met up with Indra's mom and headed to Linköping. While on the train through Sweden, there was great sense of familiarity from seeing the buildings and landscape once again.
I spent the first couple of days trying to get over my jetlag and in sync with Swedish time. I also met some people whom I got acquainted with during my last trip and reconnected with them again. I have spent my first two weeks here trying to learn Swedish and get myself prepared for my first course at Stockholm University. The Swedish part is not going so well, although I feel like I am making some progress.
Classes begin on Aug 24th, and I am excited and nervous at the same time. I will be heading to Stockholm tomorrow the 2oth to have orientation and get to meet the professors in the Biology department along with my classmates. The biggest obstacle I am facing right now is securing a place to live. There is this long waiting list for student dorms because Swedish Universities are not required to provide students a place to live. The tuition is free, but you have to find your own accommodation. Tuition will no longer be free starting next year, so new students from then on will have to pay tuition fees and also find accommodation. I consider myself extremely lucky! Fortunately for me, there are some people who have offered me a place to stay while I keep searching for an apartment or a student dorm. There is supposed to be a number of last minute apartments available for rent within the next couple of days, I hope I am lucky enough to snatch one up. Wish me luck!
I am going to try to start updating this blog weekly at least, to provide updates on how I am adjusting to the new system and culture. I know I am also going to be very busy with class material and a social life so please be understanding if I again deviate from my plan of weekly updates. Med vänliga hälsningar, Toheeb
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