Postcards from Sweden

2012-01-15T21:20:00.004+01:00

"The most difficult phase of life is not when no one understands you; it's when you don't understand yourself"

Medication

2012-01-15T01:05:00.001+01:00

As always when things fall apart you get addicted to music. It picks you up and carries you right through it. Your sadness becomes art. I am one year behind, as always, but Veronica Maggio is my hero this month.

Moving on

2012-01-11T22:23:00.007+01:00

Things are always tough in January but that's not an excause. If you don't like something, change it. No matter how difficult it might be. How complicated. Or hurtful. Life is suppose to be a journey - if the train stops you need to get off and worst case scenario; walk to the next station. Standing still, however, is never an option.

2012-01-08T17:05:00.004+01:00

You mustn't be afraid to dream a little bigger, darling

The year when it all happened

2012-01-01T23:09:00.007+01:00

When 2011 arrived I had only spent a few confused - but happy - weeks in Stockholm. The sparkling capital was such a contrast to miserable Middlesbrough with all its poverty and bleak faces. The move was a much needed escape but left was an echoing feeling of failure. A broken dream.

I spent the next months freelancing as a translator and journalist. It was hard but had its peaks; helping ITV chasing a Swedish plastic surgeon, translating a play for mum´s theatre and most of all; the Austrian press trip that opened my eyes to the travel industry in a complete new way. It wasn´t long before I started googling possible job opportunities and suddenly, finally, stroke luck. The perfect job.

So, in May I was on a plane back to England with a stomach full of butterflies. Unpacking my bags with a gorgeous spring outside the window, I could hear bird song mixed with police sirens. I loved how London was bouncing with energy but hated how insanely hot it got on the trains, in the parks, how there was no water to dive in to.

So I took a quick summer escape to the glorious Swedish west coast with my family and a few party days with Jess. Like every year, I swam in the sea, reached for the bottom only to push myself up again.

When autumn arrived London I couldn´t believe its beauty. Sam and I moved to a quiet side street in the heart of Camden. Walking through Regents park to work every morning changed everything. Suddenly I found myself loving the English capital. Visiting Sweden on a regular basis through work I got to experience lobster safaris in the western archipelago, abseiling on the coast of Skåne and water rafting in the Luleå river, just to mention a few.

I often had to pinch myself at amazing dinners with fascinating people, trying to figure out how life had really turned out this good.

Suddenly, it was already December and while the world normally spins very fast, this December it stopped. In a heartbeat. With the word of cancer. I don´t know why we all think it´s the kind of thing that happens to other families but never to our own. It was such a shock and I am not sure I´m out of it yet.

What I do know though, is that I am hopeful. 2012 will be tough but I think it will also bring us happiness and realisations we wouldn´t have without this horrible disease.

So far, I have started to feel more grateful. The moments are precious.

I ended 2011 with my best friends and some new ones, skiing in the slopes of Järvsö. Standing on the top of the mountain I didn´t think one negative thought. Just pure, clean happiness, right there, right then.
It could all be over tomorrow, for all of us. Therefore, I wish you a 2012 which will bring you amazing moments, the kind of moments that makes you smile so hard that it creates new wrinkles in your face.

The kind of moments that makes you feel alive.

When it happens

2011-12-20T22:53:00.009+01:00

So here we are, months and months later. I have laughed a lot since we last spoke. I have been excited, thrilled, curious, pleased, inspired. London is a city which gives new blood to tired veins and your heart beats like mad as you run up the escalators, streets, airports. So many impressions, so little time, so fulfilling in all the chaos.

Then suddenly, the unimaginable thing happens. I don´t know if you remember the song, but as I hung up the phone it had me thinking of Buz Lurman´s "Sunscreen".

Don’t worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as effective
as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum. The real troubles
in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind; the
kind that blindside you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday.

It´s a weird thing because when hell arrives it does it in a way you could never prepare yourself for. It is emptiness mixed with horror, knowing that life will never be the same again; not because we will lose him, because we won´t, but because we thought we might. Because we, in fact, have met death. Cold, dark and terrifying.

So perhaps it was just a glance but I have seen enough to know that I never ever want to go through this again. The saddest thing of all is that I will. We all will. Death is as real as anything, we are just doing a very good job not thinking about it. I suppose that is the only way to survive.

The journey that counts

2011-08-28T16:18:00.018+02:00

Am I back? Not sure, all I know is that I suddenly felt this desperate need to write. Being sucked in to my work computer most of the time, typing emails with a speed of 1053 miles an hour (not sure how you could prove me wrong on that one!), I´m not really up for writing once coming back home. Now though, with the bank holiday weekend no where near finished, I can´t help myself so HELLO blog! What´s up? Have you missed me? Obviously not since you didn´t really complain after I left you hanging with previous London post?! Anyway, here is an update.

Where to start? It feels like ages ago I was sitting at my parent´s kitchen table in Farsta, applying for jobs in London. I have now been here for three months and the summer has been packed with loads of new things to learn. It took a while but it is all in place now, work wise, and the days go by in a blink as my new job is so much fun.

When it comes to the city of London I must say I´m not really sure what to make of it. This massive place is, after all, just a bunch of small villages pushed together. Perhaps I will get the hang of it one day but for now, I don´t get the hype and yes, I have already started to dream of a countryside lifestyle far away from traffic jams and busy tubes.

I do however love my job, my walks through Regents Park every morning, my lovely Sam and random 24/7 corner shops selling bagels. We now live in Camden on a very pretty side street, 30 seconds from our local pub, Orange Wednesday cinema and conveniently, Pizza Express. I still haven´t had time to make use of this properly but I am looking forward to get very fat this autumn. I do also love our Victorian flat with no carpet floors (in England? I know! Hallelujah!?) and a lovely kitchen with a big antique table that I could literally MARRY if that was, you know, legal.

In all, London is an exciting stop where I would like to stay for a while but in terms of a final destination I must say I haven´t reached it yet. But as you know, I quite like it that way.

I've moved to London for a new adventure

2011-05-30T00:18:00.001+02:00

Come with me?

On my way

2011-05-08T11:24:00.016+02:00

I have realised that I've fallen in love with Stockholm once again. This city is my dearest friend and it speaks to me like no one else. Still, it's time for a new adventure. In the coming week I'll be given new directions and without a doubt, that's where I'm heading. It's an exciting time to be alive.

Us

2011-04-21T16:06:00.003+02:00

The world that we live in

2011-04-21T10:13:00.002+02:00

Wars are making people flee their homes, wealthy countries are refusing to let them in and in the middle of this, racist parties are doing well in elections. This world.

True Finns party leader Timo Soini happy after the election results in Finland. His party went from 4% to 19%, which makes them the second biggest party together with The Social Democrats in Finland.

Meanwhile, in Libya.

What life should - really - be like

2011-04-19T00:11:00.008+02:00

As bizarre as it might sound, the month my Grandma passed away has been one of the best months of my life. I wish I could tell her everything about my days at the Swedish west coast, the week in London, the weekend in Carlisle and then - finally - the press trip to Austria. Flights have most definitely covered the world in pollution because of my travelling lately, but I can't stop. I want to keep this up forever. This is the life I've always dreamed of, a life where airports become my home, where the world truly is my oyster.

Speaking of oysters; the trip to Sölden in Austria was absolutely outstanding and I've been so incredibly looked after that I've felt like Cinderella slash Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman for the whole weekend.

So of course, I got hooked on skiing; there is no way you wouldn't in a place like that. I can't stop talking about it and now I've convinced my friends there will be NONE of those lazy beach holidays for the future. NONE. Twenty-seven years without the experience of skiing down slopes in the fantastic Austrian landscape; what a waste.

Photo: Malin Nyberg

I will no longer send you postcards, now that you are with me wherever I go

2011-04-04T15:13:00.025+02:00

Photo: Malin Nyberg

She stopped eating and eventually fell into a sleep too deep, too comfortable to get out of. Her heart decided, after 93 years, to let go. She was the strongest woman I've ever known. The most inspiring. The one who always told me to keep travelling, to keep discovering the world. Her laughter was always so young and clear, uplifting. Her stories; fascinating. I know every detail of how her and Grandad met. Now, they can finally be together again ans I hope they meet in a beautiful garden in a world not too far away from ours. I hope that Grandad has roses waiting - pink ones - and that he is no longer in a wheel chair; that he can run towards her as she arrives. Perhaps, she already has arrived. Maybe, they are now in the London wind, dancing around me as I walk the streets, telling me to keep on going. Sometimes, I think I can hear their laughter in the trees.

It's spring and my Grandma has a new way of sharing it with us.

We dreamed about a life at the lighthouse, about kittens to never grow old

2011-03-29T23:09:00.000+02:00

Photo: Malin Nyberg

Update

2011-03-27T04:06:00.001+02:00

Hello world wide web, I've been really busy, working for ITV who were in Sweden this week. Had a great time with their TV team and have once again realised that I've chosen the right profession; tough job market or not - still so worth it. <3 Going to London on Wednesday, but the Swedish west coast before that in order to celebrate my Grandad who turns 80. So there you go, just a little FYI. I shall get better at this blogging thing, just busy busy busy... x

2011-03-27T03:53:00.003+02:00

Beautiful

2011-03-19T00:16:00.009+01:00

So here's some sad fact about me; I will never stop loving Angela and Jordan from My So Called Life. Even now, fifteen years later after I first watched this incredibly TV show, I can't help watching youtube clips, dreaming about teenage love and insecurity. It is the only American series that have actually managed to captured every single feeling of being a 15-year-old girl. If you haven't watched it, buy the DVD box set. You are in for a treat.

It was a clear black night, a clear white moon

2011-03-16T23:28:00.019+01:00

Nate Dogg is no longer with us and to remind myself of who he was I did a little research and found this amazing tune. Do you remember guys? (aka ARE YOU AS OLD AS I AM?) Proffs hairspray, Hubba Bubba chewing gum and disco nights in the school canteen; those were the days. However, had a closer look at the lyric... Kinda glad we didn't understand English back then.

"Since these girls peepin me I'ma glide and swerve,
these hookers lookin so hard they straight hit the curb,
Won'tcha think of better things than some horny tricks,
I see my homey and some suckers all in his mix."

I can't help but wonder why our school DJ decided to play this song to 10-year-olds? Maybe, just maybe, because it's simply that good. RIP, Dogg.

World crises

2011-03-15T17:56:00.000+01:00

Spring is officially here and the sunlight makes the Swedes incredibly happy after a long winter. Meanwhile, crises are taking place in Japan and Libya. Different kind of crises, both just as crucial. For some reason it seems the Swedish news can only focus on one big story - but please let's not forget about Libya where rebels are now losing control.

The rollercoaster ride

2011-03-14T17:34:00.002+01:00

Life. It takes you up, it takes you down. Having a week in London and a luxurious press trip to Austria planned ahead of me, I've been over the moon lately. But then something happens and it brings you right back down again. This never-ending rollercoaster. This up'n'down life. In one way though, I suppose it never leaves you feeling indifferent to life. Surely, that must be a good thing?

Jess and I during the Eurovision song contest Swedish final last Saturday.
In other words, back in the happier days!

Love it

2011-03-08T17:16:00.002+01:00

International Women's Day: Role models

2011-03-08T15:31:00.022+01:00

Photo: Malin Nyberg

Runaway train

2011-03-06T12:37:00.000+01:00

Since starting my research for the Europe by train- article my feet have started to itch like mad. It didn't help when fellow freelance journalist and friend, Cissi, suddenly decided to go to Marrakech with her photographer boyfriend to work.

Screw charter, I want to travel this summer.

I can't wait to...

2011-03-06T11:45:00.005+01:00

Photo: Malin Nyberg

Hard working

2011-03-05T23:31:00.001+01:00

Hello world,

I've been a busy bee the last couple of days, working at The Local's news desk. You can find some of my stories here:

Foreign-born rule the ranks of Sweden's bakers
Man facing prison for catching 13,000 birds
Mother arrested for filming her kids in the tub

Question: Have you ever been travelling Europe by train? Would you like to tell me about your experience? If so, please get in touch by emailing me at Malin.nyb@gmail.com

Thanks sweethearts, and goodnight <3

Spring time

2011-03-02T10:53:00.005+01:00

This blog has had a makeover in preparation for spring to arrive. The London weather was such a great reminder of what's waiting around the corner. I'm so ready for beer gardens, rounders and gravel stones. Speakers pumping this kind of music. Sunlight. Aaah.

Tuesday afternoon

2011-03-01T18:00:00.015+01:00

Photo:Malin Nyberg

Be wise, buy Vice

2011-03-01T14:00:00.005+01:00

The day I get my own flat again I'm going to buy Vice Magazine's amazing photo book, cut out the pictures, frame them and put them all over the place. LOVE IT. For Vice photos and front covers, click here.

Speed of light

2011-03-01T13:14:00.006+01:00

Isn't life weird? You can spend weeks worrying about not having enough work, then suddenly the phone calls non-stop..:)

Best of both worlds

2011-03-01T12:49:00.010+01:00

London is vibrating, breathtaking, alive. I'm sitting at an Oxford Street café and can just about hear what the girls next to me are talking about. A new magazine. Where to take the fashion shoots. Who to hire. As I walk to Oxford Circus I past a camera team, a pretty girl asking questions to people on the street. The media is everywhere in this city and it's bouncing like mad with energy.

On Friday night we end up in a Mexican bar where they suddenly hand out bongo drums to their guests. All I can think is 'This would NEVER happen in Stockholm' as I drum the night away. Later, we meet a group of Americans and I spend 30 minutes talking about Noomi Rapace and where to go in Stockholm when visiting.

Once back, I feel at peace. Stockholm is still covered in snow and there is hardly anyone outside as I look through my bedroom window. It's so tranquil and I can hear my thoughts rather well here. Sometimes too well but I believe it's important to make place for reflection, too.

Ideally, I'd travel between London and Stockholm non-stop and thereby have two 'hometowns'; two sources for different kinds of energy – one for life and one for everything that comes with it. Yes, that would be a dream.

I like London, in the rain

2011-03-01T11:57:00.005+01:00

The teacher is leaving

2011-02-23T09:45:00.006+01:00

Here's something that might surprise you: I've started working as an English and Swedish teacher. It's through a job agency which basically means they call me when the original teacher is ill. I had my first class with a bunch of 14-year-olds yesterday. They were VERY talkative but I survived, believe it or not;)

I'm flying to London today. Can't wait.

AAAAh. I'm feeling happy <3

LONDON BABY

2011-02-21T18:01:00.006+01:00

There are many reasons why one might want to escape and at the moment I can think of a several. I'm going to London on Wednesday to visit Sam and I can't wait. We have not seen each other for nearly three months and I'm about to break into a billion pieces. I didn't know it was possible to miss someone this much.

I might move to London but I haven’t made up my mind yet. It all depends on if I'll get a job over there... I'm currently looking into getting involved with a very exciting project but it won't be paid, which means I'll have to look for something else in the meantime.

WEEKEND FUN

2011-02-20T20:47:00.001+01:00

Party cruise with the best of friends <3

IF THERE IS LIGHT THERE IS HOPE

2011-02-19T13:07:00.007+01:00

It's Saturday and the sun is shining right through my bedroom window. I close my eyes and pretend it's summer. My mind walks free among vivid dreams. When I wake up I can't remember a thing, all I know is that, suddenly, I'm feeling happy.

Marstrand in winter

2011-02-19T12:14:00.002+01:00

All photos: Malin Nyberg

LOST

2011-02-17T20:58:00.017+01:00

Hello world,

I'm currently spending my days among sea gulls and snowy cobblestones on the Swedish west coast. This place is normally my number one source for happiness but I'm getting nowhere. Instead, I'm suffering from insomnia, asking myself if my future plans will ever come true as I stare at the clock, ticking the night away. It takes a lot of energy for a body to stay positive and I suppose it has had enough of smashed dreams for a while. God, that sounded really dramatic... Nothing is smashed, really, but I'm out of patience. I was so hungry for my new Swedish life to get started and here I am - two months later - and I've come pretty much nowhere. Perhaps I havn't really tried but at times it feels like I've given my all. The translation project has come to an end and my dear The Local isn't hiring freelance anymore. So, I've got to find some new projects now... Something good. Something that will make this life seem worthwhile.

LOVE IT

2011-02-16T19:41:00.005+01:00

Source: CNN Inside the Middle East blog.

EPIC VALENTINES

2011-02-15T00:28:00.016+01:00

My Valentines have all been rather dull to be honest but there was one year where it all went so incredibly WRONG it turned into a great laugh in the end. Well, with a little help of wine of course. This is the epic story of Valentine's 2009.

I had been seeing this guy for a while. I wasn't sure about us, we weren't exclusive what-so-ever and you know, as Valentine's was getting closer I was a bit scared he would do something romantic. So when he called on Valentine’s Day saying he needed to talk to me, I completely panicked. I told all my friends how I found it all too soon; we had only 'seen' each other for a few weeks. They laughed and yes, I must admit I was stressed out but also rather pleased that someone adored me. We joked all day about what he was going to do and how I was going to handle it without hurting his feelings.

I had however a single girls meal planned with my new friend Sandra the same night so I told him he could come to see me quickly before then. “I have five minutes,” I said, making sure he would get the gist.

Imagine my surprise when he didn’t show up with a big red rose, all dressed up at my doorstep. Nope, the man was wearing tracksuit trousers, sweating, panicking about something I’m afraid I can’t tell you about – this is the Internet after all – but imagine the most unromantic thing possible and there you have it. I don't think he even knew it was the 14th of February.

I was almost in tears as he left. I was so humiliated. What was I suppose to tell my friends? That he had showed up with a rose anyway? I couldn’t possibly tell them the truth and I felt like such an idiot.

Luckily, Sandra came to my rescue and told me to cheer up and get drunk. So, we headed out to meet her single girlfriends which I, according to her "had not met before", for a meal in an Italian restaurant.

As we walked in I could not believe it when I realised that Sandra’s single friends were in fact not all girls – and definitely not singles. Nope, instead it was my ex-boyfriend, his new girlfriend and their friends!!! NO JOKE. And the only empty seat was next to my ex?! Gosh, you should had seen my face the moment I realised..! Their faces! The girls were however nice and told me to sit down anyway. I couldn't do anything but laugh when Sandra asked "Oh, do you two know each other?," looking at me and my - very- uncomfortable ex.

Anyway, that night was the last night I spent as a single girl. Since then, my heart has belonged to the sweaty man who never gave me a rose that day, but eventually gave me so much more. I love you Sam, even though Valentine's Day really isn't your thing – and obviously not mine either <3

AMAZING GRACE

2011-02-13T22:43:00.002+01:00

RING RING

2011-02-13T04:45:00.004+01:00

I might talk about predictability however much I want, but the truth to be told; I'm not sure it's for me. I'm well too familiar with my weekends, my weekdays, every other hour. Tick tock. Life passes us by and we only live once, but yet... What do we do with it? Challange me. Wake me up. Make me breath again.

THE TRUTH

2011-02-13T04:36:00.002+01:00

I've come to realise something recently. Problem is, I realised it in Swedish.
Andledningen till att kärlek är så stort är för att den fyller alla våra tomma ögonblick.
Yep. There you have it. I've solved the mystery of love and you guys won't even be able to understand it. What a shame. Happy Valentines Day ;)

WHEN I WAS YOUNG IT SEEMED THAT LIFE WAS SO WONDERFUL

2011-02-11T01:12:00.042+01:00

We are born with so many dreams.

Life is an adventure and whoever doesn't realise wasn't born right. We only live once; embrace it. Go hunt for every single challenge you can find and question yourself and the people around you. Learn how to surf the waves of youth. Feel the sand between your toes and explore your soul; what does it really want? Dive into other cultures and deep seas. Perform. Dance on your own stage but also invite others. Climb every mountain that scares you and feel the beat. Your heartbeat. Make it visible.

And whatever you do - use the wings on your back. Fly, fly, fly.

But then reality hits you and man, it knocks you out.

2011-02-10T14:49:00.004+01:00

"I could never have predicted that I would meet a person like you. Someone who makes me truly happy. I regret every second that I am not with you."

THE PATTERN OF LIFE

2011-02-09T23:43:00.007+01:00

I'm not sure when it happened but suddenly I don't know who I am or what I want anymore. Having spent the 20s being carefree with an enormous lust for adventure, something has now settled. I do no longer want to live in Spain, Japan or Hawaii. I do no longer want to travel alone, live alone and meet loads of new people. Nope. Instead, I might want some predictability. I want a house, my man, my friends and a good job. Does this mean I'm officially getting old and boring? Is there no compromise?

Last night, I read some notes I had taken during a hot summer in Marbella a few (6!) years ago. I was 21 and my head was packed with dreams and plans for the future. Life was incredibly exciting and I had no idea where it was going to take me next.

Guess what it said though?

"I'm thinking about going to England after Spain. They have so many options when it comes to studying creative writing."

Perhaps life has always been predictable. Only, we were too young to realise.

NIKLAS VON ARNOLD WILL TURN LIFE INTO A POEM

2011-02-09T23:15:00.000+01:00

Yo. I'm sorry. I've been busy being depressed lately. BUT. Now it's all over as I've found an album. Yes. I've found the music that is going to transform my life into a poem. This music is going to turn everything beautiful. Yes. For once it's not depressing music I've come to like. It's music for spring. It's music for a new life, waiting around the very next corner.

ONE PICTURE SAYS MORE THAN A THOUSAND WORDS

2011-02-06T23:40:00.000+01:00

WALK AND TALK

2011-02-04T13:09:00.001+01:00

So it's Friday and I'm holding my breath for a several of secret reasons. I'm not a fan of waiting, but sometimes you have no choice. Meanwhile, I'm going for a walk in the sunshine. This is what it looked like the other day when Cissi and I walked, and talked, for hours. And had icecream at the beautiful Farsta Gård Cafe.

SO DAMN PROUD

2011-02-03T21:55:00.002+01:00

I can't tell you enough how I proud I am of my man today.

Unfortunately, I can't celebrate with him, but I'd like to propose a toast for the best person in the world, who managed to get himself a kick ass journo job in London City.

<3

WE WANT PEACE

2011-02-03T01:06:00.006+01:00

There are stories that touch you more than others and this man's story is one of them.

A few years ago our journalism course did a magazine for the annual Keswick literature festival in the beautiful Lake District.

Loads of authors were to attend and we were asked to interview them before hand. Our magazine was a preview - a sneak peek of the guest speakers.

I chose to interview Emmanuel Jal, probably for no other reason than that he was a rapper. Little did I know how this man would come to touch my heart forever.

When starting my research it appeared that Emmanuel was invited to the festival because of his new released book "War Child." Ok, I thought, another sad story. We hear many of those. But as I continued my research, by listening to BBC radio documentaries, interviews on YouTube and reading articles about him, I couldn't stop thinking about Emmanuel's destiny. We arranged an interview through SKYPE and as he was in the US I had to set my alarm on 4 am.

We talked for about half an hour. It was hard to ask the right questions. I felt stupid, silly. Clumsy. To me, it was like talking to an angel, someone out of this world.

A month later I finally met him at the festival. By then I had still not read his book, but I bought it there and he signed it. I managed to tell him I was the journalist on SKYPE. He smiled. Did he remember? Maybe not. He's talking to many journalists to spread his message, as he believes he survived the war for a reason ("to tell my story, to touch lives”).

I later read the book. And never, I say NEVER, have I truly understood it until then... The fact that everything we see on TV; war and starvation, is real. It had never truly touched me in a powerful, painful way before.

Swedish Television broadcasted his documentary tonight and as I logged on to Facebook there were many Swedes writing on his wall, thanking him.

So once again; THANK YOU EMMANUEL. Thank you for sharing your story and staying strong. We shall never forget.

Please watch this, read his book “Warchild” and help his cause GUA AFRICA.

The time to prevent another genocide is now. The single We Want Peace is a call for peace, protection and justice for all in Sudan and also for an end to conflicts affecting innocent people all around the world. SPREAD THE MESSAGE - SPREAD THIS SONG:

LOVE AND OTHER TEARS

2011-02-02T00:03:00.005+01:00

My lovely friend Jessica is back in town and in order to cheer me up (appearently you can have January blues in Febrary too) we decided to go and watch the romantic comedy Love and Other Drugs. Hmm. Did you hear me saying comedy? Well, that's a lie. Unlike the previews I'm going to be honest with guys; this is NOT a comedy. In fact, the movie is about parkinsons and made us cry, a lot.

Apart from this sad fact I must say it was a beautiful movie. Not only because of Jake Gyllenhaal, but simple because love is the greatest thing of all.

Watch trailer and interview here:

LIFE

2011-01-31T23:49:00.002+01:00

I DO NO LONGER HATE WINTER

2011-01-31T22:33:00.002+01:00

Why? Because I've found myself a hobby, 20 minutes away from home.

WHEN REALITY TV WORKS

2011-01-31T22:01:00.016+01:00

So you might not, just like me, be a fan of embarrassing shows where TV are invited to help people raise their children or sort out their economy etc. I completely agree, it's really uncomfortable to watch.

There are - however - times when a reality TV program really serves a purpose and Swedish "Klass 9A" provides a great example of this.

The idea is simple; Sweden's best teachers are being invited to Sweden's worst school. Their challenge is to make the students pass all exams within that study year. Challenging, most definitely, but incredibly interesting.

The second season has just started and I'm excited to see how things develop this time. Last season the teachers managed to turn E:s into A:s.

"Klass 9A" really highlights the importance of good, engaging teachers and just like last season, I'm sure it will - once again - start a much needed discussion about education of today.

"Tell me that you still want me to be frying your eggs when you are 100 years old :)"

2011-01-30T22:31:00.002+01:00

DIFFERENT KINDS OF SUNDAYS

2011-01-30T18:23:00.005+01:00

A few hours ago an air force jet flew very low over children and their families in Egypt. Radio Sweden's correspondent says she first thought it was an earthquake; how the noise terrified her, made her shake with fraight. Still; children stayed with their parents, holding on to their protesting mothers' hands, hoping for a brighter future.

In Stockholm, children are playing hide and seek outside. Some have just been to see their grandparents, others to watch a cartoon at the cinema.

It's Sunday, and the world is black and white.

SEVEN DAYS

2011-01-30T17:29:00.006+01:00

Interviewing people living in cohouses, writing for The Local. Going for long walks in the sunshine, with Cissi and alone. Watching a man being chased by supermarket workers, pushed to the ground, beaten- the minced meat which he had stolen ended up in the snow. Following the development in Egypt, scared but hopeful. Attending a seminar about Islamophobia by Mattias Gardell with a burning heart. Drinking red wine with Cissi, discussing love for hours. Going horse back riding, realising I desperately need it back in my life. Hanging out in Rebecca's flat, feeling international. Shopping clothes, which I had not done for months and months. Talking to dad about life and death. How no one will remember us in a hundred years time. Partying at Amanda's with an American twist. Sleeping in a bed with a Pippi Longstocking cover. Feeling lost and missing Sam.

Wondering where this life - really - is taking me next.

LIAM WAS RIGHT; MANSION

2011-01-30T17:09:00.002+01:00

See, this is what I mean England. Sweden is the shit, at least when it comes to standard. Alex and Amanda's apartment is absolutely stunning. I couldn't tell them enough. Great party too. Now; translation time. My brain isn't really up for working but never mind, if I do it tonight I can go skiing tomorrow <3

THINGS YOU DO FOR THE ONE YOU LOVE

2011-01-29T18:10:00.009+01:00

In case you didn't know, today is a very important day for all Southampton fans. The Saints are playing against Manchester United as we speak and somewhere in that crowd you'll find my boyfriend Sam - the biggest football supporter of them all.

Now then, I'm not saying he's a huligan - he is just, you know, sliiightly obsessed. From a young age he's travelled all across the UK in order to watch his favorite team. Southampton is as far down south as you can get and Carlisle, where he grew up, is practically Scotland, so you can imagine how much he loves this club.

Now that Sam lives in London I find it hard to see him ever moving away from there. He says he will come to Sweden, but really? I'm only his second biggest love, after all. Haha (?).

Either way, I'm crossing my fingers for his team today.

THE SWEDISH SOUND

2011-01-29T16:53:00.001+01:00

HAPPY SATURDAY

2011-01-29T13:37:00.003+01:00

You still with me boys and girls? I truly hope so! <3

Sun is shining outside and even though it's still snowy you can't help but feeling spring is on its way. I'm now off to the shopping centre in order to buy a gift for Amanda and Alex - they are having a house warming party tonight. Apparently they have bought a mansion, at least if you are to believe their 3 year old son Liam. "It's so big I can use my scooter indoors, Malin! It's huuuuge!"

Looking forward to it. Laters alligators.

LOOK WHO'S BACK, BACK AGAIN

2011-01-28T20:56:00.011+01:00

Awwww guys. You know me. Of course I couldn't let go of you for good.

While I do intend to live my life in Sweden, there are certain things I must do in order to feel a 100% happy over here. You know, like talking English, writing in English and listening to English. One might wonder why I even left in the first place, but as this blog continues I hope you'll soon understand the reasons for choosing Sweden (and it doesn't come in the shape of tall, blonde chicks, Adam).

Having lived in the UK for the past five years I truly am an emotional fuckup when it comes to Sweden VS England. It's a fact that England is messed up in many ways BUT it had my heart at Hello. England is also the country in which I went from being a girl to being a woman. Where I went from student to professional. In addition, England will always be the one that taught me everything about being independent and feeling proud of the life I had managed to create so far away from home, all by myself.

For my future, I plan a life as a freelance, where London becomes my second home. I still want to be based in Stockholm, close to my lovely family and fantastic friends. But I need both worlds. The best of both worlds. And it's a fact that if you want something hard enough; you will get it.

Meanwhile, I'm blogging in your language, writing articles in your language and listening to Radio One. Welcome back.

End of an era

2011-01-02T16:26:00.003+01:00

This blog has come to an end. At least for now.
Perhaps forever.

Instead, you will be able to find me on http://stockholmsvykort.blogspot.com/

It's in Swedish, but then again, Google Translator will be able to tell you everything my friends.

It's been a pleasure. This blog, England, everything.

See you on the other side.
Love, Molly

Merry Christmas from Russia hehehe

2010-12-25T13:46:00.001+01:00

I swear, I'll never leave again

2010-12-21T16:28:00.001+01:00

10:30 am on our way back from the stables

Hooked on a feeling

2010-12-20T16:56:00.002+01:00

The best reflection of what we are is not what we are attracted to but what we attract

2010-12-19T17:08:00.001+01:00

Photo: Jonas Peterson

09 What is love?

2010-12-19T15:37:00.016+01:00

Love is to meet my mother's eyes in the ski slope, seeing how they sparkle the same way mine do. Love is to sit with my father in a Scottish pub, comparing places, smiling with the world. Love is my brother's jokes about me, laughing with me. Love is to play a game of cards with my grandparents, knowing they play that game every single day, just the two of them. Love is to drink wine with Jess, crying, laughing, analysing our lives. Love is to see Fia at my balcony after two long years, Cissi after months. Love is the way Sam looks at me; how his big eyes make my heart faint. Love is to fall into deep, deep snow, staring up the sky. Love is to let all the tingly snowflakes land on my tongue.

2010-12-18T17:21:00.000+01:00

HOME SWEET HOME

2010-12-18T16:04:00.011+01:00

I don't know how to explain this feeling of happiness bubbling inside of me. Sweden is full of snow and some days we don't even get one tiny bit of proper daylight - BUT - it doesn't matter. There is so much light indoors. Everything is sparkling.

I find myself smiling, almost laughing to myself as I walk the streets of Stockholm. I criticised the media the other day but a few days later I must admit an intellectual discussion took place in the papers, on television and among friends on facebook. The absolute majority do care about our society and Swedes are in debate at all times. You will find many different opinions but there is no such thing as apathy; I no longer believe the Islamofobia will grow after the suicide bomber in Stockholm.

There are other things that make me smile, too. I tried skiing for the first time today, determined to find an activity that will make this season enjoyable. Mum and I couldn't believe in when we, one hour and ten minutes later, decided to go back home. It felt like fifteen minutes! And it was so much fun. All I need now is a full time job, a flat and Sam moving to Sweden.

Shouldn't be that hard, eh? ;)

Seven days

2010-12-15T23:54:00.006+01:00

Kissing Sam goodbye at Carlisle station, writing 5 pages in my diary about messages on eggs and secret cards in my luggage, carrying a big heavy bag through a snowy Edinburgh, staying in a hotel for the first time on my own, landing in a pretty Stockholm, hugging mum and dad, Johan and Sophie, eating homemade sweets until my stomach was aching, chillin with Jess and Swedish pizza, surprising a 40 year old, partying, standing on a couch dancing to 'when you're looking like that', being sick from hungover and terror attack, playing board games with the whole family+jess+sophie, laughing my ass off, eating even more homemade sweets, hugging johan and sophie goodbye, missing Sam, going for walks in a sparkling Farsta Strand, applying for jobs, drinking wine with Cissi, visiting the stables, hugging horses, power walking with dad alongside the lake in the morning sun, visiting mum at work, making a kick-ass portfolio with all my work, waiting on delayed trains, going to bed.

Night sweethearts.

08 What I believe in

2010-12-15T23:39:00.003+01:00

On this note actually, I watched something rather odd today. One of my friends on Facebook had posted a video in her status saying how we all must watch it, that it was important information about 2012 (you know how some people are convinced the world will end that year...). I watched it. It was nuts. You can look for yourselves by clicking HERE.

Sects and religious 'clubs' freak me out. It makes me feel extremely uncomfortable knowing how people can trig each other into mass psychosis.

Personally, I don't really believe in anything that I can't see for myself. I focus quite a lot on the life I'm living and don't spend time thinking about what happens once it's over. Surely, as I get older, it will come to me. Humans always want something to look forward to; when you are young you think of this life, old - you have to cross your fingers for something new around the corner.

There are definitely things I can't explain. For example, every time my grandma has ended up in hospital, I have had a dream about her the night before. But it doesn't really make me believe anything in particular. Of course there are things we don't know about or understand, I mean this whole thing with universe and earth and life; WHY ARE WE EVEN HERE?

However, I don't need to know. I prefer just enjoying it. At least for now.

I need a horse, of course

2010-12-14T23:19:00.008+01:00

I spent the first twenty years of my life at the local riding school, Farsta Ridskola. Therefore it's incredibly special whenever I get the chance to visit the place.

I went with mum today, watching her riding class. Afterwards, when brushing her horse, I realised how it's on autopilot in body; how it just remembers it all. I had missed it so much; The smell of hay, horse shit and a warm breath against my neck. I need this part back in my life again. Desperately.

07 Favorite things

2010-12-14T16:17:00.002+01:00

Snorkling in the sea

Horseback riding

Dancing to my favorite song

Hugs

Kisses

Summer sun

Staring up the sky, watching sea gulls

Failed terror attack reveals failed journalism

2010-12-14T11:41:00.008+01:00

It's Tuesday and four days after a man was blown into pieces in central Stockholm. The morning paper's headline stares at me from the breakfast table. READ ME. FEEL SCARED. It's packed with articles about the terror attack. None of them talks about what's most essential right now; how we can fight this together. Instead they paint a picture of us and them.

I have said it before and I'm saying it again; I am terrified of this growing misunderstanding of Muslims. I grew up among Africans, Americans, South Americans and Arabs. My life started with discussions about life and God; we all had different views and thoughts. We shared them. We embraced them. And moreover; we embraced each other, enjoying the challenge of getting our points across at such a young age. Later, we would go and play in the park; all just as equal.

I was lucky to grow up in a suburb where I had the chance to get to know people from all over the world. There are however areas in Sweden where you can't find anything but Swedes in Volvo cars. Then there are areas in Sweden where every balcony has a parabolic aerial and the main language is Persia or Arabic. I feel sorry for people in those areas, because they all miss out.

The best way to prevent racism is to mix; to get to know each other straight away, realising that at the end of the day, I want the same things from life as that young Afghanistan woman in the flat above. We all want a safe life for ourselves and our children, to live in peace and to be accepted for who we are.

I am disappointed in the media, who with all its powers carry a huge responsibility to inform the population about how the absolute majority of Muslims are furious with what has happened.

Yesterday the established – so called intelligent – leading paper Dagens Nyheter published a small 100- words piece on the leader of the Muslim community's view; how he despites what has happen, how devastating it is for him and other Muslims.

The main article is a TWO page article about how one minister twittered about the terror attack before the prime minister had had his press conference. How is that important?

Instead, the papers should be making pages packed with interviews and facts about Muslims and Islam. Why? Well, read all comments online. It's incredible how unknowledgeable some people are in this country when it comes to Islam. We need to prevent this European wave of hate (fear) towards this particular group of people. It's our responsibility as educated journalists to make sure that the population in this country is as INFORMED as possible.

The far-right party The Swedish Democrats must be celebrating right now, because at the moment if feels like anyone could vote for them - even the journalists.

And that my friends, sounds a lot like the start of something that happened in the 1930’s; something we swore would never happen again.

06 If this was my last day

2010-12-10T16:04:00.018+01:00

Please, never tell me when my last day has come.

Let it be at Klöverön, let my whole family be there; Mum, Dad, Johan, Grandma, Grandad, Sam and closest friends. Let it be a warm summer day and do not allow me to argue with anyone. Please let me really show them how much I love them. Please make me hug them a lot.

Let me swim in the sea, doing that thing when I throw myself backwards in the water, watching the sky through my goggles. Please let me find a tiny crab down the bottom. Make it tickle my skin.

Later, turn the evening sky pink. Serve me Grandma's chicken with french fries. Let Singoalla come galloping along the path towards our house. Let Marouf be with her. Allow mum and I to join them for one last ride around the island. Please let there be no flies on this day, or scary cows. Let us ride wherever we like.

Please serve Grandad's evening tea, with cheese sandwiches. Make Grandma brush my hair during the evening movie. Let the movie be "The Visitor" and please make everyone love it.

Finally, let me hug them all good night, apart from Sam. Please let me kiss him.

Make me fall asleep to the sound of a dancing rowanberry tree.

Let the wind be strong. Breathtaking. Alive.

Let's continue...

2010-12-10T15:47:00.000+01:00

~~1. Introduction 2. Parents 3. Sibblings 4. Friends 5. First love~~ 6. If this was my last day... 7. Favorite things 8. I believe in... 9. What is love? 10. Favorite writers 11. What I miss 12. Bad habits/behaviour 13. Future dreams 14. First kiss 15. Childhood memory 16. An embarassing moment 17. What I regret 18. My rolemodels 19. This makes me upset 20. My favorite place

WIFI at the airport bus

2010-12-09T15:42:00.001+01:00

Clean. Comfy. Pretty pretty pretty.

Sweden is a fairytale too good to be true. Soon back in the hood. Put the kettle on, viking brother.

2 days

2010-12-07T23:39:00.002+01:00

05 My first love

2010-12-07T02:03:00.006+01:00

Love found me during a luch break in third grade.

I was nine years old and we were all playing outside. I can't remember if it was winter or spring, or exactly what we were playing; all I remember is that first feeling of butterflies in my stomach. It tickled and I wanted more.

His name was Micke and he was in the year above me in school. He had dark brown eyes, black curly hair and a smile that left every girl bright red. I was in love with him for, according to my diaries, at least three years.

In fourth grade it finally happened. We lived on the same street and became part of the same gang. One afternoon my friends Anjuska and Irene decided to ring his doorbell and ask him if he wanted to become my boyfriend. I was waiting downstairs and couldn't believe it when they came rushing down, shouting "He said OK!!! He said OK!!!". That day, I was the happiest girl in the world.

We were a couple for five precious months, or at least they were very precious to me; I am not sure he cared that much. We never kissed but always shared the last dance at every school disco. I remember my heart beating so hard I was scared he’d notice.

One cold day in March, I was causally informed that Micke had broken up with me. He had asked his friend Obai to do him the favour and Obai, in his turn, had passed the mission over to my brother, who was seven years old at the time. I was in Johan’s room when he suddenly announced the news; "Oh, yeah, Malin… Micke is breaking up with you. Obai told me about three weeks ago."

So, I was heartbroken and wrote Micke many angry letters of which he never replied to. I made my mum buy me new clothes and started brushing my hair more often, but he never seemed to care - he had moved on.

Eventually, I did too.

04 My friends - the very best

2010-12-05T02:15:00.009+01:00

I remember coming home from school one day, crying my eyes out because I didn't have a best friend. L and A only wanted to hang out with each other. E and J only wanted to see their boyfriends. And A had started to act weird again. So there I was, alone.

Then Jessica walked into my life. We were 15 years old and very different; Jessica was bubbly, positive and party while I was rather EMO as a teenager. Still party though, and it might sound vain but Jessica and I really shared (and still do!) a genuine interest for partying. Within weeks we became the best of friends, and 11 years later, we still are.
We have been through so much together that I don't even know where to start. We have shared jobs and flats, lived in each other’s pockets, and the last few years with the whole Nordic Sea apart. Our friendship has survived it all. If it wasn't for her... Gosh. I wouldn't have done even half of the things I have done in my life. I would not be the person I am today and I have got so much to thank her for. Today she is more than a friend; she is my sister.

Fia is another dear, old friend. Having known each other since the age of 16 we moved into our first flat together at the age of 21. We grew really close and spent many nights watching Sex and the City tapes, analyzing every single detail of men and friendship.

A few years later Fia upped sticks, just like me, in order to study. She moved to America where she met her fiancée Ken. They are getting married next summer and I am so incredibly happy for her. Fia and I share the same dreams and visions of adventure but always end up talking about how much we miss Sweden. We had not seen each other for two years when Fia came home last summer, but it still felt like yesterday. With her, it always does.

Cissi and I share a really random history. We met when we were 20, working at the same cafe for a month. We didn't even work that many shifts together, but somehow we ended up staying in touch, going for coffee every three months or so. Then one summer the two of us happened to be single at the same time. And man, what a summer. One of my best Cissi memories is when were throwing coins from some dude's balcony, trying to hit a lamppost, eight o'clock on a sunny Sunday morning. Cissi is also a journalist and I love being in her flat, having dinner and talking about the profession we both ended up choosing.

Something that is pretty unique with my best friends is that they are all each other’s best friends. I met Fia through Jessica and Cissi met Jessica through me. We have not lived in the same place for a very long time, but hopefully, one day we will.

PS

I would like to thank God for Skype, Msn and hotmail. Amen.

At first sight

2010-12-04T00:54:00.002+01:00

It's rather boring to discover an artist only to realise everyone else happened to fall in love with him/her at the exact same second. HOWEVER, this man had me at hello...

03 Sibbling

2010-12-03T17:44:00.008+01:00

The funniest guy I know, apart from Sam of course hehe, is my three years younger brother Johan. He is so quick and witty that I find it hard to believe we once came from the same stomach.

Growing up, Johan was always the opposite to me. While I was loud and annoying, he was quiet and preferred staying in front of his computer. At the age of 18 this however changed and by the time he went to university, he was the party KING of the family.

There were times in our childhood when I would shut the door in his face, not wanting to spend one single second with my brother. Today Johan is one of my favorite people to hang out with and my friends absolutely adore him. Sam is also a big fan and I love how well they got on last summer, sitting in the living room, betting on World Cup games.

I can with confidence say that my brother will be a very successful man one day. He is currently studying economics and I don’t understand one single word from his text books. I admire him a lot and can’t wait to see him this Christmas. My lovely little brother, who somehow ended up being two heads taller than me. <3 Love you.

02 Parents

2010-12-03T02:38:00.017+01:00

The first time my mum laid her eyes on my dad was at Helsingborg City Theatre. She had sneaked backstage and was watching the dancers auditioning. Every time she tells this story, she smiles."He was the most beautiful man I had ever seen. One of the girls told me he was a player and that I shouldn't bother. Good thing I didn't listen!"

The first time my dad saw my mum was after a press conference, when having dinner. Mum was sitting on the other side of the room, and as he rose his glass he caught her eye and they shared a toast. The rest is history.

Growing up, most of my friends' parents were divorced. It made me understand how lucky my parents were to have found each other, and moreover, how lucky I was to have both of them in my life.

My mum is an actress, always on tour in order to give the people in the smallest villages their entitled bit of culture. Dad used to be a dancer, later an actor but re-trained to become a nurse within psychiatry. He works hard to make teenagers feel better and I admire him a lot for his work.

Apart from this, my dad is a dreamer, always talking about moving abroad, where the sun shines and wines grow. I definitely got my travel bug from him. My mum is a doer, the one who always end up building the furniture from IKEA and re-painting the living room. She definitely wears the trousers in our family, but at the same time she is very gentle and caring. No one wipes tears better than my mum.

I spend a lot of time away from my parents, far too much, and whenever I am back home I want to stay indoors, talking to them for aaaages. Eventually they have to beg for my permission to put their PJs on and go to bed.

My parents have always supported me and despite my choice to leave Sweden, they have never showed any disappointment. Instead, they show love. They always have been. And for that reason, and many, many more, I love them very much.

01 Introducing... Molly Nyberg

2010-12-01T22:25:00.013+01:00

Hello, nice to meet you.

First of all, let's shake hands; kisses on the cheeks is too Mediterranean for a Swede (I spent a whole summer in Barcelona trying to avoid this, rather difficult must say). Can you feel how cold my hand is? I have really bad blood circulation. Don't worry though, it doesn't reflect on me as a person, and despite what you might think; I am not a bitch. Please agree with me on this one, as I really do care what you think of me.

Having grown up in a suburb of Stockholm, my world is neither black nor white. My body has spent a lot of time dancing to Turkish music, eating Somalian food and discussing whether God exists or not. I am a big fan of diversity, so big that I chose to mention it here, but let's not get all political in this post, even though I would love to discuss it with you.

So, as I said, I grew up in Stockholm. The flat, where my parents still live, is one big Picasso with orange, yellow and blue walls. I suppose you would call it a typical artists' home; I call it heaven.

My childhood was one long perfect dream, packed with days at the local riding school and afternoons with friends drawing - horses. I started writing months before my first day at school and have kept a diary from the age of six. Those books are however no literal masterpieces, just a lot of whining about boys.

As a teenager, time seemed to pass slowly. It took forever to turn 18 and when finally being allowed into the Stockholm nightclubs, my friends and I nearly wet ourselves with excitement.

My 20s have so far been what the 20s should be like; packed with partying, travelling and adventures - I wouldn't change a thing.

Studying in England was never the plan, but I fell in love with this country the second I laid my eyes on it. Five years later, I suppose a part of me has turned English, even though the smell of chips and vinegar still makes me cringe.

Sweden continues to be the country where I find my identity. Being a child of Astrid Lindgren and summers in the archipelago, the sight of sunshine makes me insanely happy. And as any a typical Swede, darkness makes me sad.

Where am I the happiest?

In best friend Jessica's flat, drinking wine, laughing.

On a cliff next to the sea at my summerplace.

Or with boyfriend Sam, wherever we happen to be.

-

Part 2, about my family, will be published tomorrow.

What a perv

2010-12-01T16:00:00.006+01:00

Sam and the snowman as I left them:

Later:

It wasn't me.

I think it's called climate change

2010-12-01T14:28:00.001+01:00

I am stuck in the UK due to heavy snow. Who would have thought...

Swedish song of the week

2010-11-30T19:56:00.002+01:00

"Ställ oss båda på en våg, och snart så flyger du bland stjärnor."

Let's get writing

2010-11-29T12:50:00.008+01:00

In Sweden the world of blogging is HUGE and most of the professionals -yes, there is such a thing as professional bloggers- it's surprising how many people that are interested in knowing what Kenza or The Blonde Bella did with their day... However, where was I? Oh yeah, most bloggers do something in the run up to Christmas and I have decided to jump on the wagon. For the next 20 days, I am going to write according to the following subjects:

1. Introduction 2. Parents 3. Sibblings 4. Friends 5. First love 6. If this was my last day... 7. Favorite things 8. I believe in... 9. What is love? 10. Favorite writers 11. What I miss 12. Bad habits/behaviour 13. Future dreams 14. First kiss 15. Childhood memory 16. An embarassing moment 17. What I regret 18. My rolemodels 19. This makes me upset 20. My favorite place

Starting on 1 Dec.

I am still ill, England is still covered in snow and I still want a pony

2010-11-29T12:28:00.003+01:00

Winter wonderland

2010-11-28T23:07:00.001+01:00

All I want for Christmas is... a horse <3 <3 <3 It could stay on the balcony in Farsta, no?

LOVE

2010-11-28T03:07:00.001+01:00

Jonas Peterson

So. damn. boring

2010-11-28T02:57:00.000+01:00

I am bored out of my mind.

Having spent three days in bed with a fever, caughing my little lungs off, I am more than ready to let go of this cold. IT IS SO BLOODY BORING. However, it has given me a lot of time to read. Book of the week was a Swedish one called "Finns inte på kartan". It was alright. It made me want to be a journalist living in the countryside. Which, thinking about it, I kinda am at the moment. Not for much longer though, as I am planning to leave the UK in just a few days. Hopefully the snow will be gone by then... We all know this country stops working as soon as it has snowed. If trains can't make it in Sweden - they certainly won't in England.

Night night.

Future chances

2010-11-25T12:40:00.000+01:00

It's a Thursday that matters and as my dad left this morning, England was covered in snow.

I have an important test waiting in my inbox at 1 o’clock; another one at 2, and I can feel a great chance of opportunity coming along.

Speaking of opportunities... I have graduated. Last Tuesday afternoon, the class of 2010 gathered in Carlisle Cathedral in order to walk the stage and shake the hand of the Mayor. I was nervous, and then relieved, later happy, and finally drunk, dancing in Concrete nightclub, knowing that everything is going to be alright.

Life is still a great adventure.

All year swimming

2010-11-20T20:28:00.002+01:00

Two years ago my family spent Christmas holidays abroad and I remember sitting on that beach in Tenerife, asking myself why on earth I should go back to life in darkness (Sweden).

I still wonder why I did.

My ultimate master plan of life include a beach house somewhere hot as well as a spacious city centre flat.

In case you wondered, Santa.

Streetlights, people

2010-11-20T17:23:00.006+01:00

What you forget when living in the English countryside (or Carlisle in general actually) is that all places in England aren't different to Stockholm. I visited Liverpool last Tuesday and the Hilton Hotel bar reminded me so much of home that it - actually - hurt. The modern, spacious room with perfect lightning left me feeling as if the Macdonalds were visiting my hometown.

I pretended for a good hour or so.

Sitting in the backseat on our way back, my head was spinning as I watched the street lights and police cars flashing by.

God, I thought to myself, I can't wait.

Woooops

2010-11-20T16:49:00.003+01:00

Last week I had a phone conversation with my dad, talking about bugs and diseases (his favorite topic). I proudly announced that I had not been ill for over two years.

One week later I'm stuck in bed, being served hot chocolate by Sam's mum. It's one day before my dad's arrival and three days before graduation. I do not have time for this.

Book of the week: THE OTHER HAND

2010-11-16T00:51:00.002+01:00

The Other Hand by Chris Cleaves is one of the best books I have ever read. I can't tell you what it's about, as the magic is in how it unfolds (this is the instructions I've been given).

Just read it. And then make all your friends read it.

"We must see all scars as beauty. Okay? This will be our secret. Because take it from me, a scar does not form on the dying. A scar means, 'I survived'."

Whenever I go somewhere beautiful, I think of you

2010-11-16T00:31:00.001+01:00

Change

2010-11-15T14:02:00.005+01:00

It's the end of an era that never really begun. Sam and I are soon going to Middlesbrough in order to collect our stuff from the flat. The plan is to find someone to take over our contract, so if you know anyone looking for a nice place to live in the area of the Tees Valley, please get in touch!