Umea Sweden or Umeå Sweden

An American In Sweden

I met the love of my life around 7 years ago, in an online video game of all places. When I learned he was from Sweden, I realized there wasn't a lot I knew about it. Other than it had something to do with the Nobel Prize, it was socialist (not really true in the sense most people understand), and that it was primarily blonds. I suppose somewhere in the back of my mind I realized I knew its capital was Stockholm, but really I knew nothing about Stockholm.

While we met 7 years ago, I've only been in Sweden for five years. This is mainly because we were a pretty long ways apart and it took a while to meet in person for the first time, but also (and this may interest a lot of readers) because of the application process.

I'm guessing most people know a lot more about Sweden that I dd, however, I bet they don't know as much as I know now. I'm not an expert on Stockholm, but if you're going to the northern parts of Sweden I can tell you what to expect and exactly what to avoid.

it's imperative that people understand there is a huge difference between northern Swedes an southern Swedes. There is also another section of Sweden, which is different from both of those, the skane (pronounced scone -- eh) Swedes. Much like the differences in the United States, geographic territories have their own cultures and norms, and even language differences. That may not seem as unusual to you if you think about the United States. Consider the language differences between New York and Alabama. Consider the style differences between Colorado and Florida. Living in Sweden is not unlike that.

Southern Sweden around Stockholm is very cosmopolitan, much like any other cosmopolitan city. Lots of businesses and men in business suits.

I won't pretend to know a lot about Malmo (pronounced something like Mal Muh), and Gotenborg (proncounced kinda like yot-a- berry). I've never been to either. I have a few friends Gotenborg, and after five years of studying the Swedish language, I can barely understand anything they say. Because there's so near, Denmark, they have a very guttural sounding Swedish, be aware of this if you intend to visit that part of the country.

Northern Swedes are a completely different type of people. They have two different personas, one in winter and one during the rest of the year. Often mistaken as cold or in different, this is completely untrue. I suppose, due to the extreme cold conditions in the winter Swedes in the north have conditioned themselves to conserve. While warm and generous people, they are extremely shy and reserved.

During the winter months, it's hard to make eye contact, the Swedish people, let alone coax a smile. Wrapped in their jackets, coats, caps and gloves they tend to focus on getting to where they where they are going. It is probably due to the extreme temperatures, an average of -10°C to 15°C. During February you can expect temperatures of -25°C. Snow falls regularly, and by February is piled at least 3 feet high. is also important to remember that during the month of December until March, Northern Swedes are without sunlight for as long as 20 hours a day. Even the four hours of sunlight is marred by cloudy skies.

As extremely harsh as the winters are, that is how beautiful the summer are. Because of the amount of snowfall, northern Sweden, in the summer, is one of the greatest places on earth. Also because of the extreme temperatures and winter in a short amount of time of warm weather, the Swedes have an abundance of flowers and trees, which they sow.

Warm weather doesn't begin until May, however, the sun comes out occasionally. In March and April, during this time, the Swedes have an entirely different persona. eye contact is made more frequently smiles are given and received and in general.

If you have a chance to see Umea in the summer, it's quite possible you will never want to leave. Be sure to take a look at my photographs at the end of this section.

There are some wonderful things to do in Umea all year round.

During the Christmas season, there are Christmas celebrations everywhere, and they often tell spiced cider and spiced wine. There is an outdoor market where vendors from all over, including Finland, show handmade wares.

There is great places to go ice fishing in the wintertime. There are backroads specifically designed for cross-country skiing. You can literally go hours. In March, there is a magnificent snow sculpture contest and ice sculpture contest.

In the summer, you can pick berries, anywhere. There is a lot in Sweden, which allows the harvest of berries from any property, including private property. And there is a lot of berries. Cloudberries are very common, and lots of people make jam with them. Blueberries, and raspberries grow everywhere.

You can fish in any of the rivers and can pick up a license in town. An enormous river, which has different kinds of salmon and salmon-like fish, runs right through the center of town. You can also boat along this river. Water in Sweden is very clean and you can swim in the rivers and ponds freely.

There are literally thousands of miles of forrest to hike through. Moose can be seen regularly, among other animals. Unlike most forrests there aren't many dangers in Sweden's forrests. The local wildlife is mainly moose (which can be dangerous) and smaller woodland creatures, more dangerous to your pets than you. Although there are bears and wolves in Northern Sweden, they arent in abundance. They have no scary spiders or snakes. Be warned: the humidty in the summer causes mosquitos, and lots of them.

If you want to know about my wedding in Sweden and how planning a wedding in Sweden, you can take a look at my blog.

Sweden, being part of the EU, has a new influx of immigrants and can be expected to close its borders, in my opinion, soon. Now, though, its fairly easy for a loved one to be migrated over through migrationsverket, the Swedish immigration. Note: you have to click "in English" up in the top right hand corner of the page.

Be aware, the process takes some time, and you have to reapply yearly, even while living here.

If you'd like some more information please visit their website.