In Sweden we decorate twigs of birch with feathers for Easter. We usually put this “påskris” indoors, in a vase, but outdoors is seen too, and some people even decorate trees in the garden. I do. There is nothing else to cheer up the garden this time of year.
Not only feathers liven up the twigs; eggs are popular too, as are chickens.
If you’ve followed my blog you know I like photography. That’s why I immediately joined #worldcolors when I stumbled upon Naomi’s blog post. According to it March is all about Green! But is it really? Well, in my part of the world it is fairly grey right now; cold, winter and no snow at all. If you read my blog post the other day you know I’m more than ready to welcome spring and green colors into my world again.
For the photo project #worldcolors I first planned to go through old photos to find the lush green ones, filled with memories from all over the world. Then on Friday I spent a few hours outside in the biting cold and decided to make #worldcolors Green a real challenge. I would look for green objects to shoot during the day – outside. And yes it was quite a challenge, but a fun one! Below are my green finds! Please feel free to join the #worldcolors! You still have a couple of weeks to find your take on green!
Don’t you just love getting proper mail? I’m not talking about the data filling up your e-mail inbox. I’m talking about crisp letters you can actually feel in your hands; slowly tear open to reveal its content. Proper letters and postcards are special. Magazines are fine too. Bills and flyers are what mostly greet me when I peak into my mail box though. Sad. But I have to admit I don’t send many cards myself by postal service (unless it’s Christmas). And letters – almost never. Most of my postal mail exchange is with expat friends, or friends I got to know during my expatriate adventures. Sometimes I also send letters to my Swedish conversation students, containing articles from magazines and newspapers to read and work with.
The other day I stumbled upon a cool project on swapping postcards. You send 10 DIY postcards and get 10 back. Problem solved :). Follow the link here to read more on iHanna’s blog! Hurry to sign up and get crafting! Be sure to visit the blog to see Hanna’s wonderfully colorful creations!
When I arrive in a new place I’m always eager to explore the surroundings. Sometimes I already know what I would like to see, sometimes I don’t have a clue. One thing I know though is that I don’t want to leave feeling I have missed out on places and things to discover simply because it “just didn’t happen”. This is an advice I always share with expats getting ready to leave for a new destination; do not go back without stories to tell, and memories to savor! We all know that time flies so start planning your stay abroad! Below I’m sharing some of my tips to help exploring a new location. They are not only valid for living abroad but work for traveling and vacation too!
Here are a few tips for your inspiration
on planning what you want to experience in your adopted country and to get you going!
Winter is about to lose its grip of Gothenburg. A sign of spring is the annual travel fair TUR. As a kid I went to collect stickers and candy. Exhibitors still give out stickers but who collects them theese days, honestly?
Later I went to collect information about travel destinations abroad and to be inspired to travel.
Nowadays I visit the fair to discover more on Sweden, the country to which I have returned after expatriate life.
The fair opens to the public on Friday March 22 and closes on Sunday. 500 exhibitors, more than 90 countries and regions represented make sure there is something for everyone to discover. There are usually great offers and packages too. See official website here – in Swedish.
My tips to you
– comfy shoes
– backpack for the catalogues
My pro tip
– lightweight cabin bag with weels. The best. Particularly for bookfairs.
Happy hunting!
I’m waiting for spring. I’m waiting for green colors to enter my world again. This winter has been a normal winter in the region I currently live; fairly cold, windy and grey – not much snow at all. I like snowy, cold winters. The world is white. The cars are clean and you only need to wash snowsuits once in a while. This winter however I have seen enough of grayish pale tones. Come on spring; bring it on!!
This time of the year us Swedes grab our mugs,
sit outside on a bench,
wrapped in blankets,
faces turned to the sun like sunflowers,
enjoying the first warm rays of light.
We are all probably side by side in a row,
pressed against a house wall sheltering us from the wind.
The coffee is long cold.
It doesn’t matter,
as long as we can take our fika outside we are happy!
Soon the grill will be out too.
