Hello everyone and welcome back again! I’m afraid I don’t have much to report this week. We’re in the midst of exam week over here so the libraries are busy and the pubs are empty.
However, I did get to be a bit in touch with nature this week as I went to a forest park to have lunch last Saturday. It was beautiful with the golden leaves and deep blue water. Stockholm is often called the Venice of the north as it’s made up of over 30,000 islands. This means the sea can be seen from almost everywhere in the city. I also went to a cake shop and purchased a red velvet croissant and it was the best thing since sliced bread.
I went home to Ireland last week and it was nice to be back for a little while. We have no restrictions here in Sweden so it was weird to be back and have to wear a mask again. The day that I’m writing this I believe nightclubs have opened up and I have to say I’m a little jealous seeing all my friends out without me. However, I will manage and I have the Swedish nightlife at least (even if it is a ridiculous €8 for a pint.)
Speaking of going out, making friends is a vital part of the Erasmus experience. If this is a part you’re worried about (which is understandable, it can be daunting especially if you’re going on Erasmus by yourself,) I am here to tell you now that you can definitely make friends. It’s frankly unavoidable as you meet so many different people, every day. Even during the tail ends of a pandemic and online classes.
I will give you the same advice your mam has probably given you since you were four, just be yourself. You will meet people from different nationalities and cultures and although there may sometimes be miscommunication or clashes of culture, they are just people too (who also watch a ridiculous amount of Tik Toks like me.) Also, something surprising about meeting people abroad, a lot of them have watched Derry Girls. So apparently that show is universal.
However, even with friends on Erasmus, the homesickness and loneliness may still catch up with you. Missing your significant other, friends and family is always going to be hard and some days will be harder than others. However, you will manage and the cheap holiday will be a little incentive for them to come see you.
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this week’s diary and you’re being safe wherever you are. I think Halloween will have passed by the time you read this so I hope you had a great spooky season and I will see you next time.
