#movingishardwork

As it turns out, my first friends on the new rock are my Malmö Airbnb hosts from my initial night’s stay. These were the saviors that took the place of the Copenhagen host who flaked, and honestly I am so glad that he did.

Jenni who grew up in Malmö, is from a small Finnish family. She married Alex, who along with his very large family are political refugees from Chile, that immigrated back in the 70′s. Luckily, most of his family made it over to Sweden. They have one adorable daughter currently being educated in a Finnish immersion school in Malmö. They each speak four very different languages, as do most of the people I have met so far. 

Already I am struck by the sheer diversity of this area of the country, as Sweden has opened its doors to so many around the world in need of a new home. I told Jenni and Alex that they are prime research subjects for my thesis, and they pointed out that I myself am now the immigrant! And this does feel true in so many ways. The language barrier for one is foremost in my mind, and I plan on remedying this situation as soon as possible. Although 90% of the Swedish population is fluent in English, I still feel I am missing out on so much not being able to read the language.

Not surprising however, is that kindness and consideration look the same no matter what the language. And I want to share that these people have gone out of their way to take care of me and see to my needs upon arrival to this country, because they too have been there.

If I had the forethought during the intense jet lag, I would have taken pictures with them. I am sure they will appear in other posts later, so for now, here are a few pics from around their apartment. This is one a handful of their Airbnb properties in a residential part of Malmö outside of city center.

And then this at the market near the apartment :)