Abi Udhaya
The year 2024 began quite differently, as I enrolled in a pastry school to become a certified baker and felt happy pursuing my passion. After graduating, I had many plans to start my own pastry business, but my husband surprised me with a relocation plan to Lund.
Leaving India for Lund: A new chapter begins
Moving halfway across the world has been one of the most exciting and challenging adventures I have ever taken on. Lund is a charming, quiet, and incredibly green city. The cobblestone streets, cozy cafes, and bike-friendly culture have made it feel like a scene from a storybook 鈥� very different from the busy streets of India, but beautiful in its own way.
It was quite an adventure to adapt to the cold and dark days initially. The first few months were all about adjusting to the new pace of life, understanding how things work (like how everything closes early!), and dealing with the darker winter months. But now that summer is here, the long days and sunshine feel like a well-earned reward.
Volunteering and belonging: Finding community in Lund
International Citizen Hub Lund (嫩草影院) was the first stop after coming to Lund, and I still remember the first Drop-In. I felt a bit relaxed because I was able to ask all my questions on the first day. That is where I came to know about the second-hand shops, which are really a game changer here. I started attending sessions and became a part of the volunteering team last season, which again made me realize I have met people from all over the world, and those connections have made this transition so much easier.
I also want to mention the church community here in Lund, which has been a very big support for us. It has been such a fulfilling experience 鈥� not just helping others but also learning about Swedish culture from the inside out.
Hej, Tack, Lagom: Learning Swedish and embracing the culture
I did not know a single word of Swedish鈥攅xcept maybe 鈥渉ej.鈥� I thought, 鈥淚t鈥檚 okay, everyone speaks English here.鈥� And yes, a lot of people do. But very quickly, I realized that not knowing the local language made me feel like an outsider鈥攅specially in everyday situations.
I enrolled in SFI and started taking classes. Learning Swedish hasn鈥檛 just helped me understand signs, menus, or job applications鈥攊t鈥檚 helped me understand Swedish people and culture. Language isn鈥檛 just vocabulary鈥攊t鈥檚 a key to culture. So, if you鈥檙e new like me, trying to learn Swedish鈥攄on鈥檛 give up. Be patient with yourself. Speak, even if it鈥檚 not perfect. Swedes really do appreciate it when you try. This journey takes time鈥攂ut it is worth it.
Grateful for the journey of growth
Now, almost half a year later, I look back and give myself a hug for having made it through. I鈥檓 still in the process of figuring out my career path, but the journey has given me so many beautiful people and memories. Every week comes with its own set of surprises and lessons. Some days are easier than others, but I鈥檓 grateful for this journey 鈥� for the growth, the challenges, and the new perspectives.
听
/Abi Udhaya
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