When I moved to Singapore in 2015, I fell utterly in love with the country and had thought of it as THE place I would settle in. For life. Then I got married in 2018.

Moving to Sweden never crossed my mind although I am a big fan of IKEA (so innovative and clever!). I also discovered Pippi Långstrump during my business trip to Stockholm—first time in Sweden (2015)!

In 2021, I was an almost-Singaporean for the Singapore Government had granted approval to my application to become a citizen. At the same time, the Embassy of Sweden in Singapore announced the decision of my permanent residency in Sweden. I had not expected a decision to come so soon just after 1.5 month following my application to move. Based on all the research and stories I’ve read, it may take up to 15 months (not 1.5 month). But yes, it was time to move to Huskvarna to be with Mister Bear. I arrived safely on-site with Mister Pops the cat on 16 August 2021.

I said goodbye to the job I love. I said goodbye to the country I love.

16 August 2022: One year later. Living in Sweden is great. From the kitchen windows, I get to see the same trees in the hills change colours through the four different seasons. From the earthy tones of autumn, they ‘die’ in the winter, but a few months later they spring back to life. Autumn, winter, spring, and summer. Beautiful transition throughout. It is magical.

I feel pretty much normal throughout the one year. I have all my favorite things with me. My books, sketchbooks, cameras. Here I continue to curate my bookish collection. I built a few DIY bookshelves. Mister Pops the cat is a former Singaporean for he officially holds an EU passport. He is now a Swedish katt.

Reflecting back to the past 12 months, while I was settling in, I have :

1. Completed SFI (from October 2021 to April 2022)

2. Completed SVA grundläggande delkurs 2 (in 3.5 weeks)

3. Got a permanent job in an innovative company that is more than 300 years old (June 2022) — I was practicing my Swedish CV and cover letter with super bra result!

4. Joined the work union (June 2022) — first-time ever as a union member!

5. Joined the unemployment insurance (July 2022) — why not…

I will continue to experiment with stuff here. And watch the seasons change. Soon it is almost autumn again—my favorite season of the year.

Top 5 things I miss most about Singapore (but in no particular order):

• jumping into a Grab/taxi/MRT and to the airport to catch a flight to somewhere-of-the-moment (because Changi is so accessible!)

• having a few coldies at my favorite watering holes (Ice Cold Beer, I miss you!)

• visiting my favorite bookspots: National Library and Kinokuniya

• ordering food delivery on a whim with GrabFood (bye-bye McDonald’s breakfast…)

• getting groceries and wine delivered within 2 hours with Amazon Fresh