Our 2nd Stockholm Apartment

We were advised prior to our arrival in Stockholm about the difficulties we would encounter finding an apartment.  We can confirm that that advice was pretty accurate.  Helen's focused attention reviewing apartment website entries and quickly responding to potential housing opportunities was the key to us securing an apartment. This path to accommodations was not a straight line.

Prior to leaving the States, Helen made arrangements over the Internet for our first Stockholm apartment.  That apartment, known as a vacation rental, gave us a seven-week home base as the owners, as most Swedes, took an extended summer holiday.  Helen then identified another apartment that was offering a 1 year lease. The apartment ideally suited our needs regarding size, access to public transportation and nearby walking distance to food and other shopping.  The only problem was that there was a nine week gap from the end of our first rental agreement until the opening date of this apartment.

Again, Helen was back reviewing several apartment websites when she spied a weekly rental opportunity in Sodermalm.  Without hesitation, she sent an email expressing our interest. With the guidance and helpful advice of other Americans, she mentioned we had no pets, didn't smoke and that Jay had a work contract, all pluses for a landlord.

We soon met the apartment owner, Adriana, a late twenty-something energetic gal, who indicated that she had received nearly fifty (that's 50) responses to her posting.  Helen's email was the first to arrive.  Adrian was planning to move in with her boyfriend and was looking someone mature take care of her apartment.  Sodermalm has a party, hipster, and in some places bohemian element, and Adrian was glad to see people who more resembled her parents than the pierced, tattooed or dyed red hair folks who occupy Sodermalm's many bars and restaurants.

We are nearing the end of our nine week stay and made a short video of our temporary home.  Enjoy.

Sept. 11 Commemoration

We commemorated the 10th anniversary of September 11 by gathering with Americans, Swedes and others outside the American ambassador’s back yard in Stockholm. The day had a cold, cloudy and blustery feel. Unfortunately, our reception at the ambassador’s home felt the same way.
Post 9-11 realities have resulted in extensive security measures at airports, transportation hubs and at our American embassy in Stockholm. Those measures include a high chain link fence topped with coils of razor wire greeting visitors, not projecting an inviting “welcome to America” feel, but sending a clear signal to “keep out.” No doubt the measures are warranted and a prudent response in “today’s” world. But seeing the other nearby brick diplomatic buildings still cloaked in ivy and old world European charm it was hard not to feel a sense of loss. 

Our gathering at the ambassador’s residence was organized by the American Club of Sweden. The embassy staff also gathered, but they gathered within the ambassador’s home. 
We and other fellow Americans, however, stood outside on a grassy patch wanting to be included. Inside a color guard raised the colors, songs were sung, speeches made and poems read. We stood in the chilled air in small clusters straining to hear under the very watchful eyes of Swedish police officers who provided extended security outside the ambassador’s home.


Despite the distance between us and those inside, we were grateful to have a venue to remember that horrific day a decade earlier.
A small memorial had been erected on the grassy knoll that was adored with flowers brought by those who choose to gather together that day. Lit candles extended the sense of reverence. As people arrived, they were drawn to the small memorial. All paused and stood silently. We could only wonder of their thoughts and their personal moment of discovery of the events on September 11, 2001.
Jay was in California and received a phone call around 6:00 a.m. with emphatic instructions to “Turn on the TV!” He asked, “What channel?” The answer was a simple; “It doesn’t matter.” Helen was at school and noticed teachers gathering in the lounge about the TV. It was a shocking experience. All teachers at the school were instructed not to say anything to the students, but parents started coming to the school to get their children. Some students did not return the next day for fear of further destruction.


The cluster of people behind the Embassy slowly waned as couples and families turned to resume the daily tempo of life’s activities. We walked back to our apartment where Jay finished his packing before heading to the airport for a trip to Eindhoven in The Netherlands. 
At the airport, Jay followed the now familiar routine of security: lap top out, liquids scanned in their 1 quart bag, metal detector walk, followed by a random physical pat down which is common here. Much has changed in 10 years. Much has been lost in our sense of ease and connectedness. Maybe…maybe someday it will change again to a warmer, more welcoming world.

Labor Day Comes, Summer Ends

We arrived in late June when summer here in Stockholm was in full swing. We enjoyed strolling through the parks near our apartment, walking along the banks of Riddarfjärden, and enjoying the warm sunshine like everyone else here.

The days are starting to get cooler, and our walk this Sunday morning required a light jacket. It won't be long before coats, hats and gloves will be required. In the meantime, we will continue to enjoy the blue skies and sunny days. Below is our summertime video of Stockholm.