Millesgården

3 March 2019

Two months ago, I got an email from Kulturkompis - translated as culture-friend (an organisation that brings 4 people - 2 foreigners and 2 Swedes - together to appreciate Sweden's culture while forming a friendship) that I belong to a group. Now, this organisation will match 4 people together with similar interests. A friend of mine recommended me to join this because she got to meet other people while enjoying activities. We meet 4 times in the course of 6 months at their selected culture partners. The group leader emailed us and suggested places for us to meet. For our first meetup, we gathered at Millesgården today.

Millesgården is the residence of Carl Milles, a Swedish sculpture who donated his house (looks like a mansion) to the Swedish people. This museum got an award of being Sweden's favourite museum in 2019. It is so odd because 2019 has just started. Anyway, this place is worth a visit and it costs SEK150 for a visit. 

This place is not located in the city and it took me about 1 hour to get here. It is located in the island of Lidingö. I have not heard of this place before until the organiser suggested it. 

There was an art exhibition on expressionism where the paintings are expressive - paintings with strong colours and images. I did enjoy this exhibition and they are really different from the ones I see in National Museum. It was a comprehensive exhibition with paintings and prints by, among others, Emil Nolde, Otto Mueller and Max Pechstein.

1-year Work Anniversary

4 March 2019

Congratulations to me!

I have completed my one year anniversary of working in Stockholm, Sweden. This is a milestone for me. I cannot believe how the time has passed but while I was going through the whole process of finding a job and learning the language, it felt like eternity and not to mention, torturous. 

Today, I reflected back at my journey. To be able to speak the language and get a job in less than 2 years. I could not be anymore prouder than I already am. Occasionally, I feel pressured to work harder and my sister reminded me how much I have achieved in less than 2 years. I should stop and look back at how far I have come. I should be so proud of myself and stop to appreciate my accomplishments. 

The reason I came to Sweden was for him. To not live in 'what-ifs'. To give it a try to live in a new country. To not look back when I am older and regret. But I forgot this purpose of mine amidst of the stress I piled on myself in learning the language and getting a job.  

I was stressed in learning the language and getting my life back on the employment track because I did not enjoy being financially-dependent on someone. Yes, the idea of just spending someone's else money seems fantastic. I did love that idea when I was in Malaysia - not needing to work hard and enjoying the start of a new chapter in Sweden. I got bored after a while because I was new in the country and did not know anyone. I am not a fan of shopping either. 

Now that I have a better grasp of the language, gotten a job and have completed my 1-year milestone, I should be easy on myself now. Enjoy working in a new culture in a new city in a new country.

Way to go, Yan! *self-pat on my back*

Tastebud : Wagamama

28 February 2019

Dinner at Wagamama Restaurant. I posted this in Instagram and I found out that this is an international name in UK and Dubai. This can explain the expensive prices here. They serve the meals in a huge bowl. So, I am not complaining that much.

I had Wagamama noodles which are japanese ramen with prawns, barbequed pork, fried oysters, and mussels. I love the noodles. SEK179/RM89.50. Includes green tea too. The only thing that I did not enjoy of how we were seated so closely to the next customer i.e. no gaps between tables that made me uncomfortable in talking to my friend. I won't know who is the person related to or know anyone who knows someone. We left after dinner to find a cafe to fika in peace. 

Tastebud : Ikki Sushi Bar

27 February 2019

Today, for dinner, my friend and I went to a Japanese restaurant. This is a real Japanese restaurant that sells Japanese dishes ONLY! Called Ikki Sushi Bar, it is located in a food court - Kungshallen. There were a number of diners here. The food presentation was excellent and I thought that it was a huge portion for me too.

10 spicy rolls (salmon option selected) for SEK147/RM73.50 that includes miso soup too. They are really good and I was stuffed.

Tastebud : It's Pleat

27 February 2019

Today, I met a friend for lunch. Since it was a weekday, we had a quick lunch in a cafe called It's Pleat which was located above a H&M Store. When I asked my friend on how did she know about this place, her reply was - I just know. I think I need to get out more often!

I got a small salad bowl - rainbow season that contains veggies, avocado, pickled cauliflower and cabbage and tricolour hummus for SEK45/RM22.50. I took a seed cripsbread with hummus topping of the day for SEK25/RM12.50. I love that seed crispbread. The hummus spread was perfect!