Hej allesammans! Two big events happened since my last post: firstly, we had Guy Fawkes' Night or Bonfie Night; and secondly, we had Remembrance Day. At least, everyone in the UK did: Sweden more sort of didn't.
Of course, I wasn't surprised by the fact that most Swedes had never heard of Guy Fawkes, but it was a bit odd to find myself in a country where there are no memories of war. Sweden, as a country, has not been at war since 1814, which compared to England, is an incredibly long time ago. Indeed, Sweden is the first country I have visited that was not involved in either of the World Wars: the only other country I know of that can also claim this is Switzerland.
But it was still a bit weird: no Bonfire Night, no fireworks, no poppies, no rendition of the Last Post, no two minutes' silence: I'd got rather accustomed to these over the years, and to be devoid of all them made November feel very unlike itself. Still, the Swedes did have one special day this week: November 6th was Gustavus Adolphus day. Gustavus Adolphus, in case you didn't know, is probably Sweden's most famous king, mainly because he went round and duffed up Germany during the Thirty Years' War before being killed in battle. So I did at least learn a little more about Sweden's culture, whilst being somewhat deprived of my own. In case you missed the two minutes' silence on Remembrance Sunday, by the way, go onto BBC iPlayer and search for "Remembrance Sunday": the silence is awesome, and The Last Post even moreso.
Finally, I think I should mention something that came up on BBC News this morning: when it comes to gender equality, the Scandinavians reign supreme. In the current survey, Norway are top, Finland are second, Sweden are third, and Iceland are fourth. Another triumph for Scandinavian Womens' Lib then, it seems, although Sweden have slipped a bit: they were top last year. The survey also showed that England are a bit rubbish: only 13th, it seems. Still, as a man, I presumably shouldn't be complaining! So until next week, this has been:
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sweden (But Were Afraid to Ask)
Chris Stanley
Welcome!
Hello! If you happen to know a random loon called Christopher Julian Stanley, and you're wondering why on earth he's going to Sweden for five months, then you've come to the right place. As Edmund Blackadder once said, "Pull up a muffin" and "Sit yourself down", and feel free to ask me some questions about my impending voyage to Uppsala, or comment on my blogs.
Signing off,
The Intrepid Explorer
Signing off,
The Intrepid Explorer
Frequently Asked Questions
Chris, I hear you're going abroad for five months?
That's correct. From August the 20th 2008 until January 16th 2009 I will be studying abroad on the Erasmus programme for the first half of my second year at University, residing in the delightful city of Uppsala.
Uppsala? Where's that?
Uppsala is in Sweden, and is approximately 50 miles north of Stockholm. It's also about 1200 miles from London.
So why Uppsala, then?
Uppsala University is one of the Universities that is linked with my uni, the University of Exeter, through the Erasmus programme. Exeter students can study abroad in places like Uppsala for the first semester of their second year, then return to Exeter for the second semester.
Studying abroad - but wouldn't you have to be fluent in the language of the nation you're visiting?
Nope, that's only if you're studying in France, Germany, Italy or Spain. I'll be doing an English speaking course - mind you, that won't stop me learning a bit of Swedish in order to get by!
Wouldn't it be easier just to do all of your degree in the UK?
It would, but it would also be less challenging, and I like a challenge. It's also a great oppurtunity to see how history is studied outside of the English education system, and let's not forget it's going to look great on my CV!
When will you be blogging?
I'll be doing a major blog every Tuesday, from the 20th June 2008 until at least the 27th January 2009. If anything exciting happens I'll do a mini-blog on that too.
That's correct. From August the 20th 2008 until January 16th 2009 I will be studying abroad on the Erasmus programme for the first half of my second year at University, residing in the delightful city of Uppsala.
Uppsala? Where's that?
Uppsala is in Sweden, and is approximately 50 miles north of Stockholm. It's also about 1200 miles from London.
So why Uppsala, then?
Uppsala University is one of the Universities that is linked with my uni, the University of Exeter, through the Erasmus programme. Exeter students can study abroad in places like Uppsala for the first semester of their second year, then return to Exeter for the second semester.
Studying abroad - but wouldn't you have to be fluent in the language of the nation you're visiting?
Nope, that's only if you're studying in France, Germany, Italy or Spain. I'll be doing an English speaking course - mind you, that won't stop me learning a bit of Swedish in order to get by!
Wouldn't it be easier just to do all of your degree in the UK?
It would, but it would also be less challenging, and I like a challenge. It's also a great oppurtunity to see how history is studied outside of the English education system, and let's not forget it's going to look great on my CV!
When will you be blogging?
I'll be doing a major blog every Tuesday, from the 20th June 2008 until at least the 27th January 2009. If anything exciting happens I'll do a mini-blog on that too.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
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