Arabella Carey Adolfsson's journey from California to Sweden is a tale of both adventure and unexpected challenges. After years of dreaming of a life with four distinct seasons, she and her husband Stefan made the bold move to Scandinavia in 2022. But the tranquility of their new home on the island of Torpön came at a price she hadn't fully anticipated.
The couple's initial attempt at living in Sweden in 2016, in the southern city of Lund, ended in homesickness for Adolfsson. Yet, a serendipitous moment in 2022 led them back to the idea of a Swedish life. They discovered a lakeside house on Torpön, and within a month, they were settled into their new life.
However, the reality of their remote island home soon became apparent. The isolation, the lack of community, and the cultural differences were a stark contrast to her previous life in San Diego. The absence of her large extended family and the difficulty in making new friends were significant adjustments.
Despite these challenges, Adolfsson has adapted by embracing the creativity that comes with her new surroundings. She travels across Europe, creating collages of her photographs and writing a children's book inspired by her grandchildren. Video calls keep her connected to her family back in the US, and she cherishes these moments.
Language has also been a hurdle, but classes have helped her communicate better. However, her limited Swedish skills have made it harder to integrate with the locals. The Swedish culture of reserve has required her to adapt her social behavior, which contrasts with her Hispanic background.
Despite the challenges, Adolfsson appreciates the lack of stress and the lower cost of living in Sweden. She misses the convenience of the US, the ease of access to good Mexican food, and the 'down to earth' culture. Yet, she finds the Swedish 'do-it-yourself' attitude admirable, even if it's a bit overwhelming.
Reflecting on her move, Adolfsson believes that the transition would have been easier at a younger age. She wishes she had more preparation for the challenges of integrating into a new culture and the importance of having a connection to the place. For now, she plans to remain in Sweden, returning to San Diego periodically, with the hope of eventually making it her permanent home.
