Uppsala's Domkyrka Cathedral and the Fyris River as seen from Östra Ågatan
Hallå from Sweden! It's been four days since I began this adventure in Uppsala and I am still in disbelief that I'm back. When I arrived at the train station on Tuesday afternoon, I saw an old favorite - the sign that reads: "Välkommen hit, välkommen hem." Welcome here, welcome home. I studied here more than three years ago, and this week has been a homecoming of sorts. Walking past old haunts, familiar cafés, or a favorite park - the feeling is absolutely surreal. Much is the same, and much is different. I am reminded of the Nelson Mandela quote: "There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered." This could not ring more true now. Many of the people who made living here so memorable before are now scattered across countries and continents, and the circumstances of my being here are different. And I am different. Even still, the magic of this place is as present as ever.
Välkommen hit, välkommen hem represents the beginning of this new adventure, this new challenge of forging a home and a life in a favorite city. I couldn't be more nervous, excited and overwhelmed. But I'm game for it.
- EM