This is the question I get asked the most, and it is usually coupled with a puzzled face and some statement relating to how cold it is here (Yes, I was born in Brazil. No, that doesn’t automatically mean that I enjoy tropical weather...).
So why Sweden? Well...my answer is always that my love affair with this country began long ago.
Once upon a time there was a Swedish girl and a Brazilian boy, they both travelled far away from their home countries on exchange, they met, fell in love, and have been together ever since (all together now: naaawwwww!). That is the extremely short version of how I ended up with a very lovely, and very Swedish, aunt.
In a family of Brazilians where brown hair and brown eyes reign, this blonde and blue eyed “creature” fascinated me. As a child, hearing stories of a far-away land so different to my own thrilled me, and I couldn’t wait for the day when she would take me for a visit. Unfortunately having her as a free tour-guide and translator never quite worked out, but the desire to be here was always in the back of my mind.
A few years ago my home university was promoting studying abroad, and I had the opportunity to meet a representative from SLU. By being so sweet, so charming, so nice and providing me with Swedish candy to take home (take note people, that is marketing at its best!), this person easily convinced me that this was the place to be. It took me a while to get myself together, but here I am. Finally!
I am glad that the candy worked!
ReplyDeleteIt is great to have you here!