I interviewed another very interesting lady (Robin) this month. She had so many interesting things to say. In fact, I had a huge problem cutting the size of the interview in order for it to fit. I am really lucky in that I get to meet so many interesting and nice people this way. I also get to see new parts of Göteborg. It was certainly a pleasant surprise to visit Robin in her cottage. I have been past Sahlgrenska many times but did not know about the well kept secret of pretty cottages resting peacefully in their beautiful gardens not far from the main road. These cottages exist in different part of Sweden. They are tiny and they were built for people who lived in flats in the city to be able to spend some time in a house with a garden.
They were quite primitive in the beginning but very much appreciated. They often have beautiful gardens and are lovely places to stroll around in the spring or summer. You probably have an area of these houses not far from where you live. There is one area just up the hill from where we live, called “Delsjö koloni". Robin also remarked about the efficiency of the public transport system in Göteborg. I must say that I agree. I have learned to use buses and trams since moving into town from Partille and I really enjoy the experience. I have seen parts of Göteborg that I have never even heard of and I love not having to look for parking spots and rush to get back before my parking time runs out. I rarely use timetables as I find the tram, outside where I live, comes along very regularly. It is great though when I am going somewhere I haven´t been before to be able to look up the best way to get there on www.vasttrafik.se. You just choose “Reseplaneraren" . The question on the form is “vart vill du resa och när?" This means where you do you want to go and when?" Where it says “Från" you just fill in where you want to travel from (preferably the name of the bus or tram stop but you can also fill in the name of the street) and the same for “Till" which is your destination. Further down it says “Jag vill tidigast åka" which means “I want to leave at the earliest". You can change this to “Jag vill vara framme senaste which is “I want to arrive at the latest". Here you can fill in a time. You can also choose the day when you want to travel but today´s is already filled in. You can also choose to have this shown on a map (Visa karta). Once you get the knack of this it is really very useful.
I find the new system of a card that you charge works well but I never travel outside the main city area so then it is easy.
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A lot of Swedish people feel that November is the worst month of the year. It is dark and often wet and windy. I must say that we really have had a lovely autumn this year, so far. In December we have the Christmas lights and traditions to brighten up the month but November really does have a pretty bad reputation. It is the month to sit inside and light the fire (if you have one) and lots of candles. Everything looks nice by candlelight. Cosy is the word of the month! Another thing I must remark on is spitting! I was waiting for the tram the other day and a very attractive, well dressed young girl was also at the tram stop. She was smoking and, to my surprise, she spat a huge glob of spittle on to the tram stop, without even blinking an eyelid. I just couldn´t help feeling abhorred by this. I think it used to be more common, but people still think it is ok to spit where and when they feel like it. We are supposed to sneeze into the crook of our arms to avoid spreading germs but it is still ok to spit. I don´t get it! People spit in India and in China but I don´t think many western countries have such an acceptance of spitting as Sweden does. Well, that isn´t a very nice way to finish off this month.
All the best with getting through November. December and all its Christmas goodies, parties, candles, lights and traditions is only just around the corner.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or comments. Sandra Nilsson
0706 499291
sandra@safety-first.se
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