#MySweden: 'Swedes are cool and have a unique approach to life'
The Local - [email protected]
Published: 18 Oct, 2019 CET.
Updated: Fri 18 Oct 2019 15:44 CET
Every week one of The Local's readers takes over our Instagram. Today, Patrick Hamilton Walsh from Northern Ireland shows us his Sweden.
How old are you and what do you normally spend your days doing?
My days seem pretty full and hectic to those on the outside looking in, but I feel like my life is quite chilled and relaxed. I recently turned 41 years old and I tend to only spend time on projects and pastimes that energize me and fill me with passion.
An average day for me would always consist of meditation and stretching then something to do with the promotion of my new book, Forgive Me, Sister, which I published in the summer. It's about the empowerment of femininity in order for us to create a more sustainable and compassionate world for all. It is an issue I am passionate about and it energizes me.
In addition to that I have been brought in to help the City of Stockholm develop a strategy that will attract the next generation of highly-talented individuals to the city, which is a challenge I really enjoy.
In the evenings you will more than likely find me out running, as I am preparing for the Abu Dhabi marathon in December. Running is a pastime that I started on January 1st this year, as my wife signed us up for the Stockholm marathon. Honestly, I really enjoy it. It is a cheap, easy, effective and healthy activity that provides untold benefits for body, mind and soul.
When and why did you move to your neighbourhood?
I have lived in the Västra Skogen/Pampas Marina area of Solna for the past three years and I moved here because the area ticked so many items of my must-have list. In no particular order, they are as follows:
Trees. I just love trees and being in nature. The fact that I can live in a genuine forest so close to the city centre of Stockholm makes me so appreciative. We regularly see badgers, deer, rabbits, foxes and a whole array of other bird and wildlife.
The area is also close to the water, where I walk or run every night and, during the summer months we swim and bathe. Lots of others skate on the frozen lake during the winter months, but... let's just say I haven't quite mastered that skill set yet.
Tax. I reduced my tax liability by moving across the bridge from Kungsholmen to Solna. Yes. Yes, I did. In addition, I don't have to pay the congestion charge on bringing my car in or out of my home, as Solna is not covered by that. Anything else? Yes, the small matter of having my own parking space for 200 kronor per month and not having to pay 950 kronor per month to spend hours searching for an on-street parking space. And all of this because I moved to the other side of the bridge. One of my better decisions.
What do you love the most about life in Sweden?
I like the Swedish people. They will rarely ever initiate a conversation, but they are really friendly and cool people, who are always willing to help or have a chit-chat. For me life is all about people. It is the most important factor in anything. Swedes are cool and their unique approach to life really makes this city a whole lot more interesting.
In addition, I really appreciate the nature, greenery and chilled-out vibe around the city.
What annoys you the most about life in Sweden?
Nothing annoys me per se. That would be too strong of a word. However, what I don't appreciate so much is the fascination with the supposed great social system that exists in Sweden. I pay a lot of taxes for a system that I have not benefited from at all. I just don't get any value from it. Not once in nearly five years. The locals all think that it is great, so that's the most important thing, I guess. However, Sweden is the fourth country that I have lived in and it has the worst social system and the highest taxes of them all. But that is just my personal experience and is maybe a reflection of where I am in the stage of my life.
How should I spend a day in your city?
I have visited countless cities as I travelled to 130+ countries across the seven continents as a backpacker and I can honestly say that Stockholm is the world's most beautiful summer city. I really appreciate the city during all the seasons but the summer here is spectacular.
So whether it is summer or winter, the best way to spend a day here is by being on the move. Get out and walk around this great city. Meet the locals, have a chat with new people over some fika and fully embrace this great city of Stockholm and all that it offers. It will really surprise you, with all its wonderful diversity.
What's a fun fact not everyone knows about your city?
That the people of Stockholm are some of the kindest, friendliest and most helpful people you could ever meet. Just because they keep to themselves in public doesn't mean that they are not open for a chat or can't help you to find that restaurant you are looking for. Swedes are awesome, they just have a jantelagen approach to showing it off.
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How old are you and what do you normally spend your days doing?
My days seem pretty full and hectic to those on the outside looking in, but I feel like my life is quite chilled and relaxed. I recently turned 41 years old and I tend to only spend time on projects and pastimes that energize me and fill me with passion.
An average day for me would always consist of meditation and stretching then something to do with the promotion of my new book, Forgive Me, Sister, which I published in the summer. It's about the empowerment of femininity in order for us to create a more sustainable and compassionate world for all. It is an issue I am passionate about and it energizes me.
In addition to that I have been brought in to help the City of Stockholm develop a strategy that will attract the next generation of highly-talented individuals to the city, which is a challenge I really enjoy.
In the evenings you will more than likely find me out running, as I am preparing for the Abu Dhabi marathon in December. Running is a pastime that I started on January 1st this year, as my wife signed us up for the Stockholm marathon. Honestly, I really enjoy it. It is a cheap, easy, effective and healthy activity that provides untold benefits for body, mind and soul.
When and why did you move to your neighbourhood?
I have lived in the Västra Skogen/Pampas Marina area of Solna for the past three years and I moved here because the area ticked so many items of my must-have list. In no particular order, they are as follows:
Trees. I just love trees and being in nature. The fact that I can live in a genuine forest so close to the city centre of Stockholm makes me so appreciative. We regularly see badgers, deer, rabbits, foxes and a whole array of other bird and wildlife.
The area is also close to the water, where I walk or run every night and, during the summer months we swim and bathe. Lots of others skate on the frozen lake during the winter months, but... let's just say I haven't quite mastered that skill set yet.
Tax. I reduced my tax liability by moving across the bridge from Kungsholmen to Solna. Yes. Yes, I did. In addition, I don't have to pay the congestion charge on bringing my car in or out of my home, as Solna is not covered by that. Anything else? Yes, the small matter of having my own parking space for 200 kronor per month and not having to pay 950 kronor per month to spend hours searching for an on-street parking space. And all of this because I moved to the other side of the bridge. One of my better decisions.
What do you love the most about life in Sweden?
I like the Swedish people. They will rarely ever initiate a conversation, but they are really friendly and cool people, who are always willing to help or have a chit-chat. For me life is all about people. It is the most important factor in anything. Swedes are cool and their unique approach to life really makes this city a whole lot more interesting.
In addition, I really appreciate the nature, greenery and chilled-out vibe around the city.
What annoys you the most about life in Sweden?
Nothing annoys me per se. That would be too strong of a word. However, what I don't appreciate so much is the fascination with the supposed great social system that exists in Sweden. I pay a lot of taxes for a system that I have not benefited from at all. I just don't get any value from it. Not once in nearly five years. The locals all think that it is great, so that's the most important thing, I guess. However, Sweden is the fourth country that I have lived in and it has the worst social system and the highest taxes of them all. But that is just my personal experience and is maybe a reflection of where I am in the stage of my life.
How should I spend a day in your city?
I have visited countless cities as I travelled to 130+ countries across the seven continents as a backpacker and I can honestly say that Stockholm is the world's most beautiful summer city. I really appreciate the city during all the seasons but the summer here is spectacular.
So whether it is summer or winter, the best way to spend a day here is by being on the move. Get out and walk around this great city. Meet the locals, have a chat with new people over some fika and fully embrace this great city of Stockholm and all that it offers. It will really surprise you, with all its wonderful diversity.
What's a fun fact not everyone knows about your city?
That the people of Stockholm are some of the kindest, friendliest and most helpful people you could ever meet. Just because they keep to themselves in public doesn't mean that they are not open for a chat or can't help you to find that restaurant you are looking for. Swedes are awesome, they just have a jantelagen approach to showing it off.
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