Adjusting to Life in Sweden: Arabella Carey Adolfsson's Journey

Arabella Carey Adolfsson, originally from San Diego, California, moved to the remote island of Torpön, Sweden, in October 2022. This transition, while filled with natural beauty and new experiences, has also presented significant challenges in her adaptation to a quieter, more isolated lifestyle.

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Adolfsson previously lived in Sweden from 2016 to 2018 but returned to the U.S. due to homesickness. In 2022, after discovering a lakeside property online, she and her husband, Stefan, decided to relocate once more, hoping to split their time between Sweden, Mexico, and California. However, upon settling in Torpön, she realized the stark differences from her previous experiences in urban settings.

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Adolfsson describes her new life as a culture shock, particularly due to the island's remoteness. Days can pass without seeing anyone other than her husband, which contrasts sharply with her previous life surrounded by family in San Diego. She notes, “There was a huge slice of my life that was taken away,” highlighting the emotional toll of her isolation.

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Despite the island's summer vibrancy, with activities like kayaking and paddleboarding, winters are long and quiet, requiring careful planning for grocery trips to the mainland. Adolfsson has found solace in creative pursuits, such as traveling across Europe and writing a children's book inspired by her grandchildren.

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Language has posed another hurdle for Adolfsson. Although she had some knowledge of Swedish, her limited fluency has made integration challenging. She observes cultural differences, noting that Swedish society is more reserved compared to her Hispanic background, which values physical affection. This cultural adjustment has required her to rethink her social interactions.

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Adolfsson appreciates several aspects of her new life, including a lower cost of living and a less stressful environment. She notes that healthcare is significantly more affordable in Sweden, citing a hospital bill of less than $100 for a five-day stay. However, she misses the convenience of American life, particularly in accessing familiar foods like Mexican cuisine.

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Adolfsson emphasizes the importance of understanding the skills necessary for integrating into a new culture. She advises potential expatriates to ensure they have a connection to their new home and to be prepared for feelings of loneliness. “You’re going to be lonely and alone at times,” she cautions, but also acknowledges the potential for creating lasting memories.

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Looking ahead, Adolfsson plans to continue living in Sweden while returning to San Diego periodically. She hopes to eventually persuade her husband to return to the U.S. for good, reflecting on the complexities of navigating life changes later in life.

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• “It’s gorgeous here,” — Arabella Carey Adolfsson

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• “There was a huge slice of my life that was taken away,” — Arabella Carey Adolfsson

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• “Thank God for the technologies that we have now, so that we can be expats and stay connected,” — Arabella Carey Adolfsson

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• “Change is more difficult the older you get,” — Arabella Carey Adolfsson

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Adolfsson's journey illustrates the complexities of adapting to a new culture and environment, highlighting both the beauty and challenges of life in Sweden.

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