Isn’t it strange how a country seems to change its color the moment you speak of it? “Sweden, you wear orange so well—it suits you,” I wrote the last time inspired by the lovely colors of autumn spilled across its fields and streets.
But two days later, as if I spoke in defiance of its essence, it swapped its colors. White took over suddenly and unexpectedly, as if to prove it could be anything it wished to be.
In the beginning, the change revealed itself slowly—on my morning commute, the world outside the train window faded from the earthy tones of Malmö into a thin layer of frozen snow in Lund. The next day, the transformation was much determined as snowflakes waltzed outside of the office glass and stepping outside, I felt like the sharpness could almost slice through my skin.
So, here comes an apology to Sweden: I am sorry! I never meant to provoke you Sweden, never intended to put you in a position to defend your identity. My words were of admiration, not challenge.
Now, as I sit on a train to Copenhagen, stalled at the last stop before stepping in Copenhagen, I wonder if the weather will relent, or if it has one more dramatic turn in store. My plans remain the same yet I am not sure if they will be possible as Sweden is being unpredictable.
November 23, 2024
Malmö, Sweden
P.S. Though it looks good, Sweden is not the most functional when sudden changes happen. I have been stuck for an hour and a half at Hyllie station in Malmö unable to continue the commute to Copenhagen. Hence, I am still waiting.
Leyla's Notes 