Slowly settling in...I guess.

Yesterday was a particularly social day for me. Not because I went to some party, not because I attended some function, not even because the husband took me out to meet some friends.

No, no...yesterday, I spent the afternoon with the aunties who live on the same floor as me. Alone and they speak ONLY Swedish.

I was not sure how it all started but the husband was pleasantly surprised that it came to happen. He heard a lot of loud talking and laughing coming from the 2nd floor (our floor) when he came home from work and found me in the midst of Birgitta and Kensi. The oldest auntie, Britta, had just gone in to bake some bread (gosh! How countryfied living that sounds, right?! I'm gonna go in bake some bread now. Tata! ok she didn't speak like that but u get my point?!)

When I first moved here, I remember that Birgitta was one of the first few neighbours who personally congratulated us and welcomed me to the neighbourhood. So I've always thought she is nice and friendly. So on days when I bake and I realise that I've baked too much (which happens now and again since there's only 2 of us), I give away my baked goods to those around me (you know like how they used to do in kampungs, right? Countryfied living what...my countryside are ideals of the kampung life. I'm still a Malay girl, u know). I usually give them away to Mathias' grandparents first and then send the rest to his workplace (all within walking distance). But sometimes, not that often, I still have more to give away so I give to Birgitta who lives alone. Actually, all the aunties on my floor live alone. That's why I tell you, I sometimes feel like I'm living in an old folks home.

About 2 weeks ago, I decided to bake cinnamon rolls but of cos I baked too many (about 35 buns, crazy right? There's only us 2 at home!). After sending a basket of rolls to grandma Inger, I decided to give them out to my neighbours, even the ones I don't know. It's a little nerve wrecking for me since I'm so shy and all (stop making puke faces, Francine!) but most of all, because I'm still so uncertain about my Swedish. But it turned out great! I gave out to the really old lady who always sits alone outside her house but refused to give a response when I say hi (she does now!!), then I gave out to Birgitta (who was in nothing but a towel) and Kensi (who thankfully had clothes on) and lastly to Bosse, the fat, old drunk guy who has such a jolly face and waves so enthusiastically when I wave hello to him (over here, everyone waves to EVERYONE..or at least nod hello. But I'm a waver so I do it with energy. Husband is a nodder and gives the occasional hail wave).

Bosse had his door open when I rang his bell to give him a bun but I guess he wasn't expecting anyone since he was wearing nothing but briefs, tight blue briefs and socks. I'm not sure when I can purge that sight from my mind, but I hope it's soon cos it was NOT a pretty sight. But he didn't seem bothered by it at all and we had a nice little chat in his doorway, the first time either one of us heard each other's voices. He didn't even know my name but all this time he still waved so hard almost everyday. So sweet right?

So I was busy painting some shelves that we are going to put up in the house in the corridor and Birgitta came over on her way to the supermarket, wondering what I was doing (she's still an auntie and aunties are all nosy). So we chatted a little while and I showed her part of the apartment including the kitchen. I think that was the first time she had ever stepped into Mathias' apartment (so glad I cleaned the house that morning!).

So I was watching TV with my door partially open when I heard someone calling my name. It was Birgitta and she invited me over for fika (Swedish version of teatime) with Kensi who lives two doors down from her. Britta came much later and sat down with us since I was showing our wedding pictures and what a bunch of curious aunties they all are, especially Britta (who is seriously old. She looks almost ninety! But I think she's in her early 80s). With my limited Swedish, I tried explaining as much as I could but the most important thing was they understood me and I them.

And later that night, I went out walking with yet another auntie, Kristina, who works with Mathias. She's only in her early fifties and she's very friendly although sometimes she sounds like she's high on Speed cos she talks so fast and repeats herself. She has decided that it will be a good thing for me to practice my Swedish by going out on walks with her. And she has forbidden Mathias from coming along. Heh heh...it's actually a good thing for the husband and I. I get to practice the language and get to know others, independent of him and he finally gets some private time just for himself. Which I know is a rarity for him since I'm home ALL THE TIME.

So it turns out that I actually enjoy hanging out with aunties here. Not that often but on occasion is nice. They are all so jolly and laugh so easily and were just easy to talk to, something that I have found lacking in a lot of the people I've met so far. I think the fact that they are so much at ease puts me at ease, but others that I've met seem a little more proper, withdrawn or careful which makes me nervous and withdrawn. I am more myself with the aunties of my block than with most other people.

I am especially glad that everyone was dressed yesterday...seriously. I guess one can say that I am very very slowly but surely settling in and building a social network for myself, independent of the husband for which I am so happy for. Yay!