New year pet's nightmare

This midnight we all welcome the new year. The time for our pets' nightmare, I'm not an owner for some kind of animal here in Sweden. But way back in my country (my family own some dogs). Every new  year our dog was afraid with fireworks and firecracker.

It's a pity to those who have dog and cat. They run away when they heard the sounds of the firecrackers. Shaking the whole body looks like needing to pee. But it's such a tradition to have fireworks on New Years Eve. Hard to say no regarding it!every body welcome the new year of course. Sometimes we need to compromise but this time it's about our "love pet at home".

Bargain after Christmas

Are you done with Christmas shopping?no not here in Sweden anyway. Long line outside the store mostly in technique gadgets. After Christmas, sale offer to every department store. It's really a big bargain comparing to  ordinary price. It's a way to allure consumers to buy their product, one reason why some people wait to buy their favorite gadgets.

It's always sale right after Christmas day here we called it (Mellandagsrea). After Christmas sale is punishing but a big chance to save many tousands patch. "Mellandagsrea"are among the important days in the whole year for the stores here. What can you say 20% of Ipad really big savings. Flat tv and some other more,you may feel dizzy of the lower price.

Myself stayed at home I have everything I need.

have it every Christmas

Eating sweet every Christmas is quite common here. You feel tired  for the Christmas dinner ,same food all the time. Ham,meat balls,small frying sausage and some other Christmas food tradition. It's Swedish herring pickled in mustard is also Christmas food popular even during Easter holiday.

This kind of bread(julvört name in Swedish) is one of the tradition  every Christmas. Bake only this season as Christmas bread. One of my favorite and



Gingerbread biscuit



Lets celebrate the White Christmas

White Christmas song is fit for this Christmas celebration. Otherwise we have not much snow in Gothunberg during Christmas season. The snow storm is not yet over,it stays in Europe. Lot of people was stranded in the airport in other parts of the Europe country. Each chaotic situation that no one expected it could be happen.

I feel sad to those who cannot go home cannot spend their Christmas with family. Christmas is for family gathering important events specially for the children. The face of our climate is red with anger!we all are affected with the climate change. Storm,flood some other calamities they reach us wherever we go and hide. No one country is safe our mother earth warning us to be wise enough and save the environment.I wish the extreme cold will reduce to some few degree.

Looking in the store Christmas shopping is going on. The people will make it "against all odd" we will celebrate the Christmas....I remember last Christmas that I'm dreaming to have snow. Let's snow happened because it's Christmas which my mother inlaw laughed since she did not like snow at all.

cover with snow

More traffic accident happened because of snow storm. The hard wind in combination with extreme slippery cause of the accident. Base from weather report it will snowing the whole day. We will be out for some family plan today but we stay at home instead. I'm afraid to brake some legs  as my husband had experienced 5 years ago.

Lucky that it is weekend my husband's day off. He find hard to control the wheel during his working hours. We experience much colder and disturbance of weather this year. I like snow but not this situation,too much and dangerous.

this photo took from (Aftonbladet  Swedish newswebsite).



Swedish popular singer artist

Every one knows "ABBA" a Swedish group been popular for many years until now. Although the group was been split up  in 1980's but still their music are on fire. I'm one of their valid fan " dancing queen"is one of my favorite song the four of them are both talented. Thank you for the Eurovision song contest  year 1974 in Brighton England which they represented Sweden and  won "Waterloo" song.


Then the Roxette(Swedish pop music duo) which been popular since 1980's. Per Gessle and Marie Fredriksson their real name. "Listen to your heart", "It must have been love", Dangerous,"Vulnerable" are my favorite songs. The group earned various Gold and Platinum awards until the beginning of the new millennium.



picture took from Wikipedia

 2010 her comes Robyn Swedish pop star. She's popular here and in USA. She's been in USA doing some turnernow she coming back in Sweden.

Her single "Dancing on My Own" become a hit single worldwide and brought her a 53rd Grammy Awards nomination for the category of "Best dancing Recording".

They are popular but they live a normal life in Sweden. They go out without body guard.

The day after Lucia celebration

Few days more to go comes Christmas day...Santa Claus is soon coming to town. I have prepared some of gifts but I still few to hunt. I have no idea what gift should I buy for my husband. I have few days left to think hhmmm..Yesterday,schools and the rest  of Sweden celebrate Lucia day. Lucia name comes from latin "lux" means light. The name Lucia itself have a special meaning,"the enlightened,the shining. She become saint year 1100.

To Sweden the name Lucia come on year 1200. 2900 name bearer around Sweden. Celebrating "Lucia day"is one of Swedish tradition during December. The Lucia songs get inside my heart with tears. So touching when I listened it. What an atmosphere we got at home through tv.

This is a unique tradition in this country.

riding a bike in the snow

Two decimeter snow here but many dare to ride their bike. They are on way to work and it's snowing. They have their bike helmet on, for their safety.

 Bikers here are very generous of using  helmet which is good. I seldom  see without. The same with cars bike owner change their summer tires to winter tire.

I appreciate them because they are not affraid to pedal a bike with this cold,snowy days. It's body training, good for environment,save gasoline.

They are clever enough that dares.

The name Anna

I would like to talk about name again. Today Swedish name day "Anna" which is quite common name in Sweden.  It's even common in the rest of Christian world. A classical name for the girl, that has 313 600 name bearer around Sweden (source GP newspaper).

The origin of  name "Anna" is from Hebrew "Hanna"which means endow with.  

The Spirit of Christmas

Nothing could compare December month celebration because of Christmas. Christmas lights and whatever Christmas decoration you may see it brings us the special joy.

It gives us spirit to do things in connection to our daily life. All of my life I love this month!the month of sharing and giving. In my country we used to called it "bad people" got to be kind-hearted just because of Christmas.

It's amazing because Christmas celebrated in all over the world. People who have fallen out with their neighbours or maybe their best friend become friend again thanks because of Christmas. I hope Christmas could stop war too!

Here in Sweden starting from the first advent lot of Christmas activities you may find. Lot of pastry sell out in the market as Christmas symbol.






Lussekatt in Swedish(Saffron-bun in English). One example as traditionally eaten during Advent and Saint Lucy's day.



Julmust is one of the drinks that serve in the table during Christmas Eve celebration.

Advance Merry Christmas to all...

The use of salt during winter

Winter is cosy but cold with slippery problem. In the high way people working until midnight clear the drive way out of snow. Putting salt in the motorway and the street.

Salt helps not the roadway freezing that can be cause of  road accident owing to icy condition.  Salt is  the best aid..

Here in Gothenburg we have a big problem with a very slippery road because of the temperature that often change. The road become wet then be dangerous to drive.

The salt make us passable and get less disturbance in the traffic.

We have a hot summer this year therefore we believe that we have cold winter too. Opposite always,but hmm it's what we thought. The reality is climate changes affected us theoretical answer and the fact.

time to light candle,first advent

Advent time again,Sunday the first advent. People here lighted their first candle until 4th Sunday where each 4 candles represented.

It makes sense that next Sunday 2 candles were lighted then 3 until  all of the 4 candles. Houses,offices  also decorate with their electrical candle in every windows. Very cosy to look at. Christmas is approaching !

Don't start it early before advent,other wise people wonder what are you doing. Decorate early Christmas lantern,Christmas candle light is not common here. Unlike in my home that I follow my old (Filipino style). Month of November I have my Christmas tree,put up my Christmas curtain and etc. But I wait to light the lanterns,advent candles until it's time.

Anyway Advent words comes from a latin "Adventus Domini"means the coming of Jessus.

Euro?no thank you

Today I would like to talk about Euro currency which I am happy about that Sweden keep the country currency(crown). I am not sure if I mentioned here before about Euro,but anyway let me express my own opinion. I am worried feel sorry for the other country who are each people sacrifice economy crisis.

Euro?no thank you "not for Sweden". Ireland,Greece this time are the 2 strong,good example how people affected with Euro currency. I am not an expert to say this but I think not only me who thought that it's where the 2 countries economy problem started.

Euro is a strong,stable currency that even myself wishes that my own country(home land)have currency like Euro. But living in the country with euro currency give us a high price. Everything become expensive from food to the rest of daily needs. You can even count that every family have hard to afford to spend holiday in abroad.

One reason why more than haft of population in the country where I'm living will definitely against to change crown to euro.

wonderful christmas stress!

Every year Christmas is one of our tradition that we bother about. Christmas shopping  gifts to our love one's give us stress but a wonderful one. My advice start shopping Christmas gift now,November month is absolutely perfect month. Think things that is not expensive but practical one to give plus useful one.

Here in Sweden families have another things to do. From the first advent parents fix Christmas ham because it's quite hard to find fresh Christmas ham in the end of November. Oven bake with mustard is one of my favorite,majority favorite to Swedes family.

Then we will not forget the traditional drink (glöggen). This is the time to start to find what kind of glögg drink you may serve on Christmas Eve maybe alcohol free for me because I'm breast feeding..

Stress free with banana

Stress is our weekdays common enemy. We are willingly to accept ideas on how to avoid stress. But the truth it is hard how to manage.Economy,life standard,home problems and lot more factor affected our situation. Try to put yourself under little stress sleep well and -through eating banana.

From the source (I form) I read this article from aftonbladet(Swedish newspaper).  Signalsubstance serotonin is one important  element  in our body  so that we can enjoy and relax of. To increase serotonin level we need to eat lot of vit.B6 this could also find in banana fruit.

Besides of vit.B6 their is even much of calium that also important for our body so that we can manage to have stress free...

Try it friends!!no harm in trying,eating banana is a healthy habit.

snow storm

picture courtesy of sweden radio website.

Now winter has come!first snow storm started yesterday midnight. Hard wind and snow strike from  South. Stockholm(capital city of Sweden),Östergötland was affected. This kind of storm could be a cause of traffic accident. The people warned not to used their private car if they have no good winter deck to avoid the problem.

I'm happy that I stay home with my new born daughter. But I feel worried for my husband because he need to work. I remind him to be careful all the time (he drive taxi ). This is why I hate this weather season,so cold and unpleasant when you go out for a walk. How many layers you need to have in order not to feel cold.

Well,well,snow is nice to look at I think it could bring cosy during night time specially at hour 17.00 in the afternoon it looks like midnight. So dark!!!hmmm shorter day and longer night November month is one of the darkness month I think.

name day 6th odf November



picture courtesy from Swedish website:captured by:of( Kjell Holmner)

 Lets talk about name today.... Native of Gothenburg city and even the rest of Sweden have their tradation to celebrate name day.

People take it seriously,that they phone their love one's,friends and congratulate on their name day. Different in my culture because we don't celebrate like this except our birthday.

Today Novemebr 6, Sweden celebrating "All Saints Day". Holiday today that we called it "red day" lot of you maybe wonder why? In USA and even in my home land we celebrate "All Saints Day"every November 1.  The reason why??? Every first Saturday in the first week of November which is today (6th of November) = celebrate All Sainst Day in Sweden. I am not sure if their's another country in Europe aside from Sweden. In USA they called it "Holloween".

Today is even name day of Gustav Adolf to memory of Gustav 11 Adolf that died in this date in the fog during fight day in Lutzen Germany 1932. He build Gothenburg  with his initiative and the city got  it's right  year 1621.

In Sweden today there are 5 people name GUSTAV ADOLF. In the other side there are about 73800 Gustav name bearer (only without Adolf) and around 5600 Adolf in the country.

 

Alcohol worse than heroin

Go out and enjoy!we can define it in a various way. Party with friends is one example where we used to have drinks. Once in a while allow your body a little amount of alcohol because we need it of course. Too much quantity is another story. Drink moderately(as we used to heard,read from tv -text advertisement).

We are aware that people in our immediate surroundings  have different interest and values. We got everything we need specially those who lives in civilise country. Never mind the risk and take what it takes! we devoted to one's own interest and forget about the consenquences.

Drinking problems affected each every one's life old and young adults. Family relationship have a great roll why lot of us enede up in a worse situation. Think!use your fantasy wisely spend your wonderful life in a better way. We have a good life ...enjoy it!don't destroy.

According to researcher in London, (I have read in newspaper) alcohol is hazardous than heavy drugs. To measure alcohol 3 times harmful som cocaine and tobacco. It is even worse than heroin.

Set the time backward to winter time in midnight

It's time again,in the midnight Sweden and the rest of (Europian country ) change time backward (1hour). Winter time is here again,it's dark  that now you could feel boredom. The days are getting shorter while longer night continues. The darkness fall down early in the afternoon. In 7 weeks this 22nd of December it will be lighter on the day and day after tills spring comes.

How could the people adjust this kind of situation. To say a few comforting words?people are good enough  to take it and be in´the habit of. Fo long time now since the whole Europe set the alarm for every change of time for summer and winter.

have 1 hour more sleep tomorrow Europe.

8 car brand with each other meaning

Each country,own languages when we interpret words to words  from every language comes out lot of funny things. As a continuation from my blog yesterday I have some car brand name that I have read from newspaper here. Check it out and hope you may enjoy reading. I will ask excuses if there are some words that does not fit at all. Everything in the list is from the source : sportinformation.com Automotorsport.se och Wikipedia

1. Mazda Laputa.  Mazda is an Island in the book "Gullivers Travels" a novel written by Jonathan Swift year 1726. But the words La puta means different in Spanish  "whore" if we translate it in english.
2. Mitsubishi Pajero: the name was taken from (cat animal) Leopardus pajeros which find in Argentina,but in Spain they change the  name into  Montero.Why because Pajero means masturbate.
3. Nissan Moco: Moco means "bogey"in Spanish(an evil en other words). At the other side not necessary to change name because this type of car only sales out in Japan.
4. Buick Lacrosse: I never heard this type of car before but hmmm interesting for me. I don't drive and nor own a car way back in my passed so it explained a lot why. Anyway Lacrosse has been a type of ritual warfare among the American and American Indian(Native American). But it means masturbate In Frensh language specially in Quebec(in Eastern part of Canada).
5. Chevrolet Nova. No va means"It doesn't work"in Spanish.
6. Opal Ascona. get the name after an area in Switzerland,but in North side of Spain och Portugal also called slang to a woman's sex organ. 
7. Dodge Swinger. Swinger is so familiar slang to a married couple who applying the changing of partner.
8. Honda Fitta. The car get lucky to have a name Jazz in Europe. In Japan the name is really Fit. But Fitta was the origin name and according to legend presented then first with advertise print"small outside but spacious inside".

Thank you for reading guys...

top 10 best selling cars in Sweden and their car brand meaning

I  read the article from the newspaper about the top 10 most selling cars here. Each car brand name  have own meaning sounds interesting for me in spite I am not a car fanatic. My husband told me before about some car brand why they was named so. This is why I captured right away after reading the said article. A little sharing to you guys hope you like reading it.

1. Volvo is a latin words means "I'm rolling". It was started as one of the sister company of Svenska Kullagerfabriken in short  (SKF) is a Swedish company manufactures roller ball bearings. They created named Volvo among other things just to increase the sales of ball bearings(as advertising the product).
2. VW  (Volkswagen) means peoples car,volks is a German word that means "people" German words  "wagen" means "car" . The model origin was designed by Ferdinand Porche year 1932. "Peoples car"was Hitlers project to make the country (Germany) into a better one interms of car production than USA. Make a car that was cheap that all German people can afford to buy according to Hitler. 
3. Kia the name comes from 2 Chinese sign that together give the meaning of "come from Asian". The first name KI,can also means "progress".
4. Audi From the beginning one of four car manufacturer who merge together after financial problem 1932. The  4 cirkle trademark symbolize of the 4 companies,but probably was even inspired of OS-symbol after Berlin was host  the competition 1936.
5. Renault named after Louis Renault who built his first car on his parents backyard in Paris 1898. A blessed with the money from brother Marcel he started building cars in a large scale. Unfortunately he died in prison 1944,suspect for cooperation with the National Socialist.
6. Ford is also named after Henry Ford who founded the company 1903.
7. BMW stands for "Bayerische Motoren Werke"German name that started 1916,mainly reason was to build aircraft. Motorcycles and gradually started building cars after the first world war. According to peace treaty  Germany is not allowed to build aircraft anymore. 
8. SAAB stands for (Svenska Aeroplan AB)in english Swedish Automobile AB. Saab developed the first car prototype 1947,10 years after that the company started as aeroplane manufacturer. The first car was sold in December 1949.
9. Toyota comes from a family name Toyoda. Founded of company of Sakichi Toyoda who frist started japans first web factory and after designed an automatic loom. His son Kiichiro use the  money he get from patent and started  Toyota Motor Company 1937.
10. Skoda Founded 1859,but get the name 10 years after when engineer Emil Skoda take over the company. Cars was first manufactured year 1925 together with the company Laurin&Klement,but then had already manufactured cars since 1905.

Purchase on approval

I was surprised from the first time when I did shopping here. You can return the item even if it's sale (7 days) change it in another size no problem. NO return no exchange is common in my country but not here anyway.

Purchase on approval a form of term when you buy things in store.  Here in Sweden,keep your receipt don't remove the price tag. It is valid at least 30 days depends on the item you bought. Wonderful right?if you buy cloth and if you regret or change your mind, just return the item and get your money back. I apply this strategy when I do shopping for my husband because he don't like to go to the dress store. Much easier for me and it's helpful,I return the item and change it with other size incase it's for small to him. Sometimes he don't like the color,and the sytle.

 I understand that this kind of system will not work out in every country because it depends how the people make use of it. It could be that people are not honest or take the chance for the system. At least here it work out well little bit problem sometimes because system  could not be always perfect. I think the owner of enterprises find diffecult and trouble with the return items. They get money from their insurance I think.

The system gives security to the consumer no doubt about it. This is why it's not easy being entrepreneur here,high tax must pay. Give the right salary to the worker plus  insurance and etc.

how should I forget













This is why  I missed summer here. Cooking outside environment is such cool and fun during summer days. Barbecue,hmmm the smells of it kills me. The essence of summer make us alert and spike.
From tropical land to a country with 4 seasons climate well,I understand. I accepted that we have no choice but to live in it. I was thankful too that I am here today,because I learned lot of new things. Food,culture,and the people it challenge me.

In some ways,lot of things that hard to compare..My Filipino taste comes sometimes with a crazy food that I wanted to eat. The "tinula"fish soap with "malunggay"is what I missed.























How could I forget it!fishing with my husband and catch this fish a perfect for dinner.

How about picking redcurrants is even fun.



Western side of Gothenburg

"Frölunda Torg"the business shopping centre near by where I live. I come here sometimes even without no purpose to buy things. I like to take a coffee brake in my favorite bakery located inside. I believe that it's important to enjoy each extra time each day. .. I'm not a coffee drinker  as real Swedish people did,but I think to have 1 cup every day is good. I can make my own coffee at home(not instant taste better to used coffee maker). Go out just a few minute,I counted it as my routine part of my relaxation.

It's not hard to go out alone,my friends are busy for their work. This is the life here,you may adapt all the situation. But I think I can manage any way I could see various of people coming from different countries. Sweden is now like other country in Europe that have several cultures. You may heard in the bus or tram  station that people talking different kinds of languages(their respective dialect).

Frölunda torg is one area where you can meet them. Asiatic,Iranian and other more.  I find  hard to differentiate people from Iraq and other Muslim countries because they look similar. Lot of Spanish people living in the country too. In spite of lot  immigrants here  still Sweden counted as not populated land. At 450,295 suare kilometres(173,860 square mi) have a total  population of about 9.4 million.

Gothenburg day after day

Each day brand new life,quite no one screaming in the street. I walk in a peace and quite to the station near by home. Waiting for tram on way to the city,it is cold outside for this autumn weather. October "pink"month as the symble "breast cancer" month.

I am thinking that maybe now in Philippines christmas songs are common played in the fm radio,but not yet here. Ohhh Christmas!again soon,white Christmas is cosy. Snow..snow..oshhh getting much colder. I don't know what happen with me,I am thinking enough for too long for everything today.

Not so many people riding this  tram at this hour . The time is almost 12:00 noon that usually adequate for me otherwise much chaos when their's a lot of young adults. They like doing such annoying things inside not bothering of others. 25 minutes after I'm reaching my destination place.



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I stop for a while in Kungsportsplatsen, watching for nothing special. Pleasant surroundings!

Saluhallen where I used to make groceries specially fresh meat. 40 groceries inside selling diffrent kinds,like delicates,olive in best quality,strong cheese,new bake bread and lot more. You can even find restaurant inside serving good food in a right price. 

 

Shop cheap here

This is why I like Sweden,here people are hardworking willing to earn money. Swedish people's biggest interest in life is travel,mostly during summer. To have at least one month summer vacation is benefit of the regular imployee. You leave and learn new things here,like how people mind their own life without comparing to someone else.

To own at least 1 car every each family is common. You cannot called them rich nor poor but just average. Unlike in my home country that people called "you"rich even if you have 1 car. Big difference as I can see.

I'm wishing that my "kababayan"could experienced like these standard of living. Our government could find good solution for the poverty in the country.

Shop cheap!in IKEA Swedish all in one store that owned by Ingvar Kamprad .

Here,you can eat lunch under your low budget. I like the owner's perspective that take not too much price for their food. His one way to help people to save money,a big plus is IKEA items are not expensive either.

They have  "half price sale"that I can't imagine how they could afford to low down so much the ordinary price. Such thing that I even wish in my home country that department store owner'will think for the people's situation.

To offer sale price quite often to every fellow men in the country  is a good help.

IKEA is an international store,but sad to say that they are not open in Philippines,wish to have them there.

Swedish own currency must stay

Sweden is one of the Scandinavian country that remain it's money currency "Swedish crown"in english meaning"krona"in Swedish that (krona)represented the Monarchy  type of government. Although the country is in Europe even EU member but they choose to have the same currency,not replace "krona"to  "euro". Before I move in the country I thought that every countries in Europe are using "Euro". I'm wrong!yes "euro"has a big value in my home country but it does not help because living in the country with "euro currency"is more  expensive than living in other country(not using euro).

At first I find hard to understand the difference,but after few years of living here I did realize it would better to remain "krona". Swedish people are satisfied with the current currency,despite of economic crisis the country holds it and manage good. Swedish currency value is not so high unlike dollar and euro but the country's economi is stable.

I was in the other part of Europe last year summer,I had compared the price between euro and Swedish crona. In some items much cheaper,certainly in Sweden.

I cannot explain further more because I'm an ordinary tax payer "immigrant"living in the country. But I am proud,I feel that I am part of the victory. I hope that Swedish own currency must stay forever. I am not against euro but I am more favor to have an affordable cost of living that gives us chance to travel in some other places.

goodbye 50 öre

Tomorrow is the last day that you could use the Swedish copper 50 coin. I wrote in the blog the other  week about the fact of it.  
Today there is around 394 millions 50 öringar in circulation in whole Sweden that have a value of 197 millions Swedish krown(Swedish money).
Wow! what a number?it's really a lot of money.Think if I have like this hmmmmmm I may dream to be a lotto winner. Well,well the first 50 coin(not yet copper) distinguish 1862 off Lea Ahlborn from Stockholm Sweden. After it existed 10 diffirent types of coin. 

This copper base 50 coin come in year 1992 for the reason that, wanted to reduced nickel usage in the country.

family life in Sweden

A family stands for mother,father and kids. In my country parents should be married (especially if your a strong Catholic believer).  Here in Sweden even in other part of EU country family lives are different. A mother or father can live together in one house even they are not married. They called it "sambo"in Swedish meaning "live in together" with kids or no kids. The other relationship called "särbo"meaning parents of the child not living together(they are not divorse either) but they choose to live separately but they have special relationship. Another  type is what Swedish called it "kärnfamilj"nuclear family meaning both partner(maybe divorse) have early kids in other relationship then live in together with the both kids. I don't know how it works but lot of them live happy life in one happy home.

Divorse is not big issue here,open to every one who think that they feel no more  love to his/her partner any more. Single mother is common  as well,they can get help from social welfare(services). Wanted to be pregnant without having contact with guys is even possible through (sperm) donation.

When young adults, have a boyfriend/girlfriend it's not hard for them to introduced to their respective parents (aside from immigrants parents who have strong culture background). Most of them move in together as "live in "partner in the age of 18. The parents,cannot controlled their life since they are in 18 years old or maybe above.

Do whatever they want to do with their life. This is what I observe to a lot of young adults here,going to disco,drinking with friends or with boyfriend/girlfriend. Get some job,what they earn is what they keep it to themeselves. No obligation to give to their parents. Neither not their duty to help their brothers and sisters to send college.

I don't know what to say but there are  lot of different things here,that both good and bad. This is not easy to say negative things about their living styles. Every situation have advantage and disadvantage so it's up to us how we judge them. Nothing is perfect anyway.

dental care in Sweden

When your a foreigner of the country,it's not unsual why we reacted things that we're not used to. Dental care for young adults in Sweden is  one reason why I deeply impressed them. Children and young adults up to age of 21 years old (in Western Götaland region) have free dental care until they turn 21 years old.

A good servise to those parents who have not much money. Going to dentist is not cheap,and it's a MUST for health reason. Taking care of your teeth is so important where mostly of the  bacteria stay behind because it could give us different kind of health problems.

I wish to have this kind of system in my country,where a lot of family needs it. Everything out there cost money,schools and etc.

I have my dental check up twice a year here,aside from immergency visit if necessary. It cost me money and even my husband because we are already adults. But parents who have more than 1-2 kids feel the words"release"spending extra amount for dentist charge.I hope that this kind of system will continue forever.

pictures with memories!



I took tram to the place where I have a lot of old memories during my first year in Sweden. I never thought from the start that life could be conflict, unless I experienced it with myself that language make all the difference. I manage to convince "me"that everything would be fine because I can speak english. It works for a while but in some cases not. 

As I remembered for the first time I ride streetcar here. It was my first winter experienced and never had an idea what's gonna happened on that day. My husband used to drove me to school but for some reason I chooce to ride tram. Unfortunately it did not proceed to the station near my school. The driver gave information as "I heard " but it's in Swedish. I stepped out from the tram and decided to walked!passing through 2 station till I reach my school.

Winter!and cold I have no winter hat with me,because I thought it would necessary(never winter in Philippine). Then gave me  too much pain in my both ears. Old memories  nice to  track back the times,  specially if your a foreigner of the country.

Life is not stagnant, thanks to God. I was blessed that I handled it with care here(inspite of the language differences and the culture as well).









 

"Järntorget "tram station near by my old school



the school where I enrolled in,1 month just to learn Swedish language.My husband cover all the cost.

in the other side of "Järntorget"I used to satt here while waiting my tram, took my coffee brake.

Swedish 50 öre soon disappear

50 öre

March 25th Swedish Parliament decided to take away 50 öre(Swedish coins made of copper). This afternoon I was in Frölunda Torg (centrum near by where I live) brought all the collected 50 öre. I used them as payment for the goods I bought in the store.

 Not so much but since this coming 30th of September is the last day of the said coins,it's rather good to spend it now.

I save few "50 öre" at home as collection, might funny to have some. The proposal came from "The Bank of Sweden" that the said coin should be abolish. After 50 öre out from our wallet,maybe a little bit of the price will change.

 I am hoping that it will  not increase  much as a waited. People will lean on to National Board for Cunsomer Policies for price increase.

I understand that it cost more money to manufacture 50 öre. As one of tax payer here,I felt sad to accept it.

Swedish Election day

Our choice,your voice,let them hear you,which I did today. Swedish election day,first time ever for me!I feel much better, honor to be a part of the change. We arrived in polling station(school ) hour 11.30 as a first timer,my husband help me. I have no idea,what should I do.

Polling station is open at 8.00 till hour 20.00.When were inside the polling station,I understand what a proper voting order they have here. We bring  our social security ID with us and the voting card. The two very  important things you may need with. You don't need to find your name in the list,of what station you may belong because it was written in the(voting card)that was send via post mail at home.

I called it quick voting,we received 3 pcs of envelop where the 3 ballots (voting)paper should enclosed in. You don't need to write anything in the "ballot paper"was ready for every political parties. Pick up each you will vote for,give to the personal(enclosed envelop)show your voting card and ID. Finished!calm and not crowded,although outside shows long lines.

I never see security guard,either police in the nearby..The day shows normal as usual without trouble situation unlike the other countries during election day. This is how it should be politicians  don't need  to fight "bloody" way just to get  the people's vote. I cheer for Sweden in this way!!

Thanks for reading.have a nice day

why we need to think?

This weekend "September 19",big events will happen here in Sweden.Election day an important part for every country history. Who will be the next Swedish Minister?who can make the real change that people wanted too. Every body are tired of paying higher taxes,but as promise with some party that they will lower the tax if they win. Others have the concern of more job,we build Sweden together with consideration of solidarity.

A promising point,like an exciting film that we would wish to watch. Let's wait after then,I come in the station and vote for the first time. Finally,I can shout my right after staying in the country for 4 years. As a new Swedish citizen,I will choose the best among them which I think capable to be in the position.

No need to worry about in the other hand,because vote buying is not in the air. The tactic will not work here,so I am happy for that. Each parties have good intention for the people,and for the country itself. This Sunday we will give Sweden the new journey with the new government.

Vote wisely!

Swedish and Japanese car on top

It was in the "GP" newspaper today that Swedish and Japanese car second hand on top.
These are the Swedish cars

1. Volvo S40,
2. Volvo V50 from 2004-2006.
3.  Saab 9-5 2004-2006.

Here are the list of the Japanese cars:

• Toyota Camry 2001-2003
• Toyota Prius 2004-2006
• Toyota Avensis 2005-2006
• Lexus IS 2006
• Honda Civic 2006

These are the cars that win the test of "The Swedish Motor Vehicle Inspection Co" even test from Folksam"insurance company".

Enjoy reading..

I called it d "hidden"

I would say,"hidden" place,excuse me I just invent the name. We've been in the part of the forest where I caught sight of the military storage or stockroom. Well thought out from the beginning when Sweden fight againt Denmark(during war). Here they keep tinned food for the military,inside is so cool serve as their refrigerator.

I am not sure today if this was still used,but I think so because of the keys outside. Sweden is one of the Scandinavian country(besides Norway,they are not EU member) that became EU member year 1995. War is far behind us,we feel safe here because the country is not alone to go and fight.

But the amount that Swedish government paid just for the membership is such a large sums. Well...well..in turn back of it Swedish citizens could travel along way to EU member country inside Europe without needing visa. No hasle,open door to us people here. We did it once in Germany with car trip,honestly I love it because, nice to get away from the trouble of producing visa.

I wish to have peace in every country today. People needs to move without feeling  frightened in their own sorroundings. Everybody are entitled to have freedom.

lokal flowers in my Philippine home

My outside world!no..no flowers wake up our senses.It gives us inpiration,relaxation because of their special beauty. This year my oppurtunity to visit my family in Cebu did not pursued because I got pregnant. New technology brings me the good update,of things happend there.

Yesterday,I recieved this pictures taken from our garden. 1 year after "our santan flowers"(right)blooms. In left,I am not sure what's the name of these (but I think I heard some called it belong to  kaktus family the one with pink flowers in the center). 

 I have no idea what are the names of these flowers. With curley leaves as you see in the center(we have local name san francisco)but I am not sure if everybody agree with it. Anyway I am happy to see it again growíng good. Thanks to my brother (he planted  all of them and taking care of). 

Our guava ,bearing  fruits my family protect it from insect by using old news paper. Cool to have them!

Thanks for reading and dropping by.have a nice day.

to have a Swedish driver's license

I think I wrote  in my blog before about rules on how to get Swedish  driver's license. I ask forgiveness if I repeat again,but on my way home suddenly it comes in my mind. This topic,specially when I saw this volvo car in  front of us who have "övningskör" Swedish sign for practise driving.

Sweden is the country where you could find the most difficult way to get driver's license.It's not so easy,as I could compare in my home country. At 16 years old you can start practise drive,but you need to under go siminar. If you practice drive with your father or mother(which of course have a license)  they need to be with you during the siminar. If you go to driving school,it cost you money because you pay per hour here.

After all the training,and you're ready to take written test(which you pay separately). Through passing the written test is a MUST otherwise you cannot proceed with the driving test(you pay another one). 2 months after if you did not passed the driving test,then you need to go back to the basic. Meaning written test and driving (another cost to pay).

Expensive right!!I am not exactly sure,but I heard from my husband that here we have so many traffic signs to be memorize. I tell you guys lot of them failed,not only immigrants even Swedish young adults. Take 2,or take 3 some did it 4 or 5 times. If your immigrants here then you have driver's license from home. It does'nt matter,you may show to the National Road Administration that you can drive according to their way of driving.  

green sign practise driving with family member. driving school have their red (practise drive)sign.

let us remember the 9th year after Sept 11 tragedy

We are all aware about Sept 11,remember the day of the unbelievable historic tragedy. Today is the 9th year,the history channel showd all the story of what had happend. We have a saying about "time heals all wounds"yes after all years we forgot all the shocking terrible attack but when I saw it again today.

I feel a sudden, that the time moves backward. I've  never seen it on live news on the exact year of the accident. I was living in Philippines during that year and heard only from the radio because I was working then. But today it's just like I am one of the victim inside the WTC. Watching in my tv screen how the building hits by the plain until it was collapsed did take my breath away.

Thousands of innocent people  lost their lives because of terrorist attack. I am angry with them(terrorist)why they keep on killing innocent people.

Our world is not safe as we thought. Danger is every where,therefore I understand why we have a hard control inside the airport. I rememberd when we travelled to Philippines had been undergo hard control from Amsterdam until the rest of the airport till we reach Cebu.

I understand why people get mad to the people who has the same origin country(to the terrorist people). Thinking what they did in our world creating problems all the time.

Again watching the WTC twin tower collapsed,people panic. It's like watching the world war2,like the world was ended. Totally unacceptable accident because it was planned.

I feel sorry to the victims who never got a chance to say goodbye to their beloving family and friends. Heroes people working in the area and killed during their time of duty.

I hope we could stop the evil mind of the people who will continue distroy our world. A prayer to the victims of 9/11.Amen

Meatballs with the Mediterranean feeling

Swedish meat balls is popular even in USA. But I found out another good recipe for meat balls and tried it yesterday. Oregano is not only a spice for pizza, but even a good in example, Greek meat balls.

You may need the following:

• 600gram ground beef
• 3 tblsp dried breadcrumbs
• 1/2 dl redwine or water
• 1 tblsp chopped  fresh oregano or dried oregano
• 2 egg
• 1 tblsp any meat fond
• 1-2 garlic copped
• 1/2 tsp salt
• blackpepper
• 2-3 tblsp olive oil

Here what to do:

1. Mix the dried breadcrumbs with the meat,add the wine or water(the choice is your)but I recommended redwine. Add the egg and the fond,continue working(mixing) now add the oregano,blackpepper,salt (but I used soy souce) take your choice,then lastly add the chopped garlic.
2. Start to shape meat balls,hot the frying pan (make sure it's rather hot)then down the heat around 10 minutes.
3. You can have pasta to eat with.

Enjoy your meal!as we did.Really delicious dishes try it.

a number of bacteria around us

Lets talk about health today. We learned ourselves our children to wash the hands before and after using the toalet. We are afraid of bacteria because we don't want to get sick. Avoid having long finger nails if your working in the hospitals or related sector.

Some mothers have always alcohol in their bags incase of emergency because we don't let our children be dirty. Lot of stuffs that we will try to avoid. But we have so many things in our home that we forget to clean everyday because we thought it's not necessary. I am one of those!

I was reading daily newspaper today and read the article about the bacteria in our gaggets at home.Mobile telephone,can be the real spot of bacteria. Out of 30 tested mobile phone 7  had a higher percentage of bacteria. The other 6 mobile phone the bacteria is not dangerous ,but it could be the breeding grounds of the nasty other related germs.

The worst  they found out in the most dirty mobile phone is E coli bacteria and salmonella bacteria. The test group (in Uk) even quote that mobile telephone are potentials to carry and spread the bacteria. Things we need to think about! But it's hard, how should we clean our mobile phone by not getting distroy?(each cover). Whewww!hard right,have some body tips?please write a comments. I will appreciate.

picture for the day

Driving 1 hour away from Gothenburg City,our day trip landed in Borås. The City was known because of the animal park,even called as city of textiles. We were in Borås animal park,first visited their tropical animals. Quite scary inside,lot of snakes named it poisonous most of them. Well,my husband enjoy the atmosphere but not really me.

I dare not to take pictures of the other animals specially the snakes. Take just the Iguana!We were both hungry so we decided to eat before we proceed. But we forget the time,closing hour in the cashier is 16.00,at time 16.30 the personnel strated to pick up the animals. I am talking the leon,giraffe,elefant and some more.

It could be stressful for me,so we leave the park and continue the adventure in the other site. Until we reach the mountain and seen this cute stockroom house. Made of wood,with an elegant style and impressive size.

weekend pictures

We are lucky to have a nice weather when I took this picture.We went on fishing and I think this is the last time for the season. Lot of people went on swimming,ignoríng the cold water. After 2 hours spending in the waterside small rain dropping in.

We was on a hurry trying to be inside the car before the heavy rain come. But I have seen this beautiful..beautiful..rainbow in the sky.

Adorable color!red,yellow and blue that placed me decorated in the sky. It makes light up,lot of childrens clupping and jumping on my back. It's different colors gives the lonely skies a live.

I remember something when I was a child if the rain doesn't stop we shouted we need a rainbow! Then we form scissors in our both fingers pretending that we could cut it. Stop!the rain stop the rain!