Saturday, January 24 | 2026
Saturday, January 24 | 2026
Written by Suzy Greaves
“The world is too big to stay in one place. Life is too short to do just one thing.”
I love to hear about people’s journeys, their life choices, the paths they take and the stories they make. Well; I’m Suzy, welcome to my story and my Swedish life. It’s a pleasure and a privilege to write for The Newbie Guide to Sweden. An opportunity to share with you all my experiences, observations and adventures. An honest and hopefully inspiring insight into life as a Brit living in Sweden.
Globally our population is Circa 8 billion. What are the chances of two people, from different worlds meeting and connecting in the same place at the same time? You guessed it, in the words of Sweden’s Per Gessle (Roxette) “It must have been love”. It all began in a music bar in Liverpool back in 2016. The rest as they say is history!
I’ve always lived quite intuitively. I firmly believe our ever changing dreams, aspirations and ambitions allow us to attract what we need from life. So, what followed my chance meeting was a year or so of travelling. Meeting up with my new partner for weekends in various European destinations. Then, decision day arrived. My path, it seemed was inevitably heading North and leading to an unknown Nordic world, A Scandi life, in Sweden.
I was 46 years old when I decided to rent out my UK home. Finally, I was moving to Sweden! I applied for a pet passport and moved myself and my cocker spaniel to Västra Götaland 4 years ago. My two fabulous and fiercly independant adult children had themselves moved and embarked upon their own life journeys. Instead of waiting for the so called ’empty nest’ syndrome to kick in, I was the one that fled the nest!
Back then, I was founder & director of a business creating and delivering food education workshops to primary schools UK wide. I wrote and styled fun interactive lessons linking to and supporting the countries National Curriculumn. I forged collaborations with National supermarket chains, celebrity chefs, local fire service and housing partnerships. A large part of my time was running and organising teams visits into schools daily. Although rewarding, infact awarding me recognition as a finalist of Cheshire Woman of the year 2008, the work became 24/7! After a hugely sucessful 14 years, the hours, demands and the lifestyle I’d built for myself were actually unsustainable. My mind, body and soul on reflection were crying out for a new way of living.
In my 20’s and 30’s it was always a little dream of mine to own a house abroad. Perhaps, a little apartment in a quaint Spanish village or a beachside villa in Portugal but no, it wasn’t to be.
This is where I advise you to be careful what you wish for….. Today I write to you from our newly renovated Swedish home! Contrary to popular belief and in comparison to the UK, house prices here in the Swedish countryside are jaw droppingly cheap. The house we chose to become our home lacked a lot of kerb appeal and at best could of been described as ‘charming’ or ‘traditional’.
The reality meant that my sambo (Swedish name for a couple that live together) and I had to join forces, roll our sleeves up and with the help of some professionals become amateur carpenters almost overnight. A full refurbishment inside and out. Our efforts became such a joint mission that I would suggest it firmly cemented our new found relationship. What a project we had undertaken! As a result, what remains now is a real sense of pride in the place we live and a plethora of newly discovered practical skills.
Since moving to Sweden, I have secured work here as a supply teacher (Vikarie) in three local schools. One day I can be the English teacher, another a pre school assistant and occasionally I work in the after school club. In other words, `flexibility’ has become my middle name.
The school systems, values and curriculum couldn’t be more different to the UK. The pro’s and cons I know are widely debated amongst expat parents striving for the perfect balanced education for their little ones. I feel the children that I work with here are as eager, enthusiastic and hungry to learn as world over, which makes for rewarding work. These young Swedes also hold a really impressive grasp of the English language from a suprisingly early age. My own language learning however, has not actually been so sucessful yet. It’s one of the biggest challenges I’m facing right now, just so you know though, I’m not a quitter!!
So, Is life here all meatballs and lingonberry jam? Not only moving to Sweden but relocating to any new country can be peppered with complications that try and test our resolve. I’m looking forward to sharing, in future blogs what I have learnt along the way. Living with a Swede and within a Swedish family network has immersed me in the culture, cuisine, traditions and values of the Swedish people. Both similarities and differences to my own British culture I’ve found both facinating and suprising in equal measures.
I mentioned earlier that I believe in creating a life you need and love. Above all, I feel like moving to Sweden has brought out the best in me, renewing old passions such as a focus on health, creative cookery and exercise. Lifestyle choices which are facilitated by the environment here. Sweden’s nature is the perfect therapy and has restored the creative energy that was begining to dwindle with having the wrong work/life balance back in the UK.
I’ve discovered running, cross country skiing, sailing, fishing, foraging and hiking. Now tell me that’s not a healthy bag of interests! Additionally, during the past couple of years, whilst the world has had its travel plans curtailed, we have also been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to travel and explore this beautiful country. Some people say the key to learning about the culture is through the language; couple this with travel and you will unveil the real Sweden.
Sweden is a country of stark contrasts. A country with light and shade, four distinct seasons and stunning yet varied landscapes. Ask any Swede where is their ‘smultronställe’ ( A Swedes favourite place) and no answer will be the same. I’ve travelled from North to South and revel in planning our next road trip. From the fjällen in Vemdalen to both Stockholm and the West coast’s archipelago’s. I’ve explored Skåne and even been as far south as it gets in Smygehuk and Ven.
It’s hardly suprising that my biggest passion right now was born in this beautiful country. Photography. I share my pictures on instagram Feel free to follow and see for yourself how this wonderful country has won my heart.
Finally; If you are considering moving to Sweden then you came to the right place – The Newbie Guide to Sweden – is your one stop shop to actualising your new life. We are all here to help with your transition.
Remember, this inspiring quote from Naeem Callaway ” Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step in your life. Tip toe if you must, but take the step.”
I’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions for my future blogs in the comments below. You can also check out our other newbie bloggers experiences in our blog page.
Thanks for reading and as we say in Sweden “Ha en jättebra dag!!”
About the Author
Hej!! Jag heter Suzy! I’m a Brit who moved to Sweden in 2017 for love!
Travelled, cultured and passionate about health, food, photography and lifestyle. I’m living the Scandi dream!
I’m a freelance writer with a zest for life and new adventures. Follow my Swedish journey on Instagram @suzygreaves1
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