<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>Your Living City</title>
	<atom:link href="http://yourlivingcity.com/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://yourlivingcity.com</link>
	<description></description>
	<lastBuildDate>Sun, 19 May 2013 05:00:27 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en-US</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1</generator>
		<item>
		<title>Recipe of the week: Lapskaus</title>
		<link>http://yourlivingcity.com/expat-life/expat-cookbook/recipe-week-lapskaus/</link>
		<comments>http://yourlivingcity.com/expat-life/expat-cookbook/recipe-week-lapskaus/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 19 May 2013 05:00:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Farrah Gillani</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Expat Cookbook]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://yourlivingcity.com/?p=16786</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Lapskaus (literally &#8216;stew&#8217;) is a traditional Norwegian dish used to make a few cheap cuts of meat go a very long way. It is made by...]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2><em>Lapskaus </em>(literally &#8216;stew&#8217;) is a traditional Norwegian dish used to make a few cheap cuts of meat go a very long way. It is made by most families across Norway and for every family&#8230; there&#8217;s a different recipe. It can be watery or thick, use brown beef gravy or bechamel sauce &#8211; what is consistent is that it&#8217;s always delicious! This is the YLC version &#8211; feel free to experiment!</h2>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-16787" alt="800px Cookbook beef stew Recipe of the week: Lapskaus" src="http://yourlivingcity.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/800px-Cookbook-beef-stew.jpg" width="640" height="251" title="Recipe of the week: Lapskaus" /></p>
<p>What I found particularly fun about this stew was the name. In England the same dish is called Scouse, not a far cry from &#8216;Labskaus&#8217;, but so associated with Liverpool that an entire culture has been defined by the dish. And in New York, the heavily Norwegian-populated 8th Avenue is still known today as &#8216;<em>Lapskaus Boulevard</em>&#8216;. It&#8217;s a powerful name!</p>
<p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p>
<p>1 x 200g beef stewing steak<br />
200g pancetta<br />
4 floury potatoes (these wil thicken the gravy)<br />
4 carrots<br />
1 celery stick<br />
2 onions<br />
1 leek<br />
500ml beef stock<br />
pepper, parsley</p>
<p><strong>Directions</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>Fry the beef in a large casserole dish until just cooked. Meanwhile peel and chop the vegetables into bite-sized chunks.</li>
<li>Add the garlic and fry for one minute.</li>
<li>Add all the rest of the ingredients and simmer for at least 30 minutes. Take the beef out and shred it with a fork, then add back into the stew.</li>
<li>Eat with Norwegian flat bread &#8211; couldn&#8217;t be easier!</li>
</ol>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://yourlivingcity.com/expat-life/expat-cookbook/recipe-week-lapskaus/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Parking and driving in Sweden: the YLC Guide</title>
		<link>http://yourlivingcity.com/expat-life/hints-parking-driving-sweden/</link>
		<comments>http://yourlivingcity.com/expat-life/hints-parking-driving-sweden/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 17 May 2013 05:00:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Morgan</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Expat Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tourist Information]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://yourlivingcity.com/?p=3071</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Take a look at some of the basic rules you need to know when driving, and especially parking, in the City ...]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>Stockholm may be an easier place to drive than many other large European cities, but if you&#8217;re a foreigner there are still many new things to keep in mind when you’re driving in the city. Check out the YLC guide to driving and parking in Stockholm!</h2>
<p><a href="http://yourlivingcity.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/stockholm.traffic.rush_.hour_.eurist.flickr.body_.image_.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-16806" alt="stockholm.traffic.rush .hour .eurist.flickr.body .image  Parking and driving in Sweden: the YLC Guide" src="http://yourlivingcity.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/stockholm.traffic.rush_.hour_.eurist.flickr.body_.image_.jpg" width="650" height="330" title="Parking and driving in Sweden: the YLC Guide" /></a></p>
<p><strong>As most Stockholm street signs are not in English it can be tricky when first starting to navigate your way around. It’s often said by locals ‘that all roads lead to Årsta’, and for those of you who are currently driving the motorways, you may well understand the joke! Unfortunately, this article wont help you with directions, we will outline some of the basic rules you need to know when driving, and especially, parking in the City:</strong></p>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #33cccc;"><strong>Driving licence:</strong> </span></h4>
<p style="text-align: justify;">If you have an EU driving licence and you are staying temporarily you can use your licence from your country just the same. If you are from a country outside of the EU, your licence is only valid in Sweden for one year. After that you will need to apply for a Swedish driving licence to drive here legally.</p>
<h4><span style="color: #33cccc;"><strong>Basic driving rules to remember:</strong></span></h4>
<p><em>The legal level for drinking and driving is a maximum of only 0.2</em><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"> ‰</span></p>
<p><em>Buses always have right of way on 30 and 50km/h roads<br />
</em><br />
<em>Pedestrians always have right of way at pedestrian crossings, so watch out!<br />
</em></p>
<p><em>You must drive with your headlights on at all times (dimmed during the day at least)</em></p>
<p><em>Regular inspections are compulsory when your car is 3 years old, 5 years old and then each following year.</em></p>
<p><em>It is mandatory to change to winter tyres between December 1 st &#8211; March 31st. Studded winter tyres are permitted for use from October 1st &#8211;  April 15th  in wintry conditions and un-studded tyres are allowed all year round.  It is also important to learn how to drive on the snow and ice during Swedish winters!</em></p>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #33cccc;"><strong>Congestion charge:</strong> </span></h4>
<p style="text-align: justify;">There is a congestion charge (or toll) when driving in the inner city of Stockholm.  It only applies to Swedish-registered vehicles on weekdays between 06:30-18:29. Road toll cameras record vehicles entering and leaving the city centre then send an invoice to the vehicle owner at the end of each month. Depending on what time of day your trip is it will cost between 10 and 20 kronor, with a maximum of 60 kronor per day. Foreign-registered vehicles do not pay the congestion charge.</p>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #33cccc;"><strong>Park-and-ride:</strong> </span></h4>
<p style="text-align: justify;">If you are just visiting Stockholm there are options for not having to park in the city centre. You can park just outside the inner city in one of the 25 park-and-ride services that are conveniently close to public transport. Parking your vehicle here is easier than finding parking in the city; it is less expensive and better for the environment.</p>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #33cccc;"><strong>To park your car in town:</strong></span></h4>
<p style="text-align: justify;">1. You can lease a permanent garage space. There are a number of parking companies and garages can be found in all Stockholm neighbourhoods, although are less easy to find in Östermalm. On average a permanent space costs between 1000 kronor and 1500 kronor per month.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">2. If you don’t need a permanent space some garages just charge you as you’re leaving for the time you have parked. The price is normally between 60 kronor and 70 kronor per hour Monday to Friday.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">3. Register for a resident permit in the area of the city in which you live (<span style="color: #33cccc;"><a title="register for resident parking permit" href="http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&amp;sl=sv&amp;tl=en&amp;u=http://www.stockholm.se/TrafikStadsplanering/Parkering/Boendeparkering/%3Foversatt%3D" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;">Boendeparkering</span></a>)</span>. That way you just pay a monthly fee of 800 kronor to park anywhere in your district, obviously while still following the general parking rules. Remember to check signs for street cleaning days, “Städdag”, on these days you will have to park in a neighbouring street.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">You can also use resident parking to pay per day, up to a maximum of five days.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">4. When using designated street parking to park in the city, pay attention to the signs. The areas where you can park on the street have signs that may vary. Street parking metres charge by the hour, you just pay at a machine and display your ticket visibly. If you are parking in an area that has a time limit make sure you display on your dashboard what time you left the vehicle.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Swedish  transport authorities do have a lot of useful information on their websites, and you will find some of it in English. Head to The Swedish Transport Agency (<span style="color: #33cccc;"><a href="http://www.transportstyrelsen.se/en/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;">Transportstyrelsen</span></a></span>). Also the Swedish Transport Administration (<span style="color: #33cccc;"><a href="http://www.trafikverket.se/Om-Trafikverket/Andra-sprak/English-Engelska/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;">Trafikverket</span></a></span>) where you will find useful information on road conditions and particularly driving licences and driving tests.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://yourlivingcity.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/car.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3085" title="Car driving through flood" alt="car 300x200 Parking and driving in Sweden: the YLC Guide" src="http://yourlivingcity.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/car-300x200.jpg" width="300" height="200" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">If you are currently driving in Stockholm and have some important tips to share with our readers please comment below. And for the rest of us who feel the hassle of driving and parking is too much, then we are lucky in Stockholm to also have a <span style="color: #33cccc;"><a title="Public transport" href="http://yourlivingcity.com/essentials/transport-stockholm-guide/#.UZSibY6v2SE" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;">great public transport system</span></a></span>.</p>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;"></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #33cccc;">Your Living City</span></h4>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> Follow <span style="color: #33cccc;"><a title="Twitter" href="https://twitter.com/YourLivingCity" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;">YourLivingCity</span></a> </span>on Twitter!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://yourlivingcity.com/expat-life/hints-parking-driving-sweden/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>4H Farms in Stockholm</title>
		<link>http://yourlivingcity.com/activities/4h-farms-stockholm/</link>
		<comments>http://yourlivingcity.com/activities/4h-farms-stockholm/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 May 2013 05:00:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Farrah Gillani</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family Activities]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://yourlivingcity.com/?p=16674</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Where can your children have fun outdoors and learn lots about animals at the same time for free? Check out the YLC guide to 4H...]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>Where can your children have fun outdoors and learn lots about animals at the same time for free? Check out the YLC guide to 4H <em>gårdar </em>in Stockholm!</h2>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-16744" alt="201795 10150551947135584 885445 o 4H Farms in Stockholm" src="http://yourlivingcity.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/201795_10150551947135584_885445_o.jpg" width="640" height="317" title="4H Farms in Stockholm" /></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff9900;">You may also like:</span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong><span style="color: #ff9900;"><a href="http://yourlivingcity.com/your-new-city/ylc-guide-stockholm-special-playgrounds/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff9900;">Stockholm&#8217;s city playgrounds</span></a></span></strong></li>
<li><strong><span style="color: #ff9900;"><a href="http://yourlivingcity.com/activities/family-activities/junibacken-swedish-childs-dreamland" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff9900;">Junibacken – A Swedish Child’s Dreamland</span></a></span></strong></li>
<li><strong><span style="color: #ff9900;"><a href="http://yourlivingcity.com/activities/stockholm-play/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff9900;">Stockholm for kids: Indoor play-centres</span></a></span></strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>4H is a youth organisation, originally started in the United States and now thriving in Sweden. The goal of 4H is to develop citizenship, leadership, responsibility and life skills through experiential learning programs. The name represents four personal development areas of focus for the organization: head, heart, hands, and health. There are over 40 4H <em>gårdar</em> or farms in Sweden, where your child can learn how to care for animals by interactive experience.</strong></p>
<table width="735" border="0" cellpadding="10">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<h2><span style="color: #33cccc;"><a href="http://storaskuggans4hgard.se/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;">Universitetet</span></a></span></h2>
</td>
<td>Storra Skuggans 4H-farm is beautifully situated at Norra Djurgården. The farm also has a lot of member activity on weekdays, weekends and holidays for children of all ages. Animals: mostly native breed animals, but also horses, rabbits, chickens, dogs and miniature pigs. Pony riding on Saturdays at 13:00. Icelandic horse-riding also offered. Children&#8217;s parties: Sundays between 14:00 and 16:00. visit the animals, play games and go treasure hunting. <strong><br />
</strong><a href="http://storaskuggans4hgard.se/">www.storaskuggans4hgard.se</a></p>
<p>Located at Stora skuggans 4H-gård, Stora skuggans väg. 40, 115 42 Stockholm (T-bana: Universitet)Tel No: 08-166206</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h2><span style="color: #33cccc;"><a href="http://www.akalla4h.se/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;">Ak</span></a><a href="http://www.akalla4h.se/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;">alla</span></a></span></h2>
</td>
<td>Akalla 4H Farm dates from the 1700s and is beautifully situated in Akalla village, adjacent to the nature reserve Järvafältet. There are a number of amenities, including the rabbit hotel, café, pottery, miniature golf, playground, barbecue area and paddling pool. Animals include horses, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, ducks, rabbits and cats (and in the spring: lamb and kids). Animals are out in their paddocks every day from 08:30 to 16:30. Pony riding on Sundays at 13:00. Children&#8217;s parties: Saturdays &#8211; pony/trap ride, treasure hunt/fiskdamm (you provide the prizes) and tour of farm. 900 SEK base price (up to 10 children). Additional children are 80 SEK each up to a maximum of 20 children.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.akalla4h.se/">www.akalla4h.se</a></p>
<p>Located at Akalla 4H-gård, Torneågatan, Akalla By, 164 78 Kista (T-bana: Akalla)<br />
Open Monday to Sunday from 08:30 to 16:30<br />
Tel No: 0739400498</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h2><span style="color: #33cccc;"><a href="http://www.bjorklundshage4h.se/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;">Bromma</span></a></span></h2>
</td>
<td>4H Björklunds Hage is located in Norra Ängby, Bromma. For children there is a large playground with something for all ages. In the spring there is the opportunity to grill and there are large areas to play on! Animals: horses, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, rabbits and cats.<strong><br />
</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.bjorklundshage4h.se/">www.bjorklundshage4h.se</a><br />
Located at Björklunds Hage 4H, Liljegrensvägen, Norra Ängby, Bromma (T-bana: Islandstorget)<br />
Tel No: 08-579749 00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h2><span style="color: #33cccc;"><a href="http://www.eolshalls4h.com/Engelsk/index.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;">Hägersten</span></a></span></h2>
</td>
<td><a href="http://www.eolshalls4h.com/Engelsk/index.htm" target="_blank">Eolshälls 4H-farm</a>, is beautifully situated on Lake Mälaren. We take care of all the farm animals, we jump obstacles with rabbit, paddle, working in the garden, riding, drive horse-drawn carriages, learn different crafts and much more! Animals: horses, cats, sheep, cows, chickens and rabbits.<strong><br />
</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.eolshalls4h.com/Engelsk/index.htm">www.eolshalls4h.com</a></p>
<p>Located at Eolshälls 4H, Eolshällsvägen 10, 129 37 Hägersten (T-bana: Axelsberg)Tel No:  08-646 14 12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h2><span style="color: #33cccc;"><a href="http://www.augustendals4h.se/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;">Huvudsta</span></a></span></h2>
</td>
<td>Augustendalsvägen 4H-farm is located in Solna, close to Ulvsundasjön and Huvudsta castle. Young children can play in the sandbox, playground or swing set, while bigger kids can climb in the woods and building huts or ride the zip-line. Animals: goats, sheep, horses, cats, rabbits and chickens. The animals are out in the pastures every day from approx. 8:00 to 16:30. Children&#8217;s parties: Saturday rental between 12:00 and 18:00 &#8211; flat fee of 800 SEK for hire of the <em>lokal</em>.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.augustendals4h.se/">www.augustendals4h.se</a></p>
<p>Located at Augustendals 4H-gård, Huvudsta allé, Solna (T-bana: Huvudsta / Västra Skogen)<br />
Tel No: 08-836985</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h2><span style="color: #33cccc;"><a href="http://www.kallhall4h.se/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;">Järfälla</span></a></span></h2>
</td>
<td>Charming 4H farm with rabbit hotel, guided tours, grooming contests, rabbit jumping, courses and activities. Animals:<span style="line-height: 19px;"> horses, sheep, cats, goats, chickens and rabbits. The animals can be seen in their paddocks every day from about 9:00 to 16:00. Pony rides every Sunday at 13.15. </span>Children&#8217;s parties: May-Sept, Saturdays and Sundays from 14:00 to 15:30. Includes pony rides, petting farm animals and an exciting treasure hunt. 800 SEK for up to 10 children and 75 SEK per child thereafter.<strong><br />
</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.kallhall4h.se/">www.kallhall4h.se</a></p>
<p>Located at Kallhälls 4HGård, Termovägen 2, 176 77 Järfälla (bus from Kallhälls or Jakobsberg Station)<br />
Tel No: 0707624342</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h2><span style="color: #33cccc;"><a href="http://www.spangabys4h.se/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;">Spånga</span></a></span></h2>
</td>
<td>The farm is located in Spångavägen / Tensta and dates from the 1800s. There is also a café, mini golf, playground, adapted for all, barbeque area and paddling pool with a &#8220;little bridge&#8221;. Animals: calves, sheep, goats, hens, rabbits and horses. The animals are out in their paddocks between 09:00 to 16:00. Pony riding on Saturdays at 14:00. Children&#8217;s parties: Saturdays and Sundays. Pony/trap ride, treasure hunt/fiskdamm (you provide the prizes) and tour of farm. 900 SEK base price (up to 10 children). Additional children are 80 SEK each up to a maximum of 20 children. Room hire only &#8211; 500 SEK.<strong><br />
</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.spangabys4h.se/">www.spangabys4h.se</a></p>
<p>Located at Spånga by 4H-gård, Holmingegränd 8, 16361 Spånga (T-bana: Tensta)<br />
Tel No: 076 592 08 38</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h2><span style="color: #33cccc;"><a href="http://www.hagelby4h.se/news_1.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;">Tumba</span></a></span></h2>
</td>
<td>We are located in scenic Hågelbyparken in Botkyrkavägen. We also undertake to look after small pets whilst you go on holiday and sell bedding and food for pets. Animals: horses, sheep, goats, mini-pigs, chickens, rabbits and cats. Animals are out in their paddocks every day from 08:30 to 16:00. Pony riding on Sundays. Children&#8217;s parties: Saturdays and Sundays for 2-hour slots &#8211; pony ride, premises and tour of farm. 100 SEK per child (minimum 1,000 SEK base price). Food at party for 50 SEK extra per child (minimum 1,500 SEK base).</p>
<p><a href="http://www.hagelby4h.se/">www.hagelby4h.se</a></p>
<p>Located at Hågelby 4H-gård, Hågelby Gård, 147 43 Tumba (bus from Tumba Station or Alby (Lagman Hill))</p>
<p>Tel No: 08-531713 70</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h2><span style="color: #33cccc;"><a href="http://www.vallentuna4h.se/vallentuna4h.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;">Vallentuna</span></a></span></h2>
</td>
<td>Vallentuna 4H Farm is located north of Vallentuna on Ekebyvägen &#8211; surrounded the forest, residential areas and meadows / grasslands. Animals:<span style="line-height: 19px;"> Sheep, goats, horses, rabbits, cats and pigs. Pony rides every Sunday at 13:00.</span><strong><br />
</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.vallentuna4h.se/vallentuna4h.html">www.vallentuna4h.se</a></p>
<p>Located at Vallentuna 4H Farm, Ekebyvägen, 186 34 Vallentuna (Ormsta station)<br />
Tel No: 08-511790 13</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://yourlivingcity.com/activities/4h-farms-stockholm/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Norwegian National Day in Stockholm: 17th May</title>
		<link>http://yourlivingcity.com/your-new-city/norwegian-national-day-stockholm/</link>
		<comments>http://yourlivingcity.com/your-new-city/norwegian-national-day-stockholm/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 15 May 2013 05:00:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Farrah Gillani</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Events]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Expat Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Expat Traditions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Your New City]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://yourlivingcity.com/?p=16670</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Nasjonaldagen (National Day) is a momentous day in the Norwegian calendar. In neighbour capital Stockholm, 10,000 people participate in the festivities every year. Here&#8217;s your chance to be...]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2><em>Nasjonaldagen</em> (National Day) is a momentous day in the Norwegian calendar. In neighbour capital Stockholm, 10,000 people participate in the festivities every year. Here&#8217;s your chance to be one of them in 2013!</h2>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-16672" alt="Flaggborg 17mai Norwegian National Day in Stockholm: 17th May" src="http://yourlivingcity.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Flaggborg_17mai.jpg" width="640" height="250" title="Norwegian National Day in Stockholm: 17th May" /></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ffcc00;">You may also like:</span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ffcc00;"><a title="Recipe of the Week: Fårikål" href="http://yourlivingcity.com/expat-life/recipe-week-farikal/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffcc00;">Recipe of the Week: Fårikål</span></a></span><span style="color: #ffcc00;"><span style="color: #ffcc00;"><a title="Recipe of the Week: Fårikål" href="http://yourlivingcity.com/expat-life/recipe-week-farikal/" target="_blank"><br />
</a></span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #ffcc00;"><a title="Recipe of the Week: Pannekaker" href="http://yourlivingcity.com/expat-life/expat-cookbook/recipe-week-pannekaker/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffcc00;">Recipe of the Week: Pannekaker</span></a></span></strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>A Brief History of the Constitution</h2>
<p>Norway was on Boney&#8217;s side in the Napoleonic wars, which meant, when the wars were over, it was handed over to Sweden by the Danes. Nothing daunted and bent on forging their own destiny, the Norwegians (headed by crown-prince Christian Frederik) declared themselves an independent nation and Europe&#8217;s oldest single-document national constitution was signed on May 17th, 1814. Norway was no longer to be treated as a Swedish conquest but rather as an equal party in a union of two independent states. Both the principle and substance of the Norwegian Constitution were accepted, and Norway retained its own parliament and separate institutions, except for the common king and foreign service. This was considered radically democratic in its day, taking its inspiration from the French revolution and the United States&#8217; Declaration of Independence.</p>
<p><em>Nasjonaldagen</em> (National Day), or more simply, <em>syttende mai</em> (May 17th), therefore marks a momentous day in the Norwegian calendar. It is markedly non-military, usually involving parades of children. The longest parade is obviously held in Oslo, where some 100,000 people travel to the city centre to participate in the main festivities and to hopefully get a wave from the royal family, who observe the spectacle from the main balcony. It is also common for Norwegians living abroad to gather and celebrate, particularly in Stockholm, where some 10,000 people participate every year. This is your chance to join in the fun in 2013!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Norwegian Day Programme in Stockholm</h2>
<p><span><strong>09:30</strong> Music in <span style="color: #33cccc;"><em><a href="http://kungstradgarden.se/web/17_e_maj.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;"><strong>Kungsträdgården</strong> </span></a></em></span>from Stockholm&#8217;s Police band</span></p>
<p><strong>10.00</strong> Official opening by Norwegian Ambassador Anne K. Lund, greetings from the mayor and a speech from Norway&#8217;s Prime Minister. Sing-along to &#8220;<em>Ja, vi elsker</em>&#8220; and &#8221;<em>Du gamla, du fria</em>&#8220;. A message from His Majesty, King Harald V. </span></p>
<p><strong>11:00</strong> The parade runs from Kungsträdgården to open air museum <span style="color: #33cccc;"><em><a href="http://www.skansen.se/sv/aktivitet/norges-nationaldag" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;"><strong>Skansen</strong> </span></a></em></span>on the island of Djurgården (free entry to Skansen for all those in the parade)</p>
<p><strong>12:15</strong> Games for both children and adults at <em>Tingsvallen, </em> Skansen. Opportunity to eat <em>laks</em> and <em>pølse i lompe.</em></p>
<p><strong>13.00</strong> Folk dance with dancers from the Norwegian Folk Museum</p>
<p><strong>14.00</strong> The program ends, but the fun doesn&#8217;t! Go to <span style="color: #33cccc;"><em><a href="http://www.ansa.no/ANSAland/Sverige/Nyheter2/ANSA-Sverige-inviterer-til-17maifeiring-pa-Naprapathogskolan/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;"><strong>Naprapathögskolan*</strong> </span></a></em></span>(Take bus 40 or 70 to Albano) at 10pm for a whopping 17 May celebration!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>*Register in advance <span style="color: #33cccc;"><strong><a href="http://www.ansa.no/ANSAland/Sverige/Nyheter2/ANSA-Sverige-inviterer-til-17maifeiring-pa-Naprapathogskolan/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;">here</span></a></strong></span>.</p>
<h2>Article: Farrah Gillani</h2>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://yourlivingcity.com/your-new-city/norwegian-national-day-stockholm/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Parenting in a foreign land – Part 2</title>
		<link>http://yourlivingcity.com/expat-life/expat-support/parenting-foreign-land-part-2/</link>
		<comments>http://yourlivingcity.com/expat-life/expat-support/parenting-foreign-land-part-2/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 14 May 2013 05:00:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Farrah Gillani</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Expat Support]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parenting]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://yourlivingcity.com/?p=16561</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Lysanne Sizoo looks at multilingualism, schools and some typical character traits of so-called Third Culture Kids (TCKs)]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>In the second part of &#8216;parenting international children&#8217;, Lysanne Sizoo looks at multilingualism, choosing a local or international school and the pros and cons of some typical character traits of so-called Third Culture Kids (TCKs).</h2>
<div id="attachment_16562" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 650px"><img class="size-full wp-image-16562" alt="lena+granefelt midsummer+celebration 1061 Parenting in a foreign land – Part 2" src="http://yourlivingcity.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/lena+granefelt-midsummer+celebration-1061.jpg" width="640" height="249" title="Parenting in a foreign land – Part 2" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Lena Granefelt/imagebank.sweden.se</p></div>
<p><span id="more-16561"></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffcc00;">You may also like:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><strong><span style="line-height: 12.997159004211426px; color: #ffcc00;"><a href="http://yourlivingcity.com/education/living-sweden-stockholm-international-school-listing/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffcc00;">English speaking preschools in Sweden</span></a><br />
</span></strong></li>
<li><strong><span style="color: #ffcc00;"><a href="http://yourlivingcity.com/education/stockholm-international-schools-age-5" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffcc00;">English speaking schools in Sweden</span></a></span></strong></li>
<li><strong><span style="color: #ffcc00;"><a href="http://yourlivingcity.com/education/finding-school-child" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffcc00;">Finding the right school for your child</span></a></span></strong></li>
</ul>
<p>In the <a href="http://yourlivingcity.com/expat-life/parenting-foreign-land" target="_blank">previous article</a>, I described how raising international children demands more of you as parents, in terms of time and awareness. In this essay, I want to take up some of the questions I am often asked by cross-cultural parents; the issue of multiple languages, choosing a local or an international school, dealing with mono-cultural friends and finally, some typical personality traits that might or might not mask a deeper need for being a ‘normal’ child.</p>
<p>‘Third Culture Kids’ (TCKs) is a term that has been used since the 1950s to describe children that do not grow up in their parents’ home culture. The idea is that the ‘third culture’ is neither the home, nor the host culture, but a parallel culture, shared by other ‘global nomads’, who carry home in their heart, rather than linking it to a geographical place.</p>
<p><!--more--></p>
<h2></h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>Bi-lingual or even tri-lingual?</strong></h2>
<p>According to Christina Bosemark, founder of the <a href="http://www.multilingualchildren.org/" target="_blank">Multilingual Children&#8217;s Association</a>, a child needs to be exposed to a language for at least 30% of the time to begin to master it fluently. We thought we would give our son the best start in life linguistically, teaching him Dutch, Swedish and English. The confusion started when both my husband and I (not speaking one another’s languages), would have to translate the latest communication with our son for the benefit of<em> each other</em>. I soon found myself doing the double-language act at the doctor’s surgery and playgroups too, just in case people thought I’d told my son to beat their little Johnny over the head, instead of telling him to share nicely. All in all, it became rather tiresome, and when our son chose to speak his first words in English, we eventually dropped our ambitious plan and turned English into our ‘family language’ (the second most common approach). When we moved to Sweden, he quickly adopted their language as his second, becoming fluent in both. British psychologist Penelope Leach won my heart when she repeatedly told nervous mums and dads; “if it works for you, it will work for the baby”. And I truly believe this applies to multilingualism as well.</p>
<p>Pitfalls to avoid are spousal hurt feelings when one partner feels left out because s/he doesn’t speak the language of the other. Another is getting too ambitious and overburdening the child with more than the 30% rule can handle. Patience is also important, since multilingual children sometimes develop more slowly linguistically. Remember, if you feel you want the support of other mums and children that are speaking your language, then you can either find or set up a mono-lingual mother and toddlers group, using <a href="https://www.facebook.com/yourlivingcity" target="_blank">Facebook</a> or <a href="http://yourlivingcity.com/activities/mad-meetups/" target="_blank">meetups</a>. And most of all, keep asking yourself, “is it my need or theirs” when pushing your culture/language on to a reluctant child. People ask me if I mind that the Dutch language was lost in our parenting. And no, I really don’t mind. If and when the time is right, our son can explore some of his Dutch roots, if it works for him.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>A Swedish or International School</strong></h2>
<blockquote>
<h1>The drawbacks of international schools are often the advantages of local schools, and vice-versa. While at an international school, your third or cross-culture child will be socialising with like-minded individuals, they will also have to deal with friends coming and going, as families transition from one posting to another. In the local school they are likely to have the same friends for extended periods of time, but come up against the mono-cultural obsession with ‘where are you from?’</h1>
</blockquote>
<p>Even non-Swedish expat parents consider the ‘local’ school as a viable option to the traditional international school option. And we’re lucky that in Sweden, the land of <em>både/och</em> (and/and), it is even possible to have a combination of both!</p>
<p>The drawbacks of international schools are often the advantages of local schools, and visa versa. While at an international school, your third or cross-culture child will be socialising with like-minded individuals, they will also have to deal with friends coming and going, as families transition from one posting to another. In the local school they are likely to have the same friends for extended periods of time, but come up against the mono-cultural obsession with ‘where are you from?’</p>
<p>Another thing to consider is the Swedish curriculum, which can be very different from other countries. Children don’t start formal school until the age of 7. This gives plenty of ‘growing time’ for social interaction and creative play. You know your child best. If s/he’s a late bloomer, then maybe the Swedish school system will support them better. If academic rigour is important, especially with a view to further moves, then the international curriculum will make more sense.</p>
<p>When it comes to communicating with the local, mono-cultural kids <em>after </em>school, there is often an issue about hanging on to your own cultural values and norms when ‘the locals’ come to play. It’s a generalization, but in my experience Swedish children are not raised as rigorously in the ‘please and thank you’ culture as, for example, English children. In our house I made a link between <em>speaking </em>English and <em>behaving </em>like ‘the English’ (again, another generalization). Approached in a light hearted way, with a sensitivity to teaching them about other cultures, it can be a fun and interesting experience for both parents and children.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>Personality characteristics of TCKs</strong></h2>
<p>When I teach the TCK workshops, I always put up the ‘typical traits’ of TCKs as a spectrum, or a set of dualisms. For example, being psychologically mature can be a great asset, but if it means your child feels that they can&#8217;t ever be decidedly immature, silly and even despairing, then the positive trait has gone too far. In one of the TCK videos that I share, a girl explains how she felt she could never express to her parents that she was finding it really hard to cope at times, “because I know I was supposed to be so grateful for the experience they were giving me, that I didn’t want to disappoint them”. That’s taking psychological maturity to a level where it is damaging to the child’s self-esteem.</p>
<blockquote>
<h1>&#8230;be aware that while many TCKs develop excellent personality traits due to their cross cultural experience, be vigilant that these traits don’t stand in the way of &#8216;normal&#8217; childlike behaviour</h1>
</blockquote>
<p>An area of disconnect between multicultural and mono-cultural kids is that the former tend to have a broader world view than the latter, since they have two culturally distinct forces at play in their upbringing. This needn&#8217;t be a problem and it&#8217;s good to speak to the school about this; wise teachers will make use of this broader experience, rather than feeling threatened by it. Where it gets more serious is with an international child that has had experience of living in countries that suffer from war, famine or natural disasters. They will have a far deeper, emotional connection with the suffering of people there, than mono-cultural kids, for whom it remains more abstract. There have been instances of which I am aware in my role as a councillor, where children have been told by their peers that they are acting ‘over the top’ when new natural disasters or famines hit the headlines. It’s not the fault of either the mono-cultural or the TCKs, but sensitive parenting and teaching can help sort out the feelings of confusion, when TCKs feel made fun of by their local friends.</p>
<p>International kids know how to make the most of their time and tend to relate very quickly at a very deep level. Around issues of identity and even loss, they understand one another better than anyone. Friendships can be formed very quickly and intensively, which is rewarding for your child. However, diving in at the relational deep end with a local kid might not be either culturally or individually ‘right’; before you know it, they&#8217;ve run a mile from this ‘intense’ foreign kid. If this is experiencd often enough, it can lead to avoidance of social contact altogether, especially with international children that have experienced multiple moves and upheavals. These TCKs can begin to experience feelings of loneliness and isolation and often need to express their grief at the many losses they have already suffered.</p>
<p>Another well-known character development is the growing ability to adapt and adjust. TCKs grow long sensitive antennas that alert them to what is expected and how to behave in each new environment. Adaptability is great, but when you become such a chameleon that you no longer know the core of your own identity, it becomes incredibly difficult to be centred. It is up to us, as parents, to look at what’s below the surface, to be vigilant for the extremes, and to continue to invite our TCKs to be, if they need to be, immature and robustly <em>non</em>-adaptable at times.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>In summary</strong></h2>
<p>When it comes to languages skills, it has to work for all parties involved: mum, dad and especially the child. There is no &#8216;right&#8217; or &#8216;wrong&#8217; way; there’s just your family’s unique way. When it comes to schooling, think of the academic as well as the social aspects and make use of the ‘golden mean’ that exists in Sweden: a local school with an international flavour. Be aware of the cultural bumps that choosing a local school might add to the mix and solve them creatively and with respect for your own family culture. And finally, be aware that while many TCKs develop excellent personality traits due to their cross cultural experience, be vigilant that these traits don’t stand in the way of &#8216;normal&#8217; childlike behaviour. Actively encourage your child to express how they experience their cross-cultural adventure, without judgement and without letting your own needs stand in the way of theirs.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Further reading:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.multilingualchildren.org/" target="_blank">Christina Bosemark</a>’s webpage, founder of the Multilingual Children&#8217;s Association</p>
<p><a href="http://tckid.com/" target="_blank">A Home for Third Culture Kids</a></p>
<blockquote><p>DISCLAIMER<br />
These articles are a composite of my personal, my colleagues&#8217; and<br />
clients&#8217; experiences in order to protect recognition. All therapeutic<br />
meetings are Turning Point are confidential, and specific content would<br />
never be shared in a public forum.</p></blockquote>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em><strong>If you have any specific questions about <a href="http://yourlivingcity.com/category/expat-life/expat-support/parenting" target="_blank">parenting in a foreign land</a>, or indeed other issues that you would like Lysanne to consider in her articles, please contact her <a href="http://yourlivingcity.com/?p=13833" target="_blank">here </a>(anonymity will always be preserved). </strong></em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.eng.turning-point.se/show.asp?si=517&amp;go=HOME" target="_blank"><img alt="Logo Liggande.RGB  Parenting in a foreign land – Part 2" src="http://yourlivingcity.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Logo_Liggande.RGB_.jpg" width="640" height="277" title="Parenting in a foreign land – Part 2" /></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>Lysanne Sizoo is the founder and director of <a href="http://www.eng.turning-point.se/show.asp?si=517&amp;go=HOME" target="_blank">Turning Point</a>, the only international counselling centre in Stockholm. In 2008 she obtained her psychotherapy license from the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy. She has been practising as a counsellor and psychotherapist since 1997, specialising in the field of cross cultural issues, as well as fertility, bereavement, parenting, anxiety and stress management.</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Article: <a href="http://yourlivingcity.com/?p=13833" target="_blank">Lysanne Sizoo</a></h2>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://yourlivingcity.com/expat-life/expat-support/parenting-foreign-land-part-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Loppisar: Stockholm&#8217;s second-hand markets</title>
		<link>http://yourlivingcity.com/shopping-services/stockholms-hand-markets/</link>
		<comments>http://yourlivingcity.com/shopping-services/stockholms-hand-markets/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 May 2013 05:00:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Farrah Gillani</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Shopping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Speciality Shops]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://yourlivingcity.com/?p=3772</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Looking for a bargain in Stockholm? Loppmarknad, or loppis for short, are flea markets that pop up around the city! ]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2 style="text-align: justify;">The summer flea-market season is upon us with outdoor markets re-opening across the city. Whether you’re looking for a place to tout some of your castoffs or searching for a good bargain on some vintage treasures, visiting one of Stockholm&#8217;s many <em>loppisar</em> is the best way!</h2>
<p><a href="http://yourlivingcity.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Loppis-market-second-hand-shopping.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-16655" alt="Loppis market second hand shopping Loppisar: Stockholms second hand markets" src="http://yourlivingcity.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Loppis-market-second-hand-shopping.jpg" width="650" height="350" title="Loppisar: Stockholms second hand markets" /></a></p>
<p>One of the biggest flea markets in Stockholm and perhaps in Sweden is called <span style="color: #33cccc;"><a title="Flea Market Vårberg" href="http://www.loppmarknaden.se/index.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;">Loppmarknaden</span></a> </span>(The Flea Market in English). It is a permanent type indoor flea market, located in <span style="color: #33cccc;"><a title="Vårberg on the map" href="https://maps.google.com/maps?q=V%C3%A5rberg+centrum,+Sweden&amp;hl=en&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;sll=37.0625,-95.677068&amp;sspn=35.410182,78.925781&amp;oq=V%C3%A5rberg+Centrum&amp;hnear=V%C3%A5rberg+centrum&amp;t=m&amp;z=15" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;">Vårberg</span></a></span>. It is an ongoing flea market and is open 7 days a week, between 11 am and 6 pm Monday through Friday, from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday and 11 am to 4 pm on Sunday, and is several thousand square meters in size.</p>
<p>Another good ongoing flea market, takes place on Sundays at <span style="color: #33cccc;"><a title="Hötorget" href="https://maps.google.com/maps?q=H%C3%B6torget,+Stockholm,+Sweden&amp;hl=en&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;sll=37.0625,-95.677068&amp;sspn=35.410182,78.925781&amp;oq=h%C3%B6torget,+sto&amp;hnear=H%C3%B6torget,+111+57+Stockholm,+Sweden&amp;t=m&amp;z=15" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;"><strong>Hötorget</strong></span></a></span>; there are a variety of vendors, selling items from fresh produce to small trinkets and clothing. It is great place to get a bargain.</p>
<p>From the end of May to the beginning of October, a car-boot sale takes place in the parking lot outside Stockholm&#8217;s horse racing tracks<span style="color: #33cccc;"> <a title="Täby Galopp on the map" href="https://maps.google.com/maps?q=T%C3%A4by+Galopp,+Sweden&amp;hl=en&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;sll=59.451096,18.078947&amp;sspn=0.022205,0.077076&amp;oq=t%C3%A4by+&amp;hq=T%C3%A4by+Galopp,+Sweden&amp;t=m&amp;z=15" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;">Täby Galopp</span></a> </span>on Saturdays and Sundays between 11am and 4pm. Aficionados of the <span style="color: #33cccc;"><a title="Täby Galopp" href="http://www.tabyloppis.com/oppet/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;">Täby Galopp Drive-in Loppis</span></a></span> say there is no better place to get a good bargain!</p>
<h4><span style="color: #33cccc;">However, there are also a variety of flea markets, both indoor and outdoor, that occasionally pop up around Stockholm. To find out when and where &#8211; check out the following links: </span></h4>
<p><span style="color: #33cccc;"><a href="http://www.svenskaloppisar.se/sok.asp?lan=1&amp;kommun=0" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;">www.svenskaloppisar.se</span></a></span> is a really great place to find different flea markets around Stockholm and all around Sweden. Just plug in whatever area you are looking for, if you want to see if there is a flea market in your area at the time.</p>
<p>Another great site is <span style="color: #33cccc;"><a href="www.stockholmsmarknader.se" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;">www.stockholmsmarknader.se</span></a></span> which shows a calendar of upcoming and ongoing flea markets and even several drive-in flea markets, as well as courses that you can go to to learn about the flea market and how you can even learn how to find a great bargain.</p>
<p>You can also check out <span style="color: #33cccc;"><a title="www.gratisistockholm.nu" href=" http://www.gratisistockholm.nu/showObjects.aspx?categoriesId=11" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;">www.gratisistockholm.se</span></a> </span>for more upcoming flea markets.</p>
<p><a href="http://yourlivingcity.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/loppis.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-3780" title="loppis" alt="loppis 300x198 Loppisar: Stockholms second hand markets" src="http://yourlivingcity.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/loppis-300x198.jpg" width="300" height="198" /></a><span style="color: #33cccc;">A few tips for Stockholm flea markets:</span></p>
<p>* Get there early to get first pick of the best wears.<br />
* Don&#8217;t be afraid to barter.<br />
* Bring cash and your own shopping bags, most tables will not have bags for  you.<br />
* There are usually big crowds, so be prepared for this if taking children.<br />
* If you are planning on setting up a table, reserve a spot in advance. Most flea markets will have a phone number or website where you can do so. Usually you are required to pay a moderate fee for a spot.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Stil feel out of your comfort zone? Never fear, there is help at hand! If you want to learn how to pick out a real bargain (and feel comfortable enough in your Swedish) <span style="color: #33cccc;"><a title="Loppis course" href="http://www.stockholmsmarknader.se/kurser/kurs2.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;">Stockholmsmarknader </span></a></span>have been arranging weekend courses in how to pick out the gems from the tat. For those that want to make a holiday out of it, <span style="color: #33cccc;"><a title="Loppissafari" href="http://www.storaskalhem.se/loppissafari/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;">Loppissafari </span></a></span>might be just the ticket. Three hours drive from Stockholm guests are treated to a guided tour of the nearby markets: a total of 2-3 days of loppis-shopping and a stay in a traditional Swedish cottage to boot.</p>
<h2>Happy hunting!</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4>Stefanie Lundberg</h4>
<p>Follow <span style="color: #33cccc;"><a title="Twitter" href="https://twitter.com/YourLivingCity" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;">YourLivingCity</span></a> </span>on Twitter here!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://yourlivingcity.com/shopping-services/stockholms-hand-markets/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>8</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Recipe of the Week: Fårikål</title>
		<link>http://yourlivingcity.com/expat-life/recipe-week-farikal/</link>
		<comments>http://yourlivingcity.com/expat-life/recipe-week-farikal/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 12 May 2013 05:00:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Farrah Gillani</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Expat Cookbook]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Expat Life]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://yourlivingcity.com/?p=16479</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Fårikål literally means 'sheep in cabbage' and the secret to getting this dish perfect is simple. Plain ingredients, excellent quality will make your fårikål the best in town.]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2><em>Fårikål </em>literally means &#8216;sheep in cabbage&#8217; and the secret to getting this dish perfect is the quality of both of those ingredients. Plain ingredients, excellent quality will make your fårikål the best in town.</h2>
<h2><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-16483" alt="1656899862 7f4be0efdd z Recipe of the Week: Fårikål" src="http://yourlivingcity.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/1656899862_7f4be0efdd_z.jpg" width="640" height="317" title="Recipe of the Week: Fårikål" /></span></h2>
<p><span id="more-16479"></span></p>
<p><strong>Traditionally, fårikål is made in September, when Norwegian shepherds would bring their sheep down from the mountains. Their diet had not just consisted of grass but all the wild herbs, giving them a delicious flavour. Try and get an organic, locally-sourced piece of meat, where you know the sheep have been treated well. As for the cabbage, find one from the market, but don&#8217;t be tempted to buy a fancy variety. </strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p>
<p>2 kg shoulder of lamb or mutton (shank or neck will also do), cut into 3cm slice but still on the bone<br />
2 kg green cabbage<br />
500ml water<br />
5 tsp whole black peppercorns<br />
2 tsp Salt, or to taste<br />
Boiled potatoes, to serve</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Directions</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>Cut the cabbage into around 15 chunky wedges, down the core. This is important as the core holds the leaves together and will stop the cabbage from disintegrating.</li>
<li>Pour the water into a large casserole pot, then put down a layer of lamb, fat side down.  Then add a layer of cabbage on top and season with salt and some of the whole peppercorns. Repeat this layering process until you have used up all the ingredients, finishing up with a final layer of cabbage.</li>
<li>Cover, pop on the stove and bring to the boil, then turn the heat right down to a low simmer. Cook for 2-3 hours until the lamb falls off the bone, taking care to ensure the water doesn&#8217;t run dry.</li>
<li>Serve piping hot with boiled potatoes and the juices from the pot poured over the top.</li>
</ol>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><span style="color: #33cccc;">Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/placbo/1656899862/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;">placbo</span></a></span></h2>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://yourlivingcity.com/expat-life/recipe-week-farikal/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Hot on the porridge: The YLC guide to Swedish expressions</title>
		<link>http://yourlivingcity.com/your-new-city/guide-swedish-expressions-food/</link>
		<comments>http://yourlivingcity.com/your-new-city/guide-swedish-expressions-food/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 May 2013 05:00:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rebecca</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Expat Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Swedish Culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Your New City]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://yourlivingcity.com/?p=16572</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Daunted by navigating the well-filled pantry of Swedish sayings? We're here to help! ]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>Ever worried that you are too hot on the porridge or that the boiled pork is really fried? Daunted by navigating the well-filled pantry of Swedish sayings? We’re here to help! Check out part 2 of the YLC top five  Swedish expressions you may come across while in Sweden.</h2>
<p><a href="http://yourlivingcity.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/cream.whipped.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-16597" alt="cream.whipped Hot on the porridge: The YLC guide to Swedish expressions" src="http://yourlivingcity.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/cream.whipped.jpg" width="650" height="350" title="Hot on the porridge: The YLC guide to Swedish expressions" /></a></p>
<h3>5. Cream on root vegetables?</h3>
<p>When Swedes want to talk about something that really made an experience perfect, they say it was the &#8220;cream on top of the mash&#8221; (<em>grädden på moset</em>). No icing on cakes for these guys! However, if something is seen as being a bit too much they turn to the lighter snacks and say it&#8217;s “biscuit on the biscuit”, (<i>kaka på kaka</i>).</p>
<p>Example:</p>
<p><strong>Swede 1:</strong> <em>I am so glad we booked tickets for the ABBA museum while visiting Stockholm &#8211; it will really be the cream on the mashed potatoes!</em></p>
<p><strong>Swede 2:</strong> <em>Yes, I was worried  that among all the other ABBA-related tours we&#8217;re taking, it would be like biscuit on biscuit but I was wrong – lets make sure we manage a trip to IKEA as well!</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="http://yourlivingcity.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/bacon.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-16595" alt="bacon Hot on the porridge: The YLC guide to Swedish expressions" src="http://yourlivingcity.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/bacon.jpg" width="650" height="350" title="Hot on the porridge: The YLC guide to Swedish expressions" /></a></p>
<h3>4. Boiling versus frying one’s pork</h3>
<p>When real disaster strikes, Swedes will express concern about what cooking method has been used to prepare the bacon. “Now the boiled pork is fried!&#8221; (<em>Nu är det kokta fläsket stekt!</em>) indicates that something&#8217;s gone terribly wrong.</p>
<p><strong>Swede 1</strong>: <em>Did you remember to pack the tickets to the ABBA museum?</em></p>
<p><strong>Swede 2</strong>: <em>NO! I can’t believe it! Now the boiled pork is really fried!</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="http://yourlivingcity.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/fish.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-16596" alt="fish Hot on the porridge: The YLC guide to Swedish expressions" src="http://yourlivingcity.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/fish.jpg" width="650" height="350" title="Hot on the porridge: The YLC guide to Swedish expressions" /></a></p>
<h3>3. Hot fish and other buns?</h3>
<p>So, you actually did forget to pack the tickets to the ABBA museum? In Sweden, when life is about to get difficult, one &#8220;get one’s fish hot&#8221; (<em>få sina fiskar varma</em>). Those really unfortunate might even get “to see other buns” (<em>se på andra bullar</em>) -  indicating that the kid gloves are completely off.</p>
<p><strong>Swede 1:</strong> <em>You forgot the tickets?!! Now you will get your fish hot! From now on I won’t trust you with anything, you will really get to see some other buns!</em></p>
<p><strong>Swede 2:</strong> <em>… (gulp)</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="http://yourlivingcity.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/porridge.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-16598" alt="porridge Hot on the porridge: The YLC guide to Swedish expressions" src="http://yourlivingcity.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/porridge.jpg" width="650" height="350" title="Hot on the porridge: The YLC guide to Swedish expressions" /></a></p>
<h3>2. Keeping your porridge the right side of cinnamon</h3>
<p>Bumped into an Agnetha Fältskog/Björn Ulvaeus look-alike you want to get to know better, have you? It happens. Mind you don’t get too ”hot on the porridge” (<em>het på gröten</em>). Chances are they will just think you are well and truly ”on the cinnamon” (<em>på kanelen</em>).</p>
<p><strong>Swede 1:</strong> <em>Hey, Ingrid, I’ve had a few schnapps with my sill tonight &#8211;  so forgive me if I am a bit on the cinnamon &#8211; but will you come to the ABBA museum with me tomorrow so I can show you some moves?</em></p>
<p><strong>Swede 2:</strong> <em>You&#8217;re moving too fast Sven</em>, d<em>on’t be too hot on the porridge, we&#8217;ve just met!</em>  <em>ABBA comes later! </em>(Walks off)</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="http://yourlivingcity.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/rhubarb.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-16594" alt="rhubarb Hot on the porridge: The YLC guide to Swedish expressions" src="http://yourlivingcity.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/rhubarb.jpg" width="650" height="350" title="Hot on the porridge: The YLC guide to Swedish expressions" /></a></p>
<h3>1. What’s with the rhubarb?</h3>
<p>Watch out for the Swede who offers to put rhubarb on<em> </em>(<em>lägga rabarber på</em>) any of your belongings! Of course it would be inconvenient enough if they ACTUALLY meant it in the literal sense, but it usually indicates the intention to pinch it! So beware &#8211; if you’re unprepared, he/she will con you as “easy as a small pancake” (<em>lätt som en plätt</em>).</p>
<p><strong>Swede 1:</strong> <em>I have misplaced my IKEA catalogue – do you mind if I put rhubarb on yours?</em></p>
<p><strong>Swede 2:</strong> <em>Keep your hands where I can see them, matey – you can pick a new one up as easy as a small pancake!</em></p>
<h3></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><span style="color: #000000;">For further YLC guides to Swedish expressions &#8211; click</span> <span style="color: #33cccc;"><a title="Owls in the swamp" href="http://yourlivingcity.com/expat-life/sensing-owls-in-the-swamp/#.UYk9246v2SE" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;">here! </span></a> </span></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Article: Rebecca Martin</h3>
<p>Follow <span style="color: #33cccc;"><a title="Twitter" href="https://twitter.com/darlinbec" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;">Rebecca</span></a></span> and <span style="color: #33cccc;"><a title="Twitter" href="https://twitter.com/YourLivingCity" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;">YourLivingCity</span></a></span> on Twitter!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://yourlivingcity.com/your-new-city/guide-swedish-expressions-food/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The YLC guide to summer music festivals in Stockholm</title>
		<link>http://yourlivingcity.com/your-new-city/summer-music-festivals-stockholm/</link>
		<comments>http://yourlivingcity.com/your-new-city/summer-music-festivals-stockholm/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 09 May 2013 05:00:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Pamela Cominetti</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Creative Arts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Events]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lifestyle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Music]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Swedish Culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Your New City]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://yourlivingcity.com/?p=16389</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Summer and music make a perfect combination in Stockholm!  Find the festival that best suits your taste!]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-16393" alt="festival The YLC guide to summer music festivals in Stockholm" src="http://yourlivingcity.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/festival.jpg" width="640" height="250" title="The YLC guide to summer music festivals in Stockholm" /></span></h2>
<h2>Summer and music make a perfect combination in Stockholm: from May until the end of August a number of outdoor festivals will take place in the city, from jazz to rock and pop, there is something for everybody. Check out our guide and find the festival that best suits your music taste!</h2>
<div></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #33cccc;">May</span></span></h2>
<p><strong><span style="color: #33cccc;"> <a href="http://www.gronalund.com/en/Events" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;">Tivoli Gröna Lund</span></a></span><br />
From 2 May until 20 September</strong><br />
From the beginning of May until the end of September, Stockholm&#8217;s amusement park offers concerts of big artists at small prices. This season you can see FUN., Ke$ha, 30 Seconds to Mars or Loreen, among the most popular ones, for only 100 SEK (200 SEK if you enter between 6pm-8.30pm.) There is also a wide selection of Swedish smaller names: personally, I would suggest you don&#8217;t miss The Sounds, Anna Järvinen, The Tallest Man on Earth, The Royal Concept, Urban Cone, Johnossi or Miss Li. If you are into more electronic beats, Icona Pop and Adrian Lux are the ones to go for, while if you are on the hip hop side, Lorentz and Sakarias won&#8217;t disappoint. If you are planning to see more than one concert, you may want to purchase the Gröna Kortet season ticket, which gives you admission to all concerts at Gröna Lund.<br />
<strong>Cost: 100 SEK or 220 SEK for Gröna Kortet season ticket</strong><br />
<strong>……………………………………………</strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #33cccc;"><strong><a href="http://www.dansdakar.se" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;">Dans Dakar</span></a></strong></span><br />
<strong>31 May &#8211; 1 June</strong><br />
A dance and electronic music festival held on the premises of Stockholm University and organized in collaboration with SU&#8217;s student association Humanistiska föreningen. The main concert will take place on June 1, but the party starts already on May 31st at Slakthuset. Some of the coolest artists playing this year: The Prodigy, Swedish duo Rebecca &amp; Fiona and dj-sets by Röyksopp and Justice.<br />
<strong>Cost: 545 SEK or 975 SEK for VIP tickets</strong><br />
<strong>……………………………………………</strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #33cccc;">June</span></strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #33cccc;"><strong><a href="http://makemusiksthlm.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;">Make Music STHLM</span></a></strong></span><br />
<strong>6 June</strong><br />
Organized by the French Institute in Stockholm, Make Music STHLM is the Swedish version of <em>Fête de la Musique</em>, a popular French festival that fills the streets of 350 cities every year. This year, the third time the festival comes to Sweden, the event will take place on Sweden&#8217;s national day at different locations around the city. Keep an eye out for the full program on the Make Music STHLM website.<br />
<strong>Cost: free. After all, Make Music STHLM&#8217;s motto is music for free, for everyone, everywhere</strong> <strong>……………………………………………</strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #33cccc;"><strong><a href="http://www.hultsfredsfestivalen.se/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;">Hultsfredsfestivalen</span></a></strong></span><br />
<strong>13-14-15 June</strong><br />
After some difficult years (the festival was cancelled in 2010 due to bankruptcy), Hultsfred Festival is back with a vengeance AND the most amazing line-up in years. 2013&#8242;s offering is as good as Way Out West&#8217;s one (Sweden´s biggest festival for independent music which takes place every August in Gothenburg). This year Hultsfredsfestivalen moved from Hultsfreds to Stoxa, approximately 40 minutes outside Stockholm. There are too many good artists playing to list them all, but the headliners will be My Bloody Valentine, Phoenix, Arctic Monkeys, Portishead and Kings of Convenience.<br />
<strong>Cost: from 840 SEK for 1-day tickets up to 4035 SEK for VIP Packet + camping. More info <a href="http://www.hultsfredsfestivalen.se/sv/biljetter/" target="_blank">here</a></strong> <strong>……………………………………………</strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #33cccc;">July</span></strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #33cccc;"><strong><a href="http://wwdis.tumblr.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;">WWDIS Summer Fest</span></a></strong></span><br />
<strong>9-10 July</strong><br />
WWDIS stands for <strong>What We Do Is Secret</strong>, the organizer of some of the coolest concerts in Sweden. This summer they are having a two day festival with Swedish and international indie rock and electronic artists playing both in Stockholm at Färgfabriken and Gothenburg.<br />
<strong>Cost: 425 SEK 1-day tickets; 675 SEK festival pass</strong><br />
<strong>…………………………………………… </strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #33cccc;">August</span></strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #33cccc;"><strong><a href="http://stockholmmusicandarts.com/english" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;">Stockholm Music &amp; Arts</span></a></strong></span><br />
<strong>2-3-4 August</strong><br />
Stockholm Music &amp; Art wants to celebrate summer, Stockholm, good music and nice food. This year it will host its event on the beautiful city island Skeppsholmen and feature great artists like Regina Spektor, Prince and First Aid Kit, who won 4 Swedish Grammys last February. At the restaurant Landet you will be offered a delicious menu from fish to BBQ, while at the restaurant Hjerta you can try the best of Swedish cuisine with a French touch.<br />
<strong>Cost: 650 SEK 1-day ticket (Only Friday tickets available: Saturday, Sunday and festival pass are sold out at the moment)</strong><br />
<strong>…………………………………………… </strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #33cccc;"><strong><a href="http://kulturfestivalen.stockholm.se" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;">Stockholm Kulturfestival</span></a></strong></span><br />
<strong>13-18 August</strong><br />
Stockholm Kulturfestival is presented by Stockholms Stad (The City of Stockholm) and for the eighth year running it offers a mix of music (among others Marvin Gaye has played in the past), theatre and everything connected to culture in general. From jazz to rock and African beats, it is impossible not to find anything that matches your music preferences! The main location will be central city square Sergels Torg, but the streets around will also offer different types of performances.<br />
<strong>Cost: free</strong><br />
<strong>…………………………………………… </strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #33cccc;"><strong><a href="http://www.popaganda.se/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;">Popaganda</span></a></strong></span><br />
<strong>30-31 August</strong><br />
Popaganda festival is one of the most important Swedish festivals for independent music. It has been confirmed for this year as well and all we know for the moment is that it will take place at the very end of August, probably at the usual location at Eriksdalsbadet, on Södermalm. Keep an eye out for more info on the website for early bird tickets and news about the line-up.<br />
<strong>Cost: not available yet</strong></p>
<h2><span style="color: #33cccc;">Article: Pamela Cominetti</span><br />
<span style="color: #33cccc;">Photo Credit: </span><span style="color: #33cccc;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mojobaron/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #33cccc;">Mojo Baron</span></a></span></h2>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://yourlivingcity.com/your-new-city/summer-music-festivals-stockholm/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>

<!-- Dynamic page generated in 0.370 seconds. -->
<!-- Cached page generated by WP-Super-Cache on 2013-05-19 14:55:11 -->
