Northern Sweden in winter
I've had an utterly fantastic week at my company's operations in northern Sweden, despite the fact that I've done nothing yet but work. The place is like a fairytale winter wonderland. The moon has been huge and low in the sky during the dark, early morning drive to the mine, there's deep snow on the ground and on the trees and the roofs of houses in tiny villages, and I briefly saw a moose! I didn't expect to enjoy the winter experience much, but I'll be really sorry to leave. The coldest it's been was -30C yesterday morning, and the warmest about -8C. I see now that there's nothing to fear from those temperatures if you're sufficiently dressed! I was quite worried about getting off the plane when I arrived in case I instantly snap froze to death, but that didn't occur. I'm going to miss my lunchtime walk with a few others from the office, listening to the funny sound of shoes on packed snow, watching the sunlight sparkling on the snow, and breathing the crisp, still air.
One of the best feelings I know is discovering I really enjoy something I didn't think I'd like! I always end up liking the thing twice as much, to make up for the fact that I prematurely discounted it.
The work has gone well, too, though I'm now doing my regular job at 9pm Friday night. (I'm in a hotel room, overlooking snow-covered pine trees and a frozen lake, feeling technologically advanced on my new laptop, so I'm not complaining!) I got to wear a management consulting hat, which was fun, and a teaching hat, which I enjoy also. The main person I came here to train gave me a hug and a present at the end of the day today, which pleased me! Tomorrow is my day off in the area before I fly to Helsinki to meet briefly with our Finnish financial controller, before coming home via Hong Kong. I have a couple of fun but weather-dependent things to do lined up and will add them to my New Things count if they go ahead!
(This week counts as a New Thing itself: experience well below zero temperatures!)
One of the best feelings I know is discovering I really enjoy something I didn't think I'd like! I always end up liking the thing twice as much, to make up for the fact that I prematurely discounted it.
The work has gone well, too, though I'm now doing my regular job at 9pm Friday night. (I'm in a hotel room, overlooking snow-covered pine trees and a frozen lake, feeling technologically advanced on my new laptop, so I'm not complaining!) I got to wear a management consulting hat, which was fun, and a teaching hat, which I enjoy also. The main person I came here to train gave me a hug and a present at the end of the day today, which pleased me! Tomorrow is my day off in the area before I fly to Helsinki to meet briefly with our Finnish financial controller, before coming home via Hong Kong. I have a couple of fun but weather-dependent things to do lined up and will add them to my New Things count if they go ahead!
(This week counts as a New Thing itself: experience well below zero temperatures!)