I am just about getting the hang of things here...
Umea is designed as much for cyclists/walkers as it is cars, so I have spent a lot of time this weekend travelling on cycle routes to see where I end up... It only takes 10 minutes to get from where i live into the city centre, so of course, I did a bit of shopping there. There's loads of market stalls in town selling all sorts of stuff, i'm not sure if this is the norm or if it's just in place for summer, or maybe the fact that Umea is European Capital of Culture 2014.
On Friday morning I spent time at the ECT department here in Umea. The procedure here is pretty much exactly the same as in Scotland. However, the procedure is carried out and overseen by specialist nurses! and there are less MD professionals present during the procedure. Again, ALL staff were so friendly and welcoming, often switching from speaking Swedish to English purely for my benefit. The lead nurse spent a lot of time teaching me more about the procedure and explaining everything to me. Just like mental health nurses in Scotland, the mental health nurses here too have an excellent sense of humour! I wonder if its a requirement for the job...
We then enjoyed "Fika" and my working day ended about midday.
We then enjoyed "Fika" and my working day ended about midday.
On Friday night I went out with a couple of my room mates, (luckily i still had one of the bottles of wine i had bought at the liquor store), we met up with two more of their friends and travelled between different student accomodation as there were a lot of party's going on this weekend! It is was great to spend a bit of time with people my own age too. It's quite surreal experiencing the social scene here...
For a start they don't get taxi's places or walk...everyone cycles, which is a but dodgy after a few. But so fun all the same, especially because where I am is the "land of the midnight sun" during the summer so it's pretty much always light! it gets a little dark between 1am-2.30am and then it brightens right up again. I also found it strange to be in the company of so many people form so many different countries yet everyone communicates in English! I was with a Norwegian, a Swede, a German, and later on a guy from France and a guy from Spain... but everyone communicates in English - i find this really impressive and also i feel soooo lucky to have English as my mother tongue.
Unfortunately, classes here are now finished, which was the reason for all the party's this weekend! ... so most students, including those I met on Friday are all leaving Umea for the summer!
But starting from tomorrow I will begin full weeks of shifts, and the first of my visitors arrives a week today!
I'm gonna chill out today and catch up on some reading.
I will update as and when!
Thanks, Julie :)
(ALSO, I saw a REALLY massive dog in town and HAD to take a photo!!! seen below.
I am glad your first week has gone so well and you are starting to settle in. It will be interesting to see how your placement differs (if at all) from Scottish placements. See you next week.
ReplyDeleteLesley