2010-11-16. Published in Uncategorized
by Nina

Despite the convenience of their timing, evening classes can be hard. Whether it is having three hours grouped in one weekly session, or the sudden onset of afternoon exhaustion, getting through evening classes is a tough thing that sometimes requires some serious strategy in any country. Sweden is no exception, but man—this place does kick it up a notch.

First, the cold. I’m sure this changes in the spring when it starts to warm up again (and by spring, I suppose I mean, like, June), but the dipping temperature outside isn’t the most motivating factor when it’s time to get going. When you’re nice and warm in your flat—napping to get over your earlier classes—getting yourself together to even get outside, let alone learn something, is difficult. And when you consider Göteborg’s persistent rainfall (I’d prefer Stockholm’s snow to rain), it’s ridiculous.

Secondly, the dark. Is it just me, or does the onset of darkness at FOUR in the afternoon just promote extreme sleep? I swear, by five in the evening, I’m ready to make dinner, put on Patsy Cline, and go to bed by seven. But when evening classes are pretty much 17.00 to 20.00, forget about it. I’ll confess, too, the darkness even deters my ability to judge time itself. This past week, I was dawdling in a nearby café exactly three hours before my class started, and it got dark so quickly I abandoned my cozy chair and ran for the tram a good hour before class started, thinking I’d be late.

Due to the prevalent nature of these two aspects in Göteborg especially, I’ve found that my previous tactics to get to evening classes have had to change to meet the challenge. Including a thermos of tea almost always helps staying awake and cozy. Changing an outfit, as well, actually does a bit to the subconscious. The best one I’ve discovered so far, though, is taking fika before class. It keeps you away from home, and its lovely, stay-inside-don’t-leave-ever distractions; it gives you a break from what would have been a very academic morning/afternoon; an easy reward for the rest of your night; and the coffee will keep you going.

To paying attention. :-)