Blogs from Gothenburg, Västra Götaland County, Sweden, Europe - page 4

Amy and Brian's Big Scandinavian Adventure started off without a hitch. The flight from DC to Copenhagen and then on ot Gothenburg was easy and comfortable. During the layover in Copenhagen, we hit Starbucks and the barista told Brian he had a lot of energy after such a long flight (2am DC time). Brian saved a poor old guy. who after his own long flight, dropped his monster chocolate chip cookie. Brian got him a replacement and the guy clapped his hands in glee and made us smile. Our energy wouldn't last. In Gothenburg, a driver from Volvo met us at the airport. He reminded us of the "Transporter"...all business. Eventually, he warmed up to our American charms (no he didn't). In Gothenburg, we walked around downtown along the canals. We visited a famous fish market, ... read more

Our penultimate day of the programme and Robin has been flexing his influence again today by arranging a field visit to the new Angered Hospital where they work with reaching out to marginalized groups in order to provide health care for all citizens. We were very fortunate to be able to join an information session arranged for EuroHealthNet, a non profit partnership of organisations, agencies and statutory bodies working to contribute to a healthier Europe by promoting health and health equality between and within European countries. The hospital is literally brand new and only opened its doors at the beginning of last month and on arrival we could appreciate this as it was a modern build, some of the group saying it reminded them of the New College building in Durham. We started to appreciate how ... read more

We had a cancellation in the programme today and as I have such a caring employer they have provided me with all the tools I need to continue working from here I have taken the opportunity to catch up on things at home - a great example of remote working in full effect. So our apprentices have taken the time to provide their feedback on the programme so far: “The first week in Sweden has been fantastic, seen and done some amazing things! Couldn’t be any more grateful for this brilliant opportunity I have been given. Everything we have done has been so interesting I have many highlights through the trip but the science museum is my favourite activity we have done as a group, I have never see anything like it! I had a great ... read more

Its Sunday and a free day for the group so a few of us decided to take the opportunity to visit the Gamla Ullevi football stadium home to IFK Gothenburg along with 3 other teams - GAIS, Orgryte IS and the Sweden womens national football team. Looking into the tickets it was interesting to discover they have a standing area and a dedicated singing area where you are expected to make noise and encourage the team at all times - something I know they have discussed in the English Premier League. There were not many tickets left when we arrived and had the choice of the standing area or a seated area for more general support, we decided on the seats and were really pleased we did more on that later on. The stadium itself holds ... read more

Its crazy to think we have now completed the 1st week of the programme, the whole group agree it has flown over but thats a good indication that everyone is enjoying it lets hope this time next week I don't have some unhappy young people who don't want to leave. We had our earliest start of the week (I can hear the cheers from my colleagues) and it was evident by the group looking a little more tired than normal but it has been a busy week. The reason for the early start was that Robin had arranged for us to visit the urban development building Alvrummet before it opens to the general public and as always we were welcomed with a friendly face and had the whole building to ourselves. The Alvrummet is dedicated to ... read more