Kate Haigh, November 2024. "I like proofreading, so I thought, well, if I set up as a freelancer, I can do this anywhere."
Kate Haigh is wondering about the etiquette of Skellefteå life. Those things you want to know about fitting in to, and understanding, a new society. Which rules are actual rules, and which rules are not really rules but should be followed so as not to end up a social outcast?
– We asked our landlord how many lights are we supposed to leave on at all times? Because it seems everybody just leaves their houses lit up the whole time. However, none of the lights are very bright. You wouldn't want to perform surgery under these low lights. Why not just buy a brighter 60 watt bulb, asks Kate.
A few other questions: Should you follow the locals and have electric advent candle sticks (adventsljusstakens) in every window of the house? To those of us employed, must we take the entire month of July off as holiday? What do I need to be insured for? Why are there so many trailers on the roads, and what is actually in these trailers? Do I really have to wear ear defenders when I mow the lawn?
Mowing the lawn, Skellefteå style.
Do any of these questions resonate with you? If so, welcome to the life of a Skellefteå kommun newbie.
Kate and her husband Pete moved to Boviken in June this year, from a town in mid-Wales, UK. Having already spent a year travelling around South America and living in China, they’re no strangers to packing up and relocating.
So why Skellefteå?
– Pete took a position as a PhD researcher in connection of hydrogen to the electricity grid at Luleå University of Technology at Campus Skellefteå.
Kate is a proofreader and has her own business, ‘Kateproof’.
Kate Haigh, November 2024. "Why are there so many trailers on the roads, and what is actually in these trailers?"
– It always felt like we might end up following Pete around for his work. I like proofreading, so I thought, well, if I set up as a freelancer, I can do this anywhere.
The first time I met Kate was at a ‘Spouse Day’ at Stadshus, an initiative organised by Welcome House to help the partners of those who have relocated.
Kate walked in, having travelled to town from Boviken by bike. I later learnt that Kate goes everywhere by bike, and even plans to buy special studded winter tyres so that she can continue throughout the winter.
Kate Haigh, November 2024. "What I really love about cycling is the way it connects to childhood freedom and joy."
– Getting back into cycling has been fantastic. Everywhere in Wales is too hilly. Cycling into town and back again is a great workout. But what I really love about cycling is the way it connects to childhood freedom and joy, Kate says.
I love this attitude of embracing all the seasons, and the can-do mindset that Kate radiates.
I'm not entirely surprised when she tells me that she and Pete have signed up for the Sea-Ice Marathon taking place in Luleå in February.
Also, in addition to the winter cycling and running, Kate is preparing for the Winter Swim in Skelleftehamn in February and has set up a female open water swimming group. She hopes that there'll be enough women brave enough to form a team and take part.
– I've decided I'm going to swim in a lake regardless of what's in there or how cold it is. I'm going for it: go big or go home.
What IS in that trailer?