Peony garden at Skansen - 06112022

Feeling a bit of homesickWalking through the peony garden reminds me of a Japanese garden.　I took these photos when I visited Skansen in early June, when the peonies in the garden were in full bloom.I guess I'm feeling a little homesick these days, and when I see something that reminds me of Japan, I feel very close to it and feel at home.　There are very few things in Scandinavia that remind me of Japan, and I think we belong to a completely different cultural sphere.　So when I see flowers that are also blooming in Japan, like the peonies I saw in Skansen, I am filled with a nostalgic feeling.In Stockholm, it sometimes gets down to -20 degrees Celsius in the winter, but this peony is still blooming and I think that I should enjoy life like this peony, despite the cold and cultural differences. I was also emotionally involved with the peony, thinking that I should enjoy my life without being defeated by the cold weather and cultural differences.When living as a "foreigner" abroad, there are feelings that are not easily shared with the locals.　Locals inevitably say, "If you hate it so much, why don't you go home?" Therefore, when I encounter cultural differences or differences in the way of thinking, it is difficult for me to express my feelings directly to the local people.To the question I hate, "Do you like Sweden?" I hate this question LOL!　It is a very simple question, and I am sure Swedes ask it as an icebreaker, but I am not sure if I am being sarcastic or if I am just saying, "How many people have told Swedes to their faces that they actually don't like Sweden!"I don't dislike Sweden, in fact I like it very much.　So, "I like it." I answer every time I am asked the question.　Japanese people have a tendency to "read the air," so I don't think it's necessary to answer honestly.　Is it just me?However, I recently had the opportunity to discuss this with international student friends (friends, who study as international students).　I have friends from Italy, India, Poland, Taiwan, Serbia, Ukraine, Australia, etc. at my language school, and I asked them all this question.　How do you respond to Swedes who ask, "Do you like Sweden?Some of my friends answered honestly, depending on the country, but a friend from the Philippines told me a very interesting story.She says, "Swedes are very, very reluctant to praise their country themselves.　Some even call those who do so right-wing.　So it's hard to say, "Sweden is a very nice country, isn't it? So when I am asked that question, I say, "Sweden is a great country!　The happiest country in the world!　I feel so lucky to live in such a wonderful and beautiful country.""Because that's the answer they want to hear."　"We just answer what the Swedes want to hear.　We don't have to think about it too much, because who wants to discuss immigration policy there?"As I walked through the peony garden, I remembered her story and enjoyed the early summer garden with a chuckle, thinking that this must definitely be a feeling that is hard to share with Swedes.To those of you from other countries who live, study, and work in Japan, it is okay if you do not like Japan, you do not have to force yourself to like Japan.　Instead, I sincerely hope that you value your own self identity, respect the culture of the country, and live in harmony with it.