From Uppsala to Nairobi – Travel blog Spring 2025
It all started with excitement in the air as our cheerful group took off from Arlanda, with a layover in Ethiopia. But the adventure kicked off sooner than expected. Just before boarding our flight to Nairobi, Alexandra — one of our travel trustees — realized her passport was missing. She and our Head of Travel, Ludwig, were forced to stay behind in Addis Ababa while the rest of us continued to Kenya. With the Swedish embassy closed for Easter and no way to check into the airport hotel without a passport or boarding pass, they were stuck — literally — at the airport, with nowhere to sleep for three days. Finally, Alexandra was cleared to return to Sweden with the embassy´s help. But just as she prepared to leave, word came through: her passport had been found. She rerouted and joined us in Nairobi — three days late, but with a story to tell. Meanwhile, the rest of us had already spent some time in Nairobi, starting off with a visit to the slum area of Kibera and the organization Wale Wale that operates there. It is the second-largest slum in the world, housing an estimated 1 million people. They gave us a walking tour of the area, which was an eye-opening experience for all of us. It was very emotional to meet the people of Kibera, see their homes, and hear their stories. The money we paid to be able to have this tour went directly to the Wale Wale team and their families that we visited. This hopefully contributes to the continuation of their important work with youth activities and other social projects in the area. On Tuesday, Alexandra finally joined us in Nairobi — and we kicked things off with a visit to the International Commission of Jurists. It was a fascinating meeting where we learned about how they work with human rights and law in Kenya. Afterwards, we enjoyed a flavorful Indian lunch at Mangrove Café — the samosas were a hit! The afternoon was spent lounging by the pool, soaking up the sun. In the evening, the whole UF Uppsala crew cooked a classic tomato pasta and played cards — a cozy night in! The next day started with a few early risers hitting the gym, followed by a visit to the Swedish Embassy. A diplomat gave us great insight into how Sweden supports both Kenya and Somalia through development work. After lunch, we headed to the Raoul Wallenberg Institute. In the evening, it was time for a true Nairobi classic: Carnivore. This legendary restaurant served every kind of meat you can imagine — from crocodile to ostrich to, yes, testicles. Skewers kept coming until we could eat no more. It was a wild and unforgettable feast! Thursday began with another gym session for the dedicated few. We then visited Kazuri Beads, where we watched artisans craft colorful jewelry by hand and enjoyed a lively Kenyan dance performance. Most of us left with bags full of beautiful souvenirs. The afternoon took us to the University of Nairobi for a campus tour and chats with local students, followed by bargaining fun at the Maasai Market — a crash course in bargaining! Everyone bought matching Kenya football jerseys before winding down at the pool. Dinner was Indian again, with a fun diplomacy-themed quiz to close out the day. On Friday, the 25th, we had a free day. Most of us stayed by the pool to tan and relax, while a few explored the city. Some squeezed in yoga or another gym session before the day ended. Saturday, the 26th, started early — 5:30 AM — for our big safari day at Nairobi National Park. It was magical. Within minutes, we saw a lion devouring a gazelle, then rhinos, ostriches, giraffes, zebras, and even a cheetah in the distance. Watching these animals in their natural habitat was surreal. After the park, we visited the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Center — both heartwarming and unforgettable experiences. After six hours of adventure, we were exhausted. The rest of the day was spent resting by the pool before heading to a rooftop bar for food and drinks to celebrate our final evening. Some of us checked out a Nairobi club — though we may have arrived a bit too early for the real party vibe. On departure day, we squeezed out the last bits of sun by the pool after one last gym session. Our journey home included a stopover in Addis Ababa, where we shared a final group meal — classic Ethiopian injera. For some, it was a new taste; for others, a comforting reminder of the Ethiopian taste. A trip we’ll never forget
A Journey to the Heart of Georgia: From Uppsala to Tbilisi – Travel Blog Autumn 2024
The sun had already set, and the crisp air of late November swept over us as we gathered at Uppsala Central Station. The excitement was palpable among the group, all of us eager for what lay ahead: a week-long adventure in Georgia, a country tucked between Europe and Asia, rich in history, culture, and stunning landscapes. The bus ride from Uppsala to Arlanda Airport was filled with conversations and though we all shared a keen interest in Georgia, our expectations varied widely. Some of us were already well-versed in the country’s rich history and complex political landscape, while others were mostly drawn to its famed landscapes and natural beauty. Regardless of our background, we were united by a shared sense of curiosity and adventure. After a quick check-in and a light dinner, we boarded the flight to Warsaw. As we prepared to take off from Warsaw to Georgia our phones buzzed in unison. News alerts flooded our screens: Georgia’s ruling party had just announced the suspension of the country’s EU application. The decision, which had come right after the recent elections, had sparked widespread protests. Our group exchanged uneasy glances. Our accommodation was a three-story villa in Varketili, a quieter neighborhood located at the end station on the city’s metro line. Given the fiery protests in the center of the town, staying a little further out made us feel safer. On our first day, we set out to explore Tbilisi. The city offered a fascinating mix of Soviet-era architecture alongside newly renovated, modern areas. Orthodox Christian influence was evident throughout the city, with beautiful churches on nearly every corner. Some of us took the opportunity to step inside these churches. That evening, we gathered for a traditional Georgian dinner, sharing a variety of dishes family-style. From khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) to khinkali (dumplings) and hearty stews, the food was an absolute highlight. Georgian cuisine did not disappoint, and we all agreed that it was one of the best parts of the trip. Throughout the week, we explored more of Tbilisi and beyond. We hiked to Chronicles of Georgia, a grand monument located on a hill overlooking the city. The views were breathtaking, and the sheer scale of the monument left a lasting impression. We also visited Turtle Lake, a peaceful spot surrounded by nature, where we relaxed and enjoyed the calm scenery. One of the most memorable days was spent hiking in the mountains. As we stood on the edge of a cliff, overlooking the vast valley below, it was impossible not to be struck by the raw beauty of the land. Some evenings, we stayed in the villa, cooking meals together and sharing stories over dinner. There were also plenty of evenings when we went out to enjoy dinner at local restaurants. Prices in Tbilisi were incredibly affordable, so we indulged in generous portions and diverse dishes. One of the most insightful experiences was our visit to the Swedish Embassy. There, we met with staff who explained the current situation in Georgia, providing context on the political unrest and the country’s evolving relationship with the EU. We also met with several local NGOs; firstly Volunteers Tbilisi, an organization that supports refugees, particularly from Ukraine. It was inspiring to hear about their work and the challenges they face, especially given the increased demand for assistance due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Furtheron, we met the Equality Movement, an organization that promotes LGBT+ rights in Georgia. We were lucky to be invited to their annual conference, on the theme of HIV/AIDS prevention and the Family Values law (so-called anti-LGBT law) that came into effect that same day. The last NGO we met was the Europe-Georgia institute, a think-tank that promotes relations between Georgia and the European Union. They certainly had many interesting insights to share about the current political situation. We are deeply grateful for all of the meetings we were able to have and they provided us with great insight about the country. However, the political situation remained in the background, casting a shadow over our experiences. We saw glimpses of the protests on the streets and heard stories of people’s frustration with the government. It was clear that many Georgians felt a deep sense of betrayal, especially given their long-standing aspirations for closer ties with Europe. As we boarded our flight back home on December 5th, there was a bittersweet feeling among the travelers. Georgia had captured our hearts, and we had only begun to scratch the surface of its wonders. The country had welcomed us with open arms, and we left with a deeper understanding of its people, culture, and landscapes.
Gasque Forum Weekend 2024
Gasque Forum Weekend 2024 Published December 2, 2024 Reflections on the Forum Weekend Gasque at V-Dala In November, UF Uppsala hosted the annual Forum Weekend, welcoming approximately 60-70 participants from across Sweden. The event featured a series of educational seminars, workshops, and social gatherings. Among the highlights was the Gasque held at V-Dala Nation on Saturday evening (November 09). An Evening at V-Dala Following a full day of sessions covering topics such as EU careers and climate policy, participants gathered at V-Dala Nation for the Gasque. The evening included a traditional sit-down dinner, speeches, and songs, providing an opportunity for attendees to relax and connect in a convivial atmosphere. Guest Contributions The weekend benefited from the presence of several notable guests, including Linnea Engström, who contributed valuable insights during the day’s discussions. Their participation enriched the overall experience and facilitated meaningful conversations among attendees. Acknowledgments Gratitude is extended to the organizing committee—Alexander, Alexandra, Siri, Annie, and Linnea—for their efforts in coordinating the weekend’s events. Appreciation is also due to all participants, whose engagement contributed to the success of the Gasque and the entire Forum Weekend. Looking Forward The Forum Weekend served as both an educational platform and a chance for community building. Photos from the Gasque will be available soon on our website, capturing moments from the evening. More information on upcoming UF Uppsala events will follow. If you wish to have a photo removed, message vice@ufuppsala.se and indicate clearly what content you would like to remove from the Gallery. Photographer: Alejandro Velazquez
Jubilee Gasque 75th Anniversary of UF Uppsala
Published April 4, 2024 We extend our deepest gratitude to all who made the jubilee possible with their presence. Your enthusiasm, elegance, and camaraderie transformed a night into a timeless celebration of UF Uppsala’s rich legacy in fostering international discourse. Thank you for being part of this milestone event. Your presence added immeasurable value, contributing to the tapestry of memories that define UF Uppsala’s journey. Here’s to the bonds strengthened, the friendships forged, and the stories yet to unfold. As we look back on the enchanting moments shared, we invite you to relive the magic through our curated gallery capturing the essence of the evening. If you wish to have a picture removed, send a message to pr@ufuppsala.se. Open the image, copy the name, and paste it in the email. Photography: Sarath Ramachandran
Greece Travel Blog 2024
Published March 12, 2024 Our time in Athens started with an early morning flight from Cyprus. Being a slightly tired group of travelers on this day, we spent our first hours in Athens exploring the city at our own pace; visiting museums, markets and other beautiful parts of the city. In the evening we walked up to the top of Mount Lycabettus and witnessed a stunning view of the sun setting over the two seas; the Mediterranean sea and the endless sea of white buildings across the city. The second day of our Greek adventure was mainly spent in the small town of Corinth, around an hour southwest of the capital. Some of us decided to visit the famously steep Corinth Canal while others explored the city. In the afternoon, we headed into the countryside to an idyllic vineyard where the only sounds you could hear were birds chirping and trees blowing in the wind. We had a wine tasting with domestically produced wines and we also had the chance to get some insight into their wine production. The next day started off with an exciting meeting with the ambassador of Sweden in Athens. We conversed on many different topics regarding the Greco-Swedish relations, the historic and current ties between Greece and Turkey and Greek involvement in international affairs. We also received insights into the life and career of an ambassador which was very inspiring. After the meeting we continued our exploration of the city and many of its historical sites. For the final full day, we had saved the ultimate historical and must-see site of Athens; the Acropolis. While we were blessed by not traveling during the high season and therefore avoiding large amounts of tourists, the Acropolis was still crowded. Nonetheless, it was a very interesting and impressive place to visit. In the evening, we ate a delicious final dinner at an authentic Greek restaurant. Having packed our bags and being ready to fly home, we had one final meeting on the schedule, with the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We met a representative who held an interesting presentation on different aspects of Greek foreign policy such as Turkey, Ukraine, EU and NATO. To summarize, it is safe to say that we left Cyprus and Greece with many interesting cultural and political experiences, and came home to Sweden with valuable new inspiration and insights. GALLERY
Cyprus Travel Blog 2024
Published March 12, 2024 When we arrived at the airport in Larnaca we were all pleasantly surprised by the warm sea air in Cyprus, having left a frosty cold Uppsala behind. When taking the shuttlebus to the capital Nicosia, it is nearly impossible to miss the massive Turkish flag side by side the flag of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus on the mountainside, illuminated in the night by bright lights, looking over the world’s last divided capital city. On our first day we took a walk through town to visit the Swedish ambassador’s residence, where we were offered the typical fika. The ambassador explained the situation on the island and Sweden’s role as a facilitator for talks between religious leaders of the parties to the conflict. After an interesting visit, we went to pick up our rental cars. It was time to drive into the UN buffer-zone for our next meeting. After driving through a crowded Nicosia in left-hand traffic, we arrived at the UN checkpoint. We drove in convoy following our UN escort car about a kilometer into the buffer zone, where their office was situated. We got the opportunity to talk to the UN officers there and had a look at Nicosia’s old airport which had been closed shortly after the Turkish invasion in 1974. After the meeting, we finished the day off by going through the world’s last border patrol dividing a capital. After crossing to the northern side, we shortly noticed major differences. In 50 meters we had walked from a Greek-influenced, touristy and somewhat sterile city into a society where we instantly were greeted with Turkish delights, tea and statues of Atatürk. We had walked from a society with a majority of churches to one with mainly mosques. We spent the evening there visiting the significantly cheaper and progressive bars there, before taking the Uber back to our hostel. The next day we had booked a meeting with a university from northern Cyprus. They offered us a traditional citrus cake and gave us all northern Cypriot cookbooks. The TRNC is only recognized internationally by Turkey, so one could imagine that this was a way for them to show that they have a culture of their own, but perhaps to express goodwill internationally as well. We talked to the university staff and had an interview for our Uttryck magazine. They offered us a tour around the town and invited us to visit one of the mosques, of course with a Turkish flag hanging inside. The hospitality was remarkable and after a guided tour through Lefkosa, which the northern part of the capital is called, the university booked a tour bus to Kyrenia on the northern coast of Cyprus, where we visited an old monastery, originating long before the island’s rift dividing Muslims and Christians between north and south. After a long day, we took the bus to a completely empty Ayia Napa, where we would spend our final night in Cyprus before flying to Athens early the following day. GALLERY
Meet the Board 2023-2024
Published February 16, 2024 Meet our board members, a team committed to fostering dialogue and understanding in global affairs. Explore their diverse backgrounds and shared passion for international relations as they lead us towards meaningful engagement and impactful initiatives. Linnea Törnlund Age: 20 What do you study: Politics Kandidatprogrammet (Political Science) What languages do you speak: English, Swedish, French Why did you choose UF: I joined UF because I’ve always been intrigued by international affairs, and UF’s mission aligns with my values. It seemed like a place where I could contribute my skills and be part of meaningful projects. I’m excited to work with a team that shares a passion for global issues. What does your role entail: In my role as Head of Careers I am in charge of leading the team (together with Stacy) that hosts career-seminars, workshops and the career day fair at the end of the semester. Quentin Machado Age: 19 What do you study: Political science What languages do you speak: French, English, Spanish, more and more Swedish and a little bit of Mandarin! Why did you choose UF: As a French exchange student for one year, I wanted to gain new insights and debate about international affairs with people coming from all horizons! Getting involved in UF and Uttryck allowed me to talk with many interesting members and enjoy my time abroad! What does your role entail: As Web Editor-in-Chief, I help the Editors from the printed magazine by publishing the articles online. I also get to manage the website and edit web exclusive articles, as well as collaborating with many UF groups on online content, reports and videos! Alexander Skingsley Age: 23 What do you study? Politices Kandidatprogram (Bacholour och Political Science) What languages do you speak? English and Swedish Why did you choose UF? I have always been interested in foreign affairs and politics, so when a friend invited me to one of the lecures that UF holds, I thought this might be a good way to persue my interest, as well as meet like-minded people. What does your role entail? Head of Travel Ellen Age: 22 What do you study? Master of Laws (LLM) What languages do you speak? Swedish, English, and some French of course hehe Why did you choose UF? I chose UF because of all the lectures and network it provides but mostly because its fun to be part of a student association. Prior to joining my program, I studied Peace and Conflict Studies. What does your role entail? I started half a year ago, and my main responsibility has been editing texts for our website. I’m also in charge of Uttryck’s social media accounts and some video editing for our YouTube channel. There are so many cool opportunities to hold interviews in this position and sharing them online. Sukanya Thayyil Sunilkumar Age: 30 What do you study? Master’s in Statistics and Data Science What languages do you speak? English, Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi Why did you choose UF? As a international student in uppsala, I would like to be the voice of international student at UF Uppsala Board and I like to interact with people from different places. As a Head of the activity at UF Uppsala, I will get this opportunity very well. This is not a student organization because of that I can be active there after my studies as well. This also attracts me to involve in this organization. What does your role entail? Head of the Activity Alexandra Goede Age: 21 What do you study? environment- and water engineering What languages do you speak? Swedish, English and some german Why did you choose UF? I wanted to learn more about foreign politics since I don’t study anything like that. I think it’s interesting and important, no matter what you study. Besides that, one reason I got involved in uf was actually that I was a bit tired of the technical courses I spent my days with (lol) and found the lecures to be a nice change. What does your role entail? Sukayna and I are heads of activity, meaning that we arrange all activites, like movie- and game nights, gasque and more. Simon Thernström Age: 23 What do you study? Politices Kandidatprogram (Bachelor of Political Science) What languages do you speak? Swedish, English, French, Spanish and German Why did you choose UF? I chose UF both out of my interest for international politics, and because I think it has a very open and welcoming social environment – it really is for anyone, from anywhere, doing anything! I love talking to new people, and I’m very passionate about the topics we approach as an association. Engaging in UF is both a way for me to improve myself by learning new things while acquiring new skills, and a way for me to just have fun and enjoy my time here in Uppsala even more! What does your role entail? I’m one of two Editors-In-Chief of our printed magazine Uttryck! This means I’m in charge of making sure that the articles submitted to our paper maintain a high standard of quality, aswell as overseeing and participating in the graphic design of the magazine. In other words, we get the magazine ready to be delivered straight to your mailbox! Amanda Larsson Age: 24 What do you study? Peace and Development studies What languages do you speak? Swedish, English and learning French. Why did you choose UF? I choose to get active in UF because it seemed like a great way to engage with the topic of international relations outside of school. Being a part of the organisation is a fun way to learn about the world without the pressure of a grade but the general knowledge that I have gained from UF has also helped me in school. What does your role entail? I am the head of lecture here at Uf which means that I, along side my co-head, have the responsibility to
Lecture with Ulf Kristersson
Published January 16, 2024 We would like to extended a word of thanks to prime minister Ulf Kristersson for taking the time to visit us for a moderated discussion and Q&A session with our members on Sweden’s role in the EU and in the international arena.The Prime Minister’s presence underscored the importance of collaboration between government officials, academic institutions and youth organizations in addressing the complex global issues of our time. Thank you also to our members for coming and asking well-informed questions which gave rise to fruitful, interesting discussions!
Get Active Autumn 2023
Published September 12, 2023 Recently, UF Uppsala hosted its bi-annual ”Get Active” Mingle where students and new members got the opportunity to chat with the board, explore the association’s different groups, learn about how to get involved, as well as enjoy some fika! A huge thank you to everyone who showed up and helped to make our first Get Active mingle this year a success!
End of the Operational Year 2022-2023
The operational year 2022/2023 is over. We want to thank every single board member, trustee, and member of UF Uppsala for a successful year. Lectures, debates, trips, radio podcasts, and much more. The efforts of every single one of us furthered international debate in creative and interesting ways. Some of us are now alumni of UF Uppsala and our work is now a legacy of the 75 years of the association. Take pride in your contribution and use your time in UF Uppsala to build upon your future career, you deserve it! Special acknowledgement to Cecilia Chau, that during the last year led by example and tirelessly gave everything she had to offer to UF Uppsala. Your work is one for the books” Congratulations to Daniel Demitz-Helin, President of UF Uppsala 2023-2024. During the 2022/2023 operational year Daniel served as Head of Lecture. Daniel together with co-head Tiffany Yang and their dedicated team planned significant and interesting lectures. Jan Eliasson, Tobias Billström, Stefan Löfven, and Johan Molander are some of the guests we had the pleasure to invite to share their insights in various global issues. We wish the best of luck and success to the 2023/2024 board and team! See you soon!
