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.
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
Morocco Travel Blog 2023
Published May 29, 2023 On Sunday, the first group visited Project Soar, a girl-centered activity aimed at empowering teen girls through a one-year program in order to help them understand their value, body, rights, and path. Its focus is to prevent adolescent pregnancy and child marriage, but also to encourage girls to continue their education and enter the labor market. At the center, Kawtar Ait Malek talked about their work and we got to meet the girls. Many of us were touched by their project! Afterward, we went and visited several museums: The Bahia Palace, a ruined palace that shows an example of traditional Moroccan architecture, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, a historic Islamic School and an impressive example of Moroccan architecture, and Le Jardin Secret, a beautiful garden and riad located in the souks of Marrakech. In the evening, the group was reunited and decided to have dinner at a local restaurant, where several of us enjoyed Tanjia, a traditional Marrakech dish. Then we explored the city, going through the souks to Jemaa el Fnaa, the main square, and the marketplace of Marrakesh, used by locals and tourists alike. Being in these markets, vendors will constantly call you to bring your attention to their stalls, and haggling is an expected custom when purchasing. On the way back to the hotel, we also stopped by the Koutoubia mosque, the largest mosque in Marrakech. On Monday, most of us went on a full-day trip to visit the Ouzoud Waterfalls with a guided hike and boat ride. It was an absolutely amazing and slightly wet experience, especially for some of us! We also got to see monkeys. The second half of the week was spent in Rabat to visit NGOs and the Swedish embassy in Morocco. The group split up once more as some left directly in the morning by train to stop by Casa Blanca to visit Hassan II, one of the largest mosques in the world, while others stayed to enjoy the last few hours in Marrakech before returning to Rabat in the afternoon. Written by: Chad Farrell and Ebba Tholander On our first full day back in Rabat we decided to sleep in and gather some energy after the adventures in Marrakech and Casablanca. We decided to split into halves and eventually head to the old Medina in Rabat for lunch. Spacious and beautiful sections of market stalls gave way to lovely all-white streets which led up to the city’s old keep with an amazing view of the beaches and the ocean. Rabat certainly showed us its best side! After a quick lunch, we went by bus to the Embassy of Sweden in Morocco, where Julia and Maja offered us a warm welcome. They explained their day-to-day work, and how it is to be an embassy intern in Rabat, before answering various questions from the travelers. Many of us felt inspired after this meeting! In the evening we had some free time, where some decided to head to the medina and buy some food to make dinner at the hostel. We also found an alcohol shop (!) and decided to pick up a couple of beers and a wine bottle to celebrate being back in Rabat. Everyone ate together before playing a few games, getting to know each other just a little bit more! On our second day back in Rabat, we first visited the National Human Rights Council, a national institution for the protection and promotion of human rights. After lunch, we visited the Moroccan Organisation of Human Rights, an NGO that is devoted to issues of political detention, torture, and human rights awareness. In the late afternoon, we spent some time at the beach and some of us tried surfing, which was awesome! Later in the evening we all met up and had our last dinner together in Morocco. On the last day, people walked around in the city and shopping and sat in cafés and parks before we departed from Morocco via Spain to Sweden. Written by: Alexander Skingsley and Gustaf Stövling
