Another reflection found on the website Australians Abroad - Aussies in Sweden that I would like to share with you because I thought it hit the spot on me too.

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An Aussie will have either a good or bad experience in Sweden based on several factors:

Expectations
If the person is expecting Sweden to be the same as Australia, they are much more likely to have adjustment problems. Australia and Sweden have different cultures so there are going to be differences. Neither is right or wrong or better than the other - just different.  

Standard of Living Reference
Australians typically measure standard of living by measuring material wealth and comforts. Swedish natives typically measure standard of living by measuring time with their family, outdoor experiences, and time to do things either alone or with their families. This "point-of-reference or perspective" is typically culture based and can cause conflicts when there is a change.

Social Interaction
Australian and Swedish natives form social interactions differently as a result of differences between the two cultures. As a general rule, Australians form friendships faster - but at the same time these friendships tend to be more transitory. Swedes form friendships much more slowly, with many of their friendships formed in childhood - these friendships tend to be "friends for life" relationships.

In General
Australians that enjoy living in Sweden tend to be those who have realistic expectations, have prepared for the differences between the cultures and values of Australia and Sweden, and that keep themselves open to change.

It is very important to recognise that leaving one's native country and moving to a new country - especially one that is culturally different, is always going to have difficult issues that need to be overcome. Most people that emigrate to - Sweden will base their "happiness in - Sweden" on their financial situation, support circle, and the ability to get a job or be socially active. A weakness in any of these three areas can have a drastic impact on how a person feels about moving and residing in Sweden.

Attitude will also have a major impact... the first few months will be exciting with many new people to meet and things to do, the next 3 to 6 months (and especially the first Swedish winter) are trying for most people - especially for those that are not either working or socially active. The more alone a person is, the harder this phase of the adjustment process is (having family, children, or other people around to interact with is important).

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At least Simon already experienced a Swedish winter, basically as "bad" as it gets actually :)

Addition 2010-06-08
Just to clarify I love the winter and I thought we did have an awesome winter this year. But from an Aussie point of view not being at all familiar or used to the cold weather and snow it might have been percieved as bad. But I rather have a white and cold winter than one with rain and slush (which is what we normally get most of the winter in south of Sweden unfortunately).