Interview for Greek Radio Fl with our correspondent in Scandinavia, M. Christofini
Ullis Anderson, originally from Sundsvall, Sweden, has spent the last few years building a new life on the Greek island of Skiathos, where she runs the famous Anderssons Bar in the island’s old harbor. Now she’s ready to take her next entrepreneurial step, opening a Swedish pastry shop — an idea she’s had in mind for years.
The reason for this new communication was a recent interview she gave to Greek Radio in Florida, which contacted her about her life and activity in Skiathos. Through this interview, we also got in touch with her, so that she could talk to us about the experience of living in Greece, the differences between Swedish and Greek everyday life, as well as the challenges and opportunities of doing business abroad.
In the following interview, Ullis Anderson speaks openly about her decision to leave Sweden, her business career in Skiathos, and what the concept of freedom means to her today.
What made you leave Sweden and move to Skiathos?
I came to Skiathos in 1994. I initially came for vacation and returned every year. 13 years ago, in 2014, I opened a bar here.
Many people think it's a party bar, but I did the exact opposite. I created a bar for people who don't want loud music. I bought an existing business, renovated it in my own style, and it became very popular.
We make our own cocktails and boil our own rhubarb syrup, so I force all Swedes to bring me rhubarb from Sweden. I only use fresh produce and we customize the drinks to make them special.
Now I'm going to open a Swedish sweets shop right next door. The shop was empty and I decided to take it over. I already have a big clientele, mainly from Scandinavia, but most of my customers are English, who also love licorice and Swedish sweets.
I have guests from the US, South Africa and all over Europe. A group of people from Los Angeles, who owned their own bar, told me that they were the best cocktails they had ever tasted.
Have you ever regretted moving to Skiathos?
No. In recent years, my husband, who is Greek and runs two restaurants, has also been here. He helps me a lot.
We still have a house in Sundsvall, because that's where my grandchildren live. I go every year for a few weeks and they come here too. I'm also trying to convince my husband to spend some time in northern Sweden in the winter.
What has life in Skiathos taught you?
That you don't have to be as strictly organized as in Sweden. In Sweden you always arrive early, you pay your bills days in advance and everything runs on schedule.
Here, plans change easily. One day we were getting ready to paint and ended up sitting with friends for four or five hours. That would never happen in Sweden.
What are the differences in life between Greece and Sweden?
In Greece there are fewer “musts.” In Sweden everything is arranged through a calendar.
Here you call someone for a coffee and it ends up with wine and food. Life goes on, just at a different pace.
At the same time I feel grateful that I can always return to Sweden, because security and systems work differently here.
What challenges did you face as an entrepreneur in Greece?
I had to learn to adapt right away. In Sweden everything is done digitally, while here it takes papers, stamps, and patience.
Patience is essential. Sometimes things don't go as you plan, but eventually they find their way.
What do you miss most about Sweden?
My grandchildren, my daughter and Marabou chocolate.
Do you feel more Greek or Swedish today?
I feel Swedish. When you move as an adult, your roots remain.
What is the most difficult part of the adjustment?
Many people tell me that I am living their dream, but few would dare to leave everything behind. You have to be completely fearless and ready to work very hard.
Would you advise other Swedes to move to Greece?;
It's best to try it first. The standard of living and the social system are different. Many idealize Greece in the summer and are surprised in the winter when everything is closed.
When is the best time to visit Skiathos?
May, June, September and October. July and August are for those who love the hustle and bustle.
Which beaches do you recommend?
The islet of Tsougrias, just 15 minutes by boat from Skiathos, is beautiful. It is said that the Beatles wanted to buy it in the 60s.
It is also worth visiting the northern beaches of the island. Skiathos has 65 beaches and most of them are excellent.
What does freedom mean to you?;
Freedom is opening the balcony door in the morning, drinking coffee and seeing the old port in front of me.
I often think about how privileged I am. I am proud and grateful for the life I have built with hard work, sweat, and tears.
Photo By Christos Makrozachopoulos, Attribution, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7152126, https://el.wikipedia.org/wiki/
