Trifter

This quiet country is full of surprises.  First, let me say, this article is not designed to give a rose colored portrait from a tourist perspective.  Nor is there any intention to slander or libel anyone or anything in particular.  It is simply the truth perceived through the eyes and ears of an American abroad. 

That said, Let us commence. 

Terrain

For those of you interested in Sweden from a natural aspect; kudos, it is indeed a very natural country as is all of bio-conscious Europe (whether from conscience or lack of development)^_^.   Particular to Scandinavia is the vast amount of grey rock on which there are large areas of woodlands!  Elk and deer are the favorites and there is ample seafood for all.  For those of you interested in geographical information there are great sites such as www.lonelyplanet.com for accurate details.

City life

As most visitors, I bee-lined it to Stockholm, so the depiction is exclusively from the capital.  It indeed boasts quite a variety of sights and sounds for every taste.  Truly, it is the America of Europe, with television shows, night clubs and grocery items taken from or mimicking the good ole USA.  Crime is low and costs are high.  They have an outstanding public transport system but equally outstanding is the cost of fare, at 30SEK valid for an hour, it equates to $3.70 per trip as of 16 Jan 09.  Let you imagination run wild with the cost of a cab ride!

People

Swedes and native born migrants are a complex people.  They love autonomy but are not quiet as some may tell you.  They seem very reserved and contemplative, but most are not deep thinkers.  At any given time of the day, anywhere in the city, you will see a lot of mothers, fathers or couples strolling with a baby carriage. They have a love for family but divorce and separation is standard fair.  So much so, that most go into marriage or cohabitation with the ideal of “only as long as it lasts”.  Homosexuality is accepted.  They have a prominent commercial of a gay marriage to the tune of Cyndi Lauper, “Like a Rainbow”.  Most of the people do not make eye contact and even fewer smile.  If they approach you, they will speak Swedish until you declare that you speak English (their second language).  This arose from the influx of refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants who feel it is a sign of acceptability for a Swede to address them in Swedish.  For the obviously foreign visitor, it may be a bit annoying because it would otherwise seem apparent that you are not from Sweden.  If you approach them, they will readily respond in varying degrees of English, generally answer your question but seldom volunteer additional or useful information.  I rate them the worst with directions!  The secret to effective communications is this:  they like a slow, warm introduction, repeat your question or interest several times and look like an adorable lost puppy.  If you’re really good, by golly you may be “invited to coffee” (quite possibly the national drink – after bootleg)!  Seriously.

More about Sweden in the next edition.  But first, which country considers themselves as Vikings?