Honestly, ever since we arrived here in Sweden we have been in a semi state of awe about the manner of how some things are done in the every day lives of the people in whose land we live and buy groceries in. Very curious and even more curious are the curious things we observe as we mingle and mull over the things we notice day by day.
Take for instance:
Bicycle riding. Oh my word…Everybody rides bicycles literally everywhere! We’re talking young people, old people like us and those older than us! No kidding. If you don’t have a car, don’t want to or can’t pay for the bus – you either sit at home or get out on your bike and go. And seriously, these people are well exercised in the art of getting to where they want to go while riding in traffic. This means in rain, in the dark, in the snow or wind. Even young moms and dads you see pedaling bikes with carts which their children ride in when taking them to daycare. Don’t see many riding with helmets however. There are special parking places to park your bike wherever you go and if you don’t see one close then just lean it up against the building. There is literally no stigma in riding bicycles in all of Scandinavia no matter how old you are or aren’t. None. Whatsoever! It’s simply what the norm is…and it’s healthy and convenient!
About ‘white plastic bag carrying’…or, if you have a hardier personal favorite bag you like to use, (that’s also acceptable)…it has to do with the ritual of going to the store every day to bring home groceries for supper. In big cities or the burbs – bags are the daily do. It’s an everyday-everybody daily activity. Either you go regularly or be relegated to the drudge of having to carry two bags home on either bike or bus (Yikes!). Heaven help you if you couldn’t get out to get food till next Thursday. It is all about BYOB here in Sweden…’Bring Your Own Bags’ or else wear something with big (really big) pockets to take home your groceries.
That reminds me. From early morning until late when it’s dark – people walk. They walk in whatever weather (carrying bags, of course) but walking is a way of life and it gets you from point A to B quite nicely. It’s healthy and accepted to get out and for goodness sakes get a little fresh air even when it’s 32 degrees out…or lower! No matter! You always see Dads with prams or Mom’s with almost newborns dressed like little polar bears…they are part of the street scene all over Sweden every day, all the time, and everywhere. Babies are respected around here and it’s a given that a turn around the block for health benefits and fresh air is one of their inalienable rights. And Sweden has the freshest air around with virtually no pollution!
Hooks on all towels. Nice touch. Space is allocated carefully in Sweden and because most life happens in small apartments there is economy to keep in mind and hooks beat out towel bars in both cost and efficiency – especially because space is at a premium in apartments.
Little kids in snowsuits (I think it must be a law). All children we’ve seen this winter whether it is in snow or rain…they dress in snowsuits and wear little reflective vests while traveling on the sidewalks or playing on the playground or traveling with the family. They look like miniature ‘Yodas’ with little mittens and boots. So adorable. We’ve walked past little preschoolers playing under the trees in the rain making the nicest muddy messes – but no problems here. One zip outta d’ suit and they are good to go until next recess.
From what we’ve seen most of the plumbing and electrical conduits are surface mounted instead of within the walls…This may have more to do with the age of the building and construction methods during that time. Buildings are not considered ‘old’ unless it was constructed in the 15/1600’s. And taking in the architecture of buildings in Sweden by observation alone is a study in the art of master craftmanship.
Staying at a Hotel or Motel? It’s a good bet you won’t be offered the amenity of wash cloths. Bring your own. And expect to pay for parking offsite. Usually within a block… but that means what you want inside the Hotel with you like your luggage and suit, bookbag, purse and anything else also gets carried that distance. But the ‘included’ Breakfast of Champions is appreciated!
Candyman Land! When we first heard about the passion for ‘Godis’ or candy here we took it in stride. But we really lifted up our eyelids when the reality hit as what we had heard was quite literal! It’s a given: Saturday is ‘go to the store and buy candy day’ and enjoy it all day. On Sunday either it’s gone or gets put away. But there seems to be some kind of time out rule on this as we see by the check stands mile high stacks of ‘tempt you as you leave’ Maribou Chocolate Every and Anything. Apparently some things this good can not wait till Candy Day. There are whole wall sections of selections of all kinds of sweets to choose and peruse. For the fine candy connoisseur there is quality to consider if you’re into the ‘good vs. better vs. best. We’re talking serious here. Where it all started is quite the well kept secret from us. But we heard it began with the concerns of the dental community who suggested it was better to only have sweets once a week…It kinda went overboard in the interpretation after that and now it’s pretty much backfiring!
And Just One More Thing…It’s A Gift…A Spiritual One
“You have the spiritual DNA of God. You have unique gifts that originated in your spiritual creation and that were developed during the vast span of your premortal life. You are the child of our merciful and everlasting Father in Heaven, the Lord of Hosts, the One who created the universe, spread the spinning stars across the vast expanse of space, and placed the planets in their appointed orbits.
You are in His hands.
Very good hands.
Loving hands.
Caring hands.”
-Dieter F. Uchtdorf
“And now you know!”
