SUMMARY: Sweden

We are writing this from the train on our way to Oslo. We are approximately 2 hours into a 6 hour journey from the east coast of Sweden to Norway’s capital. We will spend the afternoon and evening in Oslo and then catch a train first thing tomorrow morning to the fjord lands. With time to kill, we have decided to summarize our impressions of Sweden, which are based on visits to Vasteras, Stockholm, and Uppsala.

Things we liked:

• Twice daily fika (coffee) breaks
• Systembolaget (the state-run liquor store), which has good prices and an interesting selection of local beers
• Take a number: all queues are managed by numbered tickets instead of just getting in a structured line. This seems to work quite well and allows you to take a seat while waiting for service.
• Prevalence of English
• Flat bread (similar idea to melba toast, just a much better execution) and lingonberry jam
• Leisurely stops at cafes and restaurants – no one is pestering you to pay or leave 

Things we didn’t like:

• Pushy people on the sidewalk (this may be true of all Europe, but that is yet to be seen)
• Doors are not standardized: Most outside doors open out (which is backwards to the North American standard), but once inside a building there is absolutely no precedent or indication (poor affordances).
• Everything is EXPENSIVE (food, clothing, alcohol) – almost $10 for a beer, $150 for a pair of Levis jeans
• Weather: it can instantly change from hot to cold and from wet to dry
• The hostel in Uppsala (seemingly populated by rejects from the Island of Misfit Vagabonds)
• Leisurely stops at cafes and restaurants – no one is around to bring you the bill

Interesting findings:

• Most bald Swedes resemble Mats Sundin
• Fashionable Swedish men favour tight red pants
• Lunch for breakfast: Swedes nosh on sandwiches
• Men with babies: Paternity leave is generous and it is very common to see solo men pushing prams in the street
• Not all Swedish people are blonde
• Swedes love Converse sneakers
• Biking is extremely popular

For fun, here are some additional pictures that didn't make the original postings.

Waterway in Vasteras.

Daryl and the introduction of "Spot" the turtle. If you haven't figured it out by now, every once in a while we are placing (or hiding) Spot in our photos. Try to find him if you dare. And thanks to Jacq for the prop.

A picture of a folk player statue and the City Hall in Stockholm.

Another picture of the Vasa ship at the museum in Stockholm.

Daryl on the train from Uppsala to Stockholm.

Me trying to stay warm during a sudden cold spell in Stockholm.

Awesome candied almonds from the Skansen Museum in Stockholm.

Daryl enjoying his Kindle while waiting for the ferry from Djurgarden to Gamla Stan (two islands in Stockholm).

Hopefully you are enjoying following our trip thus far. We hope to keep the postings interesting (mainly because interesting postings will likely mean interesting experiences and more fun for us).