An old crane that was used to empty ships. I love how it sits off kilter.
Yup another installment into my country comparatives. Sweden. What can I say about Sweden? I loved Sweden. I love the attitude of the people, I love the pride, pragmatacism and intelligent simplicity to their life. Think Ikea. This is a good example that represents the logical approach the Swedish have to everyday life.
"I'm singing in the rain ..."
When I got to Stockholm I was overwhelmed by how much culture was part of Sweden that I found very alluring. Knitting and heavy warm sweaters for the cold winters, the fantastical stories of trolls, the viking history which brings with it leather goods, runes, metal works, ships, their simply designed often red wood homes, their meticulous yards and the beautiful surrounding forests, lakes and ocean.
Building details
For the most part the people are healthy and very active. With short summers they make the most of the warm weather and sunshine and rarely does bad weather seem to stop them or get them down. They are sun worshippers. In the winter they make the most of the snow, skiing, cross-country skiing, skating, still getting outside and being active. You don’t see a lot of white bread, it is whole grain bread, dark bread, heavy bread. Food is oatmeal, fish, eggs, cheese. People still enjoy coffee and beer but everything is enjoyed in balance.
Wonderful natural Sweden
Having not been impacted by much damage of the World Wars, the architecture in many places provides a story of the centuries. There is a cleanliness to its design, colours, presentation. Not as many people as I would have thought speak English. But you get by. And certainly everyone is friendly and are happy when you try to speak the language. And if you pay attention and listen, it is not too hard.
The narrow streets in old Stockholm
I would have to say that the biggest downfall of Sweden is that it is very expensive. I have not got to Norway yet, and I understand it is even more expensive, but Sweden was definitely pricey. I think you can still visit and not break the bank, but it is a place like Australia, expensive to visit but easier if you actually lived there and earned a living there. People are paid accordingly.
An old rune presented at Skagen
So I loved the country, I loved its culture and I loved the easy going open-minded attitude of the Swedish people. Definitely a place to visit. I must go back.
Lottie and Mike on the deck of their house.
Never did get to Sweden but always meant to. Glad you enjoyed the people and the architecture.
As you said, put it on your bucket list.
Yeah….another comparative! I always look forward to reading your insights and perspectives on countries you have visited and this one does not disappoint. As always, I like your commentary and I love your pictures.
Sweden was already on my bucket list, but now it will be on top along with Denmark and England. I think my fascination with Sweden started when I read Pippi Longstocking as a little girl and I used to watch the TV show in German.
I forgot all about Pippi – which I shouldn’t because everybody used to call me that since I was tall, lanky, freckly and with red hair.
I can totally see you as Pippi. Maybe you were Astrid Lindgren’s inspiration. HAHAHA
You know what’s funny….people used to compare me to Annika, because I used to have the same hairstyle as her. 🙂