a little history about sweden

*Stellan next to a fabulous bike rack
The reason we don’t hear about Sweden often is that they haven’t been involved in a war in 200 years. That’s a record! They are also so content with the way that they do everything, and do not feel compelled to convince anyone else about it; they just keep their citizens warm and healthy. All citizens pay up to 55% of their salary in taxes, which may seem very steep, but then all of their medical appointments and services are totally free, giving everyone a fair chance to stay healthy. Another way that the Swedes stay healthy is to bike everywhere. I have honestly seen more bikes in these few days than I have ever seen in my life. There are places to park and lock your bike everywhere. I even saw one that was two levels! The landscape is pretty flat so biking is not too hard. Susan and Stellan told me that I could bike about 30 minutes and end up at the beach! I think I will do that next weekend! I go to pick up a bike tomorrow that Stellan and I set aside at a used bike shop. It’s pink!

I have been amazed at how beautiful people and places are here. The old buildings are complimented by the chic shops and well-dressed Swedes. It’s really a lovely little city. Even the police cars are nice, brand-new Saabs, Volvos and Volkswagens.

There is a funny rivalry between Swedes and British and I am getting a first-hand view of it because Susan is from Great Britain and Stellan is Swedish. It seems as though both countries feel they do most things right. So far, I am just witnessing the intelligent things the Swedes do, but I’m sure that I’ll see both sides. One amazing thing here is that restaurants with outside seating have blankets on each chair, so you can stay warm while you’re eating and enjoy yourself longer. Genius! Another funny thing is traffic lights. I guess I haven’t noticed this anywhere else, but a red light turns yellow for like two seconds before it turns green so you don’t have to slow down as much if you think it will turn green soon. I know these things sounds weird, but I find them pretty interesting.

I went to the Malmö Festival tonight with Susan and Stellan, which was a bit overwhelming. It is a huge festival south of Lund in Malmö, with rides, tons of food stands from around the world, and tents set up everywhere with all kinds of music and dance. There were thousands of people everywhere, and I would have been content to sit around watching people for hours. We ended up doing a lot of walking, though, so now I’m pretty tired. I ate good food and got to hear some music, but the atmosphere at big carnival-like places is not for me. It was nice to get back to quiet little Lund, although I have heard that they do know how to throw quite a party here too. I am really quite enamored with the culture here and I haven’t even started at the university. I do miss home and my friends, so don’t think you have lost me to this beautiful place yet! I will post pictures soon!