1. Fika- We shall not only eat between meals, we shall do it together and give it a name! Plus all the fun things to eat at fika chokladbollar, mazariner, etc.
2. Lagom- A concept of knowing things are wholly sufficient, not excessive
3. Often here in Sweden i see groups of kids. I will guess children age 8 and up seem to really have great self control. They can be trusted, as a group, to wait outdoors or go do an activity outdoors and return. It makes me feel good. My daughter is amazed that she can go home for lunch if she wants and return to school, but she hasn't chosen to do it.
4. On a dreary day recently, i went to the store with my 12 year old daughter. When we got to the corner, the sun shown out briefly, and a local Dalatrafik bus stopped and loaded with healthy, cheerful looking people, and suddenly i felt my heart surge in my chest and i gushed, 'I love Sweden.' My daughter replied, 'metoo, i never want to go back.' Of course she complains alot about everything, daily, and i am not sure what came over us at that moment. I think its the society here. Where i come from, its an 'every man for himself attitude.
5. I Love that the walking paths in the town are gravelled and cleared in winter, and even the path in the forest has streetlights, in case you go too late.
6. I love that i do not feel assaulted with fear propoganda every day from the t.v., newspapers, with the latest theme music and logo for the CRISIS. Although not being good on Swedish might mean i miss some of that, lol.
7. I have been to the doctor with a kids earache,seen, talked, and out the door less than ten minutes from the appointment time! In the US i waited 45 minutes standard for any visit to the doc. Healthcare and childcare are so fantastic to me, and if i was to bubble over with this compliment to many Swedes, i love the way they lower their eyes and shift uncomfortably....and i change the subject.
8. I Love that i can have a different opinion than someone else on a political, religious, or social issue, and they do not immediately accuse me for being anti-patriotic, or flame me outright with angry name calling and derision. Real discussions take place and alternative views are allowed.
9. A sense of knowing that people are not working only for health insurance and struggling to pay childcare, they are thinking about the next higher levels of existing, and pursue travel or cooking enthusiastically, are more social.
10. Great place to bring up children, for all the reasons mentioned before.
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Thanks for sharing! I think I too would like Sweden very much. I have only been to England. It had many of these qualities, although still a little rough around the edges. I felt very at home, very peaceful, in England. I have a feeling that Sweden is much more refined, I know the Swedes I have met were.
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