Well I have officially been here for two weeks. Below you will find an ongoing list of cultural observations that have accumulated during this time.
- I’m old and uneducated.
Everyone I have met so far in my program is extremely nice, welcoming, extremely well-traveled, probably knows multiple languages and is on average 7 years younger than I am making me feel old and relatively ‘uneducated.’ Now, this sounds great for humor’s sake, but obviously I know this is not actually true (I am very experienced and about to get two master’s degrees), but this context of self here in a master’s program is quite different than back home, where most of my classmates were on average around 30 years old and mid-career. In Europe, it seems to be the trend for students to go straight into master’s study after completing their undergraduate studies. It is also common for students to a) study abroad in high school b) study abroad in during their bachelor’s degree and c) study abroad during their master’s degree. So, different system and different culture for higher education in Europe and has got me thinking about higher education in the US (as if I could ignore that system anyways), where high tuition costs (and personal preference) often necessitates working for several years before returning to school. Both ways work (obviously) and I’m so grateful for the international perspective in these classrooms (and also envious of the multiple languages thing).
- Man buns and half ponies
In the US man buns are a hair trend on the rise. Here, they are the norm. Sorry cool hipsters of the US, you’re a little behind! Half ponies for girls are the same- everyone embraces the trend here, as revolutionary as it seems back home.
- The value of exercise- anyone can do it!
Here, everyone is on the move. Biking, walking, running, rollerblading and roller-skiing (I
I think that’s what it’s called?) you name it, and someone’s currently on the move. What a refreshing culture. Back in Boston, people are very active as well, but there’s an issue of space. With much more accessibility for pedestrians and bikers and much more open space to enjoy, recreation is a staple in everyday life. What is even more refreshing to see, is people of all shapes, sizes and ages enjoying these recreational opportunities. Just last week, when walking down by the lake, I shared the path with someone on a motorized scooter!
- Pokemon Go!: Ruining vacations one smartphone at a time
A large part of my day in Stockholm was spent surrounded by children roaming the streets with a cell phone an arm’s length out in front of them. Of course, anyone who’s been tuned into the Pokemon Go! phenomenon can spot these hoards from blocks away. While I appreciate the merits of this game (bringing people together and active), I saw on several occasions kids having meltdowns because another child (who had current control of a presumed shared smartphone) had caught the Pokemon in reach. So, instead of enjoying a historic district (which maybe kids don’t really appreciate that much to begin with), they spent time having a temper tantrum in the middle of tourist traffic. Interesting for me to see this game building into family vacations. I’m skeptical of its place in such an experience.
- Sweden Runs on Dunkin
There is a Dunkin’ Donuts at the central station in Stockholm.
- Stop lights are polite.
Here, before red lights turn back to green, the red and yellow lights will light up at once, to signal to drivers to get ready to pay attention again. Boston could really use such a mechanism. I often wonder how many hours of my life have been spent sitting behind a texter at a green light.
- Laundry and garbage are still annoying chores but here they are at least efficient.
My apartment complex, made of 7 apartment buildings and four smaller buildings for other activities such as doing your laundry, sorting your garbage or showering your dog. Yes, there is an entire building reserved for dog showers. As with most shared goods, the garbage and laundry systems here are intricate and efficient. The garbage room is a series of bins made for different kinds of refuse (combustible, noncombustible, newspapers, compost, etc.). They value and encourage recycling at this level all over the place! For laundry, everyone gets their own key which unlocks a ‘reservation lock’ that you put on a timetable to reserve your time to do laundry. Then you use your ‘reservation lock’ to do your laundry and lock the door so no one will go in and mess with your shit. I haven’t done any yet, but this system is just too convenient.
- All hail the cinnamon roll (and FIKA!)
On October 4th, Sweden will celebrate National Cinnamon Bun Day. Yes. It’s true, google it. Cinnamon buns will forever taste like Sweden to me. Another great thing about sweets in Sweden is FIKA! This is a mid-afternoon coffee break where you’re allowed to eat cake with your friends. Bringing that back to the American workday, that’s for sure!
Anywho, that’s all for now!
Xoxo
Swedish Jamie
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