Archive for 'Culture'
Swedish Customer Service Posted by Transparent Language on Sep 17, 2008
Few topics can fire up an expat living in Sweden as much as “Swedish customer service.” Or not even an expat. Swedes, who lived abroad for an extended period of time, like to discuss it, too. Really, it’s one of those ever-green subjects that can go on forever. And just what is it about the…
Finland Swedish – Finlandssvenska Posted by Transparent Language on Sep 9, 2008
I’m sorry this post is a bit late. But I have a good excuse. I’ve been away. I went to Finland! Oh yes, I can just feel your excitement in the air like static electricity. But wait a second now! There is a reason why I am writing about Finland here. You see, they also…
A Little Bit About Greta Garbo Posted by Transparent Language on Sep 2, 2008
I had to go to Stockholm recently to take care of some very boring business. But because I arrived there about 5 hours before my meeting, I decided to visit Skogskyrkogården – the Woodland Cemetery. Why? It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and if that’s not enough for you, then Greta Garbo is buried there…
Nollning Already? Posted by Transparent Language on Aug 27, 2008
Earlier this week I was sitting in my bedroom, reading a book and trying very hard to ignore the party going on outside. My apartment building is surrounded by student housing (or “corridors” as they’re called here), and if you want to keep your sanity, you learn very quickly to ignore whatever is going on…
Crayfish Parties Posted by Transparent Language on Aug 25, 2008
Arsh asked a while back about the traditional Swedish crayfish party and wanted to know if I participated in one this year. And I’m ashamed to admit that I don’t eat crayfish. No particular reason, I just don’t like the buggers. And I’m not fond of paper hats, either. Most of my friends know about…
Surströmmingpremiären Posted by Transparent Language on Aug 21, 2008
I don’t have a Swedish calendar at home, I only have a goofy little one with a “Hello Kitty” design that is totally useless in Sweden (because what do I need Japanese public holidays for?) but it’s so darn cute that I keep it anyway. So imagine my surprise when I go to tvättstuga in…
What’s a Hembygdsgård Anyway? Posted by Transparent Language on Aug 15, 2008
Because there’s not much to say about the Swedish performance at the Olympics (Ara Abrahamian’s hissy fit resulting in his bronze medal being revoked and Carolina Klüft’s dismal results so far, and that’s it in a nutshell) I’m going to continue talking about the wonders of Norrland instead. But first things first. Did you know…