Hearing Swedish Abroad Posted by Transparent Language on Nov 16, 2008
It’s always interesting to see how many people abroad can utter at least some words of Swedish. I say “utter,” because I’m not even surprised anymore at how many people actually can speak Swedish. Their degrees of proficiency vary wildly, that’s for sure, but Swedish is no longer a secret language in which you can…
Swedish Foodstuffs Abroad Posted by Transparent Language on Nov 14, 2008
I am abroad again and this time, I’m proud to say that Dearly Beloved is managing quite well. He went shopping all by himself today and bought what he needed. But he did respond with a sigh of relief when he heard I’m coming back on Monday. This time it was me who needed his…
Fars dag – Father’s Day Posted by Transparent Language on Nov 9, 2008
David from Oregon very astutely pointed out that it was Father’s Day (Fars dag) today in Sweden. He wanted to know how it’s normally celebrated. But because I’m the worst daughter ever (in fact, next week I will visit my dad for the first time in about 17 years, yes shame on me, I know…
Adventures in Healthcare, part 1 Posted by Transparent Language on Nov 6, 2008
A few years ago my friend discovered a black spot on her skin. She went to the clinic (vårdcentralen) and showed it to the doctor there. The doctor told her to wait and see if it would disappear on its own. A couple of weeks later, the spot was still there and she asked me…
Quantum of Solace of Assigned Seating Posted by Transparent Language on Nov 2, 2008
I just went to see the new Bond movie, and it’s as explosive as everyone says. That’s true. “Quantum of Solace” opened in some European countries this past Friday, and for once, Sweden was on the lucky list, along with the UK and France. How’s that for speshul, huh? Normally, we get big movies looong…
Is There Halloween in Sweden? Posted by Transparent Language on Oct 31, 2008
It snowed a little bit today, and it was fun to watch drivers and bike riders genuinely surprised that their cars and bikes were sliding sideways out of control. You’d think that people in a Nordic country would be more used to the fact that white stuff on the roads means slippery surfaces. But no……
Vinterdepression Posted by Transparent Language on Oct 29, 2008
Returning to Sweden after we changed to winter time last weekend was a bit harsh. Suddenly it gets dark at 4PM here. And it will only get worse. That’s one of the joys of living in the North. I like winter, don’t get me wrong, it’s the darkness that kills me. So, to make sure…