From the Eye of the Observer
Americans usually do not know a ton about Sweden. At best they list SAAB, Volvo, ABBA, IKEA, and Björn Borg. Many confuse Sweden with Switzerland, which apparently is the country of clocks and chocolate. Some think it snows all the time and a few seem to think it's likely to see polar bears around, none of which is true. Another image is the one of tall, blond, free-minded people. Especially guys like to picture the Swedish girls that way. Compared to an American average it is true Swedes are often blond, although many are not.
Things Americans do not know about Sweden and Swedes:
Things Americans do not know about Sweden and Swedes:
- Swedes never walk inside their homes with their shoes on. It is considered rude not to take them of. The front door always leads to a hall with "shoe shelves" and a place to hang your coat, never right into your living room which is common in the States.
- Swedes usually bring homemade lunch to work instead of going out to eat. Altogether Swedes eat out much more rarely than Americans.
- In case Swedes do eat out they never take the leftovers home. The portions are often smaller than they would be in the States bun anyhow doggy bags are not heard of.
- Swedes are likely to eat their dinner much earlier than Americans are used to. In general it is believed not to be good for your digestion to eat after six or seven PM.
- Many, many Swedes live together and have families without being married, it is called being sambor.
- Swedes depend much less on cars than Americans. Towns and cities are built so it's easy to get around by bike or walking. You can ride your bike anywhere in towns, and sometimes between them as well. In addition public transportation will take you anywhere and are used by many.
In general Swedes believe United States is like on TV. Depending on if they look at soap operas or watch the news, their pictures differ. Europeans tend to be critical of American politics and Swedes are no exception. In particular republicans - and more so Bush - are frequently harshed on. Too often, Americans in general are judged from the appearance of their president and at the moment that is never good. In any case USA is always present, in music, TV, movies, stores, food etc. Sweden is in many ways Americanized and English is our second language, much more influenced by the States than England.
Things Swedes don't know about Americans and the States
- It's not just on TV, Americans really do wear their shoes indoors, and on the carpet too!
- Americans use a lot of courtesy phases, something that can be confusing and seem meaningless for someone not use to it. When the cashier at the supermarket asks "how are you" she expects a "fine, how are you" in reply. She does not really care and whether you really are fine or not is irrelevant.
- When going grocery-shopping, the price tags don't include tax. Food is supposed to be tax free but there are exceptions. In other words, the real price is higher than you think at first.
There is only one answer to the confusing question "what's up" and that is "nothing." Do not try to come up with something that is "up" if you know what I mean.
Most Americans do not have or use the service to send text messages on their cell phones.
- It is expected to always tip at restaurants and the staffs payment depend on it. The waiter/waitress doesn't make enough without your tip.
