I must acknowledge I've been absent the past couple of weeks. Alas, my absence was, from my perspective, justified as I was preparing to embark, then embarked, on my first ever trip to Sweden and Denmark. Wow, what an amazing 10 days I spent there and what perspective I got on how they do things compared to us.
- Americans are very friendly and outgoing. The locals in Denmark and Sweden weren't necessarily rude, but they were stoic and reserved. Once I got them talking they were happy to talk, but I think it was out of amusement they were speaking with an American (rather than that they were conversational). On the other hand, I didn't see any occasions where the Scandinavians were short tempered.
- Swedish drivers are exceptional. I spent a lot of hours on Sweden's freeways. They get it exactly correct: drive in the right lane, pass in the left. It works so well when that rule is followed.
- I'm a big fan of roundabouts. They keep things moving, plain and simple. I've already spent more time sitting at intersections today than I did in nearly 10 days in Sweden.
- Building upkeep here is way behind. I saw many, many buildings that were hundreds of years old and they were in immaculate condition. I guess I can't be sure if they do better with upkeep or initial construction, but I have to believe it is upkeep.
- Their gas is expensive and they don't like SUVs or Trucks. A tank of diesel gas cost me over $100! In all my time there I think I saw 2 pickup trucks on the road. Cars (oddly, they love station wagons there) were about 95% of the vehicles.
- Pedestrians are the dominant concern. A pedestrian is near the sidewalk, the driver stops.
- The banks in Sweden don't have cash! No joke. That's been the case for about 5 years they say.
- Minnesotans are much more practical in their dress. We dress for comfort and to stay warm. The Swedes and Danes dress to look good, and hope they are warm.
Now it is time to get caught up on the backlog. Next week should have a more intensive legal article!
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