Here’s a quick summary of the things I’ve had to get used to in my short time here. The first being that doors actually swing inward; if you know me, then you may know that this is one of my biggest anxieties ever since I heard about the fire at the ill-fated Cocoanut Grove due to a panic-stricken crowd gathering at the entrance door that did not swing outward. Silly, I know, but it’s something I’ve always been observant about since I heard about it years ago. I used to joke with my coworkers (when we actually went into office) about how if there’s a fire we’re all going to be trapped inside because the doors swung inwards (not to mention that there was no working fire alarm in our office. EEP!). Oh, and locks unlock with a counter-clockwise turn, not the other way around. This still continues to pose a problem for me, especially when I’m in a hurry.
While the doors in Stockholm play into my anxiety, there are other things I’ve also had to get used to that aren’t nearly as intense. The first being the order of the road, which goes as so: Bikes > Pedestrians > Cars and Buses. Living in the city, it’s been interesting to see the paradigm change that I was so accustomed to; in Austin most bikes can take the road but often times cars and their drivers angrily swerve around them, sometimes in a hostile way, other times a reasonable fashion, but most frequently, in a passive-aggressive way. Not here! If you’re a bike, you get to breeze through crosswalks and sometimes stoplights. Cars have to wait until all pedestrians walk through the intersection before even attempting a right-hand turn. The rules of the city road are much more pleasant as a pedestrian, and even better if you’re on a bike.
Living in the Bay Area for a short time also prepped me for a mild late summer/early autumn. The weather has been pleasant enough that I am able to open the windows, but the most surprising thing I’ve found is how frequently it rains here. Everyday since I’ve been here there’s been rain, but it always relents within a matter of hours, allowing the sun to make an appearance.
Another aspect that surprised me is that children have a lot more freedom in the city compared to those in North America. I’ve witnessed young children (around 7+) entering the metro and buses solo, walking in groups, and making stops at the stores. This is completely unheard of in North America. I also see men taking children out on walks and even pushing prams (strollers). It’s really cool to see an equal distribution of child-rearing responsibilities in typical Swedish households.
Oh, and Amazon isn’t really much of an option unless I’m willing to pony up for international shipping. It’s honestly the biggest pain point I’ve had to grow accustomed to; in the past if I had a need for something I knew I could easily order it and it would arrive within a day or two, but Amazon does not have an official Swedish site, yet. I’ve had to meet deliveries at street level and haul my items to my door solo. Silly, but it’s something that I definitely took for granted in the states. Let me tell you, trying to track down a PC compatible gamepad has been an ordeal in and of itself.
And of course, there are other mundane changes to life that I’ve had to acclimate to. If you lived in Austin, TX the last few years you’ll remember the city’s push to enforce a reusable bag policy which was deemed unconstitutional by the Texas Supreme Court. Here, it’s a common way of life; bags cost money and if you don’t bring your own there’s a chance you may have to pay a sum to purchase some. I’ve also mentioned how refuse needs to be taken to a recycling center in order to properly dispose of plastic, glass, and paper items. It’s now become a routine aspect of my day to make sure I take a walk a few blocks away to dispose of those things properly; Sweden recycles everything!
And the grocery stores are an adventure in and of itself. You can use a typical hand basket to carry your goods, a typical shopping cart, or a mid-grade draggable plastic basket on wheels that’s size is in-between both of the former items mentioned. Self-checkout lanes are dominant, but one of the surprising aspects you may find yourself facing is the exit scanner. In order to leave the store you need to scan your receipt in order to leave. It’s an interesting but pragmatic change of pace.
I’m sure there are more items that I will remember to note in a later update, but so far those are the biggest things that I’ve had to grow accustomed to in the last week and a half during my time here. Outside of the “hot” salsa, everything else has been business as usual and it’s been interesting to live in an urban area that has access to almost everything, including a Systembolaget within walking distance. Today, I took a chance and went to one to purchase some wine. I was wrong in my initial claim that a personnummer was needed to purchase alcohol, as a foreign passport was enough ID to purchase some alcoholic goods. The hours are very similar to Texas liquor store hours, so I’m already used to having to plan ahead to access such items.
Anyway, if I think of any other incongruous items during my adventures I’ll make sure to post them. If you have any questions or requests, I’m always willing to address them; bring them on!
Valerie Kromas 