No misses really. It's just, I noticed that even though the Swedes are beautiful, with perfect skin – smooth and wrinkle-free into their 60's and beyond – and living in one of the world's most forward-thinking nations, with Cheez Doodles and crayfish on tap, there is this pervading air of depression.
I can't remember feeling it last time I visited, but it seemed very obvious during this stay. Perhaps it was seasonal. Summer had finished, everyone was just settling back into school and work, and the weather was cold, damp and overcast for the most part.
It stood out to me most when we took the kids to visit a Swedish school, where one of Kerstin's friends works. It was really interesting for the kids to see how other kids do it. [One of my favourites was the OOSH (out of school hours) care. Here, in Australia, OOSH teachers are employed for out of school hours, so, before and after school. Sucky job, I think, because you are there early and late, with just a chunk of free time in the middle of the day. But in Sweden – at least, at the school we visited – the OOSH teacher is employed for the full day. Her classroom is used as a 'time-off' area for small groups of kids through the day, for various reasons such as having a break after finishing work quickly, or having to work on a project as a group away from the rest of their class, as well as being sent there if one or more kids are being disruptive. It works for the kids and the teachers, as well as keeping the OOSH teacher employed for the full day. A really nice system.] The kids noticed that discipline is more relaxed (of course, they would notice that), they are served a hot lunch every day, and they have to take their shoes off inside. Yes, the shoes off thing. I always put it down to Swedish neatness, but looking at the muddied boots strewn about the locker room, and picturing that mud compounded with snow and ice, it was a trait born out of necessity. I took note of the weather then. It was cold and fairly miserable. The schoolkids all had big jackets and boots, and it got me thinking about the fact they had only just got back to school after the summer, and they were already rugged up, and would stay that way pretty much until the next summer break. I started to realise why the Swedes may be depressed at that time of year. It's such a short summer before they are all dressed in layers and back in the daily grind!
At the school.
Out and About….
Kerstin, at her front door (of her dreams)
Stockholm tube stations..
and on the train
Stockholm cruising…
We went on a great little boat tour around the city. 'Under the Bridges', called that because I think we passed under 15 of them. Interesting, even with the rain.
We passed through two locks as well. That was kinda cool.
One of the bridges, seen through the rainy skylight
Funny way to sleep…
And with that boat cruise, and a big serve of meatballs for dinner, it was time to farewell Kerstin, and Sweden. I hear it's snowing there now, and they are looking at having the coldest winter in 100 years, but I have to wait for the next Swedish winter, when Kerstin will come and visit me, and warm up!
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