Relocation Blog

An author recently wrote that Sweden is a country where people are intensely preoccupied with learning NOT to trust one another. I can only agree, since the first time I heard the word Mängelliste from an Austrian transferee I've come a long way. For years I tried to say that a handshake is enough and answering questions on "Can we be sure?" with "Yes, of course he said so". To most nationals that isn't good enough so we have adapted, but in my heart a handshake is still a handshake and in most situations I still trust someone’s word. That being said I can sniff out a lier very quickly - so we simply don't get to the actual handshake. This is a skill you need when you live by the trust morale.

Fika – every workplace will come to a standstill twice a day. 10:15-10:30 and 3 to 3:15 is the mandatory coffee gathering. Swedes drink more coffee than everyone but the Finns. If you go to a meeting you MUST say yes please to coffee even if you are a tea drinker… if not you will be regarded with suspicion. It’s part of the protocol.

Join a guided tour around the ship and learn about Vasa's history - the king, the construction, the maiden voyage, the sinking, the salvage, the preservation, and much more.

Soon you will begin to see children selling little flowers around town. This is a Swedish culture tradition which began in Göteborg 1907 with the goal of helping those afflicted with tuberculosis. Today the proceeds go toward combating the effects of childhood poverty. Donations are made to schools and organizations as well as directly to individual children in need.

The Police Museum, located at Museivägen 7 on Djurgården, has a new exihibition dedicated to one of the most groundbreaking developments for the Swedish crime control – namely, the police car. Introduced in the 1940, the police officers transitioned from horseback riding and patrolling by foot to chasing the bad guys by car. It is sure to be an exciting display of the development of one of Sweden’s most honorable professions.

Walpurgis Eve, or Valborgsmässoafton, is on Thursday, April 30th!

On 25th of April Stockholm Culture Night rolls out the purple carpet and culturists throughout the city stand united offering a buffet of art, music and dance to celebrate Stockholm's cultural diversity.

Millesgården has an exhibit about Pompeii going on until May 18th.

Soon summer and hikes in the Archipelago! Watch out for ticks.

Don’t miss Stockholm Art Week which will be held through 14-19 April 2015. The art week includes: