Thank goodness my commitment to my new husband is stronger than to my blog!
I've been a busy lady these last few months. I finished planning our wedding, went to Florida for our honeymoon, and packed Matt for his extended trip to Sweden. Two weeks later, Bella and I joined him. What a whirlwind!
We have been here for nearly a month and tomorrow Bella and I head back home, leaving Matt here to work for awhile. We have had a lovely time and I'm absolutely heartbroken to leave him here alone. Even the weather is SAD. It's rained all day, and Matthew said Stockholm is crying because it's sad to see me go. I'm feeling gloomy, too. This has been the most amazing experience; the people are genuine, the food exquisite, and the history rich and abundant. European culture suites me, and this visit has confirmed my desire to travel.
We are going to dine in the area of Ostermalm this last evening. This part of Stockholm is my favorite; fine restaurants, many stylish boutiques and salons, breath-taking architecture, and beautiful people. Shopping is different here as they don't have the typical American malls, the boutiques are much more quaint. Also, the shops (most everything, but the restaurants) close by 6:00. Overall, I think this is good, because emphasis is not on dirty materialism, (though they have their share, too) but on family and relationships. However, when you want to try something on at H&M at closing time, it can be quite frustrating. I was standing outside the dressing room door and the sales clerk told me it was time to close and I had to leave. Now that doesn't happen in the USA: they will let you try it on because they want the sale...the almighty dollar prevails.
About family, their maternity leave is rather impressive, unbelievable actually! The women get a year of maternity leave and the men have six months! Yep, that's right, the men have paternity leave! It's so sweet to see the many dads pushing the strollers around the parks and in the grocery markets. It's obvious the men bond on a much deeper level with their children because of this time. In fact, while dining over at Matt's colleague's house one night we discussed this very subject. I told him we did not have time off like that in the States and he asked "how could the father's bond with their children?"and I told him they don't. It's just not the same as here in Sweden.
And we mustn't forget about holiday! I don't know how these people get any work done, because they take so much vacation time! It's remarkable. I'm talking a month at a time of PAID vacation! And the bizarre thing is they vacation during the summer when they actually have nice weather! They leave Stockholm in droves to visit other countries! Makes more sense to me to stay here when the weather is nice, and take holiday in January when it's so dark and cold. I don't get it.
However, all this time off comes with a price. They pay the highest taxes of all: up to 59%! As one girl told me, "you can't get rich in this country," and I believe she's right! They do have an excellent public transportation system, which most people take full advantage of, wonderful museums, free childcare, including meals while the children are at school, and free to low-cost health care. Back in Texas we would consider this a socialist country, and say it like a cuss word, but after spending a little time here I see the perks of the system. I think it can be summed up best by saying there is are pros and cons to anything, and everything can't be all bad.
One last thing, most everyone here speaks English, fluently! As Americans, we have failed in this area. Children at a young age are taught to speak English in Sweden, which makes sense considering a child can learn at a much faster pace. Our children should be taught a foreign language in school, the most practical choice for us being Spanish. While being here, I've picked up a few Swedish words, like Tack(thank you), Hej, Hej(hello) och(and) rea(sale) mat(food), etc. I wish I had more time to learn more!
The rain continues, and sadly we only have one umbrella. We can take the Metro to T-Central and stop in at Ahlens to pick another one up before heading to dinner. I hate to leave this city, and more importantly, I hate leaving my forever. I don't think I can stand going home without him. Love and kisses darling, missing you already.
Farewell Stockholm and until next time,
Adjo.
Truly, Cinderella
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| A view of the rain from Matt's Apartment |
