Linköpinglivin Live!

Though there is still no snow in Linköping, save for a small dusting last week, winter is definitely here, if only represented by the post-holiday slow down as people take a collective break to catch their breath. In other words, aside from the excitement of hurricane force winds that hit parts of Sweden yesterday, life in Linköping seems a bit slower than usual, a calm during a (wind) storm if you will. A perfect time to take a moment and do what I normally don't get to do, respond through the blog to some Linköpinglivin questions, comments and contributions from the past few months.

Though I attempt to write this blog week after week for my own personal satisfaction, not dependent upon readers' comments, you bloggers out there can understand how rewarding it is when you know people are actually reading, most clearly represented through comments or emails. So to those of you who have taken some time to comment or email me directly once or more, thank you. And to those who haven't but read faithfully, thank you as well. Hopefully, the following will provide some insights, some entertainment and continue to further the understanding of life in Linköping and in Sweden.

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Ever since Fredrik's advice on how to "How to Make Friends with Swedes and Influence Them Forever (see "Engelska"), I've done my best to express how impressed I am with Swedes' English speaking skills. Usually, their reaction is one of being flattered, as he said, yet I'm always left astonished that they don't just think it a matter of fact that they speak English well. I continue to be impressed that it's just normal for an entire country to know two and sometimes three languages easily and quickly. However, this line does not work in flattering Swedish women--funny thing....

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I have never neglected ABBA again in anything I say and do Sweden-style (see "Top 10 Interesting Swedish Things"). In a cultural duel between ABBA and Pippi "Långstrump," I'm not sure who would win, but the TV audience would be right up there with Disney on December 24th. Other important Swedish people:

Dag Hammarsköld-Secretary General to the U.N. during the heart of the Cold War

Stefan Edberg-professional tennis player

Astrid Lindgren-children's author and creator of Pippi

Annika Sörenstam-only the Tiger Woods of women's golf (how did I forget Annika the first time around?)

The Cardigans and Roxette-music groups

Christer Fuglesang-As of December 2006, the first Swede in space! It was a pleasure to see the national celebration when, after years of anticipation, Christer finally hit the stratosphere and beyond sporting the blue and yellow. It brought back many memories and excitement of the first shuttle launches when I was in elementary school.

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Nothing caused a bigger stir and more face-to-face comments than that "Fika" entry. Some understand, some don't get the uniqueness of it or why it was worth an entry, but one thing's for sure, fika, no matter where in the world I am, will always be a consistent part of my days! Long live fika (and those who gave it to the world)!

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Someday, I'd love to have a beer with "KB" and "Hans Persson" and discuss socio-political-economics (see "Lagom and Jante Law"). I would learn so much. I loved the banter among Swedish and Scandinavian readers from this entry. Nice work on discussing and clarifying things, everyone.

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I have indeed been to Ryttargårdskyrkan (see "A Special Welcome to Corren-Linköping Readers) and find the congregation there to be so welcoming, friendly and easy to speak with, which is not always the case with Swedish culture. In fact, watch for a blog entry on Ryttargårdskyrkan someday soon.

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Thanks to "Helene i Valla," I attended the Lucia Domkyrkan celebration and it was an hour of pure Lucia bliss, one of the most beautiful spectacles I have ever seen.

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Apparently, some think I have a striking resemblance to former LHC player, Mike Knuble. As usual, one fails to see the resemblance of oneself in anyone else, but if family members agree, then I must trust their judgment, albeit stubbornly.

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Swedes are much to courteous and non-confrontational to boldly bring up politics or ask me to explain American foreign policy (see "Min Svenskakurs"). In my entire time here, I have never been approached about the subject. And while I generally try to remain apolitical, if you haven't noticed from the blog, if someone did ask me about it, I would simply say, "9/11 really hit us in the gut and we're still trying to figure out how to live in a world where that could happen." And most Swedes are very wise to the fact that a democratic government represents some of the people all of the time, but never all of the people all or even some of the time....

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I'm happy to say I saw my first "LHC" victory two weekends ago (see "LHC and Swedish Sports"). A whitewash of Luleå, 4-1. And there really is no good reason why we call American football "football." I think this is one the world has on us...

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A colleague who had not read the blog asked me last week if I have noticed the "Stroller Mafia" that is Sweden. I said, "Yes, I have noticed."

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One frequent commenter on this blog is unacknowledged and shall remain so....!

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Pictures above are more humble spots throughout Linköping. The viking on the keg welcomes people to one entrance to Linköping University's campus (a symbol that students really do have a say in their own campus here in Sweden) and the canal is the Gota Canal, which runs from Stockholm all the way through Sweden to Göteborg. A weeklong journey for those mariners who choose to float along that route.

Thanks for reading this far-this entry got a bit out of control. As a reader of Linköpinglivin, I can't adequately express my gratitude that you're interested in what I have to say.
Vi ses snart i Linköping!