Discoveries

Hey everyone,

We were walking home from Clinical the other day, and we realized we've learned some pretty crazy things about the people here in Sweden. I thought I would share them with everyone!

1. Kebab's are amazing, also known as gyro's in the United States.
2. No one in Sweden says hello when you're walking past them. If you say hello, they look at you like you're crazy, and just think you're weird.
3. They have a strong feeling that everyone that lives in this country needs to speak Swedish. Their afraid the language will die someday.
4. They have a billion hairdressers and salons here. Their high schools, or gymnasiums, are split into different vocational activities. After 9th grade, you pick where you would like to go...kind of like when you're picking a college. Some schools are geared towards going to college, some towards IT (computer stuff), others towards being a hairdresser, and even if you want to be a waitress--learning how to do well in the workfield. They are only 3 years as well.
5. Many kids work for a few years before they go to college.
6. College is free, so their not dead broke when they graduate.
7. Couples usually live together for a few years, or even wait until their pregnant with their first child to get married.
8. No one goes to church (only like 20% of the population does).
9. Males aren't circumcized, and they can't believe that we do that!
10. They have maybe one car per family. Everyone walks or rides bikes.
11. They are crazy about the enviornment. Everything is recycled.
12. You have to race to the train if you want a seat!
13. There are very few overweight people here. Seriously...I think I've seen maybe 2 or 3.
14. They love watching American tv shows. We actually met a guy in the coffee shop today that loves That 70's Show.
15. They make fun of us because our coffee is supposedly like black water compared to theirs. And it really is so strong here!
16. Coffee breaks are a must, there are coffee/expresso makers in every single work builidng I've been in.
17. They love to take walks. I've taken a walk over lunch with Maria (my nurse) for the past few times I've been at clinical!
18. Ugg boots are out of style. So stop wearing them America.
19. Swedes love going to Thailand for vacation. Pretty much everyone I've talked to took time off in their younger years to travel all over the world. We decided they can do that because college is free.
20. Women get a year off of work for maternity leave. Men get 6 months.
21. Everyone has a dog.
22. Everyone lives in apartments. Houses are ridiculously expensive. Carpet also doesn't exist here. Lotta (my other nurse) made fun of us because some houses even have carpet in their bathrooms. She also thought it was weird that we don't take our shoes off when we come in the door.

There are many more! I'll have to keep you all updated.

Oh and I drew blood at clinicals this week!!!! My first time, and I got the vein on the first try!