Sweden vs. Me

One thing you gather while traveling is the intricacies of your own culture. Sweden is a lot like Canada in some respects. They have a high minimum wage and cost of living, they appreciate personal space, and they have a designated area where you buy your alcohol - which after 20 years of life still pisses me off.

BUT, one difference is how negatively the Swedes are affected by the winters. I've actually witnessed two breakdowns while being here. Because these winters are so brutally long, the Swedes get really introverted. They don't want to talk, they just want to drink their expensive 3.5% cider and call it a night.

I also didn't realize how eccentric I am and how much this pains people here. For 2 months though I've been completely oblivious to the fact that my bandana is insulting, my hair offends them and my alcoholism is worrisome. It's not that they're totally against individuality here, it just... scares them. Being different is weird, and weird is borderline mentally unstable.

But it's the only form of scarf I have!

One piece of advice I can offer to innocent Canadians like myself is that a smile can go a long way. Despite how rude some people are initially to me, they always feel like shit when I respond with a smile. The best though is when I tell them to have a nice day. They actually don't know how to react to this. One lady, while I was in the Iceland airport, nearly cried with joy. So just be friendly and things will work out. Oh, and sew a Canadian patch on your bag. Trust me.

Thanks mom!