Is it really interesting to write about things that other countries does differently from how it’s done at home? I’m very interested in how things are done differently by people from other cultures even when I’m at home in Sweden. Or how things are done differently on different locations within Sweden. One of the greatest things about moving around, or hanging around other people that have moved around is that one get access to new “glasses”.
I automatically think of my dear Persian friend Zohreh, who’s kind of new to Sweden. How she’s observing how things are done, as well as how it’s said in a new language. She’s made me much more aware of how important it is to observe everyday habits of a new place’s inhabitants. Now it’s my turn.
So… first things first. Cash… & Hygiene. Or lack of 😅. We’re through the peak of a most dreadful and deadly pandemic. On top of this, hardly any Swedes use cash anymore. Meaning we don’t have to exchange our germs with everyone while paying for things. But… in many parts of Europe one isn’t to take it for granted that paying with your phone or with a vard is common practice or even possible.
Next, the smoking. What was two battles 😂 of gigantic proportions at home in Sweden was the… no smoking indoors at bars and restaurants, and the 20 year later no smoking even at outdoor seating of bars, cafés and restaurants. While legally introduced, no problem at all, or even appreciated by many. Including many smokers, which was kind of surprising. But in the southern parts of Europe, you’ll get accompanied by the… ash trays for breakfast, as well as at all other table seating.
Last but not least… the face masks. To me the’re just slimy spreaders since people take the same one on and off touching… and spreading concentrated doses of… germs. I was seriously considering postponing the entire Eurrail travelling due to mild panic I get from wearing these masks. I survived.