February 7, 2006
Stockholm, Sweden
Goddag! (Good day in Swedish)
Stanley and I are in Stockholm. Stockholm is the capital of the country of Sweden. Sweden is in the northern part of Europe, which is across the Atlantic Ocean from you. Here is a map. As you can see, Sweden is about the same size as California, but California has almost 4 times as many people.
Sweden is part of the European Union. This is a partnership between many of the countries of Europe. They all trade with each other. They also have a form of government and many use the same currency--the Euro. Sweden has not yet changed over to the Euro. They use the Kroner. See the pictures below. These pictures may look familiar because I sent you some of these in your package.
Even they are part of the European Union, also known as the EU, they still have their own flag. Here it is:
The people here speak Swedish. It is a really interesting language. It sounds kind of like German, but is different. They use an alphabet similar to ours but have these extra letters: Å, Ä, Ö.
Stanley has really had an overhaul since coming to Sweden. To fit in, he has dyed his hair blonde and gone to H&M for a new wardrobe. H&M is a popular Swedish department store. It is now so popular in Europe that they have started to open stores in the US. There is even one by you in New Jersey!
Here are some other Swedish exports that you may recognize:
Sweden is really cold right now. There is a lot of snow. Here is the temperature difference of Sweden to Delaware:
Remember, when I told you about how it gets dark early in the winter and late in the summer in Moscow, well it is the same in Sweden. It is getting better though. When I was here last time, it got dark at 2 p.m. Today it didn’t get dark until about 4 p.m. When my friends were here in the summer, they said it didn’t get dark until midnight!
The Swedes are very organized, educated and healthy. Sweden has one of the highest literacy (this means how many people can read) rates in the world. They also have one of the longest life expectancies. The people walk everywhere. Even McDonald’s is healthier! While they still have fries and burgers. Most people get sparkling water (it has bubbles like soda) and carrots instead of soda and fries. The hamburger buns are whole wheat also. See the McDonald's add below:
The people of Sweden are also concerned about the environment. Everyone recycles. In fact, at the supermarket you have to bring your own bags otherwise you have to pay for them and some don’t even have them. Here is an ad that was on the front page of the McDonald’s website. It is talking about the new recyclable coffee cups at McDonalds.
One of the cool things about Sweden is that they still have a King. King Carl XVI Gustaf and his wife, Queen Silvia are still the “Head of State;” however, they don’t really have that much power. Sweden has a parliament (this is similar to our Congress) and a prime minister (similar to our president). One of the weird things about this though is that the King of Sweden does not have the follow the laws in Sweden. According to the Swedish Constitution, the King is not subject to penal law. This means that he can’t go to jail, even if he does something really bad! Isn’t that so weird!! Here is a picture of King Carl and Queen Silvia. When they die, their daughter, the Crown Princess Victoria will rule Sweden.
I will attach pictures from my last trip to Sweden. Unfortunately, I forgot my cord, so I can’t download my new pictures until I get home.
I hope all is well with you guys!!
Amanda
