Posts Tagged ‘people’
Cowboys with push chairs
Rocking the cradle
Sweden is famous for its nature, IKEA and the many gay nannies a US- friend thought he had spotted on the streets of Stockholm. True, there are just as many men with strollers and coffee cups as women (see lattemamma). But they are dads.
I met this dude on the bus today. Mixture between wild, wild west and Hells Angels on paternity leave.
Gotta love this country.
- Posted from my iPhone
Patiala banking
I exchanged some money in downtown Patiala today. In an AC-market to be precise, the more luxurious, air-conditioned way to shop.
Dollars and Rupees add complexity to my usual currency confusion (I still think in Euro after 5 years Sweden), so I did ask for some hard facts, when the gentlemen behind the banking counter gently wriggled his head and said: “Yes Madame, that will be 4450 Rupees”. Read the rest of this entry »
Love, waffles, horses and the power of cups
Affirmation
Der hat doch nicht alle Tassen im Schrank. He’s missing some cups in his cupboard!
Han har inte alla hästar hemma. His horses aren’t at home.
Der hat doch ne Schraube locker! He’s got a screw loose – at least this one matches, even in Swedish.
You recognize them when you see one but these expressions always just miss the familiar wording. Why? Bad hearing in the Middle Ages? Read the rest of this entry »
Royal Media Circus part 2
Concentration, please.
Just a quick update on my post from January 2nd: I am happy to see that Aftonbladet now even published an article by Anne Ramberg, Secretary General of the Swedish BAR Association.
Header: “Objectivity wanted”.
She writes in reply to Jan Schermans article from December 31st who portrays her as being “the power systems’ voice” Read the rest of this entry »
The world outside my window
2010 is coming to an end and it feels good. 1/2 meter snow, frozen sea, cleaned out paperwork, eliminated signs of sleep deprivation and champagne bottles are ready to go.
People from the mainland are carrying heavy bags and boxes across the island, firecrackers and toothbrushes. This place is never as popular Read the rest of this entry »
Lasse behind the pillar, sociable croissants and Vanessa Paradis
Nutritive empty space
Sunny 15 degrees in Paris this morning!
Mama Shelter can only be recommended to those coming from countries with a rich breakfast culture. Lots of fruit, cheese, juices and even sourdough bread. Love it.
In France and Italy, days often kick off with a compelling mixture of sugar and wheat – which reliably makes me feel like a piece of wobbly pizza dough.
Not at Mama Shelter. But something else happened this morning, Read the rest of this entry »
Broken busses and beautiful surfaces
British thoughts under Swedish tree
Someone interviewed Johan Hakelius in Dagens Nyheter the other day. He has written a new book about extravagant British ladies, none of which are alive today. Johan is known for his love for England and long gone centuries. He is also quite cynical and not at all lagom in his statements.
His British-Swedish insights made me smile. Read the rest of this entry »
All about books: Mario, Caroline & general controversy
general controversy
The Swedish Academy gave the Nobel price for literature to Mario Vargas Llosa today.
Mario was caught by surprise, but thinks these are wonderful news. He thought he had been forgotten.
Others think it is crazy to give this price to someone who is actually read. Which in turn comes as a surprise to those Read the rest of this entry »
International workmen, Barcelona dust and changing perspective
London front door
I have never lived in London for more than two weeks but spent a bit of time there, especially with the headquarter of my last employer being in the UK. During that time I strongly experienced how different (working) cultures are – and how I was stuck as a German between the Swedish and the English one.
Strolling through Islington, discussing construction work drama (painting, tiling, plumbing, floors), a sudden insight suddenly struck me. Read the rest of this entry »
Really good noodles, the matrix and a rainbow.
The Matrix
Neo: “I used to eat there. Really good noodles. I have these memories from my life. None of them happened. What does that mean?”
Trinity: “That the Matrix cannot tell you who you are.”
Sometimes Swedes are afraid. They are afraid to stand out from the masses. To stick out their head, to swim against the current.
Partly it’s not very much appreciated by those masses and partly its something you just don’t do.
People will look at you strangely, wonder where you come from and unconsciously conclude that there might be much more suspicious under your Filippa K coat. Read the rest of this entry »
