I stayed in Gothenburg for 3 months during the height of the omicron variant, the more infectious form of covid, and there was just not much social distancing at all. Streets, malls, trains, all packed shoulder to shoulder. Not a mask in sight.
@ThreeStarVagabond thank you so much for telling us about your beautiful country. We need a support group for all people who have fallen for Sweden. It's a very one sided love affair, but it is VERY REAL nevertheless 🤭🤣🤣🤣😭😭😭😭
Having spent 5 years in Stockholm, I quickly discovered the number one thing not to do in Sweden is saying hello or good morning to neighbors. Such a friendly gesture will make their eyes quickly widen as they run away in a mad panic.
That is SO correct! ...Except if you go out to the archipelago or other small posh areas. There it's custom that you ALWAYS greet others, and if you don't say hello, then they scowl at you and wonder what kind of weirdo you are...
I understand well, why my husband had been surprised with morning greetings and even smiles everywhere here in the Philippines thats shocked him thoroughly! Because of Swedish dont use to have or done it as he explained to me.
Thats why my neighbors hate me , I always say hello! Still there are some that never say a word! Ive been living in the same apartment for 23 years! Sad..! 😭🤓😂✌
Being Swedish, but with a whole cadre of close friends from all around the world, I think I'll just link them this video instead of trying to explain our weird habits over and over 😂
I’m a generally pretty happy person, but your videos get me into an even happier mood….chuckling and laughing as I go through my day, doing laundry, making the bed, sewing, gardening, etc
@@ThreeStarVagabond Yh this sounds like me and the British in general. Pretty much all of that you said could be replaced with Britian and it would make so much sense. Buying rounds is the only one that we do and we do that quite religiously. We are also very quite unless we are drunk which is quite often
@@connortopping6943 Haha! Yeah I think Swedes and Brits get along really well actually! I think there's a really cool ironic humility in Britain... Like, everyone is expected to talk crap about themselves and their place - in a nice way :D
Very interesting! I am American with Swedish roots.. I have always been very quiet by nature, I don't appreciate confrontation but I DO appreciate modesty, personal space, and polite distance from strangers.. I do not like to disclose alot of personal information. I'm also spiritual but not religious, and I also don't like people buying me drinks! I want to buy my own, thank you anyway! I also agree, cutting in line is unforgivable lol I know being American is a strike against me 😆 but I am very proud of being of Swedish ancestry and happy to know I like to inherently carry Swedish etiquette with me 🇸🇪 ❤️
Seems like there's a lot of Swedish in you despite being American! I wonder if that's because of subtle hints of Swedishness that's been kept in the family...or if this "introverted Scandinavian behaviour" is more universal than one things for some people?
I am the same, I like to think some of it is Swedish roots rubbing off on us, but also I did grow up w/ my swedish side being VERY proud to be Swedish so perhaps it was just natural i would turn out introverted and polite and non confrontational.
Visiting from US. Discovered your videos and have watched 7-8 of them. You are terrific and your videos are fun and informative. Keep up the great work.
@@ThreeStarVagabond oh, good. My flight to ARN is going in 6 hours from ZRH (extremely random, I just picked a cheap flight, anywhere was fine). This will be my first visit to Sweden. I'm German, too. Looks like I don't have to prepare that much. I already rented a car from Hertz and I plan on driving around a little. All just to clear my head after a recent break-up. Returning on Wednesday.
@@teyton90Sounds like the perfect recipe - change of pace and a change of scenery. It's pretty cold now, but as long as the rain stays away it can be absolutely gorgeous to drive around. If you're staying around Stockholm, check out Mariefred and Gripsholm Castle. If you're heading up north, check out the High Coast area :D
@@ThreeStarVagabond @ThreeStarVagabond IT WAS AMAZING! I rented a car (hybrid, like everyone in Sweden, lol. Extremely lotsa electric cars!) and started driving West - still having no idea what I'm doing. Didn't matter, the nature was so beautiful and I stopped on every brown sign showing an interesting spot (you know these street signs on highways leading you to a POI). So calm and quiet. I drove about 1500km/4 days. Parked my car at the Norwegian border at a beautiful national park and went the remaining km by foot, just so I can say I've been to Norway. Heard some weird animal noises. Went back, then south, through Gothenburg and back through Stockholm. What an amazing country. I will definitely come back one day (and have time for the places you mentioned).
!!! What kind of weirdo dips the pancake in the ärtsoppa?! Haha I never even considered that it could be a thing. But now I get oddly curious to try it next Thursday 😀
@@limpanuzz pea soup is cheap and pretty bland, so to make the meal a bit more fun, you serve pancakes as dessert. (And pancakes are quite cheap food too, but everyone likes it) This is a pretty strange tradition, I would guess it started in the military, pea soup can be made in big bulks, it doesn't require fresh ingredients, you can prepare it the day before and just heat it up. It gives you the time to make pancakes, wich is a bit messy and time-consuming if you have to do a lot of them. The tradition of serving pea soup with pancakes for dessert (on thursdays for some reason) has been picked up by schools, cafeterias and low-price restaurants everywhere. I think this tradition is at least a hundred years old. If you didn't think the combination is weird enough, it will sometimes be served with a shot of very sweet arrak liqueur called "Punsch", -served warm.
I can’t wait to go! These all sound like my own preferences anyway (maybe because of Swedish heritage?) 😂 our trip got delayed due to world events, but we still plan on coming to visit soon!
Oh too bad! But yeah, some people find the Swedish mentality pretty weird...but some people fit right in straight away. Maybe introversion is a genetic heritage :D
I always make it a point whenever I visit Stockholm to do exactly the opposite of everything you said, except for standing on the left of the escalators, which is just plain rude. One of my favorite things is striking up a conversation with random people on the Tunnelbana, the look on their faces is priceless!
I am in Michigan for most my life 50 years so far but I agree with all these Swedish views 100% despite not everyone around us here doing the same more increasingly as time goes by. Hoping to get more solidarity back.
So what your saying it to stand on the left side of the escalator, play my music as load as I can through the speaker on my phone, hug everyone I see and boast about what I have while cutting in cue, perfect hope I make it out alive. Thank You for the info I’m sure it will come in handy. ✌️
Love how we think that the law of Jante is Swedish when it was a Danish writer, Aksel Sandemose that created it. The fictional town of Jante was based on his home town of Nyköping Mors in Jutland.
Beautiful country, art and poetry, beautiful people. In every day life, though, Swedes are reserved, distant, and apparently discreetly judgmental. Despite all their good qualities, the people are too cold for me, I would become seriously depressed. Marseille, Naples, here I come
That's a very interesting observation - "discreetly judgmental". That might be a really good description for it. I think there's similar behavour in some other countries as well, but maybe it's not very common. Oh well, let's hope the Mediterranean is better!
I'm glad my farfar and farmor were such big influences in my life. They came from Öland and Nordmaling (visited in 1977). They instilled all of this, as did my father. I loved my time in Sweden, meeting some relatives that still lived there.
So happy to hear that! No place is better than any other of course, but I really like the more humble Swedish approach compared to many other cultures. And Öland and Nordmaling are both wonderful places - glad you got to see them.
@@ThreeStarVagabond I mean it kinda is our sport though after all. Since it is such a HUGE deal here in Sweden. Well, if you don't live far up in Lappland like me where almost no people live...🤣
Another brilliant video, I love number 10, a friend of mine calculates the rounds just like the Swedish, so I’ll make sure he buys the first when we visit Stockholm in February
Haha, that's a good plan! People here often feel better overpaying than having the anxiety of not paying enough. However... If a cheap Swede is in the party he'll actually keep track that the rest of the people all buy rounds then! 😂
I live in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Most of us also stay on the right side of the escalator so those who are hurried up can run or walk on the left side. I think it's a new habit, maybe 15 years old, that we must have learnt probably from Sweden itself. Cutting in line is also deeply hated here and could lead to heated arguments. Many shops have a number you have to get, if you have to wait to be attended. Buying rounds would be only for rich people. It's not rude here, but it could get the attention of muggers, or people asking you to pay for more drinks. Speaking loudly in a public place is unfortunately, still very common, as well as there's always someone bothering with his or her cellphone call. Talking about your religion is fine, unless you're a fanatic intending to impose it on others. Hockey here isn't a thing. Soccer is unfortunately, the local obsession. We're not obsessed with personal space, but it would be weird for a stranger to insist on touching me for some reason.
I get that swedes respect their private space, I also love when people keep the distance. but how it happened that in a pretty good restaurant with the cost of a dinner 500kr you get strangers sitting beside you? from both sides, if you're unlucky enough. and no private space at all. I didn't visit a lot, but like 70% places have the same situation. how to find a good place for dinner and relax in Gothenburg?
Well, the answer to that it plain and simple greed! Unfortunately, the best way to avoid that is to not visit the more popular places, or go on less packed times. It's unfortunate, but they do try to optimize the space :/
You’re the best! I’m going to Stockholm in a couple of months and I am taking notes from your videos. I’m an American who loves my personal space, so I mainly have to talk softer 🤣
Haha no worries! People here are used to tourists so no one will be all that bothered either way. Just enjoy and have fun! Thank you so much, and hope you'll have a wonderful time :D
This video will help us as we head to Sweden in June 2023 for a family reunion, of sorts. We are 2nd and 3rd generation Swedish Americans. I think Swedes will find some of the viewpoints and traditions we learned (or mis-learned) from our parents and grandparents as being strange or old fashioned. Question: what would be an appropriate host gift to bring our Swedish relatives?
Happy to hear that! And it's got to feel so nice to connect with a distant branch of the family like that :D Hmm... I can't say for sure, but I think most Swedes love quirky stuff with a local touch. Like, say that you were from Texas. Then I think a real cowboy hat would be a thing people would appreciate, since it has a local connection. It's something that'll be a talking piece - and I think people appreciate that.
Back in the mid 80s I used to go to Stockholm regularly on business with a couple of colleagues - we never waited in line to go into a club or restaurant but would walk right up to the front of the line and say "Good evening" and go straight in - this worked every time.
I love Sweden. They don't like others buying a drink. But in our culture not buying a drink is considered rude. Besides our society like to boast. Packed with egomaniacs. Got to love Sweden.
Things must have changed since my family came from Scandinavia. My father (100% Norwegian) never quit moving. Hardest working man I've ever known. Put himself through college without being able to read (undiagnosed dyslexia - National Honor Society). We used to joke his photo belonged on the meme "Git er done". He would fall asleep if he sat down. My mother (50% Danish) almost as hard working as dad, very gifted artistically - a perfectionist. Neither parent ever drank alcohol. The only 'Swedes' in our family - came from Finland. I grew up in an American town of Finns. Tried to speak Finn to my aunt - she only spoke Swede (and English). Swedes from Sweden I knew growing up - always exuded a sense of superiority. The rest of us thought this hilarious. So much for the law of Jante.
Really funny to hear! I guess that people who have the drive to move to a different country are more adventurous and want to make more of a change? But yeah, all of this is of course just stereotypes from me. There are always different individuals in each country, and there are just some general cultural trends (that are often broken).
That's fair enough - you guys are the happiest people in the world after all! But thanks, all the Nordics are pretty similar I guess - even if we like to focus on differences :D
@@ThreeStarVagabond we are not happiest, we are most "content", not "happy". That's what everyone gets wrong. Everyone using the wrong word getting it on the wrong foot, then getting disappointed when coming to Finland.
Thank you so much for your precious tips! By experience, Swedes are usually very friendly and reliable, also self-ironical. They are not icebergs at all! We should learn to appreciate different points of views to improve and enrich ourselves. That's the path to a better world. You do contribute to that by means of your amusing but educational videos. Tack sa mycket! A big thanks to you and your compatriots 🙂🙂
@@ThreeStarVagabond Tack sa mycket for att svara pa min kommentar sa snabbt! Du ar helt vanlig. Genom dina videos kan jag le, skratta och tanka, men lara mig sa mycket också! Jag ar ledsen att jag kan inte skriva med prickar pa vokalerna! Jag hoppas att du forstar"min" svenska :-) Tusen tack igen! Ha det bra! Giorgio fran Rome 🙂
@@citroen143 Of course! And your Swedish is pretty much perfect (except for the dots) just so you know! Tack så mycket, och hoppas det inte är allt för varmt i Rom nu!
@@ThreeStarVagabond Den snabbaste mannen i Sverige! Du ar väldigt sympatisk. Det ar for varmt i Rom. Tosti betyder en typ av smorgas i nederländska och min katt heter Gustav som din kung. Hälsningar till dig och Kungen Gustav. Inga prickar.....det ar ett problem.....Du borde lara eller undervisa i svenska. Tack sa mycket for dina tålamod och artighet. Goran 🙂
@@Asg2121 Haha! Never insulted by Scandinavian jokes against each other. It's like the Norwegian joke: what separates Norwegians from the apes? The border to Sweden ;D
Hilarious!😅Vive those Swedish values. I'm not Swedish but cannot stand people jumping the queue either! Australians hate people bragging too, queue jumping, paying for a round in a pub has disappeared here today too (RIP). However (unfortunately) we are somewhat more relaxed about the volume of people's conversation in public sometimes and Aussies will (generally) quite freely chat with strangers. I think it probably harks back to our history and the fact that if you'd actually made it alive to Australia on that hell ship, you deserved a bit of a warm welcome?😃Or maybe it's because we're on a island so far from...everywhere, that we're just so excited to talk to you and find out why the hell you made the effort to come here?😅What I remember really appreciating during my stay in Sweden was the superior design and practicality of everything. It's very clean. Things don't just look nice, they actually work too. I agree the people could be reserved, but on the other hand, just a simple spontaneous reflection with someone I met randomly in a shop seemed to scratch the surface and led to a fascinating conversation.
Good point! Swedes are reserved but very open to...well...opening up if others indicate that they want to chat. And happy to hear that you had a good time over here! I've just been to Sydney so far, but that was a really nice place as well. Loved the walks along Bondi, and going to Manly etc. And wild parakeets! It seems like Aussies are a bit like...more laid back, maybe a bit "rougher" version of the English. And I think the Nordics and the UK share a lot of similarities to start with, so it would make sense that there's a lot to recognize in each others' cultures.
Thumbs up for "What NOT to do in Sweden". We're coming to visit in August. I plan to fact check this video. Looking forward to a wonderful visit. Thank you.
Haha, I think it's all still valid! Except for one thing: the Medieval Museum is closed since they're moving to a different location. Hope you'll have a great time despite that :D
The only religious people I met in Sweden were muslim people. And they are not the most nice or accepting people i have ever met in the 50+ countries I've been to.
Im married of Swede ❤He's an incredible man. I can tell this video learnt me a lot🎉 I will share this video to my man, he will agree what this video means for🎉 Tack så mycket❤❤❤❤
@@ThreeStarVagabond thank you! Yes, I had told him earlier and he agreed and told me its true! He's been thankful too that I've learn about it so therefore it wouldn't shock me.
Great tips! At first glance at your video preview picture, I thought you were Fred the Swede from Taskmaster! 🤣 Thanks for educating us before we visit your country.
I hope you're going to like it :D Gothenburg is a really nice place, and September can either be pleasant or a bit rainy. Hoping for good weather when you visit!
@@ThreeStarVagabond well I’m from big London so probably similar weather. Thanks for the upload (was informative and funny) looking forward to exploring and meeting lots of friendly Swedish ladies… 🤞
I just have to comment, I was laughing so much throughout your video. 👏😂 Your humor is awesome, and I've been convinced for years that I was born in the wrong country (US), and this video just confirms it. I definitely would fit in in Sweden or Finland more than where I live.
You have no idea how happy your comment makes me! Partly I'm happy that you enjoyed the video, but I'm also thrilled that you can identify with the same mentally 😀 Cheers!
I like the "rhyme" to remember which side of the escalator to stand on! In Bavaria, we have the rhyme: "Links hatschn, sonst Watschn" which means "walk on the left or [get] a slap on the face" 😂
That's awesome! Haha you actually have a rhyme like that - I was just trying to be funny, but I think yours is even cooler since it's actually in use 😀
Haha yeah I think many Swedes are quite open and accepting about both Christianity and other religions, and they wouldn't critizise anyone for their faith. I might have exaggerated just a bit!
So many things I disagree to in this video, but saying that the finnish people are the most depressed takes the price, they are considered to be the happiest country in the world, for many years in a row. Except that, I think you make great videos, and most of this things is in the beholder of the eyes :) thank you!
The video is a bit tongue in cheek after all. But fair enough! I think we can agree to disagree about most of the points :) Thanks for checking it out either way :D Oh, and the Finnish happiness thing is a bit strange... I believe it's not that they're "happy" per se, but just...content with life in a different way. My 2 cents!
The hockey thing. We love our finnish neighbours like our little brother (and sometimes like a slightly weird uncle). But noone likes getting beaten by their little brother, especially if you have been better than him for ages.
The difference between Finnish and Swedish escalator culture is interesting, here in Finland it is impolite to pass on escalators and that's why you wait on the stairs until the person in front of you leaves.
Personal space is called 'Elbow room' in America. It developed during pioneer days when complete strangers would have to dine together during their travels, and many didn't smell too nice coming off the dusty road. They also worried about thieves, so leaving space made them feel that the contents of their pocket were a little safer.
Interesting! So the concept is that old - I had no idea. I've heard the term before but I imagined that it was a more modern concept about having space for your elbows while eating or something.
@@ThreeStarVagabond Americans have always been lacking in formal 'manners.' It's so bad that a few years ago, corporations had to send people to schools to learn how to dine properly. Actually though, Emily Post had the right idea- She said good manners was the ability to put people at ease... The reason people eat chicken with their fingers now is because at a formal dinner, one of her guests picked up his chicken and began to eat. The other guests gasped... But to their amazement, Emily Post immediately picked up a piece of chicken and began to eat it so her guest wouldn't be embarrassed... So from then on, people felt free to eat chicken with their hands....
@@cassandralibertywest4310 I like that approach! I view manners in general as a sign of respect for the other person. But if you haven't been taught what manners are the appropriate ones, then no disrespect is meant by not following them - so it's better to take it all in stride and assume that people have reasons for why they act like they do, and that it's not meant as a slight.
@@ThreeStarVagabond I agree. In this world though, it can actually be dangerous to go to another country and do something out of innocence which ends up offending people! I think some things are universal though- Like not coughing or sneezing around people and the like.
Ironically enough, I actually didn't do it on purpose. I just had clips lying around and I forgot which was filmed in the Swedish archipelago and which was from Finland ^^
im Swedish but im not really typical as sutch, some of these "rules" i do follow but sometimes i start talking to people in lines and shit, wich prolly makes me a weirdo. great reaction, ty
Haha we all are a bit weird sometimes I think. These rules are mostly standard things most people follow, but I'm sure there's plenty of "not normal" Swedes too
Not to toot my own horn in any way but I'm afraid that most Swedes don't come up with catchy rhymes like that, so it might not be worth a visit just for that :D
Good to know that cutting the line is not accepted in Sweden. In Belgium where I live and other countries I visited it is often expected for me to cut the line when sitting in my wheelchair. I then think; I could also perfectly wait a few minutes, as I don't need to stand, but often when I wait in line someone comes to me and say that I can follow. It makes me feel weird and more special than I really am. I'm just born with a physical disability, but I can wait like everyone else. Sadly I can't explain it well because they won't listen and I just speak slower, so I often just follow the person and not attracting too much attention.
Oh wow, that must be so irritating - to get special treatment and also having a hard time explaining that it's not necessary. I should keep that in mind myself. Sometimes I want to let people with disabilities ahead of me, but I've never thought that it could be seen as a bit offensive. Thanks for the new perspective!
I enjoyed that list good sir. all very reasonable/relatable. I have nothing but praise for my year in Sweden (Lund, Stockholm and Norrtalje). As a Canadian, Sweden and Finland are our major hockey competition. Hats off to Swedish/Finnish hockey development for both men and women. I also served in Afghanistan proudly along side Swedish Armed Forces members.
That's a great summary of good things about Sweden - happy to hear that you enjoyed your time here, and that our army lads and lasses behaved themselves while abroad :D And well, I like korv...but I'm not much for mos to be honest! I'm weird that way...
@@ThreeStarVagabond Aww, thank you for your interest in my comments TSV. The back story for my desired adventures in Sweden was actually academic. I wanted to meet Exercise Physiology Professor Per-Olov Astrand teaching at GIH (at the time) as I was a student of a similar line of education. I see he ended up at at the Karolinksa Institute. I was impressed he took an interest in my unannounced visit. True story, I didn't write ahead. I suspect his curiosity played heavily. Great visit, soft spoken. I love potatoes(mos). A Swedish gentleman I met took me out for breakfast at a bar! for coffee and bread with cheese (Port Salut). To this day I eat this for breakfast frequently. Thanks for your mischievously funny videos. My DNA (23and Me) has a profound link to Scandinavia. Holy crap.
@@garygjl9036 That sounds quite fortunate! Maybe Per-Olov was intrigued - or he took any excuse to get away from boring faculty meetings ;) Nah, just kidding. Happy to hear that you had such a pleasant time in Sweden, and that you happened upon friendly people like that. I guess that that breakfast will continue to be a nice reminder of Sweden!
Thank you for this. I now my swedish genes made to me and that I definitely born in the wrong country. Looking forward to seeing beautiful Stockholm and check out your other videos. 😊❤
I remember standing in line somewhere and the woman in front of me was short the equivalent of half a penny, so i handed an öre or whatever to her and her face fell into a cross between disgust and panic, as if i said hello to her or something. She emphatically refused. Seriously, if would have been less offensive to call her baby ugly.
@@ThreeStarVagabond was it not knowing my place? It still haunts me! I was too be a people pleaser and Sweden was such a wonderful "f**k off boot camp." I'm eternally grateful.
@@user-vs1tc3kj3z Oh no don't worry. She was most likely just surprised ^_^ Seriously, most people would have been happy to get help like that, but she might have been an old school lady who doesn't want help from anyone
People boarding subways in Stockholm don’t allow passengers to get off before they get onto the trains themselves. Oftentimes that causes irritability at stations.
I really hate people cutting in line. I get cut by Swedes being a Swede but as I am a Swede I don't say anything to their faces, clench my fists inside the pockets and then rant about it online. I was actually the first on site today on a bus stop and some woman decided to cut before me even though I was clearly handicapped after my operation.
There are a lot of differences from my culture: Brazil. Normally, we are closer than Swedes. People here tend to speak loud, gesture with hands while speaking, neighbors love to greet to each other and unfortunately some people listen to the music aloud in public transportation.
I just realised I must be Swedish 😜 I was born in Transylvania ( Romania), then lived in Budapest 8 years ( I got Hungarian pass after 2 years). Then lived in Zurich 3y, London 4y, Vienna 12 y, South Spain 3 years. And I feel uncomfortable right now in Spain, they are loud, they will come as close as possible to me, often someone will beg for a cigar ( because I smoke cigars), drivers here are terrible, they don't keep the safe distance behind me, and they will flash at me to go faster, but I keep 20m distance because the car ahead has very stincky ass ( cloud of unmaintained engine fumes), while I drive ev. In Spain someone will always try to cheat in a que, as if his time is more precious than mine...well thats it for now😄
Oh wow! That's such a mix of countries and cultures... It does sound like a horrible place for a Swedishly-inclined mentality, to be in Spain. But there are some very lovely parts to the people in Spain as well. It can't all be bad :D
Indeed, the Spanish are probably the friendliest nation in Europe.The climate, fresh fruits and vegetables, great wines at very low price...and could go on. But I just mentioned my scandinavian side. Also when I park the car at supermarket, I park it far away from the entrance where lots of empty spaces are, to avoid next cars driver banging the door into my car. Guess what, when I come out an other car is parked very close to my car, although there were 4 more free spaces.@@ThreeStarVagabond
I will be staying with Swedish relatives in a couple of weeks. Is it considered polite to invite them our to dinner or is that considered rude? I just want to thank them for their kindness.
People would just run me out of town with pitchforks if I tried :D Half of them because I suck at stand-up, and half because I'm insulting everyone ^_^
@@ThreeStarVagabond 😂You see? You have a funny response! But I kind of know what you mean. Someone can be funny in one context and not another. I’m a retired teacher and my students were always telling me I was funny and in maybe some early days that I should do standup. I would explain to them that what is considered funny in a classroom environment would not be considered funny from a stage….
Totally agree! And I can be pretty sarcastic and caustic in my humor - that can work I certain contexts but I think it's best when people know me a bit (or can see more of my videos to get a feeling for it) 😊 But who knows, maybe that's great for stand-up. And maybe there's a huge market for teacher stand-up as well! Everyone's been in a classroom after all....
I’ve seen so many videos from other Nordic countries throwing shade at poor swedes. Also at each other but they seem to always pick in Sweden (mostly for a sing-song sounding language?). Anyway, it’s funny to see a Swede toss insults back that way! Thanks for the video!
Check out this video for even MORE things not to do in Sweden: ruclips.net/video/dm18hSIUQL8/видео.html
Selfridges used to have an announcement at esxcslstorplease stand on the right Snd allow others tobpassbonbthebleft
That two meters apart thing during the pandemic was very awkward in Sweden where the usual distance is five meters
"Do we really have to stand that close?! Two meters is like intercourse!"
LOL
😂
I stayed in Gothenburg for 3 months during the height of the omicron variant, the more infectious form of covid, and there was just not much social distancing at all. Streets, malls, trains, all packed shoulder to shoulder. Not a mask in sight.
I guess a few thousands people didn't care for safety. they don't represent the wiser population.
So lovely to FINALLY catch a video with an actual SWEDE to tell us about the country. Love this.
Haha there's a fair bit of other people trying to understand Sweden right? Well, happy to pitch in with my perspective :D
@ThreeStarVagabond thank you so much for telling us about your beautiful country. We need a support group for all people who have fallen for Sweden. It's a very one sided love affair, but it is VERY REAL nevertheless 🤭🤣🤣🤣😭😭😭😭
Having spent 5 years in Stockholm, I quickly discovered the number one thing not to do in Sweden is saying hello or good morning to neighbors. Such a friendly gesture will make their eyes quickly widen as they run away in a mad panic.
That is SO correct! ...Except if you go out to the archipelago or other small posh areas. There it's custom that you ALWAYS greet others, and if you don't say hello, then they scowl at you and wonder what kind of weirdo you are...
what are u a crazy person?
I understand well, why my husband had been surprised with morning greetings and even smiles everywhere here in the Philippines thats shocked him thoroughly!
Because of Swedish dont use to have or done it as he explained to me.
ha ha ha
Thats why my neighbors hate me , I always say hello! Still there are some that never say a word! Ive been living in the same apartment for 23 years! Sad..! 😭🤓😂✌
Being Swedish, but with a whole cadre of close friends from all around the world, I think I'll just link them this video instead of trying to explain our weird habits over and over 😂
Definitely the easiest way to explain Sweden I think ;D
This video had nothing to do with being swedish, at all.
I’m a generally pretty happy person, but your videos get me into an even happier mood….chuckling and laughing as I go through my day, doing laundry, making the bed, sewing, gardening, etc
Haha, I love hearing that! I'll do my best to be good housechore company in the future as well :D
the more I learn about Sweden the more I like It. Just a place of humble quite people who like to keep to themselves.
Yep, that's pretty much us! A country full of introverts - but we're pretty decent despite that 😂
@@ThreeStarVagabond Yh this sounds like me and the British in general. Pretty much all of that you said could be replaced with Britian and it would make so much sense. Buying rounds is the only one that we do and we do that quite religiously. We are also very quite unless we are drunk which is quite often
@@connortopping6943 Haha! Yeah I think Swedes and Brits get along really well actually! I think there's a really cool ironic humility in Britain... Like, everyone is expected to talk crap about themselves and their place - in a nice way :D
Very interesting!
I am American with Swedish roots.. I have always been very quiet by nature, I don't appreciate confrontation but I DO appreciate modesty, personal space, and polite distance from strangers.. I do not like to disclose alot of personal information.
I'm also spiritual but not religious, and I also don't like people buying me drinks!
I want to buy my own, thank you anyway!
I also agree, cutting in line is unforgivable lol
I know being American is a strike against me 😆 but I am very proud of being of Swedish ancestry and happy to know I like to inherently carry Swedish etiquette with me 🇸🇪 ❤️
Seems like there's a lot of Swedish in you despite being American! I wonder if that's because of subtle hints of Swedishness that's been kept in the family...or if this "introverted Scandinavian behaviour" is more universal than one things for some people?
Being Swedish is not a compliment. Take your grouchy self …..
You're just an introverted american. It's not your "Swedish roots"
The average "european" american prolly has like one great great great grandfather whos parents moved to that country just after he was born.
I am the same, I like to think some of it is Swedish roots rubbing off on us, but also I did grow up w/ my swedish side being VERY proud to be Swedish so perhaps it was just natural i would turn out introverted and polite and non confrontational.
The best is giving a compliment to a Swede in front of other Swedes and watching them look around awkwardly and change the subject.
Haha, guilty! We just try to include everyone in the praise, or make a joke of it. If that fails we flee...
Please don't break the Swede. Singling one person out for praise is traumatic.🤣
Wow nice blog god bless I follower for you
No, thats not true at all. Noone I know does that, noone.
I can’t think of a single place where grilling someone about their salary is considered polite.
That IS a fair point! But Swedes have been even more tight-lipped about it than other countries, I believe.
I just happened to fell in love with Swedish culture after this video
Haha! We're a quirky bunch for sure :D
The koran
Visiting from US. Discovered your videos and have watched 7-8 of them. You are terrific and your videos are fun and informative. Keep up the great work.
Thank you SO much! Really happy to hear that :D And happy that I can provide some hopefully interesting things about Sweden :)
Watching this as a German who is moving to Sweden for a job, I don't see any difference, just a bit longer days in summer and shorter in winter.😅
Haha! That explains why I don't feel much of a difference when I visit Germany 😀
@@ThreeStarVagabondLol that would make sense. Natural-born Swedes and Germans seem very similar
@@ThreeStarVagabond oh, good. My flight to ARN is going in 6 hours from ZRH (extremely random, I just picked a cheap flight, anywhere was fine). This will be my first visit to Sweden. I'm German, too. Looks like I don't have to prepare that much. I already rented a car from Hertz and I plan on driving around a little. All just to clear my head after a recent break-up. Returning on Wednesday.
@@teyton90Sounds like the perfect recipe - change of pace and a change of scenery. It's pretty cold now, but as long as the rain stays away it can be absolutely gorgeous to drive around. If you're staying around Stockholm, check out Mariefred and Gripsholm Castle. If you're heading up north, check out the High Coast area :D
@@ThreeStarVagabond @ThreeStarVagabond IT WAS AMAZING! I rented a car (hybrid, like everyone in Sweden, lol. Extremely lotsa electric cars!) and started driving West - still having no idea what I'm doing. Didn't matter, the nature was so beautiful and I stopped on every brown sign showing an interesting spot (you know these street signs on highways leading you to a POI). So calm and quiet. I drove about 1500km/4 days. Parked my car at the Norwegian border at a beautiful national park and went the remaining km by foot, just so I can say I've been to Norway. Heard some weird animal noises. Went back, then south, through Gothenburg and back through Stockholm.
What an amazing country. I will definitely come back one day (and have time for the places you mentioned).
This has helped me understand my beloved late grandfather so much more as his parents came from Malmos.
Wow, happy to hear that! It's amazing to hear that these kind of videos actually help people in various ways :D
Malmö
One of the most common Swedish things to believe whole heartedly is that Malmö is Danish.
#11 - Never dip your pannkakor (Swedish pancake) in your Ärtsoppa (Pea Soup). I did this once and my Swedish father in law fell out of his chair!
!!! What kind of weirdo dips the pancake in the ärtsoppa?! Haha I never even considered that it could be a thing. But now I get oddly curious to try it next Thursday 😀
@@ThreeStarVagabond I like flour tortillas with certain types of soup & chili and I will dip them..., perhaps it was a subconscious thing?? Too funny!
@@8TJA I love it! But yeah I often dip bread in soups and stews as well, but... Yeah, pancakes and pea soup are a special thing for Swedes :D
why are theese two dishes served together?
@@limpanuzz pea soup is cheap and pretty bland, so to make the meal a bit more fun, you serve pancakes as dessert. (And pancakes are quite cheap food too, but everyone likes it)
This is a pretty strange tradition, I would guess it started in the military, pea soup can be made in big bulks, it doesn't require fresh ingredients, you can prepare it the day before and just heat it up. It gives you the time to make pancakes, wich is a bit messy and time-consuming if you have to do a lot of them.
The tradition of serving pea soup with pancakes for dessert (on thursdays for some reason) has been picked up by schools, cafeterias and low-price restaurants everywhere.
I think this tradition is at least a hundred years old.
If you didn't think the combination is weird enough, it will sometimes be served with a shot of very sweet arrak liqueur called "Punsch",
-served warm.
I can’t wait to go! These all sound like my own preferences anyway (maybe because of Swedish heritage?) 😂 our trip got delayed due to world events, but we still plan on coming to visit soon!
Oh too bad! But yeah, some people find the Swedish mentality pretty weird...but some people fit right in straight away. Maybe introversion is a genetic heritage :D
I always make it a point whenever I visit Stockholm to do exactly the opposite of everything you said, except for standing on the left of the escalators, which is just plain rude. One of my favorite things is striking up a conversation with random people on the Tunnelbana, the look on their faces is priceless!
Haha, that's just plain evil! But you can get lucky and find a talkative Swede - or possibly a drunk Swede. Those are usually the same thing
I am in Michigan for most my life 50 years so far but I agree with all these Swedish views 100% despite not everyone around us here doing the same more increasingly as time goes by. Hoping to get more solidarity back.
I'm really happy to hear that! Personally I just think that a lot of it is common sense, but I know that many (too many) people don't agree.
So what your saying it to stand on the left side of the escalator, play my music as load as I can through the speaker on my phone, hug everyone I see and boast about what I have while cutting in cue, perfect hope I make it out alive. Thank You for the info I’m sure it will come in handy. ✌️
That's exactly what to do! 😅 And since Swedes are so anti-confrontational, all they'd do is make a fist in the pocket and mutter something
Love how we think that the law of Jante is Swedish when it was a Danish writer, Aksel Sandemose that created it. The fictional town of Jante was based on his home town of Nyköping Mors in Jutland.
🤯 Mind blown! I had NO idea about that! It's one of those things you just assume is true, so I never bothered to look up the actual origins...
Thank you so much,
It's my first time in Sweden, it's very helpful for me
Really happy to hear that! :D Hope you're enjoying your time here...even though it's cold and snowy / rainy right now...
Beautiful country, art and poetry, beautiful people. In every day life, though, Swedes are reserved, distant, and apparently discreetly judgmental. Despite all their good qualities, the people are too cold for me, I would become seriously depressed. Marseille, Naples, here I come
That's a very interesting observation - "discreetly judgmental". That might be a really good description for it. I think there's similar behavour in some other countries as well, but maybe it's not very common. Oh well, let's hope the Mediterranean is better!
This keeping distance is exactly the opposite of the Mediterranean world.
Haha yes! It's really funny to see the different in behaviour if you travel there :D
I'm glad my farfar and farmor were such big influences in my life. They came from Öland and Nordmaling (visited in 1977). They instilled all of this, as did my father. I loved my time in Sweden, meeting some relatives that still lived there.
So happy to hear that! No place is better than any other of course, but I really like the more humble Swedish approach compared to many other cultures. And Öland and Nordmaling are both wonderful places - glad you got to see them.
Din attityd är helt underbar, älsklar att du tar upp problemen på ett avslappnat sätt👍
Tack! Jag gör mitt bästa - det är bra att ta upp saker utan att göra en stor grej av det tycker jag 😊
Not that my pinion matters, but Sweden seems lovely. Thank you.
Your opinion definitely matters - and I'm happy to hear that ^_^
Nice video with nice jokes. I love that the Swedish take standing in a line seriously! Wish everyone was like that.
Haha, it's our national sport! Almost at least :D Thank you, and happy that you enjoyed the video ^_^
@@ThreeStarVagabond
I mean it kinda is our sport though after all. Since it is such a HUGE deal here in Sweden.
Well, if you don't live far up in Lappland like me where almost no people live...🤣
@@ChristofferOrrmalmUtsi Oh, but there's plenty of reindeer to play with at least... Or... Something :D
It's just common sense really 😊
Thank you for all the tips with illustrations
Another brilliant video, I love number 10, a friend of mine calculates the rounds just like the Swedish, so I’ll make sure he buys the first when we visit Stockholm in February
Haha, that's a good plan! People here often feel better overpaying than having the anxiety of not paying enough. However... If a cheap Swede is in the party he'll actually keep track that the rest of the people all buy rounds then! 😂
I live in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Most of us also stay on the right side of the escalator so those who are hurried up can run or walk on the left side. I think it's a new habit, maybe 15 years old, that we must have learnt probably from Sweden itself. Cutting in line is also deeply hated here and could lead to heated arguments. Many shops have a number you have to get, if you have to wait to be attended. Buying rounds would be only for rich people. It's not rude here, but it could get the attention of muggers, or people asking you to pay for more drinks. Speaking loudly in a public place is unfortunately, still very common, as well as there's always someone bothering with his or her cellphone call. Talking about your religion is fine, unless you're a fanatic intending to impose it on others. Hockey here isn't a thing. Soccer is unfortunately, the local obsession. We're not obsessed with personal space, but it would be weird for a stranger to insist on touching me for some reason.
I get that swedes respect their private space, I also love when people keep the distance. but how it happened that in a pretty good restaurant with the cost of a dinner 500kr you get strangers sitting beside you? from both sides, if you're unlucky enough. and no private space at all. I didn't visit a lot, but like 70% places have the same situation. how to find a good place for dinner and relax in Gothenburg?
Well, the answer to that it plain and simple greed! Unfortunately, the best way to avoid that is to not visit the more popular places, or go on less packed times. It's unfortunate, but they do try to optimize the space :/
You’re the best! I’m going to Stockholm in a couple of months and I am taking notes from your videos. I’m an American who loves my personal space, so I mainly have to talk softer 🤣
Haha no worries! People here are used to tourists so no one will be all that bothered either way. Just enjoy and have fun! Thank you so much, and hope you'll have a wonderful time :D
This video will help us as we head to Sweden in June 2023 for a family reunion, of sorts. We are 2nd and 3rd generation Swedish Americans. I think Swedes will find some of the viewpoints and traditions we learned (or mis-learned) from our parents and grandparents as being strange or old fashioned. Question: what would be an appropriate host gift to bring our Swedish relatives?
Happy to hear that! And it's got to feel so nice to connect with a distant branch of the family like that :D Hmm... I can't say for sure, but I think most Swedes love quirky stuff with a local touch. Like, say that you were from Texas. Then I think a real cowboy hat would be a thing people would appreciate, since it has a local connection. It's something that'll be a talking piece - and I think people appreciate that.
@@ThreeStarVagabond Based!
@Agnes A bit boring perhaps, but never goes wrong.
@@ThreeStarVagabond Unless the host family is deeply religious, booze never goes wrong. Maybe a fancy local (Texas) bourbon?
@@HawkJedilord Ooh, that's a really cool idea! I think most people would love stuff like that.
It’s considered rude In most places to ask people how much they make .
Thank you for this list 🙏🏾
You‘re so humorous in your explanations😂😂😂
Fair point! And thank you very much - I do try :D
Back in the mid 80s I used to go to Stockholm regularly on business with a couple of colleagues - we never waited in line to go into a club or restaurant but would walk right up to the front of the line and say "Good evening" and go straight in - this worked every time.
Haha! A complete set of utter bastards in other words. Oh well, as long as it worked then good for you!
I love Sweden. They don't like others buying a drink. But in our culture not buying a drink is considered rude. Besides our society like to boast. Packed with egomaniacs. Got to love Sweden.
I guess each culture is fine as long as you're used to how things are done. It's just a problem when there's a mix of expectations!
Things must have changed since my family came from Scandinavia. My father (100% Norwegian) never quit moving. Hardest working man I've ever known. Put himself through college without being able to read (undiagnosed dyslexia - National Honor Society). We used to joke his photo belonged on the meme "Git er done". He would fall asleep if he sat down. My mother (50% Danish) almost as hard working as dad, very gifted artistically - a perfectionist. Neither parent ever drank alcohol. The only 'Swedes' in our family - came from Finland. I grew up in an American town of Finns. Tried to speak Finn to my aunt - she only spoke Swede (and English). Swedes from Sweden I knew growing up - always exuded a sense of superiority. The rest of us thought this hilarious. So much for the law of Jante.
Really funny to hear! I guess that people who have the drive to move to a different country are more adventurous and want to make more of a change? But yeah, all of this is of course just stereotypes from me. There are always different individuals in each country, and there are just some general cultural trends (that are often broken).
My perception of some Norwegians exactly. A self perception of Superiority. I think it may go both ways though.
Good to know if you're not a Swede 😂👍 Great video
Haha yeah, all the useful things right :D Thank you!
Thank you for sharing. It seems I’ve been making many mistakes over the years. Ofc, I noticed some of the tips you mentioned but definitely NOT all 😂
Some are a bit exaggerated, but I think that most Swedes actually agree with these. But it's not the end of the world if one or two is broken ^_^
Finnish ppl arent depressed tho. We just dont smile alot. Also, it was fun watching this and realizing just how similar the customs are🇫🇮❤️🇸🇪
That's fair enough - you guys are the happiest people in the world after all! But thanks, all the Nordics are pretty similar I guess - even if we like to focus on differences :D
@@ThreeStarVagabond we are not happiest, we are most "content", not "happy". That's what everyone gets wrong. Everyone using the wrong word getting it on the wrong foot, then getting disappointed when coming to Finland.
@@poweredbymoonlight9869What a depressing reply lol
Thank you so much for your precious tips! By experience, Swedes are usually very friendly and reliable, also self-ironical. They are not icebergs at all! We should learn to appreciate different points of views to improve and enrich ourselves. That's the path to a better world. You do contribute to that by means of your amusing but educational videos. Tack sa mycket! A big thanks to you and your compatriots 🙂🙂
That's so kind of you to say! I'm really happy that I can provide a little bit of help - while hopefully bringing a smile to people's faces as well :D
@@ThreeStarVagabond Tack sa mycket for att svara pa min kommentar sa snabbt! Du ar helt vanlig. Genom dina videos kan jag le, skratta och tanka, men lara mig sa mycket också! Jag ar ledsen att jag kan inte skriva med prickar pa vokalerna! Jag hoppas att du forstar"min" svenska :-) Tusen tack igen! Ha det bra! Giorgio fran Rome 🙂
@@citroen143 Of course! And your Swedish is pretty much perfect (except for the dots) just so you know! Tack så mycket, och hoppas det inte är allt för varmt i Rom nu!
@@ThreeStarVagabond Den snabbaste mannen i Sverige! Du ar väldigt sympatisk. Det ar for varmt i Rom. Tosti betyder en typ av smorgas i nederländska och min katt heter Gustav som din kung. Hälsningar till dig och Kungen Gustav. Inga prickar.....det ar ett problem.....Du borde lara eller undervisa i svenska. Tack sa mycket for dina tålamod och artighet. Goran 🙂
Thanks for the tips! I don't want to go to Sweden anymore. But Denmark sounds fun!
Good! One less douche here, and one more for the Danes to handle. They get what they deserve
@@ThreeStarVagabondAn old dirty Danish joke:
Keep Copenhagen clean, help a Swede to the ferry!😂😂😂.
Don't feel insulted, I'm 🇸🇪/🇩🇰
@@Asg2121 Haha! Never insulted by Scandinavian jokes against each other. It's like the Norwegian joke: what separates Norwegians from the apes? The border to Sweden ;D
Oh much Goodness. I laughed the whole way Through! 😂🎉
@@ThreeStarVagabond Sounds like you've already got them all! 🤣
I was teaching a Swedish boy salsa and I was very close and he loved it 😂 He even brought his 2 brothers to teach them !😮
Sounds like you met a very extroverted Swede - we do have some of them as well :D
Geez…I definitely grew up in the wrong country. 😊
Haha, Sweden will be waiting if you want to experience it!
Hilarious!😅Vive those Swedish values. I'm not Swedish but cannot stand people jumping the queue either! Australians hate people bragging too, queue jumping, paying for a round in a pub has disappeared here today too (RIP). However (unfortunately) we are somewhat more relaxed about the volume of people's conversation in public sometimes and Aussies will (generally) quite freely chat with strangers. I think it probably harks back to our history and the fact that if you'd actually made it alive to Australia on that hell ship, you deserved a bit of a warm welcome?😃Or maybe it's because we're on a island so far from...everywhere, that we're just so excited to talk to you and find out why the hell you made the effort to come here?😅What I remember really appreciating during my stay in Sweden was the superior design and practicality of everything. It's very clean. Things don't just look nice, they actually work too. I agree the people could be reserved, but on the other hand, just a simple spontaneous reflection with someone I met randomly in a shop seemed to scratch the surface and led to a fascinating conversation.
Good point! Swedes are reserved but very open to...well...opening up if others indicate that they want to chat. And happy to hear that you had a good time over here! I've just been to Sydney so far, but that was a really nice place as well. Loved the walks along Bondi, and going to Manly etc. And wild parakeets! It seems like Aussies are a bit like...more laid back, maybe a bit "rougher" version of the English. And I think the Nordics and the UK share a lot of similarities to start with, so it would make sense that there's a lot to recognize in each others' cultures.
Thumbs up for "What NOT to do in Sweden". We're coming to visit in August. I plan to fact check this video. Looking forward to a wonderful visit. Thank you.
Haha, I think it's all still valid! Except for one thing: the Medieval Museum is closed since they're moving to a different location. Hope you'll have a great time despite that :D
Love how Swedes looks at Norwegians 😂 love from Norway 😊
All tongue in cheek! We love our neighbors really, but we won't admit it 😊
Quite useful tips...Yes, I find many swedes very humble natured and down to earth....Facts about Norway, Denmark and Finland was just :D
Haha we love to make fun of each others' countries up here - the Nordics are like sibling countries. But thank you, and happy that you enjoyed it :D
The only religious people I met in Sweden were muslim people. And they are not the most nice or accepting people i have ever met in the 50+ countries I've been to.
Im married of Swede ❤He's an incredible man. I can tell this video learnt me a lot🎉
I will share this video to my man, he will agree what this video means for🎉
Tack så mycket❤❤❤❤
Happy to hear that! And well who knows - maybe he'll disagree with everything in the video 😀
@@ThreeStarVagabond thank you!
Yes, I had told him earlier and he agreed and told me its true!
He's been thankful too that I've learn about it so therefore it wouldn't shock me.
Really useful, thanks. Can't wait....
Thanks :D Really happy to help! :D
Great tips! At first glance at your video preview picture, I thought you were Fred the Swede from Taskmaster! 🤣 Thanks for educating us before we visit your country.
Haha, I've heard someone else comment on that - and I haven't even seen Taskmaster, so I have no idea how he looks :D
i absolutely agree with this video. Totally rational things that one must NOT do.
Almost English except buying rounds (drinks)gave it up ages ago for exactly same reasons.
The UK is pretty similar to Sweden in many ways! We do have a long history together so it makes sense
Thank you for this. Visiting Gothenburg in September.. Have wanted to visit for years and finally doing so. Really admire Swedish people…
I hope you're going to like it :D Gothenburg is a really nice place, and September can either be pleasant or a bit rainy. Hoping for good weather when you visit!
@@ThreeStarVagabond well I’m from big London so probably similar weather. Thanks for the upload (was informative and funny) looking forward to exploring and meeting lots of friendly Swedish ladies… 🤞
@@KrisDJFRAY The best of luck to you! UK guys seem to be popular, so I'm sure you'll do fine :D
you didn't tell him about the wind gusts, precipitation will be a side issue, I am willing to bet the rain won't even make your top ten.
@@generalkawasaki9485 Is it really that windy though? I've been there at autumn now and then and it's not been too bad...
klar bästa beskrivning vi har av dessa oskrivna lagar. Skickar detta till alla gäster som reser hit. Tackar!
Yay tackar! Haha man försöker iaf :D
I just have to comment, I was laughing so much throughout your video. 👏😂 Your humor is awesome, and I've been convinced for years that I was born in the wrong country (US), and this video just confirms it. I definitely would fit in in Sweden or Finland more than where I live.
You have no idea how happy your comment makes me! Partly I'm happy that you enjoyed the video, but I'm also thrilled that you can identify with the same mentally 😀 Cheers!
@@ThreeStarVagabond I'm happy to hear that it made you happy! :) Currently watching some of your other videos 👏😊
@@freyjav6055 I hope you like them! I kind of jump between topics and locations a bit - guess I just like to keep varied 😊
@@ThreeStarVagabond Varied is quite nice actually, I feel that it definitely keeps things interesting! :) Skål!
@@freyjav6055 Awesome! Well, skål then! :D
I like the "rhyme" to remember which side of the escalator to stand on!
In Bavaria, we have the rhyme: "Links hatschn, sonst Watschn" which means "walk on the left or [get] a slap on the face" 😂
That's awesome! Haha you actually have a rhyme like that - I was just trying to be funny, but I think yours is even cooler since it's actually in use 😀
Sweden is a very good place to live in, but these 10 things not to do helps me even though I am a Swede👍.
That's unexpected, but I'm happy to hear so :D
I love the accent and the dry sense of humor
Thanks man! Good thing, 'cause I can't really do anything about either :D
A really good list of things that are natural. Except the faith thing. I often talk about my faith in God, and we still have a snaps together.
Haha yeah I think many Swedes are quite open and accepting about both Christianity and other religions, and they wouldn't critizise anyone for their faith. I might have exaggerated just a bit!
So many things I disagree to in this video, but saying that the finnish people are the most depressed takes the price, they are considered to be the happiest country in the world, for many years in a row. Except that, I think you make great videos, and most of this things is in the beholder of the eyes :) thank you!
The video is a bit tongue in cheek after all. But fair enough! I think we can agree to disagree about most of the points :) Thanks for checking it out either way :D Oh, and the Finnish happiness thing is a bit strange... I believe it's not that they're "happy" per se, but just...content with life in a different way. My 2 cents!
The hockey thing. We love our finnish neighbours like our little brother (and sometimes like a slightly weird uncle). But noone likes getting beaten by their little brother, especially if you have been better than him for ages.
Well put! That describes it better than I ever could
Älskar den här kanalen, du är för bra för tuben! Har snart sett alla dina videor.
Fy fasen vad kul! Tack så mycket - men undvik det gamla skräpet för din egen skull ;D
@@ThreeStarVagabond Haha okej! Alla börjar någonstans.
The difference between Finnish and Swedish escalator culture is interesting, here in Finland it is impolite to pass on escalators and that's why you wait on the stairs until the person in front of you leaves.
Oh interesting! I guess Swedes can be a bit rushed - especially in Stockholm
It's interesting that most of these examples are similar in Germany while a few of them starkly different here..
Makes sense though, since the cultures are pretty similar at least!
I'm from northern Scotland and there are so many traits here that I recognise
Scots seem really similar to Swedes sometimes. Isn't it about time that you had a new referendum about leaving the UK so you can join Scandinavia?
It´s very similar to Denmark except for the hockey thing. Hockey is not a big deal here.
Loosing to Finland is though but acceptable in hockey.
But loosing to Norway in hockey is a national crisis.
Yeah! Finland has sisu. Norway has... Uh.. Oil and lusekoftor.
Personal space is called 'Elbow room' in America. It developed during pioneer days when complete strangers would have to dine together during their travels, and many didn't smell too nice coming off the dusty road. They also worried about thieves, so leaving space made them feel that the contents of their pocket were a little safer.
Interesting! So the concept is that old - I had no idea. I've heard the term before but I imagined that it was a more modern concept about having space for your elbows while eating or something.
@@ThreeStarVagabond Americans have always been lacking in formal 'manners.' It's so bad that a few years ago, corporations had to send people to schools to learn how to dine properly. Actually though, Emily Post had the right idea- She said good manners was the ability to put people at ease... The reason people eat chicken with their fingers now is because at a formal dinner, one of her guests picked up his chicken and began to eat. The other guests gasped... But to their amazement, Emily Post immediately picked up a piece of chicken and began to eat it so her guest wouldn't be embarrassed... So from then on, people felt free to eat chicken with their hands....
@@cassandralibertywest4310 I like that approach! I view manners in general as a sign of respect for the other person. But if you haven't been taught what manners are the appropriate ones, then no disrespect is meant by not following them - so it's better to take it all in stride and assume that people have reasons for why they act like they do, and that it's not meant as a slight.
@@ThreeStarVagabond I agree. In this world though, it can actually be dangerous to go to another country and do something out of innocence which ends up offending people! I think some things are universal though- Like not coughing or sneezing around people and the like.
@@cassandralibertywest4310 Absolutely. And a smile is always a smile...at least most of the time...
Good to know. Thanks for the tips.😊
Happy to be of some small assistance 😄
Thanks for the useful information!
And thank you for checking it out!
The two little islands are not in sweden but in helsinki, finnland, on the way to suomenlinna.
Ironically enough, I actually didn't do it on purpose. I just had clips lying around and I forgot which was filmed in the Swedish archipelago and which was from Finland ^^
im Swedish but im not really typical as sutch, some of these "rules" i do follow but sometimes i start talking to people in lines and shit, wich prolly makes me a weirdo. great reaction, ty
Haha we all are a bit weird sometimes I think. These rules are mostly standard things most people follow, but I'm sure there's plenty of "not normal" Swedes too
😂 I would visit Sweden just based on just your sense of humor and the escalator mnemonic.
Not to toot my own horn in any way but I'm afraid that most Swedes don't come up with catchy rhymes like that, so it might not be worth a visit just for that :D
Good to know that cutting the line is not accepted in Sweden. In Belgium where I live and other countries I visited it is often expected for me to cut the line when sitting in my wheelchair. I then think; I could also perfectly wait a few minutes, as I don't need to stand, but often when I wait in line someone comes to me and say that I can follow. It makes me feel weird and more special than I really am. I'm just born with a physical disability, but I can wait like everyone else. Sadly I can't explain it well because they won't listen and I just speak slower, so I often just follow the person and not attracting too much attention.
Oh wow, that must be so irritating - to get special treatment and also having a hard time explaining that it's not necessary. I should keep that in mind myself. Sometimes I want to let people with disabilities ahead of me, but I've never thought that it could be seen as a bit offensive. Thanks for the new perspective!
All my life I thought I am introvert. But now I realized that I am Swedish.
Well, we also have extroverted and introverted Swedes over here... You can go even deeper down the rabbit hole :D
The crack about standing on the left on the escalators had be crying laughing at my desk.
I felt so silly recording that one in front of all the people at the central station! 🤣 I kept getting such weird glances...
I enjoyed that list good sir. all very reasonable/relatable. I have nothing but praise for my year in Sweden (Lund, Stockholm and Norrtalje). As a Canadian, Sweden and Finland are our major hockey competition. Hats off to Swedish/Finnish hockey development for both men and women. I also served in Afghanistan proudly along side Swedish Armed Forces members.
oops, forgot to mention: korv med mos. love it.
That's a great summary of good things about Sweden - happy to hear that you enjoyed your time here, and that our army lads and lasses behaved themselves while abroad :D And well, I like korv...but I'm not much for mos to be honest! I'm weird that way...
@@ThreeStarVagabond Aww, thank you for your interest in my comments TSV. The back story for my desired adventures in Sweden was actually academic. I wanted to meet Exercise Physiology Professor Per-Olov Astrand teaching at GIH (at the time) as I was a student of a similar line of education. I see he ended up at at the Karolinksa Institute. I was impressed he took an interest in my unannounced visit. True story, I didn't write ahead. I suspect his curiosity played heavily. Great visit, soft spoken. I love potatoes(mos). A Swedish gentleman I met took me out for breakfast at a bar! for coffee and bread with cheese (Port Salut). To this day I eat this for breakfast frequently. Thanks for your mischievously funny videos. My DNA (23and Me) has a profound link to Scandinavia. Holy crap.
@@garygjl9036 That sounds quite fortunate! Maybe Per-Olov was intrigued - or he took any excuse to get away from boring faculty meetings ;) Nah, just kidding. Happy to hear that you had such a pleasant time in Sweden, and that you happened upon friendly people like that. I guess that that breakfast will continue to be a nice reminder of Sweden!
Thank you for this. I now my swedish genes made to me and that I definitely born in the wrong country. Looking forward to seeing beautiful Stockholm and check out your other videos. 😊❤
You can be an honorary Swede in that case :D But thank you so much, and hope that I can make the city live up to the praise!
@@ThreeStarVagabond Tack! I have no doubt 😀
I remember standing in line somewhere and the woman in front of me was short the equivalent of half a penny, so i handed an öre or whatever to her and her face fell into a cross between disgust and panic, as if i said hello to her or something. She emphatically refused. Seriously, if would have been less offensive to call her baby ugly.
That's Swedishness in a nutshell! You can trample our flag and spit in our faces, but don't you dare disrespect the line :D
@@ThreeStarVagabond was it not knowing my place? It still haunts me! I was too be a people pleaser and Sweden was such a wonderful "f**k off boot camp." I'm eternally grateful.
@@user-vs1tc3kj3z Oh no don't worry. She was most likely just surprised ^_^ Seriously, most people would have been happy to get help like that, but she might have been an old school lady who doesn't want help from anyone
Some of those rules applies in the U.K. too. Though we love to buy each other rounds, which may not be such a good thing.
Haha nah it's a fun tradition with rounds. But yeah I guess many of them are pretty similar in many countries.
thnx for the tips. we visit sweden in August for our honeymoon.🎉
Congrats! And just enjoy your trip in that case and don't worry about any unwritten rules :D
People boarding subways in Stockholm don’t allow passengers to get off before they get onto the trains themselves. Oftentimes that causes irritability at stations.
Totally agree! That's one thing I missed. I don't know why people have gotten so rude in public transport.
I really hate people cutting in line. I get cut by Swedes being a Swede but as I am a Swede I don't say anything to their faces, clench my fists inside the pockets and then rant about it online.
I was actually the first on site today on a bus stop and some woman decided to cut before me even though I was clearly handicapped after my operation.
Sorry to hear that! People really can be quite inconsiderate at times, unfortunately
There are a lot of differences from my culture: Brazil. Normally, we are closer than Swedes. People here tend to speak loud, gesture with hands while speaking, neighbors love to greet to each other and unfortunately some people listen to the music aloud in public transportation.
been bingeing on your videos, really enjoying them
So happy to hear that! Thanks a lot :D
Lot of swedes think that “Jantelagen” is a Swedish expression, but it is fact Norwegian.
Other than that, this is mostly useful observations.
I definitely thought that too! But well, you live and you learn eh 😊
I think I'm an undercover Swede in Belgium. Very relatable
Muahaha, Swedishness is infiltrating the whole world, one step at a time :D
I just realised I must be Swedish 😜 I was born in Transylvania ( Romania), then lived in Budapest 8 years ( I got Hungarian pass after 2 years). Then lived in Zurich 3y, London 4y, Vienna 12 y, South Spain 3 years. And I feel uncomfortable right now in Spain, they are loud, they will come as close as possible to me, often someone will beg for a cigar ( because I smoke cigars), drivers here are terrible, they don't keep the safe distance behind me, and they will flash at me to go faster, but I keep 20m distance because the car ahead has very stincky ass ( cloud of unmaintained engine fumes), while I drive ev. In Spain someone will always try to cheat in a que, as if his time is more precious than mine...well thats it for now😄
Oh wow! That's such a mix of countries and cultures... It does sound like a horrible place for a Swedishly-inclined mentality, to be in Spain. But there are some very lovely parts to the people in Spain as well. It can't all be bad :D
Indeed, the Spanish are probably the friendliest nation in Europe.The climate, fresh fruits and vegetables, great wines at very low price...and could go on. But I just mentioned my scandinavian side. Also when I park the car at supermarket, I park it far away from the entrance where lots of empty spaces are, to avoid next cars driver banging the door into my car. Guess what, when I come out an other car is parked very close to my car, although there were 4 more free spaces.@@ThreeStarVagabond
This is the funniest guy! He should replace Rick Steves and do tour videos on US TV. He is great.
Haha, I wish I could do that! Thank you SO much :D
useful informations, thanks.
Cheers! :D
I will be staying with Swedish relatives in a couple of weeks. Is it considered polite to invite them our to dinner or is that considered rude? I just want to thank them for their kindness.
Oh, that's always a nice gesture! And I'm sure they'll be happy about it - you don't have to think about the formalities ^_^
You’re so funny! You really should do an open mic at a comedy show 😂
People would just run me out of town with pitchforks if I tried :D Half of them because I suck at stand-up, and half because I'm insulting everyone ^_^
@@ThreeStarVagabond
😂You see? You have a funny response!
But I kind of know what you mean. Someone can be funny in one context and not another. I’m a retired teacher and my students were always telling me I was funny and in maybe some early days that I should do standup. I would explain to them that what is considered funny in a classroom environment would not be considered funny from a stage….
Totally agree! And I can be pretty sarcastic and caustic in my humor - that can work I certain contexts but I think it's best when people know me a bit (or can see more of my videos to get a feeling for it) 😊 But who knows, maybe that's great for stand-up. And maybe there's a huge market for teacher stand-up as well! Everyone's been in a classroom after all....
As a Dutch I think I could survive in Sweden.
I think we have very similar cultures so yeah! Except no coffee shops in Sweden :D
Great video! A presentation with lots of humour!
Thank you so much! Appreciate it 😀
I like your outspokenness, my dear brother! I think Sweden might be the right place for me to live! You are fantastic with your expressions!
Haha, it's a quirky place but some people really like it! Thank you so much :D
As a Swedish person, I approve this message! (Even though he was a shouting a bit too much, wasn't he?)
Sorry! I'll try to curb my enthusiasm a bit more ^^
Haha😂
Asking people about their salary is a no-no in most of Europe, not just Sweden.
Fair enough! It's more acceptable in some other areas of the world - but yeah, not in the west in general.
I’ve seen so many videos from other Nordic countries throwing shade at poor swedes. Also at each other but they seem to always pick in Sweden (mostly for a sing-song sounding language?). Anyway, it’s funny to see a Swede toss insults back that way!
Thanks for the video!
Haha thank you! (Whoops, I thought this was a comment on another video. Edited away that to make my response less confusing!)