Tuesday, April 1, 2014

A ~ All Aboard! #atozchallenge




All Aboard the "It's Very Swedish..." train! We are on a cultural journey through Sweden. During April, we will explore the differences big and small between American and Swedish culture.  We'll touch on topics as small and insignificant as ice cubes, and tackle bigger issues like attitudes and perceptions of each other. 




Along the way we will stop at some childhood memories which triggered these ideas, and you'll probably see an embarrassing picture (or 26...ish) to give you a visual.

These posts will be written from my memories of what Swedish society was like back in the 70s, with input from The Swede (my Dad) to corroborate some of my perceptions and how they've changed since we left. Of course cultural changes have happened the last forty years!  They have in America, too.

What we're going to do here is look at what this former little Swedish girl turned mother of teenagers misses about her homeland, and why.

Hop on the train!  You're sure to learn something new, and the snacks and beverages are always good.  If you miss a stop, no problem, just catch the train at the next letter.  Someone will be saving you a seat.

~Tina, Swedish immigrant to America since 1974

66 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sweden is so fascinating to me, I can't wait to read all of your observations and experiences!

The Pedestrian Writer

Aditi said...

Can't wait to learn and experience the all things Swedish! I am on board! :)
Aditi, A2Z participant

Gail M Baugniet - Author said...

Looking forward to your posts, Tina. Thank you for co-hosting the 2014 A to Z Challenge. I can't imagine the amount of work involved!

Testing my hyperlink for the first time: Gail visiting for AtoZ

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Tina - this will be fun .. and presumably said train turns round and does a Gary .. going Z-A .. so we can really catch up ...

I'll enjoy these and then can think about the differences re the UK and both countries ..

Thanks for co-hosting and all the work you do - cheers Hilary

Donna Smith said...

I've got my ticket. Let's go!

Sheena-kay Graham said...

Ready, Set, Sweden!

Shelley Munro said...

I'm looking forward to this. Hubby and I are visiting Sweden - just a short stay - later in the year.

Shelley Munro

Tasha Duncan-Drake said...

Listens for the conductor's whistle. I'm really looking forward to your observations.
Tasha
Tasha's Thinkings

Lacey Dearie said...

Despite being European I know very little about Sweden, other than the fact that the Swedes make excellent pop music. Looking forward to reading these blogs!

Andrew Leon said...

Is this a Swedish train? Are there trains?

Cathy Kennedy said...

Oh! Goody, a train ride! *clap hands* I'll be looking forward to this trip...snack and story time! I can't wait to learn more about about you and Sweden! Naturally, I checked to make sure I am following you and I am!

Anonymous said...

I was blessed to be able to visit Sweden while my hubby was stationed in Germany. (Back in the 90's). What a beautiful country. I can't wait to learn more about it.

Quick, silly question - do you have an accent?

Elsie
AJ's wHooligan in the A-Z Challenge

Andrea said...

Such fun! There is a dining car on this train, correct?

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Ready for the journey!

Anonymous said...

I've got my ticket. This should be such a fun adventure. Ooohhh, can't wait until you share some delicious Swedish recipes with us :)

MJ, A to Z Challenge Co-Host
Writing Tips
Effectively Human
Lots of Crochet Stitches


Brian Miller said...

looking forward to the journey tina...love the train too, so this should be fun...

are swedish fish really from sweden?

Dragon Tails and Scales said...

Sounds like fun.
I grew up in a church that was established by the Swedes. I was one of the few people who didn't have a last name end
Cheers for another A to Z challenge
A Plus!ing in 'sen'

Unknown said...

I'm always ready for a cultural train ride!

Jo said...

Looking forward to the journey.

Laura S. said...

Hi, Tina. Your theme is awesome. I don't know much about Sweden. The extent of my Swedish knowledge is IKEA stores and chocolate, lol. Pathetic. So I'm looking forward to your posts!!

Happy A to Z-ing! from Laura Marcella @ Wavy Lines

Jane Westwell said...

My daughter's off to Sweden later this year, so I'll point her to this blog to whet her appetite before she goes :o)

JoJo said...

I'm eager to read your stories! BTW, I read your 'All Aboard' blog title in Ozzy's voice (before Crazy Train starts). lol

Mary Aalgaard said...

Super excited for your postings as I have Swedish heritage.
Play off the Page

Sue McPeak said...

Alrighty, then...Let's Do This AtoZ Thing! Looking forward to another year of Super Swedish Stuff!
Sue at CollectInTexas Gal

Unknown said...

Sweden is such a beautiful, intriguing country that I can't wait to visit! In fact I feel the same way about all the Scandinavian countries. You have made a great start here to the A to Z Challenge and looking forward to following you on your trails.

Gregg Metcalf said...

This will be interesting. I know nothing of Swedish culture. I just finished watching a two season netflix series set in Norway - that was interesting.

Anonymous said...

That's a wonderful topic for the challenge!

Julekha Khatun said...

I am on board ...and looking forward to this exciting Journey !

-Julekha
http://jk-thoughtcanvas.blogspot.in/2014/04/a-allah-almighty.html

Darla Sue Dollman said...

My first roommate as a teen was from Sweden. I'm interested to know what you have to say, the comparisons you make. She was older than I and enjoyed teaching me about her culture and family history. I enjoyed it tremendously and still have a few books she gave me about her "home."

Amanda Lee said...

Looking forward to your stories! I signed up, and just posted about micro Apartments for A. Oh, Tina, what have you gotten me into?

CA Heaven said...

You have kind of a frozen memory of Sweden from 40 years back. That's gonna be interesting to compare to present-day Sweden (and Scandinavia).

BTW, are you driving a Volvo?

Cold As Heaven

Unknown said...

Hmmm! What a neat idea for a theme! Love learning about other cultures. Hope there is a recipe or two coming! ;)

A to Z: deborahdera.com & writingforpeanuts.com

Julie Flanders said...

I know very little about Sweden and love learning about other cultures so I know I will enjoy this!

Chrys Fey said...

I'm excited to read your posts about Sweden. I'm now following your blog. :)

Nilanjana Bose said...

Travelling into other cultures is always awesome, and the train's a bonus.


Best wishes,
Nilanjana.
Madly-in-Verse

Suzi said...

What a fun idea. I don't know much about Sweden, so this'll be fun to see.

Anonymous said...

Tina - what an irresistible invitation All Aboard the Swedish train. I'm not knowledgable about this little country - to see, hear and experience it through your eyes will be such a treat. See you tomorrow.

loverofwords said...

Great theme. This is my impression: Neat, punctual, design and architecture, amazing, creative, leaning toward simpler lives, introspective. Now to see how many of my impressions are correct as I follow your blog in the next weeks.

Sharon Himsl said...

Oh, how interesting. I will enjoy learning about all things Swedish.
Shells–Tales–Sails

Masquerade Crew said...

A very unique and personal theme.

Stopping by for the A to Z Challenge. We are highlighting amazing authors this month. Check us out HERE.

Unknown said...

This should be a lot of fun. I look forward to reading about somewhere I have always wanted to go.

http://livingwritingteaching.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

Sweden is a place I've always wanted to know more about- thanks for sharing your knowledge with me!

Kate @ Another Clean Slate said...

I'm ready for the trip!

Ida Thought said...

just in the nick of time - ready and waiting :) Reflex Reactions

Grammy Staffy said...

I will be glad to hop aboard. I need to learn more about Sweden. My last name is Staffanson. My husband's family came from Sweden.

I am also doing the A to Z challenge.... at least I hope I signed up right. I don't see my blog listed but I tried to fill in the sign up information correctly.

Stephen Tremp said...

Ya! Great way to kick off the A to Z Challenge. Lots of people again this year. I wouldn't miss this for anything.

Vikas Khair said...

Can't wait to learn more about Sweden.

My Contributions to April A-Z challenge 2014

Story Teller

http://vikaskhair.blogspot.com/2014/04/paths-to-death-for-accident.html

http://vikaskhair.blogspot.com/2014/04/paths-to-death-b-for-bullets.html

My Third Eye

http://cameramythirdeye.blogspot.com/2014/04/a-for-amusement-park.html

http://cameramythirdeye.blogspot.com/2014/04/b-for-books.html

Kirsten said...

This sounds like a fun ride! Pictures too? Awesome. :)

shelly said...

All aboard it is.

Hugs and chocolate!

Unknown said...

Sounds fun. And what is it about Americans and ice cubes in the drinks?!

A Tarkabarka Hölgy said...

Returning for the ride! :) I might or might not visit Sweden this summer, so I am definitely looking to hear more. I had a roommate for a few years who was in Swedish studies. Also, I have been living in the USA for a while, so immigration also holds a personal interest to me
Cheers!

@TarkabarkaHolgy from
Multicolored Diary - Tales of Colors
MopDog - The crazy thing about Hungarian

Unknown said...

Looking forward to it! Even though I'm not participating, I'm proudly displaying my Supporter Badge... Hugs my love. Looking forward to getting to know some things Swedish. :) Lily Eva

AJ Lauer said...

Yeah! Can't wait to see what you write about, friend :)

AJ @ Naturally Sweet
an A-Z co-host blog
@ayjaylauer

Doreen McGettigan said...

What a great theme! I am looking forward to learning about a country I really know nothing about.
doreenmcgettigan.com

Courtney said...

Oops, here we go again. Looking forward to your true tales of the "Swede" Life. LOL. Please visit Maui Jungalow.

Also, if this has posted a second time, I apologize. I got an error msg the first time.

Unknown said...

I'm here for the ride, SIS :)-- and you're rocking AZ yet again!

Sorry for the late visit, I'm trying to struggle with a sketchy internet.

Unknown said...

I'm here for the ride, SIS :)-- and you're rocking AZ yet again!

Sorry for the late visit, I'm trying to struggle with a sketchy internet.

Christy@SweetandSavoring said...

Oh, I'm happy to have found you on the A-Z Challenge list! I laughed reading this and can't wait to learn more. My cousin lives in Sweden, and I visited once- Stockholm and Uppsala- and loved it! Would love to go back someday.

DarcNina said...

Sounds like a great topic - looking forward to the comparisons... :)

Barbara Duke said...

I just love your theme. It will be an interesting journey. I hope I remember to check in at least once each week to catch up.

Whole Foods Living said...

Fun! I'm excited to learn more about the Swedish culture this month! Happy April! ~ Angela, A to Z participant from Web Writing Advice (http://www.webwritingadvice.com/) and Whole Foods Living (http://wholefoodsliving.blogspot.com/)

Silvia Writes said...

Wonderful, Tina. A subject matter after my own heart. I'm on the train!
Silvia @
SilviaWrites

kjmckendry said...

I'm so excited to learn all about Sweden! Great theme for the A-Z

Rachel said...

I'm not sure if I'm more excited for the posts or the picture. =)

PlanetKimberly said...

Your blog is interesting to me because I am dabbling at learning Swedish as well as Danish and German on my own. I like to read books and watch foreign films. I saw Ondskan and really liked it. I wanted to read the book, but it was only in Swedish and French. Fortunately, I can read French, so I read it in French since there was no English translation available. Since I liked the book and also the books by Steig Larsson, I was thinking that Sweden is hiding a lot of great books. I would like to discover them someday if I can learn the language.
I will learn a little bit about Sweden through your blog! :o)

Unknown said...

Yay! I'm late stopping by, but looking forward to learning more about your home country, nonetheless. I'm learning so much via the AtoZ train! :)