I had noticed this silence before. Once at Stockholm’s Arlanda airport, after flying in from Swedish Lapland, our group of passengers waited for delayed luggage for about 30 minutes, completely quiet. Back home in the United States, I would have nudged the nearest fellow passenger, shook my head, and we would have commiserated in voices meant to be overheard about the delay. In Sweden, stating the obvious seems unnecessary.

Well detailed insight into Swedish Culture.

I don't know any Swedes too personally, but I did have a student who was Norwegian and he was a delightfully modest guy.

At least this makes me aware that if I travel to Sweden I should be sure not to boast.

posted 3860 days ago