How to Sound Swedish
How to Sound Swedish
Copying the Muppets' Swedish Chef in front of my cousin, finding gems when you travel, and an idea for touching the magic again.
If you’re not Swedish, what comes to mind when you think of Sweden? Blond people? Volvos? Mountains and snow? Someone called Lars?
And remember these?!
(Yeah, they sorta missed the boat on that one).
The Benefits of Travel
That’s the thing about other countries, isn’t it? Until you’ve had first-hand experience being there all you have to go on are your preconceived ideas. Or other people’s. [Ever notice how when you tell people you’re going to travel they immediately tell you why you shouldn’t visit X or why you have to go to Y?]
And of course, that’s one of the huge benefits of travelling in other countries. Your world gets expanded. You get expanded. You meet the real people. Eat the real food. See the real places.
That’s why I think, travel matters.
It helps us to realise that most people do not live like us.
Fancy cruise ships are okay and staying in flash hotels is fine, but the real people, the real place is what you see when you walk out the door, go round the corner, and explore.
Like meeting this wonderful man (below) who every day gives rice to those in his neighbourhood who can’t afford it.
True.
Be a Traveller Not Just a Tourist
In using that approach I’ve seen fascinating backstreet cafes in Mumbai (above), seen what life is really like for locals in Borneo, watched a Hindu wedding taking place down an alleyway in Kuala Lumpur, and met local artisans and small-time book sellers in Instanbul.
These are wonderful surprises, but you have to look for them.
[I am very cognizant that as a man it is less risky for me to do this than it is for a woman. In that case, I would always suggest walking in very public places, during daylight, and with at least one other trusted person.]
We Are Not Home
My wife and I will be travelling to Sweden this coming week after having enjoyed Dubai, North Italy, and the South of France for a few weeks.
Now, I’m writing this ahead of time so I thought I’d include a little travel diary video I did last time I was in Sweden. (View time: 3 mins)
Get ready for my Swedish Chef impersonation that my Swedish cousin thought was hilarious.
Here’s an Idea
You know how when you travel you take endless photos and videos?
How about this week, you and whoever you went with (if anyone) make time to pick a destination you’ve been to and look at the photos and videos you made of that place?
Re-live the adventure. Remember the experiences, the people, the feelings you had.
After all, they’re part of your story.
Care to Share?
What surprises have you discovered in your previous travels?
What approaches in travel do you enjoy the most?
Name one thing we should think about seeing or doing in Oslo next week.