I been thinking and I wanted to share my personal thoughts so far on the technology, medical, and social side of Sweden vs USA and other tidbits that are just different that you may find interesting. I will do this from time to time. I will just plot my random thoughts, feelings, and findings...
1) Let me start with the standard Swedish vacuum since we are looking to buy one now. So far the models that we have found look like my grandmothers old 1960 vacuum. You have to drag this rock around the house. You can’t find powerful upright vacuum like a Dyson. It just isn’t here
http://www.billigteknik.se/…/12947-electrolux-dammsugare-73…
We discovered the reason their vacuums stink here is due to an EU regulation. They can't exceed 1,600 Watts in order to lessen carbon emissions (although I still think they should have bagless no matter what the wattage allowance is). Apparently Dyson is fighting this regulation because it clearly hurts their business.
2) As for coffee makers, there are no Keurig’s, no one knows what they even are. What they do have are coffee makers that take whole beans, grins them, and then makes fresh coffee. You can make a cup or a pot at a time, which is better than a Keurig in my option.
3) Roku, they are not here and no one knows what they are. We went to a “Best Buy” equivalent to buy a new TV and in discussions found that the techs had no idea we had such technology in the states. However, they do have smart TV’s and Chromecast.
4) Lawn mowers. They have many brands of an “Rooba” type lawn mowers. Fricking Awesome! The lawn mower cuts the grass on its own, then recharges itself. They are quiet and work very well. Why isn’t this in the states? Costs about 1000 USD, but I am bring one back when we are done here.
5) Doritos SUCK! It isn’t the same…period. Must be all the added chemicals we put in them in the States. Chemicals are tasty!
6) The police are just so different. I still don’t know if it is good or bad just yet. I am told they are more focused on making sure trucks, buses, and trains are safe and up to code, they make sure people don’t get crazy when festivals are held in town, and they will come to you if needed but may take a while. We also been having drag racing right in the city (cars and bikes), people are screaming and music is blasting in the middle of the night. Drives us NUTS nd it's always the same jerks! The police won’t stop it…they either don’t care or they are under staffed. I was also told by a few people if a criminal breaks in my house and if I defend myself, there is a good chance I will go to jail. I can hold the criminal down till police arrive, but generally I can’t defend myself or family. You all know how I feel about that! If it were to happen it looks like I am going to jail. I am just glad crime in very low here. It would be intresting to just talk to an officer and get their thoughts and opinions on a few things.
7) Health care. I really do think Sweden has something right here when it comes to health care. However, it isn’t as perfect as Bernie portrays it, but it does make a lot of sense…to SWEDEN that is. Let me explain. First of all the Swedes that I talked to want to help people and feel it is everyone’s right to health care. EVERYONE puts in their share of taxes to pay for this social medical system. That is a core belief here and it works HERE because THEY BELIEVE in it. Unlike in the US, some people want ONLY the rich to pay, or they don’t want to pay into a social system, while there are some others that are willing to pay for a social health system, but not the rest. Everyone in Sweden WANTS and is WILLING to pay here for a social medical system…that is the difference.
As for the medical side, what I like is that kids are “free”. For general health issues, the system seems to work very well. However, if you need an MRI or X Ray or something in that nature you are put on a waiting list and it can take months to be seen. Also, I was told by many, that prescriptions can be very expensive. To help with the issue of being seen in a timely manner, some employers might also provide private insurance to help speed up this process, but isn’t required. We are still learning how all this works, but so far I do like it, but it isn’t perfect at all.
As for the medical side, what I like is that kids are “free”. For general health issues, the system seems to work very well. However, if you need an MRI or X Ray or something in that nature you are put on a waiting list and it can take months to be seen. Also, I was told by many, that prescriptions can be very expensive. To help with the issue of being seen in a timely manner, some employers might also provide private insurance to help speed up this process, but isn’t required. We are still learning how all this works, but so far I do like it, but it isn’t perfect at all.
8) Oven = small…very small
9) The bank. WOW! Banking is so different. Cash is a thing of the past and checks haven’t been used here in about 20 years. Now people still use cash, but they don’t have much on them. The government wants to track every dollar (kronor) and they question every bit going into the bank. For example, I was pulling money out of the ATM to pay my bills and went to deposit the money and they won’t take it. They ended up depositing some of the money that I had, but the bank manager told me they will not ever do it again for me. If we want money, we have to direct deposit my money into the Swedish bank. Also fun fact, you don’t make any money in the bank, there isn’t an interest accruing account. To be honest they prefer you don’t save any money, they want you to invest it into retirement or take loans out so they get paid the interest. Now the other issue is my company will not allow me to direct deposit into my Swedish bank, I have to use an US bank (US Govt requires it for this contract, they want my tax money too) which is very hard to live since I need to pay my bills. I figured out an short term solution myself, but we need to figure out a long term solution.
10) Fika time…I love it. Always around 9:30 AM and 2:30 PM. We need to bring this to the States. Good for family, friends, and health.
We do like it a lot here. Swedes are very kind, caring, and loving people which helps. I love how they focus on family and family time, which is very important. My kids can also run to the store without us and I am not afraid they will be hurt or kidnapped. There is an old 1960 feel to that, which I love…
-Johnny
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