Scandinavian Summer Part III

It’s truly mindboggling to think about just how quickly my summer in Sweden is flying by. It feels like just the other day I was packing up my backpack with more clothes than necessary, hugging my tearful mother goodbye, and hopping on a plane to begin this grand adventure. Two months later, I sit here quietly on the island noticing the numbers of people dwindling as they return to reality in the city while I reminisce about the memories made with old and new friends. Before I get too caught up in the sadness of my looming departure, I must update you all on the happenings on the island.

By all happenings, there is basically only one major and important event in need of discussion. The event of which took place today, Sunday August 3, 2015, when the one and only former Toronto Maple Leafs star, Mats Sundin, came to our tiny island to gas up his decked out boat. As a proud Canadian hockey fan, you could say I was excited. Although I didn’t actually get to talk to the famous player (for my sake, I’ll pretend I did) one of my coworkers did, so I will be living vicariously through him from now on.

Now for all those aspiring Swedes out there such as myself, I would like to leave you with a brief guide on how to throw a Swedish dinner party. Dinner parties in Sweden occur about as frequently as you can spot an H&M in Stockholm city. And as I discovered last week, that’s a lot. These gatherings are attended and hosted by many different age groups, yet all contain the same key ingredients.

1. 1. A Barbeque. Plain and simple.

2. 2. Speeches. Whether long or short, speeches are an essential element to a successful Swedish dinner party. End of story.

3. 3. The outfit. Ralph Lauren anything for the guys and a pretty dress with a white pair of converse sneakers for the girls. Wear any one of these items and you’ll fit right in whether you’re Swedish or not.

There you have it friends, you’re on the right track to living out a true Swedish lifestyle!

Until next time, skål!

#lifestyle #travel