Based on your English, I would never know that you were not from an English-speaking country, but I suppose you can’t avoid the English language in Sweden.
I was one of those somewhat disreputable backpacking Americans when I was in Sweden in 1973, so I did pass through Gothenburg and Uppsala. (I remember that Gothenburg is pronounced more like Yertaborg in English.) The people in Gothenburg did strike me as being more relaxed and fun-loving than the people in Stockholm. For some reason, in Uppsala there was a police chase when I was there. A young man in a car screeching through the streets was being followed by a police car, but I did not assume that this was typical for Uppsala.
One Nobel laureate is not bad. I live in Richmond, Virginia. We have one Nobel laureate here in chemistry. You get more people like that in the big cities - Stockholm, Boston, places like that.
- That’s more or less correct. If you don’t understand at least the basics of the English language as well as common features of the English and American culture, you can’t function in Sweden. Year by year, the English language and ‘Anglosaxon’ culture are becoming deeper and deeper integrated in all aspects of life here in Sweden. For better or for worse. Personally, I’m not particularly worried. In fact, I wouldn’t say Sweden has become less Swedish during, say, the last 30 years (I was born in 1969) - despite immigration, the EU membership and general globalization. Others might beg to differ though.
“I was one of those somewhat disreputable backpacking Americans when I was in Sweden in 1973, so I did pass through Gothenburg and Uppsala. (I remember that Gothenburg is pronounced more like Yertaborg in English.) The people in Gothenburg did strike me as being more relaxed and fun-loving than the people in Stockholm.”
- I’m familiar with the phenomena of American backpackers, but at least over here in Europe I’d say they have a pretty good reputation. Most of them seem very respectful, eager to learn about European culture, history etc and often appear well educated. Admittedly, there are certain American tourists who seem to annoy especially the French and the Italians, but they don’t belong to the backpacker category. Many Northern Europeans face the same difficulties when visiting the Latin countries.
Like most Scandinavians, I experience that I get along well with Americans although I’ve only been to the US once (in the early 1990’s, visited Florida with my ex-girlfriend - great memory). On the other hand, I’ve met with a lot of Americans over here in Europe and I must say I think it’s marvelous that so many Americans come here, whether they do so for holiday, business, work or to settle down permanently. In my opinion, every European ought to visit America once in his/her lifetime and vice versa. I believe Western Civilization as a whole gains from such personal experiences and mutual exchange.
Richmond is pretty well known in Sweden, at least among well educated people. I know it has played an important role throughout American history and naturally, I also know it’s the capital of Virginia as well as a rather big and important city. I’m not surprised a city like Richmond boasts a Nobel prize laurate. Furthermore, the US has way more Nobel prize winners than any other country - and also a very high ‘per capita score’ in that department. There have been few years without at least one US Nobel prize laurate.
By the way, you’re right about the pronounciation of Göteborg. I’m impressed you remember.
Don’t hesitate to contact me (just freemail me, I often visit Free Republic) if you plan on going to Sweden again. I can always find the time to assist foreigners with all sorts of information etc about Sweden (and Europe in general, I’ve been around much in most parts of the continent).
Best of regards,
WesternCulture