Churchbells and Swedish fish



Courtyard of our hotel



What a whirlwind day in Stockholm.  We completed five meetings today, covering everything from foreign policy, to the Swedish Welfare State, Sweden's higher education system, the banking system, and the nation's pension fund.  I also had my individual meeting with Mr. Henry Swensson, who is one of the individuals leading Sweden's special education programs.  There was a clear theme through all of these meetings:   The Swedish people are clear about who they are, believe in common sense, and once they commit to a goal they see it all the way through.  I plan to blog about those more serious matters soon, but need time to sort through my notes.

Art in the lobby of the Swedish Institute for International Affairs--- the location of our first of five appointments today.

For now, let me just share my disappointment upon learning that there is no such thing as Swedish Fish in Sweden.  You know what I'm talking about--- those red gummy things.  Peter (my husband) loves them, so I had it all planned out that I wold bring him real Swedish fish to prove my love.  Who knew they were actually Canadian fish? 

We're also finally adjusting to the loss of carry out coffee cups.  Instead, we're learning to use the fancy machines in the offices which make coffee beverage by the mug (or half mug.)  Today, we tested out "chokokafee", which we think is hot chocolate and coffee.  We're also uniformly impressed by the amazing bread here.  The continental breakfast includes freshly baked, crusty bread that you slice on the table.  Yum!

Getting our caffeine fix before the fourth presentation of the day:  "The Swedish Modern Welfare State, Its Future and Challenges"

We are staying at the Esplenade Hotel right along the river.  It is an old hotel that has had only a few owners over the last century.  The public areas are beautiful, and the rooms are simple, efficient and clean.  It's centrally located, and when I was sleeping last night I kept waking up to the sound of horse hooves and church bells.  I really love the mix of old and new in this city.  With the water, clean air and friendly people this seems like a place it would be easy to live.

The hall to our rooms.

The ringing of the church bells is a mystery.  On the whole, the Swedes are very non-religious.   Church services are hard to come by, though there is a Mosque and a Synagogue.  Looking out the window of one of our meetings today, I saw the horses and fancy guards go by after the ceremony at the Palace.  I hope there is a chance to see that more closely before we leave.

Bread and mushroom soup.  Perfect!