Is there anything (or anyone!) that doesn't work in Sweden?

I’m still working on my post about all the amazing things about Sweden:  Great family leave policies, free access to universities, women’s participation in the political process, lack of money in politics, highest employment rates in the world, no war in 200 years, government surplus, Volvo’s for everyone….   We keep thinking  there must be SOMETHING about this place that doesn’t work.

Today, we finally got to learn about one shortcoming in Swedish history.  The Vasa warship.  This ship was completed in 1628 after years of labor to put it together.  There was an extravagant ceremony for the maiden voyage of the ship, with people crowded into the harbor to watch.  Unfortunately for the shipbuilder, the designer and—most significantly—the people on the ship, the vessel sank within 20 minutes of leaving docks.  It sailed less than one nautical mile.  Epic fail.

In 1961, they raised the ship and now it is part of a pretty impressive museum.  It’s like a gift from the people of the 17^th century to the 21^st century.  They did have an eye for beauty!

We also visited City Hall today.  In addition to being the real administrative center for the City of Stockholm, it hosts the Nobel Laureate banquet and ball each year.  The facility was a contrast to Sweden’s understated style--- sweeping architecture and ornate decoration were quite impressive.  So was the enormity of the City Hall. 

Tonight, our group went to the opera (a very strange interpretation of Madame Butterfly) and continued debriefing about how Sweden works.  People like paying their taxes which are very high.  There is little poverty.  The services are great, the budget is healthy, and the political parties work together.  They proudly talk about the “Swedish Welfare State”--- confusing to Americans who generally would see such a statement as a negative.  It is something that inspires great pride in the people who live and work here--- and they do work.  They have among the highest employment rates in the world AND are of the few places that have actually successfully increased their pension age. 

More on this soon…