So, I’ve been living in Sweden now for roughly 6 months, and I’ve been introduced/exposed to some very interesting things here in Stockholm. Some of them good, some of them bad, some of them just gross. I figure it’s time to share some of the dirty little secrets.

  1. Snus
    According to Wikipedia (I know, I know, worst source ever) “is a moist powder tobacco product that is consumed by placing it under the lip for extended periods of time.” Wow, sounds like fun! Not only does it have a very distinct flavour, it also numbs that area of the lip. Sure it’s better than smoking as you only impact yourself, it doesn’t stink up your clothes, less carcinogens, but it’s still pretty freaking gross, and it’s even worse when women do it! When it’s done, you toss it on the ground, garbage or into the container (it has it’s own holder). To me, it’s pretty rancid, but hey, it’s been around since the 1400′s here in Sweden, on the rise and decline every few centuries, so it must be good right?
  2. Candy
    “I’ll take you to the candy shop // I’ll let you lick the lollipop // Go ‘head girl, don’t you stop // Keep going ’til you hit the spot (woah)” – Candy Shop, 50 Cent (YouTube Video). I’m not sure if 50 Cent had Stockholm in mind, but there is candy shops everywhere! There are actual shops that are just candy by the bulk. You can also buy candy by the bulk all over the place though! 7-Elevens, Pressbyrån, ICA, Coop, Willy’s, the kebab place down the street… Swedes LOVE their candy. The ultimate sweet tooth’s heaven. How do Swedish women keep so skinny with all the candy, I have no idea.
  3. Smoking
    This would be the flip side to snus. Smoking is still fairly big here. At least they don’t smoke in the clubs, bars or restaurants, but everywhere else is fair game! Smoking is usually right outside the door. Waiting for the tvärbanan, tunnelbana, in a queue to get in some where, there are always people smoking. One day I’d love a walk to work where I didn’t have to smell it. It got so bad in my building, that they don’t let smoking outside the entrances any more because people just tossed their butts everywhere! BARF. But then, I come from BC, where we have some of the best (worst if you’re a smoker) anti-smoking laws around.
  4. Alcohol
    Don’t get me wrong on this, booze is good. Wine, beer, both very important in life. However, when little Saturday comes around (Wednesday) and the weekend, it’s PARTY TIME! If you’re not out having a good time, something is wrong. And you need to get drunk. Or at least the people I hang out with, they want to get drunk. Maybe it’s to drown away the week of hard work? Maybe so the men will get courage to ask women out? Maybe because the government has made it so tabu or the thousands of years of pillaging villages and drinking mead to celebrate? Not really sure, but hangovers seems to be a very constant occurrence in the city, more so on Saturday and Sunday morning.

Well, those are all the dirty little secrets I have now for Stockholm. I’m sure come summer time, there will be more :)

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