I think we all know at this point that I erred on the side of ignorant about Swedish culture, until I married a Swede. One of the first things I learned when visiting Sweden (OK, it wasn’t the first – but it was close) was that Sweden’s liquor stores are governmentally owned. That’s right, folks. No mom and pop corner stores selling your Colt 45’s here. It all very organized and very, um, Swedish.
The Systematic Enterprise (Systembolaget, as it’s known here) is found in most towns, Sangis NOT included (it’s too small – the closest town that sells booze is a 20 minute drive away). They distribute only certain brands of alcohol and display them as though they’re Louis Vuitton’s latest collection.
They close their doors at 2:00 on Saturday afternoon and don’t open again until Monday morning at 10:00, making weekend drink planning very critical. Saturday night beer runs are an unheard-of phenomenon around here.
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You know the saying, “to fly by the seat of your pants?” Well, that's been our philosophy for most of our adult lives – before and after meeting, falling in love and marrying. We're now taking that idea on an extended round-the-world trip. Follow us as we share the good, the bad and the downright nasty of life on the road.
That is an extremely long name. I could only imagine how it would sound if I already had some beers in me…and needed more. It would not be English or Swedish i’ll tell you that much.