Swede-curious

I've developed a curiosity about Sweden lately. Well, maybe it's about anything Scandinavian, but mostly been checking out Swedish things. I think it started last year when I saw the movie "Kitchen Stories". Which I believe is a Norwegian movie, but it is about a Swedish study. Great movie.

Before I go any further, let's back track a bit. I am half Scandinavian. If you want to get technical, I am 1/4 German, 1/4 Irish, 3/8 Swedish and 1/8 Norwegian. We were always closer to the Scandinavian side of the family than the German/Irish side, so I feel as though my roots are Scandinavian. My family thinks the Norsk Hostfest is a holiday and usually gathers every year in Minot to celebrate. I became a fan of Kjell Andersson and the Swedish Culture band there....

I remember Christmas eve always meant Swedish meatballs (yum) and lutefisk (eww). There was always lefse at every holiday meal, Grandma made the best! I even made Swedish meatballs for Christmas eve this year and introduced my Irish friend's family to lefse. They put gravy on it. That, is just wrong.

If memory serves, my Swedish ancestors arrived in the states in the 1890's. This is something I would like to delve into more deeply and really have no excuse for not doing it. Oh wait, basically lazy.

My netflix account has been helpful in finding movies. I've enjoyed all of them that I've seen. "Songs from the Second Floor", "Under the Sun" and "Elling" were great. I have a few more in the queue that I am anxiously awaiting.

I have found a few blogs written by Swedish people in English that I am enjoying reading. I found the Local - Sweden's news in English which has lead me to various other websites including an internet radio station. That played some ABBA. Gotta like that. I don't understand a word the dj's are saying, but it's fun to listen to.

I think my curiosity about Sweden is probably ingrained in my being. I'm enjoying my new "pastime". I like learning new things. If I learn anything really exciting, I'll be sure to blog about it.