Around the corner of where I live, well, around two quick corners is a school. Like the US, Swedish schools are everywhere so that parents and children do not have to go too far to get an education. Keeps things convenient and does not add stress to the environment with extra vehicles on the street.
One of the first things you notice in Sweden, even if you have lived in other 'clean' countries, is it's cleanliness. In a way, it is very different. There are not that many cars or vehicles, people ride cycles long and short distances but also there are no billboards (although it is beginning). There is a silence in sweden that combines with its cleanliness and creates a different vibe.
Swedes are also the best re-cyclers. A few years they had a 'rubbish' crisis. Because they had recycled all their garbage and had to buy 'garbage' to keep their recycling ways alive. So when returning from grocery shopping `I saw a bunch of kids wandering around with plastic bags, I just asked, 'Why and What?'
Oh they are cleaning. We just thought it is a nice day, why not come out and clean our surroundings, after all we play here everyday. Simple and wise, keeps this country clean on so many levels.
One other value in this protestant country is 'work for yourself, clean after yourself so that others do not have to.' A collective way of thinking. The only other place where I have seen this is in Japan.
Sweden, you have taught me so much. I remain grateful!
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