In doing a back and forth with an old Cincinnati friend, updating her on all the many changes in my life since we’d last met up, I was trying to tell her about the me now versus the me of 10 years ago. But I think she was more interested in how life is different for me thanks to living in Europe.
First, a funny observation. In my first summer in Sweden, I saw more nude sunbathing and swimming than I had seen in my entire life before that time. Nudity is just not a big deal. People of every age and shape change into their swimsuits directly on the beach. I’ve come to appreciate the easy attitude. The other day in the locker room at the gym, a woman started talking to me while we were in the shower. I was kind of surprised, but we had a good chat.
Now for the observation that I’m more proud of. I’ve gone from a car dependent American to a public transportation user. I have not owned a car in over six years. I walk, ride my bike, take the subway, ferry and bus. Is it a pain in the ass on cold and rainy days? You bet. But in general, It’s easy for me. Most days, I don’t miss my car. I’m still American enough that I do sometimes long for cross-country, drive-all-night road trips, though. And if I really feel that need, I rent a car.
While even the smallest European cities tend to have decent public transportation, most American cities don’t. Americans like to rely on their cars to get around. When I was back in Cincinnati last summer, I needed to go to the grocery store. As it’s only about a five minute drive from my parent’s house, I told my Dad I would walk. “Oh no, you can’t do that. There’s no sidewalk, the shoulder is narrow and the road there is very busy. It wouldn’t be safe.” He was right. (Isn’t Dad still always right?) I took the car. But I wasn’t happy about it. And I realized, I’ve changed.
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America’s dependence on cars is probably why there are so many conflicts in the Midde East – to protect and secure all that oil! While we do have a car, I walk or take public transportation as much as I can.
I used to work at the Indonesian Embassy in the early 80’s, which was situated on Strandvägen right by Djurgårdsbron. At lunch on warm summer days I would cross the bridge and find a spot in the grass, strip to my underwear (no bra) and catch some rays. I can’t believe I did that!!
Conversely, my hubby changed his clothes in the open once before playing baseball in the US. People are still talking about that! And he wasn’t even ever naked, had his underwear on the whole time! I love the Scandinavian openness towards nudity, or near nudity. It’s so natural.
Great story about the sunbathing Sharon!
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