When first introduced to the Swedish culture, I was suffering from a severe case of Americanitis. Basically, an ignorant and inaccurate view of world geography, culture, and general, all around common sense. More specifically I had a tendency to confuse Sweden with Switzerland. “Oh! You have all the chocolate!” No, that’s Switzerland. “Oh, you’re the ones with the watches!” No, that’s Switzerland. “You have the alps?” Switzerland. “The cheese..” Switzerland.

The closer I get to our move to Göteborg, the more excited I am for my saker att göra innan du dör. Or more simply put, things to do before I die..I know, it sounds so much more intriguing in Swedish.

1. The Northern Lights

2. A night in the ice hotel

3. Dog sledding, yes, dog sledding.

4. Visiting Malmö. Where my Great Grandpa is from, or Gammelmorfar.

5. The Old Town in Stockholm. This was the original city of Stockholm dating back to the 13th Century!

6. Visingsö. According to legend,Visingsö was created when the giant, Vist, threw a tuft of grass into the Vättern lake, so that his lover had a stepping stone to keep her feet dry. It’s the history of chivalry! Visingsö was home to the King of Sweden during war-time with the Danish. It also offers historical treasure seekers remnants from the stone age and Viking times.