Friday, June 19, 2009

Here we go…it's started…..

So now it's time to bunker down,get out the tin hats,read the Ministry of Defence manual for the Home Guard,

lock the car in the garage and don't move it for 2 days…….

Yes, you've got it, it's Midsummer

Arguably the most important 'Bank holiday', celebration weekend, excuse for a BOOZE UP

that happens in Sweden.

The sound of discordant music echoes across the lakes,repressed angers boil over .Cars

career around the roads with lumps of trees/branches attached to them.

I guess I must be getting old…but NO,wait, I never have seen any point to getting so drunk that you

don't remember, or so drunk that you become ill, or so drunk that you are just a damned nuisance

to everyone around you, or so drunk that you shouldn't even be on a skateboard never mind drive a car.

Now,generally speaking, there is a very responsible attitude to drinking and driving here in Sweden,

but it has to be admitted that Midsummer is the time this attitude is most relaxed/ignored.

And,hey, it's the older generations that are the worst. Somehow we are conditioned to expect

extremes of youthful high spirits – but post 40 arrogance mixed with alcohol do not make for

a good equation.

However, last night's thunder storms in this area – plus the forecast of a damp and coldish

weekend – may help to water down the worst effects of Midsummer.

midsummer_local_2009-06-19

 

Whilst discussing this phenomenon with a Swedish friend I was at the receiving end of the most sensible

comment I have ever heard in my life about drinking alcohol….She said "If I think I need it,I don't have a drink".

And she still manages to enjoy herself!

Ah, truth told, there are many Swedes who just have a pleasant,balanced,enjoyable family weekend – but as in

all modern societies,extremes occur,occur more frequently,and occur in surprising places or categories of people.

That all being said….Have a GOOD MIDSUMMER

Sunday, June 14, 2009

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