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.
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
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