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Conference turris::scandia

Title:All about Scandinavia
Moderator:TLE::SAVAGE
Created:Wed Dec 11 1985
Last Modified:Tue Jun 03 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:603
Total number of notes:4325

342.0. "Courtesy to Swedish host" by OFFPLS::STOWELL () Thu Jun 29 1989 15:22

    My wife, son and I will be vacationing in Sweden (Ekero) during
    July.
    
    We'll be staying with the family of an exchange student (my "Swedish
    son") who lived with us during the 87-88 school year. They are even 
    going to give us one of their cars to use during our stay.
    
    As we've never been to Sweden,  we're looking for input on Swedish
    customs.  That is, we'd like to bring a gift for our hosts but before
    we do we wanted to know if this is in good taste or not.
    
    Is a gift appropriate? Should we take them out to dinner?  What
    would you suggest as an appropriate token of our appreciation for 
    their hospitality? 
    
    Thanks in advance!
    
    	Ray
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name		DateLines
342.1Try boozeCOOKIE::PBERGHPeter Bergh, DTN 343-0577Fri Jun 30 1989 10:375
    In general, booze is the most popular gift anybody coming in from
    abroad can bring; booze prices in Sweden are some 2 to 3 times what
    they are in the US (or what they are in a reasonably good duty-free
    store in Europe).  This, of course, assumes that the family you are
    visiting are not teetotallers (sp?).
342.2Everyone likes giftsMLTVAX::SAVAGENeil @ Spit BrookFri Jun 30 1989 10:5912
    Certainly a gift is always appropriate. To quote from the book, "The
    Charm of Sweden" - DO take two or three flowers with you when you visit
    a Swedish family for the first time.
    
    This little book is only slightly outdated for Swedish customs, which
    are discussed in Note 7 of this conference. Anyway, you can explain
    where you got the idea. I quarantee your efforts will be appreciated!
    
    More good ideas for gifts can be found in Note 285. I don't drink or
    smoke myself, so I would never consider such gifts unless fulfilling an
    explicit request. I like the American T-shirt and sweatshirt idea,
    especially for any kids in the family.
342.3No material stuffSTKEIS::SVENSSONTue Jul 04 1989 11:3927
    hi Ray,
    
    IF you are still there here is a few tips  I am sure they
    will appreciate.
    
    1. Take them to the place Mosebacke Etablissement at S�dermalm in
       Stockholm. Every evening you will find dance here to soft
       music out in the garden. Invite your hostess for a dance when
       the sun goes down. The view is one of the absolutely best in
       Stockholm and I am sure all of you will feel very close to the
       heaven. Here they serve wine, beers and small swedish dishes.
       The athmosphere is very friendly. This is free from charge.
    
    2. Flowers are ALWAYS appreciated. Select in that case typicall
       season flowers. 
    
    3. A boattrip out in the archipelago where you invite them to the
       dish "Angbatsbiff". This can be combined with the evening at
       Mosebacke. Boats from Skeppsbron and Nybroplan very frequently.
    
    If you should "give" them 2 at arrival and then 1+3, you will be
    appreciated, dont worry.
    
    Have a nice stay
    
    Per-Olof
342.4Dancing by Moonlight!!!OFFPLS::STOWELLWed Jul 05 1989 16:0012
    Thank you for your great ideas.  Now we have a much better idea
    on what to do to show our appreciation.
    
    I especially like the idea about dancing, as our hostess has mentioned
    in the past how much she loves to go to Stockholm for a lovely meal,
    some wine and some dancing.
    
    Thanks again!
    
    Regards,
    
    	Ray