Worlds Of Contrasts Tina Bergqvist

Two Worlds Of Contrasts

Australia vs Sweden

When you move to a new place, you tend to see things with fresh eyes. You might compare it to what it was like where you lived before, and Written by Tina Bergqvist maybe even be amazed about how different things and people are in the new place. After a while, you get used to your surroundings. The customs and way of things are not as fresh or different anymore. You have adjusted to your new way of life without even thinking about it. The things that amazed or surprised you before have become what you are used to now. You might even take some things for granted without having the intention to do so.

Then one day, you might return to where you used to live. Don’t be surprised if you experience a reverse culture shock. It is prevalent, especially if you have been studying or living abroad for a while and then returns to your home country. Things back home might have changed, just like you have. And now, you can see the place that was once your home with new eyes and a new perspective.

That happened to me - I studied in Australia for three years and moved back to Sweden for a while. I had gotten so used to the

Aussie customs and way of life, which in many ways is very different from the Swedish lifestyle.

Australia Vs Sweden

In Australia, you hail the bus when you want it to stop to pick you up from the bus stop. It is common to say “thank you” or wave to the bus driver when you get off. I almost did the same thing in Sweden last time I was there, and I couldn’t help but giggle. I am sure the bus driver would have appreciated a “thank you,” but everyone else might have thought I had lost my mind since that isn’t a common thing to say in Sweden. Or maybe not? Maybe I should try it next time I go there.

“I am going back to Sweden for the first time in a long time by the end of the summer, and I am sure I will be surprised to see everything that has changed since I was there last.”

A common thing in Australia is that the checkout person at supermarkets is usually very chatty. They ask about your day and if you have any plans. I love it! Even though it is just small talk, it makes me feel seen and appreciated somehow. In Sweden, I would be happy if the checkout person said more than “hello” and the price of whatever you buy. Random people can also call you “love” at the supermarket Down Under. That would simply never happen in Sweden.

Australians are very private, and you usually can’t see into your neighbor’s garden or home. However, when living in Sweden, I have seen neighbors walking around pretty much naked since we usually don’t cover up the windows with big curtains as in Australia.

Australians are a lot more polite. If I would accidentally walk into someone, they would apologize. In Sweden, getting others’ elbows in your side is common without anyone saying “sorry.”

In Australia, you always have to turn your shoes upside down and shake them before putting them on – who knows, there might be a spider hiding there! That would not be something I would worry about ever in Sweden.

I have been stuck in Australia for the last few years because of travel restrictions. I am going back to Sweden for the first time in a long time by the end of the summer, and I am sure I will be surprised to see everything that has changed since I was there last. However, it will also make me see my old home city with new eyes – almost like I see it for the first time. So, this summer, I will play a favorite game: being a tourist in my city and pretend everything is new to me. I am sure I’ll see things from a new perspective! Why don’t you join, even if you’re staying in the same town you live?

Photo: Arthur Brognoli Vol 14

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