Sweden, here I come!

Our teacher Andre asks us what country with a different culture would you want to reside in for six months. It reminds me of a question in "The Book of Questions" that asks what country would you want to live in if you were exiled from your own. My answer to Andre's question is the same as my answer to the one in "The Book of Questions." Sweden.

Why Sweden? The short answer is that Sweden seems to take on philosophies that I've adopted in my everyday life: independence and neutrality. "You do your thing, and I'll do mine. I won't say anything about your shortcomings, as long as you return the favor, and not stick your nose in my business." Now, of course, those who actually live in Sweden might argue with me that the country is not nearly as independent or neutral as it presents itself. I accept that argument; after all, we in America have our imperfections as well, right?

I think that Sweden's paralleling level of technology would sustain me for the six months required in Andre's question. I understand that several hot button issuses such as women's rights, gay and lesbian issues, schooling---primary/secondary/college-level, and health care, Sweden's accomplishments rival and even surpass those of the United States. The internet is there; computers, books, television---all the comforts of home, so, I'm fine in that regard.

I value my solitude, as I am a writer. So, as long as I can have peace and quiet for a good portion of the day, I'll be good. I would probably need to take some of my seasonings with me; I don't know if they have the four types of "Mrs. Dash" there like I have in my cupboard. As long as they have meat, fish, vegetables and a gas stove, I can cook for myself. I'll also need a couple of my Fiction Writing anthologies, my book "The Elements of Style," my Ipod and plenty of blank journals.

I'm quite sure that the things I like would be easily translatable to Swedes; the things I like are simple, basic, and in a lot of cases, require no one's input but my own.