The clean streets of Stockholm

The city of Stockholm is generally clean. There is some issue with graffiti but not a lot of garbage on the street and abandoned couches at the side of the road. There are all kinds of reasons for this but here's a picture of one of them. The next day a street "washer" came after this sweeper. The sidewalks are all spic and span.

The "B" word

Bread has a bad wrap in the U.S. generally speaking. Anything deemed carbohydrates are no on the "s" list. Not so here. Bread is served and there's no shame in actuallytaking a serving for yourself. I'm ok with that. In fact, some of the best bread is right across the street from my office. I allow myself a slice of bread with some real butter on it. Interestingly enough despite my daily bread intake, I have lost weight and feel in the best shape I ever have in my life. It's the balance. Some bread but in exchange lots of walking. :) Again, this is the BEST bread.

Where did everyone go?

I picked an interesting time to return back to Stockholm. The majority of my colleagues are on vacation and I mean hard core vacation. They know how to do it right here. Not sure if the American in me could ever get to their level. On average a month off and I mean off. No checking email (or if it is checked very very sporadically) and they just check out and enjoy life. I so understand it now that I've been here a couple of winters. Have to recharge and get sunshine while it's around. Anyway, there were several times I was the only one in the office for part of the day. Kind of eerie.