What are some tips for when I visit Sweden and Norway?

Question

I'm an Egyptian male, 1.70 cm (common here), with a light brown complexion like Gaddafi's. I have normal-looking shoes that add 7 cm to my height, haha. I'm very liberal and excited to see a society that's the same. I'm going to learn some of the language (languages come easy for me). I know I'm going to be sneered at as a "neger" at least a couple of times but I honestly really like the culture and I'd like to make friends. Are there any tips I should take to make my expectations realistic?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

Scandinavians can be a bit reserved compared to many other cultures, so it takes time to make friends. The best way to make friends is to do a regular activity with them (school, work, a class, gym, hobby, etc). You don't say how long you'll be there, so this may not be an option for you. Take the initiative and invite them to do something active with you, like go for a hike or show you around the city. I recommend contacting people through Couchsurfing before your trip, to meet for coffee or a tour. Maybe they'll introduce you to some friends or invite you along to a social event.
http://couchsurfing.com

Otherwise, the best way is a night out on the town or in a relaxed atmosphere like a café.

Unlike "warmer" cultures, you can't just start talking to people in the streets, in line at a shop, on a bus or train, etc unless there's a good reason to do so. This especially applies in the major cities like Stockholm and Oslo, smaller cities are more relaxed. It makes many people here uncomfortable (or they assume you're crazy) and won't be a good start for making a friend. It has nothing to do with where you come from, it's just not usually done here.

There are many immigrants in Scandinavia, and it's unlikely you'll be sneered at. Some people take issue with asylum seekers, but this normally doesn't extend to students, workers and visitors. Your height also isn't a big deal, there are plenty of Scandinavian men shorter than I am (180 cm).

Source(s):

In Norway

Answer 2

wrap up warm it can be very cold

Answer 3

I think you'll be fine. Just be yourself.

Good luck.

Answer 4

sorry, cant stop laughing. this is probably one of the funniest questions ive read on here, not the question itself, but wot u wrote.

erm, say you are gaddafi's cousin and ask the birds if they've ever s*agged an 'egyptian neger.' tell them once they go there, they wont go back. and hopefully ul be able to run in those normal looking shoes that i suggest you put metal tips or spikes on before you go paint the town red.

anyway, birds from norway, my experience with them, i dont know mate, maybe its too far north does something to their heads. so if u dont pull, dont take it too personally.

Answer 5

Pete W sums it up in one.

Answer 6

Norway and Sweden are full of Muslims, who are protected there by EU pc law, and have superior rights to the indiginous population