Stockholm, Sweden: August 16, 2005
10/06/2020
Travel
Tonight I saw another music concert. I would not say that it was better than the one I saw while in Amsterdam, just offered something different. The one in Amsterdam was smaller, almost more personal and intimate, not to mention the interaction among the musicians and their instruments mimicked conversation. Tonight’s performance was much more elaborate. It was a 94 person orchestra The conductor looked like he was on speed, thoroughly entertaining. Anyway, tonight’s performance seemed a lot more impersonal and intimidating due to its size. Not intimidating like inducing fear, but rather a more pronounced, defining, bold sound. Its number created a violent atmosphere at times because of the loudness it produced by its perfectly synchronized movements. Wile watching the orchestra, you see how every movement, mannerism, and emphasis is in precise unison. This unison, along with the fluidity of the piece, created movement, a characteristic not noticeable in the Amsterdam performance because of the smaller number. The movement caused you to move through the piece with corresponding emotions that were evoked by the serenity, violent, or ambiguous parts of the piece. I pictured various Disney-type screen plays being put to music, similar to Fantasia. Another distinguishing difference I noticed between the two orchestras is tonight’s was much more complex due to the simultaneous overlaps of individual instruments (e.g., violins, piano, woodwind play varying yet complimentary sequences wile the bass instruments play either a more harsh or filler sound). This also feeds into its depth. The layers of sound and intricacy is the complexity.
Cultural Differences
Europe is 9 hours ahead of the states; specifically California
The conversion of the Swedish krona to the U.S. dollar is 7 to 1.
American exit signs are written in while on green/red backgrounds but Swedish exits have a white door and a white stick figure person running to the door backed on green to indicate an exit
very unique style - I adore it - reminds me of Sandy in a way
many women dress in a vintage-like style, pants/leggings under a skirt/dress
many men dress almost metrosexual, very slick
more girls dress punk than guys
older crowd wears more pastel/neutral colors, youth wears more black/flavorful/colorful attire -> reflects personality?
when swimming men wear mostly speedos or shorts most closely resembling short-short spandex like volleyball players
boys/men don’t sag their pants
specified trash cans for cigarettes
when in certain places, machines are set up saying “please take a ticket”
things smaller, more organized/practical
everyone carries bags
taxes extremely high
Socialistic
stores open at 10 a.m. and close at 6 p.m.
on 24 hour clock
a majority of the people bicycle and/or walk
speak between 2-5 languages
I’m convinced there are no truly “ugly” people
skateboarding - not as intense - have old school pools - cool
openly accepts gay/lesbian way of life/existence/culture
assigned seating in movies
breast feed in public/view sexuality and nudity differently-not obsessed
overall much happier/genuine-seems like everyone’s in a relationship
