FIKA

Fika (according to wikipedia) - a social institution in Sweden; most often a coffee break with one's colleagues, friend, date or family. The practice of taking, typically with a cinnamon roll, is central to Swedish life. Traditionally fika requires sweet baked goods.

I don't know about you, but I think that the Swedes know whats up! This is not just an old tradition that people don't really follow anymore, this is real life! When we asked the lady at the visitor center what it was she got very serious and told us that her usual fika time is in between breakfast and lunch and right after dinner. Outside of a lot of cafes they had special prices or suggestions for fika, and trust me, we took advantage of this and enjoyed our fika time daily! My trivial swedish roots have been officially unlashed, as I plan on incorporating fika into my daily life. This has been working out pretty well so far and I am excited to bring this back to good old Gordon College. I have also been informed that it has already spread to the Taber household!

So, pretty much I'm in love with Sweden. They've got it goin on. Not only because of fika, but it is a beautiful country, full of very friendly people and yummy food. But let's be real here, who wouldn't love to live in a place where taking a break to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee and a sweet treat to have some lovely conversation with a friend or two is absolutely essential and completely acceptable to everyday life?

Now I have a small task for you. In order to be enlightened with a new cultural experience today, you must take at least 30 minutes out of your busy and stressful day to sit down with a friend or family member, a cup of coffee and a yummy baked good and engage in a pleasant, light-hearted, non-stress evoking conversation. If you would like to make this event even more Swedish try doing this twice a day or pick up some cinnamon rolls from IKEA(now that would be legit)!

Have you had your fika time today?

(authentic swedish fika)