But why?

We took our kids for a little excursion into reality yesterday. After almost one week of country life we felt we were all ready for a look at "real" life in Stockholm; i.e. we took public transportation to visit the in-laws.

First the tram: "Look kids! Look at the water, isn't it pretty?"
"Are we there yet? Oh look, a McDonalds! Can we go and have some REAL food?"

Then the subway: "No, kids, it is not ok to stand up and spin around the pole like you're getting paid for it, sit down like a "normal" Swedish person. Don't look at anyone and for gods sake, do not talk to anyone!"
"Are we there yet?
"Almost there! And then we have to run into the store and get whatwasitagain that farmor (grandma) needed? Four things remember?"
"Ice cream!"
"Yes, but what else?"
"Ok, she said salad..."
"And milk and cream, wait here outside with dad, I'll run in quickly."
"But, it's raining....."

"Hurry guys, the bus will be here any minute, we can walk but we have a lot to carry, what do you want to do?"
"...but it's raaaiiiinnnninnnnngggg..."
"Only a drizzle and here it comes!"
"Amanda, press the red button so the driver knows to stop."
"Amanda, press it now!"
"NOW, Amanda!"
"But why can't we just tell him that we want to get off?"
"Well, Amanda, what if everyone just shouted out that they wanted to get off, the driver would be so very confused."
"But he should know! He should know where people wants to get off."
"Amanda, it doesn't work like that in Sweden; you don't say hello to the bus driver or ANYONE else, you don't ask how people are, you don't look them in the eye, you pretend you don't see anyone and you always wait in line. Don't smile at people you don't know or they think you are crazy or drunk.."
"Huh?"
"Nevermind, just try to do what everyone else does, god knows I try..."