I'm the Swedish Peter Forsberg

Last month, my neighbor asked if I had any interest in playing innebandy (http://www.innebandy.se/).  Without knowing exactly what it was, I said yes and started asking my coworkers once I got in to the office.  Turns out it is indoor floor hockey, Swedish style.  This is evidently a huge deal here, and they actually have a semi-pro league that runs in the winter.  Also, every swede I told about my invitation just said to be careful, that innebandy gets pretty physical and to make sure I “bring my elbows”.  So I was a little nervous, but got myself mentally ready to rough up some Viking if need be…. 

The first Wednesday, they only had 5 people able to play, so it was cancelled last minute (minimum of 6). 

The second Wednesday, I decided to go to drink beers and watch fotbol with work buddies.

Today was the third Wednesday, and it was GAME ON

A few random observations from the hour long game:

Learning Swedish - continued

Considering we have lived here nearly a year, we have been average-poor students in the Swedish language.  We have found that Swedes are very eager to speak English because they speak it so well and enjoy practicing.  The temptation to revert to your native language is so strong, that we haven't really been "forced" to even try.  The only real places where we have hit a brick wall with communications is at the playground with kids under school age.  Many times I'll be at the playground with Calvin and children will come up to me and blather in Swedish about a long story.  I'm left just nodding and agreeing with whatever they are saying with an "okej" and "jaha."

Not knowing the language is isolating and disorienting.  The tendency to just tune out our surroundings is in direct conflict with our desire to experience this new country and all it has to offer. Learning the language has become a high priority since it is clear that we aren't simply going to "absorb" it on our own.

Last night we started in earnest with