User talk:Dogen
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Hello and welcome to Whole Wheat Radio Dogen! 
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What's it like living in Sweden as an expat?
I saw that you are an expat living in Sweden. I would dearly love to know more about that experience, especially in Sweden. If you have a website or blog or want to simply reply here, that'd be great. Certainly not required, but just letting you know I'd be interested if you have the time and inclination to share. Here are some specifics I wonder about:
- What is your original nationality? (I assume U.S. but you could be British etc.)
- I thought I once read that Sweden, Denmark and Norway were extremely difficult for U.S. citizens to live in because, basically, they have such high standards of living that they don't want disgruntled Americans coming there to live. Any truth to that in your experience?
- Is it possible for let's say a retired American to buy land and a house in Sweden and settle there? Can you live there year-round or do you have to split your time between Sweden and someplace else?
Thanks! I know it's weird having a stranger asking these personal questions (which is why I emphasize once again that I'm just curious and you're not obligated to respond) but more than once Esther and I have talked about emigrating to one of the Nordic countries or at least finding out if it's possible.
Jim (talk/contribs) 09:37, September 28, 2008 (AKDT)
Good to hear from you Jim! I'll try to answer your questions. I'm am originally from the states. Connecticut to be exact. I've been living year round in Sweden since 1985. I won't say that living in the Nordic countries is "extremely difficult. The first the priority in living overseas is learning the language. Swedes in general are polite but reserved and it takes time to build up friendships. The standard of living in Scandinavia is lower then in the states. It depends on what you value. There are enormous areas of pristine wilderness in Sweden and Norway. The scandinavians have a longstanding almost spiritual relationship to the wilderness. I don't think it's any problem for the non national to buy property in Sweden. Personal taxes have been lowered greatly but, are still higher then in the states. Take care John
- Thanks so much for the replies! That's very helpful and hopeful. I value wilderness a great deal too so just to be able to be surrounded by people who feel the same would increase my standard of living by 110%!
Good to meet you too. Now I have a seed planted to visit that area in the coming years and experience it in person. Jim (talk/contribs) 14:58, September 29, 2008 (AKDT)
