I've been around a bit in the world, but not that much because I have lived in various places giving me time to adjust and integrate with local poeple. I like the 'inclusive mentality', but respect exclusivety as poeple wish.
Oxford and the home counties was an interesting living experience. I was involved with setting up a kennels and dog taining centre from where we also based our security firm. ( it is now a golf course and we were obliged to leave unfortunately. Oxford was a good place to live if you respected the 'town and gown'. Supplying security to both university and town gave me a balanced view of the city. It was and still is a great place apart from not enough Swedes! I look forward to going back for those old memories. If anyone is going to Oxford, I can give some good guidance depending on what you want.
Oklahoma was an interesting experience too as it was in the heart of America. I went to high school and was one of the few that did not come from OK itself. Made some good friends there. The Okies are not what they are made out to be (dumb and lacking culture). They are very kind, but tough with a special kind of culture crated through their history. As they say Oklahoma is OK!
France is very special with deep culture, rich and interesting history. I find speaking Fench relaxing (even though my French is far from perfect) I know the riviera and Dordogne regions with some time spent in Paris and the Berry. The French are basically relaxed and outward looking, but get tough when poeple overstep the mark. All one needs to do is to try to speak French and one will be welcomed by most. The riviera has pretty much every culture on the planet living here, giving endless surprises, most being good. I would not call it typical France, but unique in its own wy. If you like boats big and small, it is worth a visit.
Sweden. What can I say. Svensk Jul och Sommar. Northern lights, nature, islands galore. Nobel mentality and a strong social conscience. I am proud to be a Swede in the world and love to promote us in the world in a 'Swinglish way with a good helping of France'.
That was a little about myself, hope it was not too boring.
Best wishes och God Jul!
Thomas
tompetersson@yahoo.com