The SAS | EuroBonus Forum Kafé
#2852
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: AGH
Posts: 5,971
For once, you cannot rearrange the kitchen without remodeling the floor and second there is a gap where the tiles end and the furniture starts - which got fixed with a good portion of silicone. The contractor even was proud since it saved a couple of m heating pipes and m2 of tiles
Oh, and of course... After that the toilet. Since they were afraid drilling the screws to fix the toilet would damage the floor heating pipes (as they did not mark the pipe or left out the area around the toilet drain) they just glued it to the tiles using another good shot of silicone . By the way when the mechanic of the cistern of the toilet breaks you have to buy a new toilette since they have this retarded 2 in 1 ceramic things...
All pipes are on the wall, nothing hidden behind the tiles like you would do it in Germany - and did I mentioned there was current on the water in the shower?
Sad thing, all this was done by hired and well paid contractors who should know their business.
I could go on with stories of car mechanics doing a real sad job but charging crazy amounts, incompetent medical docs etc.
I have now started to hire Polish or German companies to fix my house. Cost is the same even if I have to pay the trip and a couple days of hotel/guesthouse and at least they a) bring proper material in good quality at acceptable prices and b) know what they are doing.
Interestingly it seem the Swedish people just don't care. They just accept what ever is done or told them. I would say when somebody would want to me to characterize the common Swede in one word I would say "Indifference". Of course there are exceptions and I don't want to insult anybody but that is my experience as immigrant. When I tell colleagues I see it that way, they nod and lough (that sad lough, like "Yes, you're right... that's our nature...").
#2853
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: CPH
Programs: UAMP S, TK M&S E (*G), Marriott LTP, IHG P, SK EBG
Posts: 11,088
The funny thing is that Sweden is already a big step ahead of Denmark regarding to fixing houses, repairing cars etc. Mr. was so happy about them - because of all the horror stories he heard from his colleagues in Denmark.
The house we have is the typical parcel house built in the 70s, all the pipes are hidden.
We didn't realize our house was painted in pink until we started re-painting it, the kitchen was re-modelled in the late 80s. It came with a Miele washing machine and dishwasher - both are more than 20 years old when we took over. The dishwasher finally broke 5 years after but the washing machine is still working fine. We replaced with another Miele. We also "imported" a Miele freezer from Denmark (it was 3000 cheaper in DK than SE and it costs us 1000 to have someone shipped over). We bought some crap Electrolux freezer and fridge from Elgiganten, never trust this brand again.
I suspect that the wiring of one of our toilets is not done properly so we don't have electricity in one of the toilets - really hopeless. Also when we got our toilets done, the ceiling light actually broke off (covering glass fell down and broke - fortunately the kids weren't around) and we had to call back the electrician to fix it.
I was thinking about hiring German in too - but Mr. think it's too troublesome.
Another thing I really dislike about Sweden is hierarchy - they are very scared of authority (not necessary teacher-student), e.g. when I was giving birth, the midwife that took care of me found out there was abnormalities, she called a doctor and she turned herself from a confident woman into a helpless little girl. Took my girl to a orthodontist - he was like the emperor, the dentist was so scared of him and agreed to everything he said.
Don't get me started with the postal system here - I told everyone not to send me registered mail because I have to drive 5 minutes to pick up something that can be put into my mail box (we bought a big one just for that). I have to bring my passport to fetch mail which I found it absolutely ridiculous. DHL sent from Germany doesn't go to my home - it went to the stupid Preem that's always have long queue and it's 5 minutes drive from my home. Can't imagine all those elderly can't drive themselves, how can they get their parcels. Can't they do packstation like in Germany? Why on earth do I have to show my passport to pick up a parcel (just because they are too lazy to drive to my home - once they even dare to put that note in even though I was actually home).
I even have to show my passport when I deposit money at my local Handelsbanken.
Every country has their good and bad sides, and now that I know all the bad things about Sweden. We are willing stuck here because of the free international school education, pretty free to take the kids out of the school (Swede don't like to confront people, so if I feel like it I can take the kids out for a month, and let's see if the school is trying to "confront" me) - that fulfil my need to travel (my condition of living here is to get away as much as possible during winter), fairly OK fresh produce - cheap Salmon, Skrei.
The medical system sucks - I wouldn't RIP if I die here. I tried the emergency room at Lund once with my back then 3 year old girl. There is no alternatives and you can't pay to get faster treatment. The dentists I have been to are a joke. So I have decided that I'll fly to Asia to have my dental treatment done and anything major then I'll fly somewhere to have it treated.
The house we have is the typical parcel house built in the 70s, all the pipes are hidden.
We didn't realize our house was painted in pink until we started re-painting it, the kitchen was re-modelled in the late 80s. It came with a Miele washing machine and dishwasher - both are more than 20 years old when we took over. The dishwasher finally broke 5 years after but the washing machine is still working fine. We replaced with another Miele. We also "imported" a Miele freezer from Denmark (it was 3000 cheaper in DK than SE and it costs us 1000 to have someone shipped over). We bought some crap Electrolux freezer and fridge from Elgiganten, never trust this brand again.
I suspect that the wiring of one of our toilets is not done properly so we don't have electricity in one of the toilets - really hopeless. Also when we got our toilets done, the ceiling light actually broke off (covering glass fell down and broke - fortunately the kids weren't around) and we had to call back the electrician to fix it.
I was thinking about hiring German in too - but Mr. think it's too troublesome.
Another thing I really dislike about Sweden is hierarchy - they are very scared of authority (not necessary teacher-student), e.g. when I was giving birth, the midwife that took care of me found out there was abnormalities, she called a doctor and she turned herself from a confident woman into a helpless little girl. Took my girl to a orthodontist - he was like the emperor, the dentist was so scared of him and agreed to everything he said.
Don't get me started with the postal system here - I told everyone not to send me registered mail because I have to drive 5 minutes to pick up something that can be put into my mail box (we bought a big one just for that). I have to bring my passport to fetch mail which I found it absolutely ridiculous. DHL sent from Germany doesn't go to my home - it went to the stupid Preem that's always have long queue and it's 5 minutes drive from my home. Can't imagine all those elderly can't drive themselves, how can they get their parcels. Can't they do packstation like in Germany? Why on earth do I have to show my passport to pick up a parcel (just because they are too lazy to drive to my home - once they even dare to put that note in even though I was actually home).
I even have to show my passport when I deposit money at my local Handelsbanken.
Every country has their good and bad sides, and now that I know all the bad things about Sweden. We are willing stuck here because of the free international school education, pretty free to take the kids out of the school (Swede don't like to confront people, so if I feel like it I can take the kids out for a month, and let's see if the school is trying to "confront" me) - that fulfil my need to travel (my condition of living here is to get away as much as possible during winter), fairly OK fresh produce - cheap Salmon, Skrei.
The medical system sucks - I wouldn't RIP if I die here. I tried the emergency room at Lund once with my back then 3 year old girl. There is no alternatives and you can't pay to get faster treatment. The dentists I have been to are a joke. So I have decided that I'll fly to Asia to have my dental treatment done and anything major then I'll fly somewhere to have it treated.
#2854
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: AGH
Posts: 5,971
For once I have to say I really like that they deposit parcels and important mail at the next small shop or gas station. For someone who is on the road a lot and can't time the delivery it is great. In Germany some parcel services sometimes try two or three times to bring the parcel and then ship it back to the sender. That was a real nightmare fit me as I always had to find neighbors to be available.
About the passport... I think identifying yourself to pick up parcel is a good thing? You do not need a passport, just get the Swedish ID card from the Skatteverket, if you have a person number that takes about 2 weeks and then you have an ID in credit card form you can use and don't need to carry around your passport.
Yes, medical care is really bad. For a country that developed like Sweden unbelievable?
About the passport... I think identifying yourself to pick up parcel is a good thing? You do not need a passport, just get the Swedish ID card from the Skatteverket, if you have a person number that takes about 2 weeks and then you have an ID in credit card form you can use and don't need to carry around your passport.
Yes, medical care is really bad. For a country that developed like Sweden unbelievable?
#2855
Join Date: Oct 2011
Programs: EuroBonus Diamond, Delta Skymiles 360, BAEC LTG, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 2,827
Another thing I really dislike about Sweden is hierarchy - they are very scared of authority (not necessary teacher-student), e.g. when I was giving birth, the midwife that took care of me found out there was abnormalities, she called a doctor and she turned herself from a confident woman into a helpless little girl. Took my girl to a orthodontist - he was like the emperor, the dentist was so scared of him and agreed to everything he said.
Don't get me started with the postal system here - I told everyone not to send me registered mail because I have to drive 5 minutes to pick up something that can be put into my mail box (we bought a big one just for that). I have to bring my passport to fetch mail which I found it absolutely ridiculous. DHL sent from Germany doesn't go to my home - it went to the stupid Preem that's always have long queue and it's 5 minutes drive from my home. Can't imagine all those elderly can't drive themselves, how can they get their parcels. Can't they do packstation like in Germany? Why on earth do I have to show my passport to pick up a parcel (just because they are too lazy to drive to my home - once they even dare to put that note in even though I was actually home).
Also have had to reclaim money numerous times with on-line stores that will offer an "express" parcel service, which then turns out to be DHL instead of Posten but which will leave the package in the exact same place. That is simply fraude in my book.
I just can't understand why the Swedish post service isn't forced by law to their job 100% and not 85%. If I order something to my house, I expect it to be delivered at my house and not anywhere else.
I even have to show my passport when I deposit money at my local Handelsbanken.
The medical system sucks - I wouldn't RIP if I die here. I tried the emergency room at Lund once with my back then 3 year old girl. There is no alternatives and you can't pay to get faster treatment. The dentists I have been to are a joke. So I have decided that I'll fly to Asia to have my dental treatment done and anything major then I'll fly somewhere to have it treated.
Last edited by FlyingMoose; Aug 28, 2015 at 3:08 pm
#2856
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: CPH
Programs: UAMP S, TK M&S E (*G), Marriott LTP, IHG P, SK EBG
Posts: 11,088
For once I have to say I really like that they deposit parcels and important mail at the next small shop or gas station. For someone who is on the road a lot and can't time the delivery it is great. In Germany some parcel services sometimes try two or three times to bring the parcel and then ship it back to the sender. That was a real nightmare fit me as I always had to find neighbors to be available.
About the passport... I think identifying yourself to pick up parcel is a good thing? You do not need a passport, just get the Swedish ID card from the Skatteverket, if you have a person number that takes about 2 weeks and then you have an ID in credit card form you can use and don't need to carry around your passport.
Yes, medical care is really bad. For a country that developed like Sweden unbelievable?
About the passport... I think identifying yourself to pick up parcel is a good thing? You do not need a passport, just get the Swedish ID card from the Skatteverket, if you have a person number that takes about 2 weeks and then you have an ID in credit card form you can use and don't need to carry around your passport.
Yes, medical care is really bad. For a country that developed like Sweden unbelievable?
If I have that stupid piece of slip, why do I need my passport? I used to print out the bevis from Skatteverket and they don't accept that. Can't I just use my mobil bank-ID as an ID?
The ID card is not free - plus I have to go and get one.
The most retarded thing is that the postal service actually comes to your house first to leave a note that you have a package, instead of just delivering the f'ing package. Having them drive out again after they left the note, it suddenly costs money for them to do their job. Completely absurd, one of the first places we lived in had a super shady post office which just had the boxes standing in the store for anyone to steal. Had to use UPS for all packages as they do come to your house, leading to situations where a $5 online order came with $40 shipping fees.
This is even more insane: I ordered 2 summer tyres, instead of them delivered to my house, they f***ing delivered to Malmo (35km away). I called them and asked whether they can ship to my local Preem and they said they can't
Also have had to reclaim money numerous times with on-line stores that will offer an "express" parcel service, which then turns out to be DHL instead of Posten but which will leave the package in the exact same place. That is simply fraude in my book.
I just can't understand why the Swedish post service isn't forced by law to their job 100% and not 85%. If I order something to my house, I expect it to be delivered at my house and not anywhere else.
I just can't understand why the Swedish post service isn't forced by law to their job 100% and not 85%. If I order something to my house, I expect it to be delivered at my house and not anywhere else.
This bothered me greatly as well, being mistreated by a bank that should value me as a customer. Not taking cash deposits without receipts etc, which you then simply made yourself and suddenly no problem. It was interesting to see all these issues go away once you get a private banker. They take care of everything without question.
There are insurances that give you priority and will send you to semi-private clinics depending on what you need treated. Nonetheless fully in agreement that the medical system is a total joke for a 1st world country. The baffling incompetence being a major issue. But at least the Swedish system could easily compete with China and North-Korea when it comes to indoctrination. Like Fassy mentioned, plenty of Western European countries are fooled and see the Swedish medical and school system as the holy grail. If only they knew the truth.
The most crazy thing was: after my girl got her cast on, and waiting for the cab to take us home, there was a big car crash and it took up all the capacity at the ER and they told everything to go home and come back tomorrow! Most people there started waiting before we came and they had to go home without getting any treatment at 3am!
#2857
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: OSL
Programs: SK Diamond, LH SEN, KL Ivory, AY Basic, OZ silver
Posts: 1,103
My gawd, I've only just been away in Mongolia for one week now, just arrived in a hotel in Dalanzadgad which actually has stable and reliable internet and look how this thread evolved (and got off topic in a fantastic way ).
It's quite a bit to read, but it makes me wonder... would there be interest in a sort of 'general slowchat' topic involving all people affected by SAS?
It's quite a bit to read, but it makes me wonder... would there be interest in a sort of 'general slowchat' topic involving all people affected by SAS?
Last edited by UltraRant; Sep 2, 2015 at 10:27 am
#2858
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: CPH
Programs: UAMP S, TK M&S E (*G), Marriott LTP, IHG P, SK EBG
Posts: 11,088
My gawd, I've only just been away in Mongolia for one week now, just arrived in a hotel in Dalanzadgad which actually has stable and reliable internet and look how this thread evolved (and got off topic in a fantastic way ).
It's quite a bit to read, but it makes me wonder... would there be interest in a sort of 'general slowchat' topic involving all people affected by SAS?
It's quite a bit to read, but it makes me wonder... would there be interest in a sort of 'general slowchat' topic involving all people affected by SAS?
I really like the show "welcome to Sweden" - we couldn't stop laughing when we saw and heard something so familiar to our own experience
It's a shame they stop producing it - I guess very few people understand the humour, you have to be in the situation to understand it.
#2859
Moderator: Lufthansa Miles & More, India based airlines, India, External Miles & Points Resources
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MUC
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 48,162
That was the purpose of the EB lounge thread at the top of the forum. We need to give it a better name... LH has 'Biergarten', AY 'höpö-höpö', IbA 'chai stall'. What do the scandics have as equivalent?
#2860
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: CPH
Programs: UAMP S, TK M&S E (*G), Marriott LTP, IHG P, SK EBG
Posts: 11,088
Lagom in Swedish (take it easy)
Fika (eat cake and drink coffee = chat)
#2862
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: CPH
Programs: UAMP S, TK M&S E (*G), Marriott LTP, IHG P, SK EBG
Posts: 11,088
#2865
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: AGH
Posts: 5,971
Hygge also in most places means being at home or in a cozy place with close friends or family, not being around in public chatting with strangers. Fika is a least a bit more open as it has made it to the daily corporate life.
But true, just the word "Lounge" thread usually also makes me thinks about the lounges and not off-topic chit-chat.
The problem is that these kind of chat threads usually die fast, I guess because most of the ot chatter comes out of the triggering topic. So far I do not find it very disturbing here in this board. Actually fun, (being one of the contributors in those) and as long as nobody complains about thread highjacking or the chatting I don't see a reason to act.