I asked myself before we flew over here…is Scandinavia the world’s most expensive place to visit? Sadly for the tourism boards, it has been painted this way to Americans, but after three days here I would have to disagree. Here are some of the things we paid for and how much they cost, to us it seems like Sweden’s prices are comparable with New York’s. We bought Swedish Kronors at 6.8 for $1.00 at the airport.

* Lunch for two–lasagna, salad (we split that) and a pesto/cheese panini, coffee, soft drink $16.40.

* Three hours internet access at the 7-11 store on the corner $4.26.

* Admission to the Universeum, a science, rainforest, kids museum $12

* Dinner at Avenyn 1, a fancy schmancy restaurant with fine wine, linen tablecloths, and two courses. No dessert. $228. (We didn’t actually pay for this, our hosts covered it)

* Hotel for one night in Goteborg at the Elite Park Avenue, four stars $101.

*Transfer by Bus from the airport to the center of Goteborg $10.20 per person.

*Cotton women’s pajamas on sale $14.50.

*Draft beer at the Smarta casual bar/restaurant $4.00

*Bigger lunch of a tuna fish sandwich, hot chocolate and chicken salad with bacon at a mall restaurant $17.75 (SEK 121)

*Absolut vodka at the System Bologet, the state-owned liquor store WAS pricey. A 750 ml bottle cost $35.00, it would be about $25 in the US. individual beers here cost about $1.85 each, so a six-pack would be more than $11.00.

*Marlboro smokes…pack $6.00. That was a shock, we thought that they would hammer smokers worse than they do in the US. But that’s actually cheaper than our price. (not that we really care about buying ciggies)

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3. Welcoming Bounteous Christmas Spirit in Sweden
4. Sweden the Home of the Filka, or Coffee Break
5. Listening to an Automatic Organ in Sweden: Video