Breakfast at a cafe

Yesterday's weather was a taste of things to come.  This morning was cold and windy.  As we went on our way to town for Pete's meeting, my face felt so cold from the wind.  I was only too glad to sit in a warm cafe while waiting for him.  From where I sat, I saw a basket of neatly folded blankets by the door.  I wondered if they were for customers who wanted to sit outdoors.  A few minutes later, I got my answer.  A lady went outside with her order, placed it on a table nearby and went back in to get one of the thick blankets.

I think, even with those blankets, I will be hesitant to sit outside.  Even with a warm jacket, I would much rather sit where I could take it off and sit comfortably.  But it's clear I have yet to adapt to the weather here since a few other customers also opted to sit outdoors.  I guess, for me, the morning was cold and harsh, but for the Swedes, a morning without snow is a nice enough morning for alfresco dining.

Sitting in the cafe, I also found something that I seldom see back home.  Sitting one table away from me were two guys with a toddler sitting on a baby chair beside them.  It was clear that one of the men was the dad and the other, his friend.  I am so amazed that the dads here are so comfortable taking care of their children, and some of the time, they are alone with their kids with the mum nowhere in sight.

I see them every where - on the bus, travelling with their kids beside them on the seats, pushing strollers or even with the babies strapped to their chest.  The best part is that they look so competent taking care of their young ones.  Just like the dad in the cafe, who made sure his son was fed and drank his juice, and although he was clearly there to spend time with his friend, he was constantly paying attention to his son.  He kept entertaining the toddler and kept talking to him.  What was nice to see was his friend was also comfortable having the baby there.  They made it look so normal for grown men to hang out together, babies included. 

I have heard about how Sweden is famous for it's equality between the sexes but I didn't expect it to be taken to this level.  I am so encouraged.  Hopefully things will fall into place and soon we could try for one ourselves.