Sweden: Unlike Anywhere Else on Earth
26. Public Armories Across Country
Sweden has more than a passing commitment to preparedness. In the aftermath of the Cold War with the tensions in the Soviet Union, the Swedish government acted preemptively to prepare the citizens of Sweden to defend themselves, should the need arise. Armories they constructed, located in the public square, filled with weapons and provisions. Such network of armories enabled locals to respond quickly in emergencies. It’s an interesting case study in how a country can marry safety and pragmatism with a spirit of shared responsibility.
The armories weren’t only for the military they were designed to engage the entire residents in the defense of the nation. The idea was that if a threat ever materialized, residents could run to these armories, collect weapons and supplies and defend their homeland. Swedish military might not sound like the first thing you think of when you hear the name of the country, but these armories are a lived testimony that they always took their defenses seriously. Even at the height of the Cold War, the nation labored to deter a would be aggressor by making certain that everyone could stand ready to do something if need be.
Notably, these armories are also a cultural reminder of the Swedish virtue of readiness and togetherness. Although they aren’t so common nowadays, the existence of these military armories is part of a unique chapter of Swedish history. It’s a bit scary to think about, but it also illustrates how much foresight the country had in the face of uncertainty. Makes ya think how national awareness and responsibility must have been embedded in Swedish society for generations!
27. The Mice Need a Place to Eat, Too
On the streets of Malmö in Sweden, a truly adorable phenomenon is taking place. There’s now a tiny version of a restaurant called Noix De Vie directly under the original, but there’s a hiccup it’s a restaurant for mice! Yes, this tiny art installation includes tiny tables, tiny chairs and even a tiny menu, all designed for the tiniest of patrons. The idea might seem strange at first, but it’s actually a playful, artistic bit of public art designed to draw awareness of the connection between people and the animals sharing their space.
Imagine you’re on your street, and you discover this tiny restaurant, built for mice, to remind us how art can change the things we see in a day to day basis. This installation is delightful and invites passersby to see the world from a different vantage point. It’s like these mice have their own universe, hidden beneath the restaurant.
It’s all a touching commentary on the overlooked critters we live among, transforming the quotidian into the magical. These small restaurants aren’t only found in Malmö, either. The different editions, each designed by a different artist, can be found in different regions of Sweden. It’s a charming way to slip a bit of whimsy into the cityscape and brighten the day of whomever notices. After all, who wouldn’t be fascinated by the notion of a tiny restaurant for mice, even if it isn’t actually feeding furry diners?
28. McDonald’s Creates a Drive-Through for Bees
But fast-food is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of McDonald’s? From Big Macs to fries, it’s a worldwide phenomenon, with outlets apparently springing up in all corners even in places you’d never suspect. But in Sweden, McDonald’s added a surprising and whimsical twist to their usual business model. But this particular McDonald’s isn’t for humans it’s for bees! Yes, you read that correctly. Think of a tiny, drive-through version of a McDonald’s, but instead of burgers and shakes, it’s called a beehive. Just the sort of idea you would not expect, but one that perfectly embodies Sweden’s quirky and eco-conscious way of solving problems.
The idea of a McDonald’s for Bees is farm friendly and can inspire them to build homes. And this tiny McDonald’s returns the favor by providing them a safe and comfortable space to thrive: As bees everywhere are threatened by climate change and the environment, growing this McDonald’s is hard work for the little guys. A drive that is bee-friendly will offer shelter to the bee, which is why this ‘drive-through’ structure is just a delightful and creative idea for the solution. That McDonald’s, a company that has become one of the most powerful and influential in history, would adopt such an idea demonstrates how unexpected and widespread their reach can be, even extending to insects!
And the best part? It’s working! The image of a busy beehive full of bees verifies that this dainty little McDonald’s for bees does in fact work to help these vital pollinators to prosper. Who could have foreseen that McDonald’s would eventually be serving the flying insect demographic? It is a great lesson in how even the least obvious concepts can have a constructive effect on our world. Wouldn’t it be great if more companies nudged their sales envelope within this playbook and came up with clever, unconventional ways to help mother nature?
