We headed out to dinner in a residential area in Stockholm, looking for an authentic place away from the tourist scene. We found a Greek restaurant and bonded quickly with our young waiter and his older colleague, a man old enough to be his grandfather. We joked and traded stories about where we are from and travels to each other’s countries.

I took a photo for two Swedish couples at a table behind us and an instant connection was formed. They were excited to hear of my husband’s Swedish ancestry and shared that the next day was a Swedish celebration day much like the 4th of July. They looked up events going on in the city to share. All the while our older waiter friend was singing around us as he served people. Curiosity and openness to people is a gift.

With news friends in Stockholm