Island Time

Island Time is a phrase coined in the South Pacific. Basically it means that things will happen, but no one is really too bothered about WHEN it will happen. Why is this relevant in the bright lights of a modern and sofisticated Sweden ? You'd be as surprised as I was. You see, every Swede will tell you that they are real sticklers for punctuality. And that's true. They do firmly believe that they are. Sadly however, the reality is somewhat different. Example one: People will arrive at precisely 9am for a 9am meeting. So far so good. However, everyone then has to immediately leave and come back with a freshly brewed cup of coffee. Not all at once, mind. Swedes never do things as a group. There's the potential for confrontation. After the coffee comes, naturally, the toilet visit. No chance of attending to that BEFORE 9am. Once that is all sorted, then it's time to set up for the meeting. Sort all your papers out, figure out how the overhead projector works, arrange pens in order of size in front of you. If you're lucky, it will be about 20 past 9 now. Enough time for a 10 minute intro before we all break for morning tea. Does the term "kick up the arse" mean anything ???