I don’t know if I’ve written about it before, or am just always noticing and thinking about it, so I think I have already written about it. There are just SO MANY small conveniences all around here in Göteborg/Sweden to make things efficient. For instance, while waiting in line at our local supermarket, ICA Maxi, a large decal on the floor suggests you put UPC codes on the products you are purchasing facing you when you put them on the belt, so the checker can quickly scan them. (Why is it that a regular 6 sided cube shaped package, such as a box of noodles, suddenly grows 5 more sides to check when the UPC code can’t be found? Is it just me?) Also, the belt spitting products to the bagging area after they have been scanned has a dividing bar, so that 2 people can bag at once to keep the line moving! Meaning, the lady with a cart and a half full of goods isn’t holding up the line, because a whole other bagging line appears as if from nowhere! It’s brilliant! (I see now that I am trying to describe it that I really need photos to illustrate this modern marvel. Will take and post some soon.)

Anyway, after checking out pretty much anywhere, a grocery store, toy store, home goods, sporting store, etc, there is a wrapping station. Some are more elaborate than others. Some you have to pay for, some you don’t. Some have a choice in papers. But, by and large, nearly every shop has one, so you can wrap your gifts before you are even out the door. Feast your eyes:

I have a good feeling there will be a part 2 and maybe even 3 to this post. One of those things I hope catches on in America before we head back and settle in!