Ahead of the Helsingborg Open in Sweden, we asked Carin Koch, The 2015 European Solheim Cup Captain, to introduce her country’s unique culture and customs.
 |
| Carin Koch |
Where are you born and where is it exactly in the country?
Kungälv, north of Gothenburg.
Tell us more about where you were born.
A small town with a famous fort, Bohus Fästning.
What is the best thing about your country?
The summers are great with long evenings and the ocean and small islands!
Give some examples of the traditions from your home town.
We don’t have any local traditions but midsummer and crayfish parties are great traditions!
Where is your favourite place in Sweden and why?
The west coast with many fishing villages. Stockholm is also a nice place to visit.
What are typical food and drinks from your area that you love?
Seafood, shrimp, crabs and cod fish.
If you like cooking, what typical food from your country do you like to cook?
Fish and seafood in general.
Be our travel guide… what places would you recommend us to visit in your country and things to do?
West coast and Stockholm and the north. Anything outdoors is nice to do.
When you are not on tour, how do you spend a typical weekend?
At sports events with my sons and dinner with friends.
What is the most popular sport in your country?
Icke hockey, football and golf are popular sports in Sweden.
What are your favourite sports and teams that you support?
Ice hockey and yes, I go to some games. I support Frölunda Indians. I also attend my son’s golf and football games.
Who is your favourite celebrity from your country?
Abba!
Who are your favourite golfers from your country?
I grew up looking up to Liselotte Neumann and Helen Alfredsson amongst others. Also, Henrik Stenson.
Who are your favourite athletes in general?
There are many great hockey players: Peter Forsberg, Mats Sundin and more.
What do you miss from home when you come to Europe to play?
My family.
Is there something unusual (for others outside from Sweden) from your country that you could explain to us?
About squeezing food out of toothpaste tubes: caviar, mayonnaise, mustard…
We do drink a lot of coffee, and have “fika” coffee together eating something small, usually sweet with it.
Is it true that Swedes celebrate Midsummer and Walpurgis Eve? What can you tell us about these festivals and following, which are almost as important, the days celebrating foods: Fettisdagen), Waffle Day (Våffeldagen) on March 25; and Cinnamon Bun Day (October 4)?
Midsummer is very festive. We eat, drink and dance around the midsummer pole. It is a family tradition.
What are your favourite Swedish sayings?
Lagom=not too much, not too little: just right!
