Exploring the Foreign and the Typical: Cities in England, USA, and Sweden

Travelling through different parts of the world often brings to light cities that seem to stand out as both foreign and typical. This article will delve into the experiences of visiting cities in England, the USA, and Sweden, highlighting those that felt the most alien and those that embodied what is truly typical for their respective countries.

Milton Keynes: The Most ‘Foreign’ Feeling City in England

During my travels in England, Milton Keynes stands out as the city that felt the most foreign. Unlike most other places in England, which evolved over time, Milton Keynes is a 'new town' or a town that was planned after the Second World War. The design is grid-based and car-oriented, leading to a sense of soullessness that is markedly different from the charming, historical, and character-filled cities that often dot the English landscape.

The city feels similar to an out-of-town mall, not just in thegrid and car-focused planning, but also in its blandness. Efforts such as painting buildings in bright colors or attempting to create character often fall short in the face of its planned newness. In contrast, my home city, St Albans, reflects the typical English city with its evolved architecture and historical charm.

Gaylord, Michigan: A Swiss-Themed Extravaganza in the Midwest

The journey to the United States brings us to Gaylord, Michigan, a city that, despite its name, feels incredibly foreign. Gaylord, known as a sister city to some in Switzerland, has a required Alpine theme that permeates all its new and old buildings. This medieval Swiss theme against the backdrop of the American Midwest creates a stark contrast and a truly unique and alien experience.

While heading to buildings with glockenspiels (musical carillons) and Alpine-style architecture might seem playful and inviting, the juxtaposition of a small-town American landscape with mountainous Swiss aesthetics does indeed make Gaylord seem somewhat alien, albeit in a charming and quaint way. It's like stepping into a fairytale in the middle of the American countryside.

Gvle: The Strange Foreignness in Sweden

My travels in Sweden led me to Gvle, which has a peculiar quality that sets it apart from its more typical Swedish counterparts. While Gvle stands out due to its thematic architecture, the foreignness I felt isn't related to people but to the city's overall essence. Called a Latin American city would be an understatement. If one were to film a movie scene set in Argentina or Chile, it might be Gvle where the scenes would be filmed. The city seems to have an almost latin rhythm and vibe that stands out in a country known for its tranquility and order.

Other Notable Cities in Sweden

Beyond Gvle, other Swedish cities strike a balance between being atypical and typical. For instance, rural Rynvi (assuming a fictional subtown of Gvle for the purpose of this exploration) bears a significant resemblance to scenes I've observed in Buenos Aires and Rosario. The architecture and the way life unfolds in this subtown have a sort of Latin charm mixed with a northern European backdrop, making it quite unique.

Conversely, there are cities like Rynvi (still assuming the fictional subtown) that hint at a mixture of Norwegian, French Canadian, and Swiss influences. The identity of Rynvi is both Scandinavian and cosmopolitan, making it a city that stands out for its eclectic character.

While Sigtuna, where the essence of Swedish urban elegance is unmistakable, embodies the stereotypical Swedish experience, it feels a bit like a theme park with its clear-cut characteristics. As such, it may feel less authentic and more touristic to some.

Meanwhile, Sundsvall stands out as the epitome of Swedish urban elegance for me. Its Swedishness is so ingrained that it presents a pure and unfiltered experience of what it means to be Swedish in the modern urban context.

Exploring these cities, whether they feel most foreign or most typical, reveals much about the places they inhabit. Whether it's the planned simplicity of Milton Keynes, the Alpine tranquility of Gaylord, the quasi-Latin charm of Gvle, or the Swedish elegance of Sundsvall, these cities offer a window into the unique identities of their respective countries.