Getting Past "Hej" (Hello)

A few days ago I took the ten minute walk from the cabin to the sea by myself. On the way back, there was a mother with her two young children walking on the side of the road. As I walked in their direction, the children waved at me and said "Hej, Hej!" I waved back and returned the greeting. As I got a little closer, one of them asked me a question in Swedish. I had no idea what she was asking so I just waved and said "Hej!" again. She gave me that special look young children of any nationality give you when they think you are retarded. So I turned to the mother and said "Forlat" (forgive me). I don't speak Swedish. What is she saying?" The mother told me her daughter wanted to know my name. My face lit up and I said "Jag heter Wendy. Vad heter du?" She told me her name and I realized that was the longest Swedish conversation I've had here so far. As you probably know, virtually every Swede under the age of 55 of so speaks English.

I've also been practicing my 125 or so words of Swedish by talking to dogs. Some examples: "Stanna" (Stay), "Duktig hund" (Good dog), "Nej" (No).

And of course I always make sure to communicate one important phrase anytime someone opens a door for me or hands me my change: "Tack!" (Thank you). I figure I get at least a few points for trying.