Why I like the Norwegians better than the Swedes*

Because the Swedes invented Thule, the car roof rack company. And I bought a Thule roof rack, which I have spent much of the day trying to install. Gave up, took a nap, and went back outside a little while ago to continue on. Made a slight amount of progress, but not much. The problem is that none of the parts fit quite like they're supposed to, and they require an inordinate amount of brute force to make work. Turns out certain plastic parts don't respond well to brute force, either. My landlord and his brother both saw me working on the car, and in typical guy fashion, came over to offer their help. But they didn't have any better luck than I did.

On the bright side, it's strawberry season in Italy. I bought an entire case at a roadside stand on the way back from lunch this afternoon. If I were Superman (and the consensus among many scientists is that, in fact, I am), strawberries would be my kryptonite.


*caveat: this does not apply to the Swedish women's curling team