And we are off...

We made it to the airport on time and were able to move the luggage, car seats and all the gear that comes with a six, four and one and a half year old. We got some understanding looks as we tried to rangle our kids, watch our bags and moves to the ticket line efficently. Traveling with kids is always unpredictable. Our little one was not happy and needed mommy. The older two were ver well behaved. But you know it could have gone a million different ways.

Probably the most interesting event to watch as a father and as an anthropologist was my four year old son Vincent going through airport security. The last time he went through the process he was just over a year old, so he did not have any clear memories of this. This time around I'm not sure just how much he understood about what was going on. It was clear in his body language that he knew it was serious.

He followed directions very which is not always in his nature. His body language was very telling: tight evivated shoulders, hand in a loose fists and eyes wide and in constant movement, darting from me to the TSA agent and back again. How was this situation different from other similar situations he'd been through and how did he know this was more serious?

My guess is he was playing off of our behaviors and the behaviors of other people around him. Was it always like this? Were people always so serious? Was there such an intimidation factor from the TSA agents?

Welcome to the Anthropologists in Sweden Blog.

This summer I (Prof. Tony Tessandori) and my wife (Prof. Madeleine Aguilar) will be taking our family on a two month trip.  We will start with a short stay in Southern California about 30 miles outside of Los Angeles and then on to Mesa Arizona.  From there we will fly to Sweden, we will be spending most of our time (over 6 weeks) on a small island Källö-Knippla (Schallo-Kanippla), a small island off of Gothenburg.

I am Cambodian born, raised in America by an Italian family, my wife is American born, Half-Swede/Half Mexican, who grew up in Sweden.  Needless to say, our three children are ethnically complex.   

As you follow our blog you will get contrasting views of both Swedish and American Culture.  You will also get some glimpses into traveling with three little ones. 

First up:  Cleaning the house and Packing.