Vagnharad, Sweden June 16

The excitement started to mount preparing for the next adventure...Sweden. Unlike other places on the trip this experience would be different, as I would be meeting up with Eva. I had met Eva and her friend Kicki in 1976 in Rangoon, Burma and we hadn't seen each other since 1976. To add to the excitement I had received a message that Kicki would also be coming to visit at Eva and Tommy's house.

‘Night Train to Lisbon’ by Pascal Mercier made the flight seem very quick. It is a book that’s hard to put down, thought provoking and very relevant to the travel experience: ‘it is a mistake to believe that the decisive moments of a life when its direction changes forever must be marked by sentimental loud and shrill dramatics, manifest by violent inner surges...In truth the dramatic moments of a life-determining experience are often unbelievably low-key. It has so little in common with the bang, the flash, or the volcanic eruption that, at the moment it happens, the experience is often not even noticed. When it unfolds its revolutionary effect, and ensures that a life is revealed in a brand-new light, with a brand new melody, it does that silently and in this wonderful silence resides its special nobility’. (p.38) When travelling, it’s not often what is seen and heard but how this inspires reflection, a luxury afforded by travel as there is time to stop and reflect in new and exciting territory, outside the comfort zone of our everyday lives.

Sweden is beautiful from the air...lots of dense forest and lakes, a very green landscape. We arrived at Skavsta airport and Eva and Tommy were there to meet us. Eva showed us to our little house with an incredible view of the lake. Paradise!

Amazing view from our balcony

 The 36 year gap in time was quickly closed as we talked and laughed, and we all got on so well that it felt as though we'd been together for years. 

Our house...for a few days

June 17

We had a sensational breakfast...Tommy's special fruit salad and nuts and his homemade bread and camembert, salami and tomatoes...all absolutely delicious. Soon Kicki arrived and it was delightful to be meeting her again. We reminisced about our travels in Burma all those years ago, and talked about our lives now. Again we sat down to a scrumptious meal of lamb, vegetables and special Swedish mushrooms. 

First meeting in 36 years...

 We went for a walk around the local area and Eva was delighted to see the first signs of summer: wild strawberries.

On our return we were rewarded with coffee, cherries and chocolate on the verandah ovelooking the spectacular lake.

At sunset we set off in a rowing boat to lay some nets. It was a stunning sunset, relaxing and peaceful.

June 18

We explored Gripsholm Castle, and saw how the castle used to be, and important people in Sweden's history in pictures and photographs. 

Gripsholm Castle

 The castle is in a beautiful setting, surrounded by a lake and has many stunning features including intricate woodwork and walls painted with motifs.  A number of rooms were reconstructed to show how it would have looked across different centuries. 

 Walking round the small town we saw lots of very old houses and later enjoyed a typical Swedish meal at the pub, followed by afternoon tea at another little town nearby. 

 Afternoon tea was a special treat...the cakes and sweets in the shop were very enticing.

The cafe and sweet shop

The canal

 Afterwards we walked to the harbour to see Tommy's new boat, and regretted the fact that we wouldn't be joining Eva and Tommy on the boat at the Midsummer festival at Kicki's, where they were planning to go by boat.

House on our walk with amazing daisies

On our return we drank wine, talked and listened to music, a lovely way to spend our last night.

 

 June 19

Alas it was time to leave our wonderful hosts and the paradise we'd shared for a few days.

 We drove to the local station, and filled in an hour driving around the lush countryside. It s truly a beautiful country.

In Stockholm our room was perfect... We wandered around, found some rolls which we enjoyed at a park. All around us people were enjoying the warmth of the sunshine.

Stockholm, June 20

Another beautiful day...the sun shone brightly as we made our way to Gamla Stan, the old town, past a park I’d spent much time in many years ago with friends .

On arrival we were enticed by icecream and sat down to watch the life in the street. Inside the waffle cones were being produced.

 We could hear a military band in the distance. It was time for the changing of the guard outside the Royal Palace, heralded by the band.

Coffee at the Royal Palace

 After a wander around the old town we settled down for a drink, relaxing in the brilliant sunshine.

However there was a plane to catch so we made our way to the airport. We had a truly memorable time in Sweden and hopefully we will all catch up, either in Sweden, Europe or Australia.