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Travel Days
Travel Days
June 11th & 12th: St Louis, MO ➡️ Boston, MA ➡️ London, UK ➡️ Stockholm, Sweden
June 11th & 12th: St Louis, MO ➡️ Boston, MA ➡️ London, UK ➡️ Stockholm, Sweden
With long layovers, getting to Sweden was a little bit tiring but worth the effort once we arrived. Kia & Janne were kind enough to pick us up from the Arlanda Airport.
Flights: June 11th & 12th: St Louis, MO ➡️ Boston, MA ➡️ London, UK ➡️ Stockholm, Sweden
While in Boston, you must have a Samuel Adam's Beer🍻
Our overnight flight from Boston to London included a nice view of the Stawberry moon.
We left home at 6:00am on Wednesday and arrived in Sweden at 5:00pm on Thursday. My recorded registered sleep was 24 minutes. Oy Vey!
Initial weather forecast for the upcoming week.
The reward for long travels was a well deserved pizza and great friends to greet us.
Skål to sitting on the deck and enjoying the evening.
Preparing for sleep! These two men are brothers from another mother. So fun to see them laugh together.
Angelica's House
Angelica's House
June 13th - 15th: Cousins Weekend - Hägersten, Sweden
June 13th - 15th: Cousins Weekend - Hägersten, Sweden
When Melina comes to visit, many of her cousins come together for a special dinner. We stayed with Angelica and her family until Sunday. On our way back to Uppsala, we went to Kamari's (in Täby) for some delicious Sri Lankan food for lunch.
Aperol Spritz, a Swedish summer drink with Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water with an orange slice.
Cousins in attendance for the dinner.
Bring your protein and grill up what you want to eat!
Melina the drink diva!
The Lindskog side of the family at the gathering.
Later in the evening it became a little chilly, so the stories continued inside. From left to right: Roy (and girlfriend), Kenneth, Amalie, Me and Lars. Standing behind is Angelica, Phillip (and girlfriend), and Melina.
Chips, potato salad, vinaigrette salad, meat, cheese and bread, all was good.
Saturday's Lunch
Saturday's Lunch
Side Trip to Mariefred for sushi lunch, ICA (grocery store), liqour store (Systembolaget), and H & M (department store)
Walk Street in Mariefred.
Gripsholm Slott (Castle) a lakeside castle that houses ornate 16th century interiors, state portrait collections, and a lavish theater.
Gripsholm Castle is located by Lake Mälaren, in the town of Mariefred, Sweden. The castle is situated on an island within the lake.
From Angelica's (just west and a little south of Stockholm) going west to Mariefred
Sunday's Lunch
Sunday's Lunch
Before going back to Uppsala, we headed over to Täby on the north side of Stockholm for a special lunch.
From Angelica's to Kamri's
Melina and Kamari. Lars always looks forward to her great Sri Lakan food. Thank you Karmi for a great Sunday afternoon feast.
And lets not forget about the wood fire pizza at Melle Pizzeria just down the street from Angleicas. This is Melina's Truffle pizza.
Uppsala, Sweden: June 16th - 18th
Uppsala, Sweden: June 16th - 18th
From Uppsala we were off to Bålsta to visit Pernilla and her parents for lunch. Lars has known Anders since he was in his 20's where they traveled the world for work). We had Smörgåstårta (Sandwich cake) with shrimps and salmon, but no onions and garlic 😆👍, chokladbollar. and fresh fruit.
On the way back to Uppsala, we also took a ride over to Sigtuna where we enjoyed the water view at Våfflan Hamnkrog & Bar. Sigtuna is Sweden’s first town and no other place on earth is as rich in runestones.
Originally, the building had an adjoining rail depot with a tower in each corner, however this was demolished in 1918. The building has been expanded twice, once in 1889 and again in 1918. The ground floor was renovated completely 1934–35. In 1986, the building was listed (protected as a cultural heritage) by the Swedish Government. After the station building became defunct in 2011, a brasserie opened in the building (wikipedia).
While the area is steeped in history, the fountain at the Old Uppsala railway station is a more modern addition and doesn't appear to be directly connected to the ancient temple or the Viking burials, but is a whimsical statue that is quite the conversation piece.
Lars remote office in Janne & Kia's kitchen, where I cooked a little lunch.
Updated forecast, looking toward the weekend for Swedish Midsommar .
Knivsta, Sweden: June 19th - 22nd
Knivsta, Sweden: June 19th - 22nd
We spent these days around Knivsta where Lars sister lives. We enjoyed family and Midsommar Party at Sillan & Olle's house.
Midsummer is a celebration of the season of summer, taking place on or near the date of the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere; the longest day of the year. The name "midsummer" mainly refers to summer solstice festivals.
Longest day light hours of the summer solstice.
Ted and Melina gathered the flowers to make the flower crown for the Furuvallen midsommar party.
Sillan and Olov's house
The flower crown was successfully made and worn for the celebration.
Tractors paraded through the town, people picnicked, and families enjoyed the summer time air (66 degrees). Cousins Sandrine and her children, Ted, and Bjorn were all at the festival.
In Sweden, during the Midsummer celebration, people dance around a decorated maypole, called "midsommarstången", as a central part of the festivities. This tradition, with roots in pagan rituals, involves singing and various playful dances, such as the "frog dance" where participants mimic frogs hopping around the pole.
Some classic cars and hot rods came for the festivities as well.
Getting ready to sing:
Helan går is a popular Swedish drinking song, or snapsvisa. Helan ("the whole") is an expression signifying the first (small) glass of spirit (commonly akvavit or vodka) in a series, and går means "goes (down)"; loosely translated as, "Bottoms up!" går ("he-lan går")
Helan går ("he-lan går")
Sjung hopp faderallan lallan lej
Helan går
Sjung hopp faderallan lej
Och den som inte helan tar*
Han heller inte halvan får
Helan går
[drink]
Sjung hopp faderallan lej!
Back at the house it was time for a party, great food, shots, music, and laughter were had by all. The face you make when the shot was not as smooth as Skyy vodka.
Olle and Lars singing Helan går and chasing it with beer.
What was on the midsummer party menu: herring in many different sauces, beef, pork, potatoes, potatoes salad, pastries, and cocktails.
Next to Melina is Ted, cousin to her, and Olle & Sillan, hosts of the party.
Lars and Sillan, siblings
Melina trying to get poppa to wear the flower crown. Lars response, ha, ha, ha no...that for girls.
Checking out the Olle's BMW bike the next day.
We stppped by the Lagga Runestone U481 on our way back from the festival.
What does that sign say: The runestone was previously located as a threshold in the door, between, the porch and the church in the 1870s - it was removed and erected in its -present, location. Where Sichen originally stood is unknown: When it was first examined, in the 1630s they were already located in the lyvrkgolyet. Risningen- is not signed, but it was probably performed by the roommaster Fot, who has carved other rune stones in the Uppsala area.
Today we received an old family photo of Pelle (Lars dad) and Max, brother to Pelle. On this trip we will also try to get additional digital copies of photos from the past.
Around Uppsala June 22nd - 29th
Around Uppsala June 22nd - 29th
On Sunday we arrived back in Uppsala, where Lars took the Indian Scout motorcycle out for a test drive up to his brother in Skyttorp and then back to pick me up for dinner. During the week Lars was able to visit with friends, take care of some personal business, and stop in to places he worked at and attended school.
Weather was more comfortable here compared to home.
Morinngs were great to walk around and explore the city.
Before going to Micke's for Fika, we went to Milli's Grill & Pizza for lunch where you can experience all kinds of SWE pizza blends. This one is the Hawaiian Special, a thin crust with ham, pineapple, banana, and curry.
School classmates from back in the day. Oh and does Mike have stories to share about so many people.
We made it to Sbyilla's for a Tunnbrödsrulle for one of Lars favorites. It's a flatbread roll consisting of sausage, mashed potatoes, shrimp salad and various toppings such as ketchup, mustard, and Bostongurka
And who knew today, I would be milking the ketchup cow in order to receive the condiment in small paper cups to use with my pommes frites.🤣
A little dinner at Apadana Restaurant before heading out tomorrow, but we will meet up again for some more summer time fun!
Around Skyttorp June 29th - July 6th
Around Skyttorp June 29th - July 6th
Michel's house in Skyttorp.
The old train station located behind Michele's house.
The Lindskog family lived in the house, which use to be the town backery at one time.
That house now has several tenants that live on all three floors. Next door there is a school friend, Lena, who we talked to while doing a walk about the ole neighborhood.
Lars first motorhome, which he built and had custom painted over 30 years ago.
One evening we went to Örbyhus to visit a Sture "Bond" W. where we laughed all evening long.
Here, on what was previously a cape in Lake Salsta, there has been a castle or manor house since at least the 13th century. The first historically certain owner was Birger Jarl's son Gregers Birgersson . In the early 14th century, his son Karl Gregersson sold his property in Salsta to Duke Erik's jarl, Abjörn Sixtensson (Sparre of Tofta) , who would become the ancestor of Salsta's future owners until 1976 – i.e. 675 years! For much of the castle's history, the castle has continued to be inhabited by relatives or close confidants of kings. But also by people who have come into conflict with the rulers of the country. One such conflict led to Sten Sture the Younger having the medieval building burned down in 1516.
But in 1613, Nils Bielke the Elder had a new castle built on the site, which, unlike the medieval settlement, we can have an idea of what it looked like – as the Renaissance castle is depicted by Erik Dahlberg.
On this trip I have seashells for snail shells while on my morning walks.
We took a ride back into Uppsala to pick up a new passport and grab some sushi for lunch.
Västerås Summer Meet - July 4th
Västerås Summer Meet - July 4th
The car meet was held at Johannisberg airfield in Västerås (about 68 miles from Stockholm) from Thursday, July 3rd to Saturday, July 5th. Cars that are allowed to drive in and park inside the field are American cars of all model years and classic cars before 1977, American muscle cars were well represented.
Girly key chain "curtain" valance in Micke's barn.
Today's ride, a 1957 Ford Fairlane convertible. Off to the car show we go. This car was purchased and titled on Micke's 50th birthday!
Fika, compliments of Carin while we enjoy a little more sunlight before the rain showers. What is "Fika" you ask, it's more than just a coffee break; it's a cultural institution and a social phenomenon in Sweden. It's a chance to pause, relax, and connect with others, typically over coffee and a pastry or baked goods.
Then it was off to Mel's Garage for 50's style ice cream parlor and cafe in Enköping.
What a great looking sundae with beautiful cars that can be bought or sold. So the inventory is always changing.
Just of the few of the cars and motorcycles represented at Mel's Garage.
The menu includes exciting ice cream dishes, like a Corvette Split” a “Good Cop Bad Cop, Pink Cadillac or a “Big Block” which is served with 20 ice cream scoops, cream and various toppings.
Offroad Rörken - July 5th
Offroad Rörken - July 5th
Offroad Rörken is a group for anyone interested in offroad driving in the forest around Rörken Motorstadion.
Lars with older half brother Ingvard, who we met for the first time in 2004.
Today's ride was in the Jeep, so much fun. Look closely at those RV stairs, it might hurt if you hall out of the RV.
Skoj!
Brothers, Lars, Michel, and Ingvard sharing stories after a ride and burger for lunch.
Got to love this sign, no fighting or puking in the club house.
The day ended with Fika with princess cake, cookies,and pastries. Emil & Freja were so kind to surprise us with a Swedish goodie basket, tack så mycket! We also visited with Sara and her two children. It was a pleasant evening for sure!
Around Föllinge & a stay @Patrick's Place July 6th - 10th
Around Föllinge & a stay @Patrick's Place July 6th - 10th
Föllinge is surrounded by lush greenery, picturesque landscapes, and offers hiking opportunities, particularly along the old summer pasture routes.
Sunday we headed to Sundsvall about 1/2 way up to see Patrick on Monday. The town is one of Sweden's most fascinating cities, offering not only a cool urban setting but also unique natural landscapes, unfortunately it was too rainy to do much.
What a stunning view out from Patrick's house to the lake.
Döda fallet, Dead Falls: In 1796, Lake Ragunda was drained and a devastating flood surged forward. In just four hours, the landscape changed and the waterfall Storforsen fell silent and became Döda fallet.
Nope that's not the famous HOLLYWOOD letters, it's, large, prominent letters forming the word "HAMMARSTRAND" located at the top of the ski slope in Hammarstrand, Sweden. Just one of the neat attractions on the scenic ride to Patrick's house.
We also checked out some camping areas. They look to be like our National Forest where it is just dispersed camping. Just
The one creature feature amenity at the dispersed camping area, utedass ...outhouse! 🤣
We took a little uphill hike to see Eastern Norway mountains and the two lakes closest to Patricks.
Camping looks a little different than home, they have these small huts they attach to the camper at the entry door. The extra room is sometimes a larger family room. If they take the camper away to go somewhere they board up the door entry way into the hut.
Lars finally got his morning campfire and Korv (sausage).
Today we went to several different places, Åre, a very large ski resort area much like Aspen, CO for lunch, Tännforsen Vattenfall (waterfall), Copperhill Mountain Lodge area, and Momma's house in Östersund for dinner with "Mary Me Chicken" and orange cake with ice cream. The waterfall is known for it's thundering cascades and riverside views.
Today's loop included a stop for a pizza and a view of another campground close to the water.
Hot dogs, chorizo, cheese, chips and beer, it's what's for dinner! And then for lunch the next day - Kolbulle, a classic that is best cooked over an open fire . This recipe is easy to make and is made with salted pork. Serve the kolbulle with lingonberry jam.
Kolbulle is a type of pancake with minced pork that is similar to pork pancake.
If you make the Kollbulle with eggs and milk instead of water it is then called Fläskpannkaka.
Over to Vätö, Sweden @ Kia & Janne's Summer House July 10th - 26th
Over to Vätö, Sweden @ Kia & Janne's Summer House July 10th - 26th
The vikings continue their travels around Sweden.
We had a travel day back Sundvall and then on to the summerhouse near Vätö which is known for its beautiful nature in Roslagen, an archipelago area North-East of Stockholm.
The summer house is located on Vätö island in the Norrtälje archipelago, situated about 6 miles east of the town of Norrtälje.
The sauna located on the wrap around deck with a nice sitting area for dinner.
Looking across the canal at the sailboats at the Marina, Rosättra Båtvarv
Slow down, old people at play on the island. 😂
Prepping the professional whip cream dispenser for Happy Hour with Le and Lelle.
Li looks with skepticism about the new dispenser. 🤣
And then there white Russian's in this beautiful glasses that were handed down to Kia from her mother.
New happy hour mix, corn and chilies nuts. Yum!
A little shopping, groceries, and Fika in Norrtälje to start the birthday celebration.
Korvtårta, a special kind of birthday cake for those that love hotdogs. 🤣
Kia also busted out the slushy machine, where we had rum & coke, tequila & passion fruit, and other fun drinkies so friends could share ole memories.
But the party continued inside with Hot Shots made with Galliano, coffee, and whipped cream, unless you don't have any, then use ice cream instead.
Very pretty colors and lovely temperature to end the day of the deck. The closest to a sunset I have seen here in Sweden, since, it doesn't get so dark with sunset after 10pm.
A short walk down to the canal looking toward the Marina.
Closer view of the Marina on my morning walk.
Time for ice cream with a view of the archipelago.
Today is Bonden & Burgaren day... the Farmer & the Burger. Delicious Sunday Funday, so out for a drive to the farm for burgers and ice cream.
Just another party day while on semester with many family and friends around on many different days. So much fun!
You can't leave the summer house without having the cold potato, caviar, mayonnaise sandwich on hard cracker.
I had no idea there were so many options for Princess Cake.
Princess cake for dessert.
Side Trip over to Åland, Finland via Ferry ⛴️ & Motorcycle🏍️ July 24 & 25
Side Trip over to Åland, Finland via Ferry ⛴️ & Motorcycle🏍️ July 24 & 25
The Åland Islands, or Åland, is an autonomous region of Finland. Comprising around 6,700 islands, this Swedish-speaking archipelago is in the Baltic Sea. The capital, Mariehamn, on the main island of Fasta Åland, is known for its beaches and streets lined with 19th-century wooden townhouses, handicraft shops and cafes. Västerhamn, the town's western port, links Åland with Estonia, Sweden and mainland Finland.
Here comes the ferry (Eckerö Linjen) to go from Grisslehamn, SWE to Eckerö, Åland
This crew is ready to ride!
Our hotel, Eckerö Hotel complete with Elvis and the Rockers, unfortunately they did play during our stay.
Great dinner at the hotel with many varieties of drinks and food: plank steaks with Cafe de Paris sauce, ox fillet, Elvis Cadillac martini, Irish coffee, Heart Break Hotel martini, Di Saronno, Aperol Spritzer, Stallhagen beers, and of course desserts.
Took an after dinner walk to Bodegan, Gastro Pub for the sunset and some beers.
Things you see a long the ride!
Things you see a long the ride!
Signs around the island that mark each different community.
Island hopping and waiting for the next ferry, but not before fika at the local cafe.
Nestled in the heart of northern Åland, in the scenic surroundings of the kastelholm castle, you find Åland distillery. With roots going back to tjudö vingård and the famous apelbrand, formerly known as ålvados, Åland distillery is the first and only distillery on the åland islands. Lunch was salmon pizza with capers, dill sauce, and white cheese.
Ummm, someone is being naughty! The newspaper as seen near the Grisslehamn port.
Åland's answer to the midsommar pole in Sweden.
Lars and Janne continued riding to Lumparland while the ladies took a rest at the local watering hole in Mariehamn.
Kallas SkärGård, a farm restaurant and garden café. Here you can enjoy really good food and drinks or coffee and homemade pastries in a peaceful environment.
Waiting for the ferry back to mainland Sweden.
All fun must come to an end in Åland but we will come back some day.
Yummy dinner came with the option of Creme Brulee and a well paired cocktail on the cruise back to Sweden.
Day 1 of the ride from Norrtälje to Grisslehamn, then on to the ferry and over to Eckerö, Åland. Then more riding to Mariehamn and Lumparland
Day 2 consisted of much smaller ferry rides and even more motorcycle riding.
Time to head back to Uppsala and over to Alsike for the next adventure.
Next stop Knivsta (Alsike), Sweden @ Sylvette & Olle's July 27th - Aug 10th
Next stop Knivsta (Alsike), Sweden @ Sylvette & Olle's July 27th - Aug 10th
Sushi meet up with Kalle, Lars brother and his daughter Josefine. It's the first time Josefine meets her uncle.
Skarholmen, Uppsala
Suprise! Sibling fika on a nice Wednesday afternoon.
Side Trip to Nora to get a family heirloom. This lamp was in the apartment of the Lars grandparents, many, many years ago.
From the summer house you can see the small town of Nora in the background. Definitely a neat little town with a lot of charm. Many wooden houses built in the 18th and 19th century have been spared from fires and demolition, making the town Nora one of Sweden's best preserved wooden towns.
We got a good chuckle out of the alligator sign along the highway...ummm, not in Sweden.
The sign even came complete with blow up gators in the pond.
Time to celebrate Kia's birthday with a good ole, Swedish crawfish party, "Skol Tomy fon" There was eating, singing, and shnapps.
Great meeting up again with Pernilla and Anders, a long time friend and co-worker. We did a lot of catching up on what has happened with family and friends from the last 20+ years.
Today was a picnic, while a little (ok, more than a little windy) windy it was a nice outing to enjoy with family. Time to build the fire for hotdogs!
Overlooking the lake at Fjällnora Naturreservat, this nature reserve has become a place for recreation. The nature reserve is a section of the Uppland landscape with old, coniferous and deciduous forests, meadows and pastures on Trehörningen lake.
Lunch is served!
Today's outing was on the motorcycle, beautiful weather, some ruins along the way, and lunch in Sala (where we met up with Lars sister, Olle, and Mattias who were also on a motorcycle ride).
From what I could get from a partial translation it was in memory of young men around 1010.???
Lovely evening on Katalin terrace with the Honky Dory band & good friends. Katalin And All That Jazz is a live music venue serving up food and drinks in a cargo warehouse. Fun night with Maria, Mia, Magnus, Katta, Janne, Kia, and more.
Then... Lars and Mia
And Now... circa 40 to 45 years ago...same girl, same guy different location.
For fun we went and looked at some motorhomes. A 2025 Kabe (well known Swedish brand) Imperial 910i (the largest they make) can be yours for 3 million, Swedish Krona or $300,000 USD and the interest rates are about the same 7.95 to 8.3%. At approximately 30ft in length it will sleep 4 people. It looks and feels a little different than what we are used to in the US.
Last Side Trip Fröskog, Bengtsfors, Karlstad, & Ludvika (West Side of Sweden) - Aug 10th - 12th
Last Side Trip Fröskog, Bengtsfors, Karlstad, & Ludvika (West Side of Sweden) - Aug 10th - 12th
We went by Peter's summer house on Ånimmen Lake which is an oblong lake near Lake Vänern, the largest Swedish lake with skerries (small rocky islands too small for human habitation), wetlands, cliffs and beaches.
While Peter was stuck on a delayed flight back from USA, we were able to surprise his daughter, who we haven't seen since she was 15 years old.
A new deck and the outside kitchen were added this year. Both were great additions.
The pontoon boat (party barge) made the journey from Karlstad to it's new home at the lake.
With such a beautiful view of the lake, who wouldn't want to have an outside kitchen to make meals in and enjoy the fresh air.
Smaller and smaller roads lead to Peter's secluded summer house.
The Lindskog farm has been currently transformed into Fröbacken farm next to the Fröskog church in Dalsland. It also consists of a boutique which has selected items and tools for the garden, ceramics, and interior design. You can also sit in the garden with a cup of coffee and waffles from the café.
So on this particular Sunday, we were able to meet the owner, Adam and Lars was able to tell him stories about the time he lived there as a youngster (around age 4 to 12).
This photo of the Lindskog farm in Fröskog Stomen is circa 1960s.
This scene from the 1980s movie Ronja Rövardotter or in English, Ronia: The Robber's Daughter was recreated as a fountain (zoom in on right pic) at the Fröskog church. You can see the trailer for the movie here.
View from our hotel room in Bengtsfors. Small little town with some nice looking restaurants and shops.
We had this dist at Storgatan 19 Grill: Baked Potato 🥔 with shrimp salad and roe on top with fresh lemon and dill, Lars says add sliced egg 🥚 for additional yumminess and presentation.
This buffet breakfast was included at the First Hotel Bengtsfors and there were many more items that were on other counters. Everything from eggs, bacon, pancakes, to meats, cheeses, salmon, fresh warm bread and pastries, fruits, and many Swedish frukost staples.
Today we traveled around different areas where Lars grew up (ages 4 to 11 years old). This lake and beach area is where he learned to swim as a little guy.
Viking swing set 🤣
We also passed by a couple of the skolans (schools) that Lars attended. Edsleskog Friskola in this picture was probably when he was in K-2 grades.
Peter happen to get on town and we were heading to our next stop. So we made a stop in Karlstad for an afternoon visit. These two have been friends since Lars was four years old and Peter was two.
Many very old churches are all around the rural areas. This is just one style, there were many stone and brick styles as well.
Just one of the many interesting buildings in Ludvika.
Viking Burial: Anundshög is the biggest ancient burial mode in Sweden: 9 meters high and 64 meters in diameter. It dates from between 600 and 1000 AD. The mound rests on a base layer of clay on which the deceased was cremated. A stone memorial was then constructed over the remains and itself covered over with turf and soil. Many people took part in the work of building this huge mound. Ande the rocks were shaped like the Viking sail ships.
Lars rows the Viking ship!
Folkvid was a prominent man in Badelunda. He paid for this remarkable stone that has an illustration unique among Swedish runic stones. Perhaps it shows a female and a male figure intertwined. Folkvid also paid for the road to be built past Anundshög and marked it with a row of monoliths. The road was to be used when the newly crowned king rode through his realm to reccive the homage of his People.
Travel Days
Travel Days
Aug 12th & 13th: Stockholm, Sweden ➡️ London, UK ➡️ Charlotte, NC ➡️ St Louis, MO
Aug 12th & 13th: Stockholm, Sweden ➡️ London, UK ➡️ Charlotte, NC ➡️ St Louis, MO
On Tuesday we went to the Raddison Blu @Airport Terminal hotel due to our very early flight on Wednesday morning. The alarm went off at 3:30am , breakfast at 4:30, and then the travel day begin with a stroll from terminal 5 to 2.
The gypsies are going home. We packed and then repacked to get those suitcases to be under 23kg (51 pounds).
One last mid summer shot before heading to the airport.
1 little, 2 little, 3 little Indians are heading to one last dinner before the travel day.
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