Entering the Land of the Midnight Sun

Our trip to Sweden was reall quite pleasant and routine. Per was waiting for us at the airport, and it was nice not to have to worry about driving or getting a train. The three hour ride to his house was also uneventful. Sweden reminds us of Northern Michigan, Wisconsin, or Ontario. Very unpopulated, lots of open space. Deer, Moose and Elk are all in the area. When we arrived at the house Inger was waiting, and we unpacked and had coffee. Dinner was Salmon, potatoes and peas, with Strawberry cake for desert. Very nice. We are also meeting the cats, Lisa, Mya, but Figaro is very sceptical!
Our accommodations at this point are in a 400 year old barn. The guest room, is quite nice, Per built it himself. When they leave for the U.S. we get to move into the house. Our hosts have been very accommodating and we have hit it off right away. The house is over 400 years old and the oldest house in the town of Nykyrka (New Church), which is a little settlement of about 500 people about 12 k from Motola. W took a walk after dinner to visit the village and the surroundings.

We have to add a note about the guestroom, which we find very cozy, and are liking. To get to it, we have to walk up a steep flight of narrow stairs, accessed most easily by walking sideways. Also, there is no bathroom, so if we need to use the facilities during the night, and anyone who knows either of us know that we do (!), we have to climb down the stairs to use the toilet. Pat was nervous about the stairs at first, but quickly adapted, and we also don't mind the mid-night walks!

We also must note the experience of the sunlight. At midnight, when we made our midnight potty run, it was the darkest part of the night, and still, quite light out. Fascinating to us.

We are enjoying our hosts very much.