And then to our Swedish family

Next day we had an early departure to Oslo airport once again, this time successfully on the very smart train, for our flight to Sweden for our visits to Janne and Margareta in Sundsvall, and Ludde and Sara, in Uppsala and a visit to Ljustero. Great views over the Swedish coastline as we descended into Timra, Sundsvall's airport.

It is always delightful to catch up with our family and roots in Sweden. At Akrom we stayed with Janne and Margareta, but were hosted by Lasse for a fantastic dinner, Swedish style with plenty of aquavit and singing between courses. The Akrom community is all family so we could sit and chat with everyone very easily.

 Great to again be swimming in Hultijan, riding up in Janne's adapted trailer/wagon.

and it was good to do a little Swedish haymaking with Janne. 

 Our excursion to Alnon island featured a trip on an electric powered steamer and included a fantastic fika. 

I think by the time we left five days later we had done most of the things on Janne's plan.

and enjoyed the beautiful local scenery.

We then caught the train to Uppsala, a very pleasant experience on a nice quick smooth train.

Ludde met us and we headed home to Knvista and set ourselves up in Laban’s cottage. We had a lovely evening listening to a concert with Sara as the main act. Great  to sit and listen again to her beautiful voice. In not such beautiful voices we tried to sing along in Swedish to Amazing Grace; the hymn book helped with the words.

We had a day in the city, mainly Gamla Stan with Sara, finding some very nice freshly made sushi for lunch. 

         

Gamla Stan is the old city, and is our favourite part of Stockholm. 

Then a very spectacular voyage in the historic SS Storskar (built 1908 and plying its current trade since 1939) through the Stockholm Archipelago. The boat stops at tiny islands to drop off or pick up travellers; it's a beautiful way to experience the archipelago's history and charms. 

 

We got off at the second to last stop,Skuggan, where Ludde’s family have their “place at the beach”. We visited once with Anna and Anders and very much enjoyed the place. It's actually a central house with two extra smaller houses so a great family holiday spot nestled in one of the island's many bays. 

This time we were able to help do a little bit of setting up for the summer, and enjoy, quite quickly for me, the cool waters of the archipelago. 

And  we extended our association with Sweden's varied aquavits along with Ludde's delicious food!

But after ten happy days it was time to say 'Hej Da' for now - lots of fun memories.