It's July 10th, this must be Norway!

Our abode in Asgardstrand, Norway.  Flew into Oslo from Stockholm yesterday morning and were met at the airport by our friends, Ellen and Ove and Cassie (pronounced Casey.)  And they are currently on a plane, headed for Shelbyville (not Cassie, she stayed with us.)

Arrived in Asgardstrand by car approximately two hours later.  A lovely town perched on a slope leading down to a fjord.  I've taken some pictures of the house (inside and out) and of the view.  Narrative to follow.

 

The Vasa Museum

The Vasa Museum deserves a blog of its own.  The Vasa was a war ship ordered built by the King for his fleet in the early 15th century.  It was huge for its day, with two gundecks, and was ornately decorated to intimidate the Poles.  Unfortunately, the plans changed many times over the duration of the construction, not least because of the personal preferences and suggestions of the King.  So, she was launched in 1628 and sailed for approximately 30 minutes before a small gail capsized her in the harbor.  They think that she was simply too top heavy (not enough ballast.)  She was located in 1956 and subsequently raised and restored, then towed to the museum site, where the building was constructed around her.  An incredible display-- Betty and I were there for at least 3 hours.  Pics here.

Stockholm

I think the pic sums it up pretty well.  We liked Stockholm-- a lot!  It's a beautiful city, Claes' apartment was spectacular, the weather was perfect-- only the time was too short.  We plan to get back here someday.

Anyway, I've posted pictures in Snapfish.  You'll see scenes of Stockholm, both the "new" city (most of the waterfront pics are in an area where the apartment is located, rebuilt to resemble the grand boulevards of Paris in the mid-1800's) and the old, which you will identify by the narrow streets.  We also stumbled on a military parade, which just happened to assemble in the square below the apartment.  We noticed it on Friday.  On Saturday, we went down to the street and followed it all the way to the King's Palace-- turned out to be the changing of the Guard.  After that, pictures Betty took in the apartment.  Click here.

Swedish strawberries are the sweetest!

I don't know if that's actually true since I haven't tasted all the strawberries from all over the world, but I just couldn't resist writing the title.  They're called jordgubbar in Swedish.  I can write it but can't pronounce it very well.  Swedish vowels have really challenged my lip muscles.  Actually, some Swedish consonants aren't all that easy either.  And the musical lilt?  No way. I always feel like I sound like the Muppets'  Swedish chef.  But it's lovely to listen to other people speak it.

Just for fun

Got a couple of pics that I want to share that don't really warrant a blog, so here goes.

Back in England, we did visit one city, which, by concensus, didn't have a lot to offer for us tourists (lots of shopping, but no major attractions.)  However, we did find some interesting hot chocolate in a store window

a bar with a compelling marketing scheme

and this statue in one of the squares

Oh, here's another shot of it

Did I say this town wasn't interesting?

And then there were the snails in one of the nature preserves here in Sweden

What were these two up to?

Mount Omberg and Alvastra Monastery

Headed south this morning, toward Mount Omberg, which borders Lake Vattern.  Some extraordinary scenery.

Then a very fine lunch at a hotel on the mountain.

But the highlight of the day was the ruins of Alvastra Monastery, built in the twelfth century on the inland side of Omberg.

More pics here.

A little taste

It's been quite busy, keeping up with class work and trying to see all that we could.  Betty and I hope to catch up on the blogging in the next couple of days.  Meanwhile, here's some pictures to whet your appetite.

This is the Castle in Vadstena.  We've spent a couple of afternoons in the town, wandering, shopping, eating.  Met Charlotte, a friend of Susanne's with a wonderful shop (tea, cheese, etc.)  Here are some of the sites and scenes.  Text to follow.

Yesterday, went to Motala, site of the Motormuseum.  Did that on my own, as Betty and Joan weren't much interested.  They have a great car selection, with American and European makes and models from the early 1900's through the eighties or so.  Very cool.   Probably a dozen or more Rolls Royces, from the 30's on.  And an 80 something Lamborghini, with a placard that talked about the review it got-- stiff steering, tough to shift and about enough luggage space for 2 toothbrushes-- but who notices when you can go from zero to 100 mph in 4.5 seconds?!?  Then strolled along the Gota Canal, which runs across Sweden.  Built in the 1800's by hand, 112 miles, 58 locks, etc.  Also very cool.

Today, we went back to Motala to take a day trip on the Gota Canal.  Only a few miles on the canal, then through 5 locks that dropped about 50 feet into the next lake, across the lake, then return and up the locks.  Oh, my!  Right up there with the Butcher's Arms!  Check this out!  And a bit of video.  Going UP!

Top of the this lock.  Remember, there are 5, each rising about 3 meters.

Made it!