We left Stockholm on the train. It was clean, comfortable and had wifi! If they would take that train and land it in phoenix, I would have no issue commuting to Utopia (Malia's new work home soon). We still had a little bus ride and then arrived in Fellingsbro. We were greeted by the best welcoming crew, Janek and Kristina (Johan's Mor and Far). We had a little bit of rain, but it cleared up and we never saw it again during our stay.
And then we arrived at the house of Edin.
The best way to start the trip back to Johan's childhood town was with some great old pictures. Wee little Johan in a sailor suit.
As you can expect, Kelly found herself right at home on the deck. It was really miserable out there: 70 degrees F, green grass, trees, and flowers as far as the eye can see....miserable!
Shortly after we arrived, we enjoyed champagne and snacks. Then, Kristina prepared stuffed sausages that you can ONLY get in a town nearby. They are called falu korv.
And another Swedish breakfast... Skål!
Little did we know, you really shouldn't have coffee with breakfast. Because at the Edin's you Fika ALL day.
Our first Fika was with Mor Mor (Johan's mom's mom).
We have never seen such a beautifully set table. Mor Mor served us coffee and treats on beautiful china that had been passed down for generations in her family.
She was so sweet. She didn't have enough bullar for us all. So, she insisted that the Americans get their own bullar. In Mor Mor's house, sharing is not caring. Everyone should eat their own bullar. And although we felt guilty, we were not disappointed.
She also served an apple/rhubarb pie with glass (the best ice cream ever).
As you can see in the below picture, Janek was always teaching us or telling us a good story.
Or... Selling Malia on his fancy inventions.
Here is Johan and his great Mor on Mor Mor's patio. The immediate building behind is an old play house that is used as a shed now. But, beyond that is an expansive field of green. Green as far as the eye can see.
We took a stroll down memory lane, Johan showed us the mural he helped paint when he was a kid. He is claiming this section of the electrical box, but he wasn't really sure it was his.
For a little taste of home for Johan, we had pizza from his favorite pizza/kabob restaurant in town.
Then, back to the house for second Fika. You would think by now (after like 8 fikas), we would be sick of it. But, oh no, bring on more Fika!
Kristina claims this is not how it always is, but here she is making more treats, Maräng Torta. It reminded me of a 4th of July cake, my Far Mor (Nina) would make as well.
Our main course was coffee (of course) complimented by Anna's homemade kakor and bullar. Don't be fooled, I did say main course but they were sweet treats and the dessert was the Torta (another sweet treat). Got to looove Fika! And such a pretty set up.
Can you tell how much Mor Mor adores her Johan? Isn't she the greatest?Janek teaching us some more Swedish.
Here is a snap at the rest of the family. We are so so sad we didn't get a better picture of everyone. We were too busy taking in the moment they were so graciously letting us be apart of.
They were standing because it was the time to sing us the Swedish National anthem.
Meet Viktor, Johan's old friend. Little did he know, it was going to be much more than just Fika today.
Viktor was slightly duped into enjoying the rest of the evening with us. He might think it was because of his car, but this is NOT true. He was another of the amazing tour guides who have made this trip soooo goood.
We went to the town church, established in the 1100's. It was so beautiful.
With glorious surroundings.
Followed by a 5K walk in the woods, where mygg bastards (Mosquitos) set the pace. They must not trust foreigner blood because those myggs loved Viktor and Johan the most.
And Janek taught us more...this time about picking wild lingonberry and blueberry. The teacher being schooled yet again.
Then, back to the house to rehydrate from our hike with some wine and dinner.
The next two pictures tell a story by themselves. Janek and Kelly having a friendly exchange of words...
Kristina totally agreeing with Kelly...
All the Swedes thought it was so funny that I called it kaviar in a toothpaste container, but I think this advertisement agrees with me. Sadly, Johan told me it says something along the lines of "don't forget to pack the most important things."
We had another great Swedish breakfast with Janek and Kristina. Then, had to make our way to the bus station. It was such a great trip and we were so sad to leave everyone. Thank you so much for everything, you all made our trip soooo gooooood!
Now, off to Berlin.
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