Sweden - The First Week

Seeing as it was the first time for Belinda in Sweden, it is fitting to see it through her eyes. We flew with Ryan Air to Gothenberg, Sweden. It's Sweden's answer to Virgin Blue. It was even worse than Jet Star, no allocated seating or prior boarding for elderly, those with young children etc. Bit of a fight to get on board. We were grateful that our luggage came with us (apparently that can be optional for Ryan Air).

Beautiful country side, green everywhere and so many Volvos and Saabs. Apparently the Volvo factory knocked off at the same time we were driving home. The fields are full of yellow wild flowers and the weather was lovely. We arrived at Marcus' dad's (Hans) place and we have a little room to ourselves. He lives almost in the middle of the city and everything is within walking distance. I have noticed that Swedes have a love of boiled hot dogs that are almost miniature in size, instead of pubs on every corner as it is in London, it's hot dog stands. You can get potatoes in a bottle and wine in poppers, wonderful place.

Almost everything is available in Tetra pack it seems. I have trouble telling whether I'm buying fresh milk or sour cream! Apparently the guy who invented Tetra packs is Swedish, they are certainly showing their support. Oh and the most important tetra pack is the one that contains wine. Fabulous idea that is. We went Sandra's (Marcus's sister) housewarming party and met some assorted people. She had the party in the courtyard of her apartment block. We have also caught up with some family too. We saw Helene (Marcus' cousin) and her daughter Nina. She's getting big and Marcus is sure she'll be a heart breaker a bit later on. Helene and Nina live only minutes from the city near a quaint little village of typical Swedish houses.



We have met a few of Marcus' school friends down at the "Avenue". Pretty tree lined streets lead the way to the avenue that ends with a fountain of Poseidon. We went to a couple of cafes and pubs along the avenue, nice. In Sweden they have this crazy tradition called Studenten where when high school students graduate they all get drunk and climb into dump trucks decorated with tree branches??? They even have a DJ on the back of truck and all the kids are screaming and chanting, while the trucks circle the mian city streets. Apparently there are quite a few injuries around this time as some kids are so drunk that they fall out of the trucks or cars! All a little bizarre but amusing to watch.