Day 6 31st December

*** Look * at * this ***

No this is not a post card this is Monica and Evan’s home! Into which we have been welcomed with true Swedish hospitality. I’m Monica’s cousin once removed (she’s my Dad’s cousin) but for the Swedish we are just family and while it couldn’t be further from my home and life it feels strangely home-like here. We went for a wander today down to their local shops today here’s what we saw along the way…

Here we are ready to go for our walk. Moncia has her ‘sparka’ (kick) sled. She’s the only one in her part of town with one, she takes it out when she walks the beautiful Nikita and of course I had a go – so much fun!

Monica and Evan did the grocery shopping while MGM and I paid a visit to the largest IKEA in the world, but alas it was closed…boo.

and they’re having a sale too. here’s the sign ‘rea’ (sale) out the front …in ice!

We thought we knew the way home but did have a moment when we were unsure which way to go, the snow blanket makes land-marks a little uniform, then we spotted the kick tracks and followed them home like Hansel and Gretel with the breadcrumbs.

Later in the evening we drove the short distance to Trollbacken (where Monica’s daughter and family live) where we were treated to a four course meal (they celebrate in style here) to celebrate the end of the old year and immanent arrival of the new.

Y-U-M-M-Y
(yes that’s lobster and it’s the entre!)

and then Sweden turned on some snow for us. With snow falling we let off fireworks in the front yard! Some of you will be able to remember cracker night? Well it’s still allowed here and just the same only colder (I know a certain young son who would have been in heaven!)

Then off to Skansen (an amazing open air museum and zoo) for fireworks and concert. It will be ‘quite mild only –7’ Evan said because it was snowing (it’s colder when it’s NOT snowing) and by the time we arrived there it was only –1 … positively warm!

Imagine the Sydney fireworks but with snow falling and you’ve got a picture of our new year’s eve. Even with the water because the fireworks were over their harbour too. Nothing stops the Swedish the stage-hands were actually shovelling the snow off the stage can you imagine the OH&S issues if us Aussies were faced with such conditions?!

Skol! Happy New year EVERYONE!