The full account is after the jump.
Showing posts with label Västerås. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Västerås. Show all posts
Monday, October 11, 2010
Adventure in Sweden - 9.24.2010
My last full day in Sweden. I tried not to think of how it seemed as thought the days had flown by and I tried my best to remember every moment, which is impossible. However, from previous experience I know for sure that all sorts of feelings, thoughts, and memories will filter back from time to time. You never really leave the places you leave behind because you carry everything with you.
The full account is after the jump.
The full account is after the jump.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Adventure in Sweden - 09.23.2010
No visit to Sweden would be complete without some Viking ruins, beautifully designed furniture, and some red houses, right? After two days in Stockholm we took the train back to Västerås where I stayed for the remaining two and half days of my visit. I think it is a common misconception that you've "seen" a country if you've been to it's capital or most well-known city. If you've been to Rome then that counts as seeing Italy. If you've been to Paris, then that is France. But I think any real traveller understands that there is no microcosm for any culture, language, or country in the form of a busy city. Yes, I saw and learned many things in Stockholm but my time in Västerås is what really made my visit to Sweden so enriching. And usually museums tend to be the highlight when I visit places, just out of personal preference, but I think this day was my favorite of all. It had most of my favorite things: yoga, tea, autumn, ancient things, and great company.
Read and see more after the jump!
Read and see more after the jump!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Adventure in Sweden - 9.20.2010
I started day three with a jog and a runny nose. I added an extra 10 minutes on to my normal run time because I was feeling charged and I wanted to step on more crunchy leaves. After lunch Suzanne and I went shopping in the city center. By late afternoon the overcast sky had cleared and the changing leaves looked brilliant against the blue sky. So, we set off with coffee and apple pie for a little excursion to one of the islands on the lake.
Almo-Lindo
Suzanne's family owns a lake house originally built in 1906 but renovated in the early 60's and they've gone there every summer since. I'm sure the red paint looks just as picturesque in the warm weather as it does in autumn, especially while we were there because the sun was moving low on the horizon. We had our fika by the water. Suzanne gave me a tour of the house, explaining who usually slept in which rooms and what she and her sister had named them when they were younger. The king's room. The bird room. Ect. It was funny to see souvenirs from Minnesota and to see all sorts of normal Swedish things that I grew up thinking were special because they were Swedish. Here those things are just normal. Real, everyday things.
Almo-Lindo
Suzanne's family owns a lake house originally built in 1906 but renovated in the early 60's and they've gone there every summer since. I'm sure the red paint looks just as picturesque in the warm weather as it does in autumn, especially while we were there because the sun was moving low on the horizon. We had our fika by the water. Suzanne gave me a tour of the house, explaining who usually slept in which rooms and what she and her sister had named them when they were younger. The king's room. The bird room. Ect. It was funny to see souvenirs from Minnesota and to see all sorts of normal Swedish things that I grew up thinking were special because they were Swedish. Here those things are just normal. Real, everyday things.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Adventure in Sweden - 9.19.2010
After a day of planes and a night of art, music, and the chilly air of autumn I love so much, I slept late into the morning. Suzanne and her fiance Bennet shared a beautiful brunch with me. I like my Sundays lazy and slow. Sunday in Sweden was just that. A long walk. A cat nap while Suzanne and Bennet voted (it was election time.) A family dinner at Siv's. I think this first full day made me finally realize that I was actually in Sweden.
Lake Mälaren
Suzanne and her dog, Mimmi, took me down to the edge of the lake. We parked the car and explored the new boutique that had just opened in the old tulhusset (customs house.) We walked out of the harbor and roamed for well over an hour, maybe two, among the apartment buildings by the water. We crossed the red bridge to more apartments. Past an old and unused brick building. Around some old boat sheds. We paused at a lighthouse boat to peek inside and walk to the bow. At the marina, far from where we started, we turned back.
Lake Mälaren
Suzanne and her dog, Mimmi, took me down to the edge of the lake. We parked the car and explored the new boutique that had just opened in the old tulhusset (customs house.) We walked out of the harbor and roamed for well over an hour, maybe two, among the apartment buildings by the water. We crossed the red bridge to more apartments. Past an old and unused brick building. Around some old boat sheds. We paused at a lighthouse boat to peek inside and walk to the bow. At the marina, far from where we started, we turned back.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Adventure in Sweden - 09.18.2010
Traveling requires patience and preparation. I packed my suitcase the day before and I made sure I had my passport, iPod, and a warm scarf. But of course, plans including airports and airplanes rarely go smoothly. To save money I booked two flights: EasyJet from Amsterdam to London and Ryanair from London to Västerås. To fly direct from Amsterdam was too expensive.
I had to wake up around 6:30am to get dressed and get to Purmerend for the 7am train. It took about fifty minutes to get to the airport but at least I didn't have to take any transfers. I bought some breakfast first thing then discovered that my first flight was delayed by 45 minutes. All I could do was wait and try not to bite my nails about possibly missing the flight out from London. EasyJet and Ryanair are discount airlines or "busses with wings" which means there are no seat assignments and everyone lines up then rushes to board for best choice of seats. So I waited for the gate number to be posted. Then I waited in line for security. Then I waited in a tense line at the gate, everyone eager to get on ahead of the people around them.
At London Stanstead it is a maze of escalators and busy corridors to get from one of the terminal to another. And then a tram to get to the central building where one has to go through Border Control and security again even if they are taking a connecting flight. And then another tram to get to the next terminal. With all the lines and stress of getting where I needed to be on time I completely passed out on the plane to Sweden. When we landed, unloaded, and lined up to have our passports checked I felt like I was dreaming. I couldn't believe I was in Sweden. Even after Suzanne and Siv welcomed me with warm hugs in the lobby I still couldn't grasp the fact that I was in Sweden.
As we drove back to Suzanne's apartment the first thing I noticed were the trees. Tall, thick, masses of trees. The Holland that I know is flat, green pastures. Moist air, misty mornings, and canal. In Sweden the crisp air, the trees, and their leaves' faint prelude to fall immediately reminded me of Minnesota. That is when I felt safe even though I still felt like I was dreaming. That feeling of comfort and love never faded or faltered once during my stay.
Västerås Kulturnatt (Culture Night)
Fortunately, my first night in Sweden lined up perfectly with Västerås' annual culture night. Various events and activities were hosted throughout the city by all sorts of businesses, galleries, museums, and what not. It was the perfect introduction for me because we spent the night walking around the city from one place to the next.
Suzanne and I began with a local vocalist's recital of Edith Piaf songs since Edith is a favorite of mine. "Je Ne Regrette Rien" echoed in my head from then on. As we walked towards our next point of interest we stopped at Formgruppen which is a local craftsmen's shop that sells wool, ceramic, and wood creations.
Then we continued on to the new Karlsgatan which had just opened the previous weekend. We listened to Torbjörn Grass play a twelve string guitar and harp guitar. Then we wandered the gallery. I found a painting by Elsa Backlund-Celsing that I'd love to share with you but I didn't take a picture and I can't find one on the internet.
We met Siv at the Konserthusset and attempted to watch some couples doing the tango but the crowd was too large. So, we packed ourselves in line for the dance school's recital in the large auditorium. From there we marched arm in arm to listen to the Maria Choir in the warm, candlelit Domkyrka.
My first night in Sweden ended with a bang. The closing of culture night was celebrated with fire dancers in front of the town hall and fireworks from the bell tower.
I had to wake up around 6:30am to get dressed and get to Purmerend for the 7am train. It took about fifty minutes to get to the airport but at least I didn't have to take any transfers. I bought some breakfast first thing then discovered that my first flight was delayed by 45 minutes. All I could do was wait and try not to bite my nails about possibly missing the flight out from London. EasyJet and Ryanair are discount airlines or "busses with wings" which means there are no seat assignments and everyone lines up then rushes to board for best choice of seats. So I waited for the gate number to be posted. Then I waited in line for security. Then I waited in a tense line at the gate, everyone eager to get on ahead of the people around them.
At London Stanstead it is a maze of escalators and busy corridors to get from one of the terminal to another. And then a tram to get to the central building where one has to go through Border Control and security again even if they are taking a connecting flight. And then another tram to get to the next terminal. With all the lines and stress of getting where I needed to be on time I completely passed out on the plane to Sweden. When we landed, unloaded, and lined up to have our passports checked I felt like I was dreaming. I couldn't believe I was in Sweden. Even after Suzanne and Siv welcomed me with warm hugs in the lobby I still couldn't grasp the fact that I was in Sweden.
As we drove back to Suzanne's apartment the first thing I noticed were the trees. Tall, thick, masses of trees. The Holland that I know is flat, green pastures. Moist air, misty mornings, and canal. In Sweden the crisp air, the trees, and their leaves' faint prelude to fall immediately reminded me of Minnesota. That is when I felt safe even though I still felt like I was dreaming. That feeling of comfort and love never faded or faltered once during my stay.
Västerås Kulturnatt (Culture Night)
Fortunately, my first night in Sweden lined up perfectly with Västerås' annual culture night. Various events and activities were hosted throughout the city by all sorts of businesses, galleries, museums, and what not. It was the perfect introduction for me because we spent the night walking around the city from one place to the next.
Suzanne and I began with a local vocalist's recital of Edith Piaf songs since Edith is a favorite of mine. "Je Ne Regrette Rien" echoed in my head from then on. As we walked towards our next point of interest we stopped at Formgruppen which is a local craftsmen's shop that sells wool, ceramic, and wood creations.
Then we continued on to the new Karlsgatan which had just opened the previous weekend. We listened to Torbjörn Grass play a twelve string guitar and harp guitar. Then we wandered the gallery. I found a painting by Elsa Backlund-Celsing that I'd love to share with you but I didn't take a picture and I can't find one on the internet.
We met Siv at the Konserthusset and attempted to watch some couples doing the tango but the crowd was too large. So, we packed ourselves in line for the dance school's recital in the large auditorium. From there we marched arm in arm to listen to the Maria Choir in the warm, candlelit Domkyrka.
My first night in Sweden ended with a bang. The closing of culture night was celebrated with fire dancers in front of the town hall and fireworks from the bell tower.
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