Going to Sweden

Stress! We hurried, hopping out of bed, showering and scanning the room making sure we weren't leaving anything behind. We had a quick cup of coffee and went down to the meeting spot to wait for departure. It was packed as everyone had the same idea to handle their own bags and get off early. I felt bad for the crew member trying to keep us in line while keeping a walkway clear. We chatted with some nice Danish people and we all felt bad for the crew who really got yelled at by some very pushy Italians. We all tried to comfort her and she said it was normal for the last day. Sad.

The line finally started moving only for us to be jammed on an elevator. I stared at Bob's back and did Lamaze breathing once more. Then, fresh air and a hurry to another line for a cab where another poor crew member was being yelled at. It sure wasn't humanity at its best.

However, we got to the train station by taxi and needed the restroom which was coin operated.

We watched for a minute to see what to do and a lady came up with a coupon and said the machine missed it and we could have it and off she went with a wink. Yeah! People really are mostly nice and helpful.

Next we went to the ticket station to find out how to get to Malmo with the train strike still on. We couldn't figure out how their system worked of taking a number for the right destination and to get into the right line. A young Japanese man with a long ponytail, a backpack and a guitar strapped to his pack, stepped forward and helped us through it while he spoke perfect English. He told us he was glad to help and he had traveled a lot and knew what to do. What a sweetie!

Tickets in hand we got on the train, again, jammed in and standing as we rode the train to the airport to get on a bus to Malmo.

We got bumped around a bit but made it to drag our bags off the train and asked directions to the bus. Meanwhile we noticed the couple next to us speaking English and found out they were from Daytona, Florida and had also just gotten off our cruise. We immediately hooked up and wandered together. We finally found the bus and jammed on with me getting a seat and Bob a good place to lean.

It was fascinating going through the tunnel and over the bridge into Sweden, but we weren't done yet. Then we had to take a subway to the city center. Off the four of us went till some nice young men and then a Swedish girl helped us find our way. All of this is going on in a hurried state dragging our bags and heavy back packs. I would much rather hike a darn mountain!

Anyway we separated from our Daytona friends and finally made it to the Rental Agency to get our car. We were glad we had studied Google Earth when we were home so that things looked a little familiar. With very little help or direction from the agency, we finally found our car, made it out of the parking ramp and hooked up our Tom Tom GPS. Thankfully the Tom Tom got us out of the city and on the Expressway to Kalmar. We were going to try to drive along the coast, but decided to just get to Kalmar and our hotel and regroup. We had not eaten, had no water and had very little coffee and here we were sailing down a highway not able to read a single sign.

We were both dizzy tired, starting to get headaches and getting a little fussy with each other. Yah right! Bob isn't always sweet.

Then, like a miracle, we saw a sign for McDonalds. I don't even like McDonalds, but I could read it and wanted to hug them. A free restroom, coffee, fries and a double cheeseburger and things looked up.

Near Malmo, we drove through flat, lush green farmland. 

 

As we headed north, it became more rolling and reminded me of northern Wisconsin or Minnesota with more pines. Then, to my delight we started to see moose and deer crossing signs. We drove by lakes and resorts and saw people swimming. Then we crossed a bubbling wide river and saw a man fly fishing. The hills grew bigger and rocky and then looked like Canada. I thought it would be flatter and more built up in this area, but it is beautiful, refreshing country with ever increasing moose signs which makes me smile.

We finally pulled into Kalmar and were pleased to find our quaint old hotel across from a park and down the path from the beautiful castle - Slott in Swedish.

We unloaded, freshened up and set out to explore and make the most of our short stay. I thought this was where my Great Grandmother was born and while there wasn't time to do further research right now, I wanted to feel I'd walked where she walked.

We first made a quick drive out to the island of Oland to see the windmills and wind swept farms. It was beautiful. 

 

Then we actually got brave and went into a grocery store and with the help of some nice, friendly people bought some healthy driving snacks and some much needed water. Ok, this is for the grandkids - the store had a U shaped drive where you enter the parking lot and exit. We figured out the enter was - Infart and the exit was - Utfart. So it's ok to fart in Sweden.

We came back to the hotel, and walked to the very old, peaceful cemetery down from the castle. We walked the paths and searched for names. We met others searching and some just strolling enjoying the huge old trees and lovely gardens. We found some interesting possibilities but nothing solid. 

Back at the hotel, they offered a light dinner as part of the package. It was a wonderful buffet. Bob enjoyed a local beer and we listened to conversations, some that we understood and some we did not, and all was right with the world.

In the park across the street there was a band stand and a full band was holding a concert  with people sitting in folding chairs under the trees. It reminded me of the movie The Music Man as they played marching songs, show tunes, and Big Band dance music. 

We listened a while and then strolled along the water and explored the castle.

    

Walking back to our room, the birds were singing their good night songs and a jazz band was playing at an outdoor café. We were feeling very European...raggedy tired, but very European.