Comme un rêve

Just like a dream...that about sums up the past year. It's been ages since I blogged about any adventure and looking back I see that at this time last year I was commencing my 10 day journey in Sweden. Little did I know that I'd be back there in autumn for 3 months.

Here are some of my favorite spots from those 3 months:

The first is of Millegarden - the Stockholm home of Carl Milles. I could easily spend hours there studying his work.

The next is easily Saint Guilhem Le Desert in the Languedoc region of southern France. My experience here was the most spiritually influenced that I've ever encountered.
Words can't describe what I experienced during my stay in Montferrier sur Lez (Montpellier) reconnecting with my dear French friends. My soul was enriched with fine French cuisine, wine, conversation and "l'energie".

One of my favorite stops along the trek from Nice to Grenoble & Strasbourg was a picture perfect lake. I'm ready to return to pitch my tent!

Throughout this journey I was able to reconnect with all of my European friends which made my journey all the more memorable. I've learned that my time spent on earth is so much more colorful and rewarding when I'm surrounded by my favorite people in my favorite places.


Craving of the day: to have the ability to click my heels and appear where my heart desires...

Walking Blindly

On one hand I sit here and think that the journey that I've known for the past 6 months is coming to an end. Yet, I've come to the realization that I've actually commenced a multitude of journeys throughout this timeframe...many of which are just beginning.

I've pushed myself to the limits and have faced my fears.
I've learned to live simply and that I like "going with the flow."
I've learned I adore laughter and those who make me laugh.
I've learned I can't live without travel!

here
I can't see in front of me
and
I'm not staring at the past
now




Craving of the Day: a walk on the wild side

The Chameleon

Stockholm shopping, albeit expensive, is amazing...bringing home some great finds...wishing for more glass and more hands to carry it! Yet, I must remember that here in Sweden, simplicity is key.

My visit with Karin and her family was fabulous. It was so great to catch up with her again. She and Anders are terrific parents!

Transportation was the focus of the day...Car to bus station, bus to Arlanda airport, flight to Halmstad and car to Knäred. I parted from Stockholm just 12 hours ago and already I long to return.

Karin told me that I pass easily as a native...shopkeepers, airport & subway staff all seem to agree! I really need to learn this language as I want to "sing" along! If you've ever managed to hear Swedes speak their native tongue then you've certainly experienced the melodic tones of the language. To listen to it you'd never imagine it's one of the most challenging languages to learn.

This evening I snuck away for a last-minute visit to Halmstad...didn't tell a soul where I was headed. Strolling along the river and through the city streets at dusk was exactly what my soul needed. Hate to admit it but had a tear in my eye as the thoughts of leaving this land passed through my mind.

I think Sting was really singing about Sweden in his song, "Fields of Gold". I've never seen such bright yellow fields which I have learned are rapeseed plants.

Early to rise in the AM as will be traveling by car, train & plane tomorrow. A long day it will be...

Craving of the day: a year long soul-searching expedition

Nasta, Enskede Gård

Took 5 hour journey to Stockholm by car on Sunday. Rode with Lars' cousin, Magnus, and his girlfriend. The Swedish countryside is absolutely beautiful - simple, pristine & bright! Saw 2 moose and a red fox along the way...stopped at Burger King for lunch, my chauffeurs ate the "Big Angus"and was astonished to see a Toys 'R Us!

Met up with my friend, Karin and am staying with her, her husband, Anders and 2 young children, Elsa (2.5 yrs) and Viktor (6 mos). Last evening we sat outside for dinner...young Elsa ate blood pudding...that's the first time I've ever seen that in person! Little Elsa just loved it and was in heaven when she dressed it with Ligonberry jelly.

Today Karin, Viktor and I took the tube into Stockholm city and visited Gamla Stan. I love this city! Did quite a bit of shopping yet didn't really buy a thing. I fell in love with a coat which I might just have to purchase tomorrow!

Gotta catch dinner now...more to come later. Photos will be uploaded once I return to Knäred.

Craving of the Day: an unlimited supply of Swedish kronor (will get me a lot farther than the American dollar)!!

A rubber what?

Absolutely could not resist this one...found it in a candy/coffee shop in Halmstad yesterday...

Can you just imagine pulling this one out of your lunchbag??

Oh Sew Blue!

Random photos of Swedish doors...each so unique...

Drove to Laholm today and visited the Teckningsmuseet, http://www.teckningsmuseet.se/. This "Museum of Drawings" is the only of it's kind in all of Scandinavia. The gallery resides partly within the Old Laholm Fire Station, built in 1910. The newer portion of the gallery is unique in that it was constructed only by the hands of women. The Norwegian born architect, Jörgen Michelsen, created an environment where the art lends itself into the hands of nature...simple & bright. You can't miss the view of the Lagan River.

So, why drawings? They mention that drawings have been one of the most important forms of human communication for thousands of years. Simple enough, right? I was thoroughly amused by the comedic drawings by Lasse Lindqvist who correctly captured in one drawing the humoursly chaotic cubical life in the employment setting. I haven't ever laughed so hard at a gallery!

The women working at the gallery were incredibly friendly and recommended that I visit another local installation representing the works of many within the Halland region of Sweden. There I fell in awe of the work of Annlis Kruger (http://www.annlis.se/). Her work is completed all on sewing machine. Again, she brilliantly captures the humor in life! Upon seeing my excitement at this incredible work, the lady managing this exhibition recommended that I visit Annlis' home studio in Veinge...I was actually on my way to a castle but decided that I'd rather see more of this unique work. I hopped in the Nissan Almera and off I went to Veinge to the Bla Hus (Blue House).

Annlis' work is amazing...the studio set within the Blue House is brightly lit and again exhibits the standard simple Swedish modernism that I've come to love. I was excited to meet Annlis (in photo with my print) and had a great 30 minute conversation with her and she explained the concept behind my favorite series. She also showed me photos of portraits she has done of Queen Elizabeth & Tony Blair as well as President Bush...so funny! I purchased a print that is actually 1 of 4 in a series...so I told her that I must return to Sweden 3 more times so I can purchase the whole series! Here's the story of the 4 in summary: Picture #1: Woman catches man with her fishing net; Picture #2: Man is lifeless so she plants him in a pot and nurtures him with "love" water; Picture #3 (my purchase): Man grows into "love herb" and women blush when catching his sight; Picture #4: One female plant leaves her pot to live in with him...

Earlier in the day I got my Kosta Boda fix...well, at least for the day. Here are some photos of more Swedish glass...

Drove back to Knäred, walked in the house and could smell Swedish meatballs immediately. Too bad I can't yet eat them! Spent the evening relaxing, writing postcards and figuring out the plans for Stockholm tomorrow.

Craving of the Day: An extended stay...

Knäred och Halmstad

Yesterday's rain kept me inside...could finally catch up from jet lag.

The adventure began today! I drove, a stick shift, to Halmstad and was totally successful! I never thought such a simple feat could make me so happy.



Stopped at Eurostop for shopping at my favorite Swedish chains: KappAhl, Åhlens, Lindex, Duka, H&M to name a few. Used the cell phone calculator to quickly convert from Swedish kronors to the American dollar...this kept the kronor in my wallet! I am just sickened at the value of our dollar. meaning is my fav Swedish word of the day....

Parked car in Halmstad and figured out how to pay for parking...10kr/hr (approx. $1.66...now that I can handle!).

Strolled throughout the city taking many photos:


Most Swedes had the day off from work as it is another Red Day. Many were enjoying the beautiful weather today and the lines for ice cream were quite long. Halmstad is a good walking city - cars not permitted in main shopping areas.

The fashions here still somewhat differ from those in the US...appears as though Sweden has taken a serious dive back into the 80's...check out the hair on this man...("whoa, it's like wayne & garth all over again!")

Now don't start thinking that everyone here is donning neon jellies and parachute pants...I'm not talking that 80's trend! Leggings are in for women with large shirts that could be worn as dresses (similar to US) with flats...I've witnessed punk hairstyles on the men...big sunglasses are in but the Swedes can pull them off so much better with their blonde hair. I'm looking forward to checking out the scene in Stockholm next week.

Visited Halmstad Slott (slott = castle) next to the river and returned to the car. First thing outside the city the traffic stopped on a hill...and I was actually successful in restarting! You may think it's utterly ridiculous that I'm so ecstatic about driving a manual transmission in a foreign land...but it's a big deal when you've never driven one! Not only does the brain need to concentrate on actually keeping the car in steady motion...but it also needs to decipher Swedish traffic signs and directions! The look on Lars' mother's face upon my return was priceless. The sweet lady worried about me all day!

Hopped on the bike once I returned to Knäred and rode to a few of my favorite spots here...

As I was riding I couldn't help but think of how much I love the simple life in Sweden...everything is calm and peaceful. This is one place that feels like home...

Craving of the Day: A Kosta Boda shopping spree!

The Beginning...and a hop across the pond...

I've wanted to start a blog for awhile but could never get past determining the name of the blog. Today it hit me..."A Life's Cravings"...perfect from numerous perspectives! Et, voila!

Hopped across the pond on Monday night...this time first stopping in Iceland. I recommend this quick layover to all but if you actually have a few extra days to spare, leave the airport and check out this country! I witnessed an incredible view while in-flight: the sun rising on the distant horizon with it's bright colors meeting the dark starry filled sky...the line between was amazing. In our descent, the Iceland terrain, brown and riddled with craters, had a lunar look. A trip to the glaciers on the east coast came highly recommended to me as did a visit in June when light constantly shines on the country.

Passed as an Icelandic girl and a Swedish girl...with men from both countries approaching me while speaking their native tongue. How sweet it is...

Upon arriving in Copenhagen, boarded train for Halmstad, Sweden. Crossed the famous Oresund bridge linking the two countries...such an amazing sight! Train passed through the Swedish countryside opening my eyes to a side of "pristine" Sweden unseen on my past journeys. This time I saw garbage lining the tracks, graffiti artistically painted on bridges and bathtubs in pastures...only later did I learn that the bathtubs serve a purpose to the livestock (food, water, etc) and here I thought I was seeing land filled with junk...a sight seen too frequently in the US. The Swedes are still much more respectful towards their land/environment, in my opinion. I just wish I could have my picture-perfect Sweden back!

Soon met up with my friends, Lars & Helena and did a bit of shopping. I got a kick out of the small grocery baskets...hence the photo. Back in the land of pepparkakor cookies, dala horses and windmills...love it!

The adventure truly begins with renewing my ability to drive a manual transmission. Lars & Helena took me for a test drive...only stalled once. I was soon taken back to being a young 15 year old hitting the streets of Warren on my learner's permit. This time I bacame edgy with cars stacking up behind me for fear I'd stall or worse yet, get stuck on a hill! Fortunately we all survived...now I'm ready to hit the road solo...the real adventure begins. Some have questioned my desire to travel solo across a different country...while I have been rising to the adventure.

Note to self: in future come armed with pin numbers for all credit cards. Most merchants here require a pin number to complete all sales transactions...even for credit card (not debit) purchases. I've never used the pin to my credit card...so out of luck I have been! This is certainly one way to curb my spending habit!

Yesterday, Lars, Helena and Bo headed to China for the wedding of their brother, Magnus, to Spring (from China). Drove to train station in Laholm only to find out that the train was full...so packed back into the car and they headed 1.5 hours south to Malmo to catch that train to Copenhagen. This prompted me to purchase my train ticket for my journey next week. I did laugh at the size of their suitcases since they are typically poking fun at American me for overpacking. This time...their suitcases are much bigger than mine (the proof is in the picture!)!

Today, Thursday, is a Red Day (meaning: "holiday") in Sweden. Celebrations ensued last night for Walpurgis Night/Valborg - the Swedish celebration of Spring. Essentially this is a night filled with bonfires and with many young imbibing or should I say passing out due to high alcohol consumption. Fireworks lit the sky of Knäred, the village where I'm residing.

Craving of the Day: Bright Green Wellies and wool socks to warm me on this cool rainy day