karinblomblom

WInterrail into the 20s, each stop posted on the same day...3 months later

Halden

30-31 July 2019 - From sofa tourism to reality

Halden seems nice! I want to go to there!

Sitting in my sofa, looking for where I wanted to go, norvegian Halden seemed like an unknown place, something new to explore. Maybe it was just too long ago since I was in school and in history lessons. Because as a matter of fact, it was in Halden were the swedish king Karl XII died, close to the Fredrikssten fortress which the Swedes were trying to take.

It was actually the fortress that attracted me, guarding the town from its height. And why not going on the singsong at Grensen? I finally decided not to go on the sing along evening. Visiting the fortress the day of the event, permitted me however to hear some of the preparations...

I surely had my dose of vicarious fear of heights that day. Often there were no protective fences and seeing a couple close to the edge, I just couldn't bear the sight and had to turn away. No need at all to fear for my own sake as my safe distance had a most comfortable margin... (beware of windy noice)

Pictures from inside the fortress

Then finally also some pictures from a walk through the town that I took on the afternoon of my arrival, and among others, the nice pigeon apartment building.

Postat 2019-08-30 15:10 | Läst 2221 ggr. | Permalink | Kommentarer (1) | Kommentera

Göteborg

29 July - A night in Gothenburg

The day had been sunny and very hot. Leaving Skövde and Varnhem behind, continuing south, I was as satisfied as tired after a very interesting day.

Just across the street from Gothenburg central station, at the market place, is the Clarion post hotel. A year ago, after a conference, the hotel had caught my eyes and made me curious. Now was the perfect occasion to experience this former post office! The room I got, in the 12:th floor, offered a magnificent view

From dusk to night

The evening was still warm at 10 pm, one of those marvellous summer evenings, like made for sitting on a terrace, watching people and letting the time pass by, while having peanuts and, in this glass, a delicious alcohol free drink.

The following morning I went for a swim in the pool on the top floor. To call it a swim is an exaggeration since I rather spent my time enjoying Gothenburg from above (forgot however to return for a photo).

One a clock was the departure time for the train of my next destination...

Postat 2019-08-29 20:26 | Läst 2360 ggr. | Permalink | Kommentarer (1) | Kommentera

Varnhem

29 July 2019 - A literary trip

There was actually a particular reason for my choice of Skövde.

In the beginning of the 21:st century, a fever caught Sweden. It was the Arn fever. There was a new outbreak some eight years later when the film came, based on the books about the medieval fictional person Arn.

Single cases of fever still occur. I got it myself since I read the serie this winter. And voilà - my ultimate goal was to visit the church and cloister ruin with its herb garden in Varnhem, not far from Skövde.

Close to the church is the Kata farm. It's a house that has been built over what might be the oldest room in Sweden. It gives an exposition about the Christian Vikings that once lived in Varnhem. Kata and her family were wealthy and lived in the 11:th century.

I was fortunate enough to come just in time for the guiding of the church and joined as well the one about Kata farm. Both guides were much initiated and their own interest in the subject was apparent and contagious. Two booklets and some brochures added some extra weight to my backpack after my visit.

Source:

http://www.varnhem.se/

(Only in Swedish)

Falun

26-27 July 2019

Some time ago, maybe even quite long ago, I heard two couples talking about places they had visited and one really nice town, according to them, was Falun. Also the young woman in the bus from Stjørdal grow lyrical at my mentioning of going to Falun. And yes. I did like this town and regret having left a bit too early, (which is only a good reason to get back...) It was also very, very hot and a bit difficult to keep up the energy.

I went however to the Dalarna museum (hiding from the sun...) where I found this wonderful biking horse!

Except for all the Dalecarlia horses, there was, among others, a room full of Dalecarlian paintings.

Kristine church. The interior of the church was unfortunately closed due to renovation.

Nostalgia!!! Not that I actually know the name of this "Push-to-get-the-green-light-to-cross-the-street-thing" What I know is that it was a long, long time since I saw these two, oh so common when I grew up. Have you ever considered the name of them? I actually wrote to the Swedish traffic services and according to them it's up to the company that produce them, to also name them.

This house that once was built to be the repository of the fire engine is now the home of Villovägens brewery. In the tower, btw, they used to hang the fire hoses.