Day 8

I think we need to re-think breakfast traditions in our family. At least during the week. We are so inhospitable compared to the Swedes. We might set out a box of cereal, a banana, and some bread for toast. Here, every morning, they set out a decorative tin of corn flakes (not the box,) a jar of muesli, a basket of a variety of breads, cheese, butter, vegetables, jam, fruit, ham, yogurt, juice, coffee, and milk. I don't even do all that on a weekend! Of course I'd probably weigh 300 pounds if I ate all that, but that's another issue.

This morning we had a special breakfast that included a mushroom omelet and bacon. Pär said, "Would you just come live with us please? When you are here I get to eat foods that Lena doesn't usually cook for me." I think you might be able to twist my arm :)

Pär and I then hurried to the train station where I just caught the train to Göteborg. An hour of beautiful scenery later, Lena met me at the station. We stowed my bag in a locker and off we went. We shopped at the indoor mall that was busy with both shoppers and people voting a day early in special kiosks set up for that. We even saw some of the politicians we had seen on television the night before. There was a huge crowd trying to get a look at them and hear what they had to say, and a lot of police. I snapped a quick photo, then we had fika (coffee) at Cafe Kronhuset.

Most restaurants have several "self-serve" options. One is that there is usually a table set up for bread. If you buy lunch, you can help yourself. I don't think this would work in the U.S. First, I don't think it would be considered sanitary to leave food out for everyone to touch, and second I think people would either eat it when they weren't supposed to or stuff it in their purse and take it home. That's a sad commentary on us I guess. Think it's true?

After fika we went to the Röhsska Museum of design. When we stepped up to buy our tickets, the machine was apparently not working. I said something flip like, "Do you sing while we wait?" The woman smiled, reached behind her, and brought up a guitar. She sang some lovely Swedish song (at least I think it was lovely - didn't sound like one of Scott's drinking songs,) then told us we should go on through. There were bizarre fashions, sleek furniture, and, Katherine, I don't believe I've ever seen a Mickey Mouse quite like this one. Shall I bring one home for you?

Lunch, more shopping (I don't think this brand would make it in the U.S., and even McDonalds tries to be healthier by telling you the organic origins of its ingredients,) ice cream, then we retrieved my bag and took the bus to Lena's place. She lives in an adorable apartment that has a balcony where she has a garden full of potted plants, herbs and vegetables. We put our feet up for a bit (OK I put MY feet up for a bit) then we walked to dinner.

It's no wonder the Swedes are healthy and trim - they walk EVERYwhere. That part I don't know if I'd survive, but it's no wonder I always come home a few pounds lighter, even with all the fika! Dinner was in a lively, noisy pub. I really wanted a margarita, but it was beer and wine only so I ordered a pear cider. Oh my. I actually guzzled this thing. I really need to find a way to get Kopparberg's Swedish pear cider in the U.S. At least I could pretend I was drinking beer with the big people. Soooo yummy, especially ice cold.

A long walk back home and a long chat about stuff, and I'll sleep like a baby, I'm sure.

Hej då (hey doh-uh) - good bye for now :)