Return from Sweden

So, we didn't post that we were going on the trip; and we didn't blog our way through the Lutheran homeland, but now that we're home... I'd love to tell you about it! S is still sifting through the 800 photos, for our presentation.
We arrived in Stockholm on a Wednesday afternoon, and jumped on the express X2000 train to Goteborg. Arriving after dark, and after a full day of travel, we found the Kville Hostel, with our beds awaiting us.
We spent Thursday and Friday morning in Goteborg; enjoying the Volvo plant, the City Museum, lots of people watching, wandering through the streets to enjoy the people and absorb as much as we could. We loved the mass transportation nagivations... Goteborg has trains, light rain, trolleys, old trolleys, newer trollies, busses, older busses... it was limitless!
Friday, we hopped on the SJ (Swedish Train System), and were on our way down to Kalmar to catch up with L & G. We found L immediately upon departing the train. (Oh, a bit of advice... even though it adds to the adventure, we recommend getting reservations on all train rides, even if they don't make you... it could relieve any stress or worry that you'll loose your seat).
L immediately whisked us off to visit a friend of his, who is the Priest of the Kalmar Cathedral, which is under a $1.7 Billion renovation... it's amazing!!! And that was just the first of many cathedrals for us to enjoy. We headed from Kalmar to Oskarshamn, along a great road with many stories... and L filled us in with as many as he could tell us!
Our housing in Oskarshamn was at the elderly living community, a flat in the community building, which was fabulous. L & G stocked the fridge with more than enough for our breakfasts and snacks. We took a look around and then joined L & G for dinner at their home. G created an amazing chicken dish that was out of this world, and filled us with a fruit and creme dessert.
Saturday morning, G took us down to the Folkaskola to meet S-G and learn more about the schooling of future Church Musicians. It was a delightful morning. We rejoined G & L, and were off on our whirlwind tour of the Vaxjo region... first, we stopped into a village market, sampling Elk jerky, more Swedish kaffe, smelling the Sweet Sugar (Cotton Candy) and absorbing more sights, sounds and smells of Sweden. Then, it was to Orreforrs Glass Factory! Kosta Boda is another factory in the area... the Kingdom of Glass region! We thought long and hard about what we did purchase... making sure what would travel well, and mean something. Cannot report what the details are... as gifts have not been distributed!
We lunched at the buffe at the town cafe, Thai and WeinerSchnitzel... delicious combination! After lunch, we headed to Vaxjo, to see the cathedral, and visit the Immigrants Museum. Although neither S or I are of Swedish decent, it was fascinating to read more about how they came over... and where they landed... (beside Minnesota!) They went to New York; Austin, Texas; Minnesota and Chicago. SO much Lutheran history. We met a fascinating couple who were in town as a part of the Chicago delegation for the Olympic bid announcement in Copenhagen later that week.
We headed back through a beautiful road to Oskarshamn. A quick nap, we were heading downtown Oskarshamn to have dinner with L, G and their dear friend, A. A great night of food, fellowship and creating amazing friendships.
Sunday was a highlight... an amazing highlight... S participated in worship as a co-communicant. Worship was amazing. I know, you'll read that word a lot. Mass was high, church was full, communion was powerful and even though it was in Swedish, we both still knew what was going on and were able to participate. It's amazing how quickly you catch on, and S and I both participated in English as we were able.
Sunday buffe was at L & G's home. It was formerly the rectory, but after being at the parish for 25 years, they bought the home from the church; as L hopes to retire in the near future; and G is tired of moving! :) Bless her!
We sat with a young member of the parish, the local Methodist priest and a handful of other church members. Every so often, L & G host 30 or so church members at their house for Sunday Buffe. It was a lovely meal and learned more about Sweden, and shared more about Hastings and Nebraska.
We were given a bit of time to rest, and then it was off to another small village, to see more amazing church architecture and relics inside a sleepy community. It continually baffled us that most of these churches were built in the 16 and 17th centuries... and have altars and altar pieces that date back then as well... the woodwork, artistry and craftmanship is amazing.
Monday was a early morning of being packed, eating breakfast and heading to the bus stop to catch our 5 hour bus ride to Stockholm.
It was a dreary, rainy day... and the perfect day to spend on the bus. Only main problem was that we didn't pack a lunch; so 5 hours of a bus and hunger made us not very pretty at the end. We arrived safely in Stockholm, hoped off the bus and 'poof' there was my dear friend, A, waiting for us! Quick introductions and we were off in the car and getting out of Stockholm, before traffic stacked up. Now, this road trip did involve a quick stop at McDonald's, for a late lunch. It was the easiest thing for us to communicate that we'd like to have. We headed up to Uppsala, dumped our stuff off at the house; and then headed up to the Uppsala Castle, which over look the Linneaus Gardens. Linneaus was the scientist to create the 2 Latin word system for all flora and fauna. The Uppsala Castle is one of the highest points in Uppsala, creating an amazing view... with the maple, oak and birch trees changing colors, it was priceless! We then trodded down to the Uppsala Cathedral... the granddaddy of them all. The most amazing church... which can be put on the list with Notre Dame, St. Peter's Basilica, Heidelberg Cathedral... amazing, and more amazing to realize that A can look out on it every day from his house... yes, we were staying at the Archbishops Mansion... And then, we went to Gamla Uppsala, where the ancient ruins are, and the remainder of the original Uppsala Cathedral, where what is standing is the East wing, which is still huge! One can imagine how large the original cathedral was... which was built in the 1500s. Then, we ran out to his sister's house... she and her husband are both pastors, and have a parish in the country. His brother in law showed up his parish, which is a small stone church. They have been there for 19 years, as his sister is a Church Historian, and they have raised their children in a great barn-style rectory. They also have a fantastic little kitten which reminded us of Tucker... he even let me hold him!
His lovely bride, K would be in late that evening, so the three of us found a great Italian restaurant for dinner... and then headed back to find K home, and spent time just catching up and chatting.
Tuesday, we had just a bit of A's morning, before he headed off on a business trip... we met his staff at the Sverige Kirke (Church of Sweden) office. We also went to Gottlunda, an area outside of the sprawl of Uppsala that has become the gathering area for immigrants arriving to Sweden. We met the local minister, and toured their 1970's architecture church. It was very modern, and something closer to what we would experience in the US. We walked around the large apartment buildings, which have been a great resource for the immigrants to create their new lives in. The Middle East is one of the areas to which the influx is arriving from.
A headed off to the airport around noon, so we took in lunch at the Church office cafeteria (catered by Sodexho!), and then set out to explore Uppsala... the Gustavanium Museum, more time in the Cathedral, walking the streets and headed out to the WORLDS LARGEST IKEA store!!! It was heaven... but all we bought were a bag of AUTHENTIC Swedish Fish and a bag of potato chips... and had a snack while we were in the store...
K fixed a delicious meal of marinated Roast Beef with vegetables; and couscous, and lots of tea!
Wednesday, we set out on our own to Stockholm, taking in the Castle, checking out the Royal Treasures, the State Apartments and watching the Royal Band, during the changing of the guards... walked down to the ferries and went to the Vasa Museum. It was amazing. The ship was built in the 1600's, and sunk on it's maiden voyage... didn't make it out of the bay; the sails were too tall and it tipped over... and it was brought up in 1960s... and has been restored to an amazing amount. After the museum, and an unfriendly bus driver, we walked back to Central Station... a lovely walk along the river and came upon the Swedish Souvenier store... gathered a few items, happened to be the exact amount of paper currency we had left, so we knew it was time to go home.
We got back to Uppsala in the later evening, going back through the shopping district and getting late to the house, to warm up Borch and dig into K's homemade bread. And to pack...
We packed up our items... filled up our extra backpack with souveniers... got a good night's rest... and then headed to the train station Thursday morning by 7 a.m.
Got to the Arlanda airport with lots of time, had a quick flight to London Heathrow Airport... and then onto our 777 flight back to the states... 8 hours later, we were in Chicago... for 6 1/2 hour lay-over... partially on purpose, partially due to the weather delay... we arrived in Omaha at 12:00 a.m. and onto the hotel for a good night's sleep! It was a 26 hour day of travel for us.

That's my recap... we'll be sure to let you know when we put our presentation together!