We drove out to their lovely farm house in Bjärnum, and then off to the church, where Nina's band was doing their annual performance.
Usually, one would balk at going to a friend's gospel band, playing in a church. Listening to a bunch of squeaking, and screeching can be laborious. But this is a real band, with real talent. It was absolutely
magical. What an amazing treat.
No, Nina is not asleep, she's prepping for her next bit on the flute.
A successful show. Thanks for sharing with us!
After the concert, we headed back to the house, for taco night.
My system was craving familiar food, Even though we have adventurous palates, some good old tacos tasted like manna from heaven.
The next day was huge! First, we took the girls to get their hair done.
We dropped them off at the salon, then Nina had an idea to kill time while we waited.
Candy shop!
Hooray!
All kinds, by the kilo.
Chocolate licorice?
Now we're talking.
Yikes
Perfect for your next middle school rave.
Even gummy licorice eels.
Afterword, we went to Vildsvinsbutiken. Which roughly translates to Wild Boar Store.
This place is more than just a hunting supply store.
It's a tribute to U.S. history,
politics,
and especially the 2nd amendment.
That felt really strange, while standing in Sweden. It also made me feel proud, that the sportsmen of this country had respect for a part of my constitution, that I feel so strongly about.
It was time to pick up the girls.
They were very excited to show off their fancy new do's.
We were excited for lunch.
Jules Got the Maxico, a burger with salsa and corn chips on it. The burger joint was very proud to offer ice for the sodas, "just like America", They just don't do that here.
With bellies full, and hair all 'did', we headed for the ferry to Denmark.
We boarded the ferry, Hamlet.
The name was quite fitting,
as we were on our way to Helsingør.
And Kronborg Slot,
the castle where Shakespeare's Hamlet takes place. (He called it Elsinore)
Yes, that's it, and yes, Julie took this pic from the ferry.
A good size storm was brewing, and we were going to the castle from Hamlet. I'm almost ready to pee myself just writing this!
We marched past the train station.
Through the village.
The storm was ferocious, and the sea was splashing into the air, even in the harbor.
A wildly modern building just outside the gates, with the city library, shops, and galleries.
Alas, poor Julie, I knew her well.
Doing the Godzilla at the scale model of the grounds.
Handy for lighting the way, and warming the hands.
We wandered into the courtyard, looking for the entrance to the main castle. One of the girls found a door open, so we went in.
It was the kitchen.
Which led to some stairs,
which led to an anti chamber,
where Holger Danske (Holger the Dane) sleeps waiting to rise and defend Denmark, should she ever need it,
which led to the catacombs,
which led us here.
Upon leaving this room, we had to choose to go to the gift shop, or climb an interesting staircase.
Hmm, what to do?
Duh, we ran up the stairs.
And, nearly bowled over a kindly old man, who was stretching a velvet rope across the passage, to close for the night.
I smiled at him, and asked, "oh, are you closing?" He smiled back, and told us we could hurry through, and he'd lock up behind us. Poor fellow, I'm certain he just wanted to get on his bicycle and get home for dinner.
We moved through the castle at a pretty brisk pace,
taking photos,
and being respectful of the artifacts.
Little Erika got tired,
and decided to take a load off.
In a 650 year old chair!
We didn't get a picture, we were trying not to laugh as the guard was yelling at us.
The windows still had many of the original panes.
The Great Hall, or Knights' Hall, is the largest in Northern Europe at 63 meters long.
It was about now that I realized, we had sort of snuck in the back way, and hadn't paid an entry fee.
Er uh, thanks Denmark, we owe you one. I'll buy lunch, next time you're out my way.
The tapestries, are some of the finest I've ever seen.
The marble work is, of course, astounding.
A really cool display of timelines, showing what was going on at the castle, juxtaposed to well known events in world history.
A model of the Great Hall, with 3D images moving through different scenes, brings life to the imagination.
Great view out of the tower window, showing some of the seaward fortifications.
When construction began, these designs were considered futuristic. By the time it was completed, they were nearly outdated, as weapon and warfare technology had advanced faster than labor could build the massive structure.
Back into the storm, for some sight seeing before catching the ferry back to Sweden.
We had to stop for fika.
The girls were really glad they had gotten their hair done before the trip.
This may be a little weird, well not for me. But, this stainless steel waterfall is actually a urinal in the men's room of that ultra modern building, outside the castle.
We walked through town, less windy there. Did some window shopping, and took pictures till the battery died in the camera. The ferry ride home was a little bumpy, but I enjoyed it.
I love the sea, I always have. I can get carsick going to the store, trains and planes are only slightly better, but I have never been seasick. I don't know why I don't, but I'm thankful.
So, it was back to Bjärnum, for pizza night, and perhaps some drinks.
What an amazing day.
