Summer is flying by and it’s hard to believe we’re now past the solstice! And though it is too dry, with some burn bans and water restrictions, the weather has been very nice for being outside.
Stephanie and I gathered elderflowers together and each made a batch of fläder syrup. It was easy but took awhile because so many of the trees in the city parks had already been harvested. I guess we were late! We needn’t have worked it at because the final co-op pick up offered fläderblommar for 1 krona (about 10 cents) per flower. Alas, we had already subjected ourselves to bugs and brambles but I guess the effort we put in makes the syrup better.
Early in the day I went to Kulturen in hopes of seeing the traditional midsommar dances but it was a slow start so I decided to try later. At least I enjoyed the festive atmosphere and I noted for next year to bring a picnic and stake out a good place by the pond.
Observed holidays in Sweden are usually the Friday following the actual date so on the 23rd we joined some of the Minnesota families at Shane and Melissa’s in Limhamn for a traditional Midsommar minus Små Grodorna and the rest of the singing and dancing around the pole. Some kids braved the cold wind for a dip in the Oresund and we strolled seaside through the Sibbarp market/carnival before enjoying our American twist on the Midsommar feast.
The summer pass that allows unlimited travel by train and bus through Skåne and Blekinge is in effect, so it’s cheap and easy to explore. It’s a nice way to see other places. On Saturday Stephanie and I went to Ystad just to see the roses. Sometime I’ll go back for a Wallander tour as I’m a big fan of the books and movies.
They really go all out with the roses. It must be a city initiative to get that many picturesque displays in one little town. And this house existed before Cristobal Colón took his infamous voyage?!?!
It didn’t take long at all to follow the self guided tour (the smell was heavenly!) so next we headed to Skanör just in time to see the local midsommar celebration. At last, Små Grodorna in person!
We watched the dancing and singing for awhile and then walked into town to find lunch. The area is known for seafood and smoked fish in particular, so that’s what we chose, and it was some of the best smoked salmon (and braised cabbage salad) I’ve ever had. I bought more to take home and then we jumped on a bus back to Lund. Low cost, easy peasy fun!
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