• Sweden edition

Desperately Seeking Sweden

Christine Demsteader embarks on a journey around Sweden in 56 and a half days

Day 57

I said 56 and a half days, didn’t I?  And right on cue, or almost, I am typing this on the delayed 10.25 train from Karlstad to Stockholm – yep, cheers to Swedish Rail for the memory. 

Having become accustomed to life on the road with a rucksack, this final journey comes with mixed emotions. Cheers to all of you that followed and a special thanks to the kind folk who went out of their way to show me their bit of Sweden – Matt and Lindy in Tärnaby, Linda in Arvidsjaur, Anna-Maria in Borlänge and Ben in Linköping.

A quick count up reveals I made it to 34 places – I’ll leave you with just a few of my personal highs and lows below. Sweden has been desperately sought. Sorted. 

Lasting memory:
Sauna and swim in the Torne River, Sunday 5, July, 4am:  Pajala

Place I could happily live the rest of my life without feeling the need to return:
Gällivare

Favourite Swede encounter:
Sune Häggmark, Orrviken

Newfound talent: 
Fly-fishing, Tärnaby

Museum to miss:
The “only matchstick museum in the world,” Jönköping

Place where people are nearly as hard as those in Hull:
Borlänge

Least favourite animal encounter:
Horse, Gotland 

Something I had never experienced before:
Nudism, Malmö

Surprisingly interesting tourist attraction:
Waterfalls, Trollhättan

Longest walk from train station to tourist information office:
Örebro

Must-see place in Sweden:
Smögen

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46 responses to “Day 57”

  1. Wayne says:

    Congratulations on a fascinating blog – you’ve really inspired me to do the same trip myself. Ever thought of writing a book?

    Report abuse »

  2. Christine says:

    Cheers Wayne, your kind comments are much appreciated. And should you ever decide to take the trip on, I’d be happy to give you some tips.

    I certainly do hope a book is in the offing – I have plenty more tales to tell – you never got to hear about the mighty Huskvarna, Lycksele or Storuman – I simply couldn’t fit everything in the blog and and so hope to write the definitive journey and get it in print. Am currently on the hunt for an interested publisher.

    Failing that, I would even consider – “Desperately Seeking Sweden: The Musical” although those who have experienced my singing performances may have their doubts.

    /Christine

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  3. oscar says:

    When are the auditions for the musical starting? And where? Can I send you my CV here? :-)

    Report abuse »

  4. oscar says:

    we miss you!!!!

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  5. Athina says:

    Sounds like your trip was a success then! Great to meet you in Göteborg, hope you’re well! x

    Report abuse »

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