November gone, December here and so another year comes to an end

And what magical months it has been. November, to most Swede’s is thought is as an abysmal waste of a time when everything goes dark, nature dies off, the population holes up into their own existence and generally wait around lit fireplaces for the first snow or December to arrive. Some fortunate Swedes become “snow birds” and use this time as a means of escapism toward a bit of sunshine in warmer climate.

But not this November…

November 2011 will be a November to remember. The snow in Östersund came very, very late. Weather was balmy to say the least, hardly any days below the zero degree mark, a bit of rain here and there and the days even afforded a few precious hours of glorious clear skies and sunshine.

And so; to mark the celebration of November, the following took place:

Mo-vember. One month of no shaving the upper lip, as a visual display in solidarity of those men who have suffered with prostate and testicular cancer. It was to raise awareness and have a bit of fun at the same time. The event took off even in Sweden with quite a few students growing a “mo”. Great fun.

With the great weather, there was a world of adventure to be taken advantage. A week didn’t go by without at least 3-4 trail runs through the forests. Shoes on, watch primed and finding a trail to blast along over roots through dips, plashing in mud and having a great laugh. Even did a 10.8km Salomon race through the Åre mountain side. Memorable to say the least to finish with mud caked to your legs knee down.

Salomon Åre trail run

Outdoor picnics took place at least once a week (always involving a fire). These are real highlights. Going out with a friend, finding rays of sunshine streaming through tree’s, create a fire place, watch the sun go down with a cuppa good coffee and great company. Often accompanied by something sweet and toasted on the fire…as nature intended J.

First snow of the season's fire

Försenleden; freinds, a view, wild mushrooms...

Always a fire

Scarily, one of these fika’s nearly involved a near death experience; the local ski slope was not opened, and going out with a friend we decided to push our bikes up this slop and then free wheel cycle down it. Its graded as a “red” slope. Red means blood actually in ski language. This friend who thought this a good idea is: a girl, apparently Swedish (bluntly put; hates volvo’s and has no helmet of any kind for dangerous cycle adventures, therefore not Swedish), has no sense of fear and in the last ski season actually broke her wrist snowboarding doing some tricks down the exact ski slope that is without snow that we were considering going down on our bikes. Bear in mind, its really muddy, the bikes are not good for this thing (read: have no brakes), no helmets and no common sense. You might argue that this is how we should live life, furthermore, I think somewhere in the conversation it was a way of making peace with the mountain if we went down and survived. Thank the Good God Almighty that logic ruled over spontaneity in hindsight. 

November even offered kayaking. Normally reserved for the summer months, I was taken aback when a friend who is kayak crazy surprised with a Kayak adventure one Saturday. The owner of the kayak rental place just shook his head at these two crazy youngsters going out in November, but with the water warm at a few degree’s the weather pretty much the same and not a cloud in the sky, we both set off to explore a few islands on lake Störsjön. There are very, very few times in life when a sunset will match the one experienced, sitting on a kayak, on a lake with absolute serenity. Truly one of Gods splashes of Joy in our lives.

Eventually the first advent arrived with the perfect timing of the first snow of the season. Precise timing. The first advent (the first of four Sundays leading up to Christmas) and every other one subsequently has been marked with the best Sundays ever. Normally watching a good sunrise (normally around 08h45), a run, a great lunch, a fika and “sondags mys”; basically, just chilling out with some really close friends, watching a movie, talking, candles/fireplace or anything cosy to go with it. These really are the best way’s to end a weekend.

First Advent and snow

With the onset of snow; it has far from ended the outdoor adventures. There has been around 2 feet of snow in the last 2 weeks, almost constant falling. Its made for some fantastic games of football, some magically special runs, evening walks in the forests and as always, a fire in the first snow. It also has made for the seasons first cross country skiing. No matter the weather, its never ceased to stop the fun that is.

Knee deep snow! Please do note the purple pants...

Other things that have been noteworthy: I lost yet another bet and have been reduced to wearing skinny reddish/purple pants as punishment for 2 weeks on a daily basis. Yes; I have heard all the jokes.

A field trip to Sälen, Swedens largest ski area, arranged by the university; four days in the mountains doing actual academic work. There are perks to studying tourism afterall. It also made for a fantastic running story getting lost on the slopes.

December also is the most special time in Sweden’s winter. This year has been exceptional. Its been almost constant snow, the tree’s are laden with snow, the light is a very special sunlight (claimed that sunsets are St Nicolas oven that’s opened while he is baking Christmas cookies for the children). Winter wonderland is a fantastic way to describe December.

St. Nicolas's baking 

Christmas lights on the town square

With one week to go before celebrating Christmas with family in South Africa, I have been tasked with preparing my thesis and plan for the time away in SA. Its been much stress and reading, so before anyone comments on that its all fun and games and no academia; I live by the motto that if you work hard you can play hard. I have done a lot of playing and yes, I am now paying for my sins in much work that needs to be done.

And so, ending off on the 13^th of December, Santa Lucia is a way to finish up the post. Up early for a breakfast of rice pudding, saffrom buns, ham sandwiches, glögg and strong coffee, listening to a live choir and a girl with candles in her hair. Mornings like this have a way of rubbing off on the rest of the week.

So to those whom I will see in less than a week, and to those who I say good bye to, God Jul, thanks for the crazy, awesome, amazing, memorable adventures that have been November and December. And praise be to God Almighty our Father for His wonderful gift of life. Least we not forget the reason that this season is what it is. Amen

Where has this year gone??

Its 31st of October...already. Tomorrow is November, 2 months left of 2011. I mean come on what has happened to the rest of the year.

November in Sweden literally marks the start of Winter. Its becomes very dark, daylight savings time takes place (We are now GMT +1), the mornings are dark till around 09h30, clouds cover the sky every single day, its raining daily, the snow is late, no leaves on the tree's, grass dies...

Candles...and fika

The good thing is that the Swedes are adept at creating something to get through it, its called escapism. Low season trips are dirt cheap, but those who cant travel, fires make their appearance. Candles by the masses are sold, in all sizes, smells and shapes.

Following this, festivals for this take place. All Saints Day in November 4th, a day to remember all those who have passed on. Every grave stone gets a candle when the sun drops...really somber to witness.
With all the candles, an option to escape the depression are meeting with family or friends. Depending on the groups, one chooses to drink masses of coffee and eat millions of cream filled spicy cakes for fika. The other group decides that its masses of alcohol in November that needs to be consumed. Choose wisely as both options have side effects.

Finally, the last option is to make something jovial regarding the most dark, depressing month of the year. Mo-vember.
Grow a moustache for the month of November. Its to raise awareness for prostate and testicular cancer, and something to create a laugh while you can...its official too, there are websites devoted to it and I even started a team. Men and woman, join the team, support the initiative and make a laugh out of it while you can...
Movember Link, join it please!

Did you hear about the Norwegian who...

With Danelle coming all the way from South Africa to visit here in Scandinavia again, it was time to explore other parts of the country. One such idea was to visit Norway's 3rd biggest city, Trondheim, which is roughly 30 miles from here (Those not from Sweden, 30 Swedish miles is roughly 300 kms)

Car rented, accommodation sorted, food made and ideas in mind, we left on a sunday for a 24 hour jaunt into the Norwegian country.

True to Swedish standards, we rented a station wagon car (yes yes, old mans car but it was cool). Never before have I been impressed with a Kia, but this diesel engined rental was filled with enough driving gadgets to make sure I didnt get bored with the 80km/h speed limit the whole way around Norway.

Kia rental, ja well no fine, least its a station wagon...

Once more, taking after Swedish traditions learned from family here and a recent expedition from the 232's; the drive there and back deemed necessary to stop at a scenic spots to have a fika, (thermo's coffee, sarmies, kaviar etc etc). Seemed a waterfall was a good place to stop, blew Danelle's mind that a place with so much water can freeze over, solidly in winter time. It puts it into perspective how bl***ie cold it gets here.

Once in Norway, the scenery changes and the road becomes narrower, winds around the country side and slows down to a meagre 80km/h. Makes for a good speed to see the beautiful country side.

Nearing Trondheim, make sure you stop in a place called: "Hell". Yip, a village called Hell. At this point, feel free to make all the jokes you can about Hell freezing over, been to Hell an back blah blah blah. No idea how they get that name, but I guess its all part of the oddness of Norway.

Trondheim itself is a scenic city, built on a fjörd, shaped by nature but dominated by man, it makes for interesting sight seeing, old and new architecture, harbours and commerce. It seems to have developed on a society of juxtaposition. Worth going to see just to say you have seen it. Go see Nideros Catherdral (the most northerly Cathedral in Europe and have to pay to go inside). The fort offers the best views of the city and dont park anywhere you cant afford.

This being said, its the most expensive place in  the world to go to, money oozes out this place. Makes sense now why the Norwegians come to spend money in Sweden, the Swedes go to Germany, The Germans go to the Czech and heaven help anyone from Czech going to Norway...

Despite dying from the cost, it made for an interesting drive and an interesting place to really get a feel for the oddness of Norway.

Still was great seeing a proper ocean again...

Hemingway who? This is Andrew's Africa

“All I wanted to do now was get back to Africa. We had not left it, yet, but when I would wake in the night I would lie, listening, homesick for it already.”

– Ernest Hemingway, Green Hills of Africa

Where can I start describing, an experience that transcends many day to day experiences. A country of reality, history, language, sights, sounds, sensations and much more that exceeds expectations. Winston Churchill termed Uganda as the Pearl of Africa and he’s apt description still stands 100 years on.

The decision to travel to Uganda stemmed from my sisters invitation. She and her husband had moved to Uganda for new adventures, work opportunities and way of life. Her offer was too good to be ignored, and seeing as I was np longer going to Cyprus, the need for something completely different, AND a good break with great sunshine was needed after a real busy summer.

The trip was booked a month before I left and truth be told, was booked without knowing what to do, or, honestly, where Uganda actually was. All I knew was that I was going to spend time with my sister, and hopefully do a little white water rafting, that was all. Little did I know what a jam packed full week it would be.

I arrived at 2 AM in Entebbe, Uganda’s international airport with Karen waiting to greet. The short drive to the inn was brief but surreal as the realisation of Africa still hadn’t hit me. After booking into the room and seeing the rough furniture and mosquito nets, I realised, EISH, its real. Waking up the next morning, in T-shirt and shorts to a rooster calling, it finally sunk in that Africa is happening.

Welcome to Africa

The capital of Uganda is Kampala, or should be called Crazytown. Its bedlam in that city. The sights, sounds, noise and chaos all comes together in a manic disorganisation that is Kampala. Its Africa at its reality and cannot be described unless visited. Imagine 10 million people in a barely tarred, built up area, people driving Hi Ace vans, 4wd’s and motorbikes all over as fast as they can with no rules. Nuts…yet, with a glamerous side of a golf course, 5 star hotels and the best cappuccinos money can buy.

4wd Special Custom Hi Ace...only in Africa

From Kampala, Karen and myself split up from Deon to travel to a reserve about 380 kms away. This journey took 4 hours, luckily, its predicted to take 6, depending on the traffic of Kampala. Its amazing to see the countryside, such a lush, green country with masses of water and fertile land.

The next few days were a blur of African wilderness and adventures in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s oldest park protected since 1926. Karen surprised with a chimpanzee trekking trip. What an amazing experience, as you trek through lush tropical jungles, tree’s 50-60 metres tall and so wide you cannot even put your arms around them. Birds calling constantly, cicada beetles clicking and just being immersed in the jungle. Yes we got to see Chimps in their natural habitat but the overall experience was indescribable.

On the banks of the Nile at the waterfalls, we planked, took pictures, went on sunset boat cruises, waterfall cruises, drank beer, had a laugh, made great friends, met interested people and just relished all that Africa had to offer. Pictures speak 1000 words…

Karen and Deon stay in a town called Mbale, on the eastern side of Uganda. Nestled the foothills of Wanele Ridge, part of a volcanic ridge stemming from Mount Elgon, a volcanic landmass. Its one of the larger towns of Uganda but still has a very rural and undeveloped appeal. Littered with busy markets, NGO’s, volunteer organisations and numerous stunning hotels, Mbale is known for its rain and bad potholed roads…

Heading into Mbale

Matooke 

Karen and Deons house is reminiscent of Shongwe…for those who remember what it looked like. It’s a large, high roofed, green house whereby function presides over form. Cool in the warm days and dry when it rains, it serves them well, with a large grassy garden and ever larger, muddy, fertile area at the back that serves as ariable land which grows the tastiest avocado’s, matooke, guava’s, sakuma weki and much much more, compliments to Karen and Pastor Mikes efforts.

Missionary Pose Karen in the garden

The week is also divided by leisurely mornings of breakfast of the stoep, furious work until lunch time, which is either cooked by Sara the house lady (often using home grown produce), or lunch at one of the nearby hotels, with a swim and tasty food under the shady tree’s on the hotels lawns. Served by waiters in crisp white shirts, bow ties and food covered by stainless steel covers…one has to admit to a certain charm about olde world colonialism.

Matooke, Sakuma Weki, Goat and Fillet stew and good old Stoney

3-4 kilometres from the house is this stunning waterfall, on the ridge that has 4-5 waterfalls. This particular day was spent scrambling up to Nondongoro?? 

Waterfall with Moses. The paths were littered with coffee bean plantations, beans, banana’s, goats, vanilla, potatoes, tomatoes, yams etc etc and a million children all cheering an Mzungu on with the same saying “Mzungu, how are you…fine, how are you” Got to love Africa.

Coffee Beans on Wanele Ridge

A highlight of Uganda was spending a night on the Nile at a luxury lodge which is a “smultronställen” of Karen and Deon; The Haven. The views are unmatched from this place. The purpose of the lodge was to give Karen and Deon a respite from a stressful week and also to allow for white water rafting for myself…lets just say that I have realised I lack the fear of danger when it comes to water and have found a calling. Rafting on the Nile.

Happiness is Karen and Deon in Nature

View from The Haven on the Nile

Uganda surprised me with its heart warming people, skin warming sunshine, soul burning adventure. A culturally diverse place, filled with opportunities and laughs, always surprising with something that doesn’t make sense, a place worth taking thousands of pictures…a place called home for Karen and Deon…a place called Africa

Mo-stanbul...

Now if ever you want to typecast or stereotype, there is no better city that I have travelled to that strikes a chord like Istanbul. A city divided between 2 continents, but 1 flamboyant character throughout. 

The Capital of Turkey, Istanbul, served as a welcome host for a 12 hour layover on the way to visit my sister in Uganda, and a welcome host it was indeed.

Spurred by the fact that one doesn’t need a visa, and rumours of cheap means of entertainment, little stood in the way of making the most of the 12 hours at the destination. If you want a wise way to spend €50, Istanbul perhaps leads the bidding towards €50 well-invested-in-a-day reward.

Even though the day started early at 5 AM, little can match a Turkish coffee; Starbucks style, to get one revving for the day ahead. 

The Metro rail and train system, once you get your head around it, works like a charm; and old world chivalry lives on strong, with youngsters standing up to hand over seats on the crowded coaches to elderly or pregnant.

The city panorama from a distance just doesn’t justify the detail once up close. Colours, Marble, Architecture…it’s a indiscernible collection of ancient mixed with derelict, all sprayed and washed down daily to create a particular early morning glide that forces you to pay even closer detail to where and how you walk.

The city scape is a positive assault of the senses. Your eyes are constantly absorbing a kaleidoscope of colours and textures, from markets to stalls. Your sense of smell abused by a population that over 80% smokes, mixed with the smell of meat grilling and spice markets. Your skin is warmed by a humid sunshine and brushed by people constantly. The city never sleeps and engines, hooters, music and languages are assaulting your ears…and your taste…your taste is the sense that can laud over the others. Spices, fruits, turkish coffee, tea’s and sweet treats are all on offer to exceed all taste expectations that may precede the reality. 

Back to spending €50 for a day, I do recommend spending a large proportion of it at a Haman, a Turkish Bath. Going to one that is claimed to the in the 1001 things to see before you die, I would agree. Chose your treatment at the bath, and head into a room where you are told to strip completely and wear just a cotton towel. Wearing wooden shoes that create an echoing racket in the marble halls and clacking into the steam room, you sit on a hot marble centre piece to wait your turn. After relaxing for 5 minutes, I had Osman, a short, moustached, hairy and big bellied gentleman say: “welcome, is your turn”. Osman was there to sandpaper, washed down, soaped up and twisted, bent, bones clicked and generally be treated like a rubber band. Overall, well worth the money spent as you do literally feel like rubber afterwards.

A walk through the spice market, gold market, fish market, leather jacket market (brush up on your Russian for some reason) and sweet market are all well worth the mosey about.

The best food is one that is about 4 bucks cheaper than anywhere else, has no clean tables and are full of the locals smoking, drinking tea and stuffing meaty treats into their mouth. Where they eat, you should eat also. 

Furthermore, how tough can it be to beat a city, whose image of people is the moustache? From the first boarding, I had a boy in the que before me, no older than 12 with a moustache. The kicker is that, no matter how impressive the 12 year old was with his “mo”, it just couldn’t match his mothers…

This must be Moustache City. “Mo-vember” has nothing on Mo-stanbul.

12 hours in Istanbul…do it.