What are you doing there?!

Lycksele. Ever heard of that place? Approximately  64.5958° N, 18.6702° E.

Still not ringing any bells? Ja thought so too, I was just as clueless as to where it is. But let me make it simpler and paint the image. 

Imagine a place, in Swedish Lapland; reeeaaally far up north in the country. Drive to the center of Sweden, Östersund, and then drive a further 300 kms even further. The forests are thicker than Sundays home made custard, snow lies deeper than your knees, lakes are frozen solid...this place is cold with a capital K-K-K of your teeth clattering. To give you an idea of cold, it was 1 of the coldest places in Sweden in February this year,  -40 degree's C! Some interesting history was that this was the first town in Lapland for the Sami population, built in 1924. Think was to trade reindeer and warm up next to a fire or something. Now with some 8,000 inhabitants, 12,000 if you include the surrounding outposts; Thats 8,000, cold immune, outdoor crazy, interesting dialect, people; who despite their  frozen tundra like climate; make up for it with the warmest hospitality, friendliness and genuin-ity that only very few people can ever convey. 

So...to ask what I was doing there? Well you see, like every immigrant's wish in coming to Sweden; I have a Swedish lady friend; blonde haired, blue eyes, cooks meatballs; you know, the stereotype...ja right. except that this Swedish girl comes from Lapland, cooks moose for meatballs, her dad makes reindeer "biltong" and together with her family, live most days that there is glimmer of sunshine outdoors; ie, perfect. 

Family Lundmark

 Easter (Påsk) in Sweden is one of those special holidays that Sweden is famous for, where weeks preceding the weekend are filled with decorations of odd coloured feathers on sticks, yellow chicken decorations and an over indulgence of sweets. Most people go home to family for the long weekend and eat a traditional Easter smorgasbord. (Yes, you can call it that). when I asked what a traditional Easter feast was, I was told that its the same as a Christmas feast, except you drink "påskmust" instead of "Julmust". (Its the same thing, different label...makes sense, doesnt it?)

So following Sandra to her family was to celebrate Easter. But with it came the lifestyle of a Lycksele family who loves the outdoors. We were blessed with amazing weather. the coldest was only -10 one morning, but sunshine make the days "warm" at about -1 or 0. (I am nuts, its freezing).

 Days were spent going outdoors just enjoying April sunshine, making a fire, celebrating life and family. No outdoors day is complete without a sauna next to the lake. the 1 time that you can be outdoors and really really warm. the smell of a wood fired sauna and fresh air really makes for a good evening out.

We went "pimpling" (no, not for teenagers and acne) but drilling a hole in the ice on a frozen lake, tiny fishing rod in hand, loaded with pink maggots and dipping a line staring into a hole to catch a fish. Jaaaa right...but hey presto! It actually works. 

Look carefully but there is a fish there

I also learned that while doing this, that I shall never get into a competition with Sandra over fishing, she has this frustrating ability to just touch a line; and no word of a lie; within seconds catch the biggest fish of the day.

With such sunshine, braai's are important. Geared with a new Weber, it was tested with moose steaks and a fish braai. I honestly tasted a real South African braai with the moose steak, I felt homesick almost instantly. all that was missing was a cold windhoek and boerewors...and really warm sunshine.

mmmmooose

Swedes are known for their flamboyance, extrovert personality's, boastfulness and emotions...uuh, sorry, wrong population. Imagine the opposite of the above. But generally, not a very rowdy bunch. But, put them on snow and ice on overpowered, motorised objects known as a snow scooter; and watch the transformation. Sandra's brother, who is a new father used to race these machines and offered if I wanted to have a go. Naturally,  said yes. After warming up on the machine which already terrified me, he asked if he could go faster. Not wanting to wimp out and have to show that an African can be brave, I said "sure". Ohmygoshithoughtiwasgoingtodieorshitmyself it was quick. Snow flying along bumps, holding onto a guy who is driving a 100hp machine through a forest. I shut my eyes hoping it would pass by, then realised I wanted to see my death, while leaving an imprint of my nether regions on the seat, praying to God that if I fall off please dont let me injured let me rather die instantly. From a shy quiet guy to a class 1 madman on a snow scooter, what a transformation. I hope he didnt think I was less of a man when he saw the tears in my eyes, I did blame the wind and cold air for the tears though.

But all in all, I was blessed by such an amazing weekend away. The hospitality, acceptance and time together was really something that touched me. Well fed, well cared for and well enjoyed, påsk in Lycksele was really something I thank God, and the Lundmark family for. 

 

 

 

Switching over

One would guess that 10 days is all it takes to adjust to a new environment, new scenery, or fall back into old routine. It certainly took shorter than that to re-adjust to Sweden. Granted, it is much colder, but its interesting to note at how quickly one can adjust back to life as it. 

Snowing in Early April, after most old snow has melted, nuts.

Its been great to have someone to come back to, after the highs of family, friends and all the endorphins released from running, it certainly was an answer to prayer to have friends who care back in Sweden; and to have "a special someone" (that was for you mum) makes it much easier. 

As much as you cant compare the manic life that is Africa and Johannesburg, here are just some things that has kept time speeding by:

Thesis work has taken a huge leap forward, with hours being burned reading, procrastinating and sitting in the library. Coupled with a thesis, I have been balancing thesis work with normal work at Jämtland Härjedalen Tourism.

Its been typical early spring weather; from wind and rain, to the last few days snowing. I thought I had timed SA perfectly to miss winter weather; jaaa right, its been snowing the last few days, properly.

Still time for running...

...in sunsets

Outdoor fishing (pimpla; too drill a hole in ice, freeze your ringers off and stand around not catching anything). Running has slowed down sadly with no Rocket, Breeze or any of the Sanhill Staggers clan, but snow soccer has begun with the hope to get a head start in the season. 

There have also been numerous birthday fika's, outdoor fires, sunsets and a fantastic days skiing in Bydalen, sunshine, good friends and great memories. 

Lekker sunshine, lekker friends

Exciting to come is Easter aka Påsk. A time for mass eating of sweets and another commercialised holiday on the outside, but far far more significant for those of "us" in the know. A time to heartily appreciate the Greatest Gift ever given by God who loves us, the same as He loved His son. Families all over are on their ways to holidays or going home; Rocket, Breeze & family are going to their place of happiness Cape Town, to run another half marathon; sister and co are going to their place of peace in the bush somewhere for the first time; and as for myself, I will be heading into Lycksele, Lappland, to meet with She-Wolfs family, all and sundry. Inasmuch excitement, I think its safe to ask God to be with us all this weekend in our endeavours. 

So the next chapter starts here; as much as things have changed, they still very much stay the same. With summer approaching it will be great to put into action some plans which are out of the ordinary. I hear my sister and her husband, with their imminent move are planning a Scandic trip sometime in this upcoming summer. I can only hope that this materialises as it will be a fantastic trip and even more amazing to see them here. 

As for those heading on school holidays, or others who still are working, Happy Easter; take some moments to just think about the significance of this holiday; appreciate where you are and who you are with, and be thankful we have the freedom within to be exactly where He wants us to be.

Glad Påsk...