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.