Friday 14th August.
Well that's it! All over for the UK/Swedish trip of 2009.
Roll on the next expedition!!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
The Trip 2009 - Sweden 43
Thursday 13th August.
We had the usual boring flight with only the in flight movies, meals and a change of flights at Bangkok to help relieve the monotony.
Our first glimpse of the sunrise over Australia.
Its that time when we try to recognise our position by what we see below. This is Warragamba Dam which is to the south west of Sydney so we must be going to approach Sydney airport from the east, over Botany Bay.
just crossing the coast before heading up to Sydney.
When the children were growing up we spent a lot of time on the beach in the upper part of the photo. It is a very safe beach with a shallow lagoon behind it and good shade areas. The beach is called Wattamolla and is in the Royal National Park to the South of Sydney.
Heading up the coast, looking towards the Georges River.
Passing San Souci, Ramsgate and Brighton Le Sands before turning in for the final approach over Botany Bay.
And we have touch down! Its good to be back home again.
We are being met by Becky, Graham and the boys. Inside the terminal it was absolute chaos! I don't understand why the Airport authority cant get it sorted. It may well be early in the morning, approx 08.00, but surely they could arrange to have more than the bare minimum of staff on duty. They must realise that everyone just wants to get out of there so why not be more efficient and then wouldn't have so many irate passengers and the growing reputation as the worst, and most expensive, airport in the world. I wont even mention the backlog at both customs and immigration. OK, whinge over.
When we finally got through we were met by the family and bundled into a mini bus that Graham had hired to get us all home. It was cold!! Great to see them all but especially a very excited Alex and Ben who we had really missed. The house was as cold as we expected but with the fire lit and the heating turned up, it soon began to get comfortable.
We have had a great time with lovely people and visited places new, all I have to do is to get my body clock back to local time.
We had the usual boring flight with only the in flight movies, meals and a change of flights at Bangkok to help relieve the monotony.
Our first glimpse of the sunrise over Australia.
Its that time when we try to recognise our position by what we see below. This is Warragamba Dam which is to the south west of Sydney so we must be going to approach Sydney airport from the east, over Botany Bay.
just crossing the coast before heading up to Sydney.
When the children were growing up we spent a lot of time on the beach in the upper part of the photo. It is a very safe beach with a shallow lagoon behind it and good shade areas. The beach is called Wattamolla and is in the Royal National Park to the South of Sydney.
Heading up the coast, looking towards the Georges River.
Passing San Souci, Ramsgate and Brighton Le Sands before turning in for the final approach over Botany Bay.
And we have touch down! Its good to be back home again.
We are being met by Becky, Graham and the boys. Inside the terminal it was absolute chaos! I don't understand why the Airport authority cant get it sorted. It may well be early in the morning, approx 08.00, but surely they could arrange to have more than the bare minimum of staff on duty. They must realise that everyone just wants to get out of there so why not be more efficient and then wouldn't have so many irate passengers and the growing reputation as the worst, and most expensive, airport in the world. I wont even mention the backlog at both customs and immigration. OK, whinge over.
When we finally got through we were met by the family and bundled into a mini bus that Graham had hired to get us all home. It was cold!! Great to see them all but especially a very excited Alex and Ben who we had really missed. The house was as cold as we expected but with the fire lit and the heating turned up, it soon began to get comfortable.
We have had a great time with lovely people and visited places new, all I have to do is to get my body clock back to local time.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
The Trip 2009 - Sweden 42
Wednesday 12th August.
On our way home. Warm, comfortable, bored, tired and wishing it was over already.
Managed to connect with the internet in one of the lounges and got an email off to Elin and Jim.
Only another million hours to go!!!
On our way home. Warm, comfortable, bored, tired and wishing it was over already.
Managed to connect with the internet in one of the lounges and got an email off to Elin and Jim.
Only another million hours to go!!!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
The Trip 2009 - Sweden 41
Tuesday 11th August.
We fly out today at 20.00 so lots of sadness and apprehension.
While looking through our travel documents we found some flight discrepancies between the itinerary and the tickets. The tickets show flight SK411 leaving at 19.00 whereas the itinerary shows a flight SK413 leaving at 20.00. Following Jim's sound advice, we checked on-line and could find no listing of a flight SK413. We phoned a help line back home and discovered we are on SK411 as SK413 was canceled months ago!
P-G came at 14.30 and took us all to Arlanda airport where we sorted out and confirmed the ticket mistake. We also reclaimed some tax for gifts we had bought.
As always, this isn't a very good time for all concerned! I suddenly reach a point when I know its the right time to say very quick farewells and just go, and that's what we did.
It still doesn't make it any easier especially when it could be a few years before we see them again.
We spent longer with Elin and Jim this trip and they really got under our skin and of course what makes it even harder is that we will miss the early part of our first Swedish grandchild's life.
Next stop Copenhagen.
We fly out today at 20.00 so lots of sadness and apprehension.
While looking through our travel documents we found some flight discrepancies between the itinerary and the tickets. The tickets show flight SK411 leaving at 19.00 whereas the itinerary shows a flight SK413 leaving at 20.00. Following Jim's sound advice, we checked on-line and could find no listing of a flight SK413. We phoned a help line back home and discovered we are on SK411 as SK413 was canceled months ago!
P-G came at 14.30 and took us all to Arlanda airport where we sorted out and confirmed the ticket mistake. We also reclaimed some tax for gifts we had bought.
As always, this isn't a very good time for all concerned! I suddenly reach a point when I know its the right time to say very quick farewells and just go, and that's what we did.
It still doesn't make it any easier especially when it could be a few years before we see them again.
We spent longer with Elin and Jim this trip and they really got under our skin and of course what makes it even harder is that we will miss the early part of our first Swedish grandchild's life.
Next stop Copenhagen.
Monday, August 09, 2010
The Trip 2009 - Sweden 40
Monday 10th August.
An overcast morning which reflects our feelings as we leave tomorrow.
We had a last walk into Sundbyberg and returned the library books. We spent most of the day folding clothes and trying to cram everything into suitcases. Our luggage is a bit over the limit but we should be able talk our way through.
Elin was working late so we met her off the train and went for a meal at the local Chinese restaurant.
An overcast morning which reflects our feelings as we leave tomorrow.
We had a last walk into Sundbyberg and returned the library books. We spent most of the day folding clothes and trying to cram everything into suitcases. Our luggage is a bit over the limit but we should be able talk our way through.
Elin was working late so we met her off the train and went for a meal at the local Chinese restaurant.
Sunday, August 08, 2010
The Trip 2009 - Sweden 39
Sunday 9th August.
Another nice day. We caught the train up to Sollentuna as Elin had arranged to borrow Mia's car again. Thanks Mia.
Just as we got off our train and onto the platform we became aware of a high pitched whistle that was getting louder and suddenly realized that one of the high speed trains was approaching. The noise was coming from the contact between the overhead electric cables and the pickup on the train.
It's quite scary but also fascinating to be on the platform when one of these monsters hurtle by.
While Elin and Jim caught the local bus to Mia's, Di and myself had a look around the new shopping centre that is being built in Sollentuna and which incorporates part of the old centre.
We drove up to Sigtuna, a town dating back to Viking times.
The main street of Sigtuna.
Lots of interesting architecture everywhere.
There are also some nice more modern homes.
Part of the small marina area.
The ruins of an old church.
Rune stones in the church ruins.
Weary travelers.
Another interesting home.
I wonder if he can read this rune stone.
A collection of old garden tools hanging on someones garden shed.
Street entertainment.
We drove back to Sundbyberg, picking up David on the way, for our "Last Supper".
Jim cooking on the balcony.
Another great meal from Elin and Jim.
We are going to miss this life style and all these lovely people.
Saturday, August 07, 2010
The Trip 2009 - Sweden 38
Saturday 8th August.
Another lovely sunny day.
Unfortunately Jim was called into work. We sat and read and in the afternoon I went for a walk with Elin. We crossed over the bridge to the other side of the waterway and walked down Hamngaten before cutting down to the waterside opposite Lotta and Fredrick's.
A lovely boat heading up towards the Landsvagen bridge.
Its a lovely sunny day and so there are Swedes sun bathing everywhere. The buildings in the background are the Carlsberg/Bauhaus complex.
I still can't get over this. I have never come across such sun worship before. We love the sun in Australia but this is different, at the least hint of a bit of sun the Swedish population strip off. I suppose that in a climate where the sun appears for such a short time, you have to make the most of it.
All along the waterway there are lovely little tea rooms.
At first I thought it said Cafe Bathurst and felt a little homesick!
Kalbergs Slott.
The building now houses a Military Academy.
Looking further down the waterway towards the city.
We walked up to the station at Karlberg and had an ice cream before catching the train back to Sundbyberg. In Sundbyberg we shopped at ICA and then went home for a Hotpotch dinner. One of my favourite meals. Lovely!
Someone had been having fun with the fountain in Sundbyberg!
Another lovely sunny day.
Unfortunately Jim was called into work. We sat and read and in the afternoon I went for a walk with Elin. We crossed over the bridge to the other side of the waterway and walked down Hamngaten before cutting down to the waterside opposite Lotta and Fredrick's.
A lovely boat heading up towards the Landsvagen bridge.
Its a lovely sunny day and so there are Swedes sun bathing everywhere. The buildings in the background are the Carlsberg/Bauhaus complex.
I still can't get over this. I have never come across such sun worship before. We love the sun in Australia but this is different, at the least hint of a bit of sun the Swedish population strip off. I suppose that in a climate where the sun appears for such a short time, you have to make the most of it.
All along the waterway there are lovely little tea rooms.
At first I thought it said Cafe Bathurst and felt a little homesick!
Kalbergs Slott.
The building now houses a Military Academy.
Looking further down the waterway towards the city.
We walked up to the station at Karlberg and had an ice cream before catching the train back to Sundbyberg. In Sundbyberg we shopped at ICA and then went home for a Hotpotch dinner. One of my favourite meals. Lovely!
Someone had been having fun with the fountain in Sundbyberg!
Friday, August 06, 2010
The Trip 2009 - Sweden 37
Friday 7th August.
Lazy start to the day, which turned out to be a warm one.
We all took the train into the city and went to Filmstaden Sergel (Movie City Sergel) on Hotorget to see an afternoon showing of the latest Harry Potter movie. We called in to Claus Ohlsson and bought a set of bathroom scales to complement Elin and Jims 'new' bathroom.
After the movies we walked in the city and were home by 18.00.
The big fountain in Kungstradgarden.
A little refreshment in Kungstradgarden.
Looking from Nybrokajen towards Nordiskamuseet and the Vasamuseet on the right.
The Hotel Diplomat on Strandvagen.
The Radisson Strand Hotel.
The Drama Theatre.
The very decorative underside to a bridge somewhere in the city.
Lazy start to the day, which turned out to be a warm one.
We all took the train into the city and went to Filmstaden Sergel (Movie City Sergel) on Hotorget to see an afternoon showing of the latest Harry Potter movie. We called in to Claus Ohlsson and bought a set of bathroom scales to complement Elin and Jims 'new' bathroom.
After the movies we walked in the city and were home by 18.00.
The big fountain in Kungstradgarden.
A little refreshment in Kungstradgarden.
Looking from Nybrokajen towards Nordiskamuseet and the Vasamuseet on the right.
The Hotel Diplomat on Strandvagen.
The Radisson Strand Hotel.
The Drama Theatre.
The very decorative underside to a bridge somewhere in the city.
Thursday, August 05, 2010
The Trip 2009 - Sweden 36
Thursday 6th August.
A hot and sunny day with a forecast top temperature of 24C.
Not much planned for today on the tourist front. I did some ironing and we got our suitcases up from the basement.
Jim went out early with P-G and Fredrick to pick up a new Samsung washing machine for which Fredrick is able to get some discount. They were back by mid-morning and Jim got to work and plumbed it all up. This will make their life a little easier when the baby arrives as they wont have to keep making trips outside to the laundry.
Early evening we went into the city and met up with P-G, Agnetta, Mia, Ulf and David for dinner at a restaurant called SMAK. The information about SMAK says that "the flavors are the stars here! The inventive restaurant concept is based on having guests select three, five or seven flavors, which correspond to appetizers of the same number. The food comes from all corners of the globe. The drinks work the same way – small glasses customized to each dish. The drinks list follows the same flavor scheme as the restaurant".
A very different and enjoyable experience.
A hot and sunny day with a forecast top temperature of 24C.
Not much planned for today on the tourist front. I did some ironing and we got our suitcases up from the basement.
Jim went out early with P-G and Fredrick to pick up a new Samsung washing machine for which Fredrick is able to get some discount. They were back by mid-morning and Jim got to work and plumbed it all up. This will make their life a little easier when the baby arrives as they wont have to keep making trips outside to the laundry.
Early evening we went into the city and met up with P-G, Agnetta, Mia, Ulf and David for dinner at a restaurant called SMAK. The information about SMAK says that "the flavors are the stars here! The inventive restaurant concept is based on having guests select three, five or seven flavors, which correspond to appetizers of the same number. The food comes from all corners of the globe. The drinks work the same way – small glasses customized to each dish. The drinks list follows the same flavor scheme as the restaurant".
A very different and enjoyable experience.
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
The Trip 2009 - Sweden 35
Wednesday 5th August.
It turned out to be a hot and sunny day.
We are having a quiet day following all the excitement of yesterday.
I borrowed Elins bike and went with Jim to do some shopping at Willeys.
Di and Jim spent a few hours in the afternoon preparing and cooking the leg of lamb we bought from Taylor and Jones. We had all the trimmings!
Sara and Frank came for dinner. It was good to catch up with them and hear all their news.
A very good night.
It turned out to be a hot and sunny day.
We are having a quiet day following all the excitement of yesterday.
I borrowed Elins bike and went with Jim to do some shopping at Willeys.
Di and Jim spent a few hours in the afternoon preparing and cooking the leg of lamb we bought from Taylor and Jones. We had all the trimmings!
Sara and Frank came for dinner. It was good to catch up with them and hear all their news.
A very good night.
Sunday, August 01, 2010
The Trip 2009 - Sweden 34
Tuesday 4th August.
Looks like its going to be a long and busy day, ending with our delayed balloon flight.
A nice warm and sunny morning so Di and I went for a walk in to Sundbyberg. For weeks I have wondered about this tower so I had a walk up to the park but had no luck in finding out what it was or what it was for.
We called in to the library to return some books and came across these lovely chairs and a chess table.
We were told that they were made locally by handicapped people. Wonderful workmanship!
We took Mia's car back and then traveled by bus and train in to Central. From there via T-ban to Slussen and then a local train (L25) to Saltsjo-Duvnas where we booked in at the headquarters of our long awaited evening balloon flight.
Once everything was sported out, we were loaded into our buses and headed off back in to the city. Due to the wind speed and direction we had to take off from Ladugardsgardet, near the communications tower, Kaknastornet.
Getting everything rigged.
Starting to inflate using big fans and normal air .
Checking out to lines to the control flap inside the balloon.
Burners at the ready.
Getting heated air in to the balloon.
We were the first balloon to lift off. We traveled in a NW direction for an hour.
Globen top left with Skeppsholmen in the centre.
Gamla Stan and Stadshuset on the right.
The postal sorting office where Santas mail goes.
Above Hagaparken, now the home of Crown Princess Victoria and her new husband, Prince Daniel.
Looking towards Sundbyberg and Elin and Jims apartment can be seen, if you know where to look.
We made a rather untidy landing on a building site near Ursvik.
We all received a Diploma, a glass of champagne and then following ballooning tradition, we were anointed with champagne. Di and myself were made honorary Count and Countess of Ursvik.
Di getting her hair washed with champagne, by the American pilot.
We, and a lot of others on the flight, were a bit put out to find that we were to be taken to the nearest station and not back in to the city. We were dropped off at Solna station and with a little help found the correct platform to get us back to Sundbyberg. A great trip and a wonderful experience.
Looks like its going to be a long and busy day, ending with our delayed balloon flight.
A nice warm and sunny morning so Di and I went for a walk in to Sundbyberg. For weeks I have wondered about this tower so I had a walk up to the park but had no luck in finding out what it was or what it was for.
We called in to the library to return some books and came across these lovely chairs and a chess table.
We were told that they were made locally by handicapped people. Wonderful workmanship!
We took Mia's car back and then traveled by bus and train in to Central. From there via T-ban to Slussen and then a local train (L25) to Saltsjo-Duvnas where we booked in at the headquarters of our long awaited evening balloon flight.
Once everything was sported out, we were loaded into our buses and headed off back in to the city. Due to the wind speed and direction we had to take off from Ladugardsgardet, near the communications tower, Kaknastornet.
Getting everything rigged.
Starting to inflate using big fans and normal air .
Checking out to lines to the control flap inside the balloon.
Burners at the ready.
Getting heated air in to the balloon.
We were the first balloon to lift off. We traveled in a NW direction for an hour.
Globen top left with Skeppsholmen in the centre.
Gamla Stan and Stadshuset on the right.
The postal sorting office where Santas mail goes.
Above Hagaparken, now the home of Crown Princess Victoria and her new husband, Prince Daniel.
Looking towards Sundbyberg and Elin and Jims apartment can be seen, if you know where to look.
We made a rather untidy landing on a building site near Ursvik.
We all received a Diploma, a glass of champagne and then following ballooning tradition, we were anointed with champagne. Di and myself were made honorary Count and Countess of Ursvik.
Di getting her hair washed with champagne, by the American pilot.
We, and a lot of others on the flight, were a bit put out to find that we were to be taken to the nearest station and not back in to the city. We were dropped off at Solna station and with a little help found the correct platform to get us back to Sundbyberg. A great trip and a wonderful experience.
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