Travelling 2016 - Day 63

Sunday 31st July 

Well thats it, our last day in Sweden which turned out to be a very warm and sunny morning again.

We were up early with lots of final packing and sorting out to do but as usual everything comes together eventually.

Jim and Henry drove up to pick us and our luggage up before going back to say our sad goodbyes to Elin and Johan.

We left at about 11:30 for the airport and by 13:00 we were waiting in the lounge for a 14:45 take off.

We should be in Dubai by 23:00 but still a long way to go.

Travelling 2016 - Day 62

Saturday 30th July

Happy name day Elin!!

Well, its nearly the end of our trip and we have to make some preparations.
We were up early to do some washing, cleaning the apartment and making a start on our packing.

Di did some cooking as we are meeting at Elin and Jim's for dinner. We were joined by Mia and David,

We had a great, happy meal with good food, drinks and wonderful company.

Special dessert from Mia.

It was sad to say our goodbyes to Mia and David but I hope it wont be too long before we are back again.

Travelling 2016 - Day 61

Friday 29th July   

Another very bright and warm morning.

Looking through photos is a good way of recording change and comparing developments.

This was taken from the top landing of Elin and Jim's apartment block in 2012 when the walkways were still under construction.

This was taken  today's date with walkways complete and gardens well established.

A quiet time at home before heading to Solentuna.

Elin, Henry and I caught the train to Solentuna while the rest went by car. We all met up and had a nice lunch before Di went to get her hair cut. It hasnt been a four year break between cuts but Di has always said that this lady cuts her hair better than anyone else. Makes it an expensive haircut to have to come to Sweden though.

Johan wasn't impressed but waited patiently anyway.

Back home and Jim cooked a magnificent fish stew for dinner.

Travelling 2016 - Day 60

Thursday 28th July 

A change this morning with weather that was dull and overcast.

Today we had a trip back to Hammaby, where Elin and Jim lived back in 2007.
It was our first time in Sweden, our first time to meet Elins family and to see this new suburb, other than on a computer screen. 

 

Not everyone can have a ski slope at the end of their street.

That was their open landing up there.

We had lunch opposite their old building.

A good use for old wooden pallets.

The area has expanded and matured.

It was nice to come back and see how the area had developed.

Henry enjoyed it.

Travelling 2016 - Day 59

Wednesday 27th July  

Yet again another very sunny and warm morning.

From various points in the city and its surrounds one part of the landscape is dominated by a big white ball like structure.

This is an indoor arena which we have been close to but never visited, but today we did.
Henry, Jim, Di and myself drove out there late morning. It is very big and impressive .

Two tracks for the external gondolas.

Look Nanna, here it comes.

 

 This is were the boys are going.

On the way up. Henry is enjoying himself and obviously has a head for heights.

Its a long way down.

You can see for miles.

 

 

It was a great experience. 

Traveling 2016 - Day 58

Tuesday 26th July 

An overcast morning but still very warm. Looks like thunderstorm weather.

We met Elin, Jim and the boys to walk into Sundbyberg and catch the bus to Solna. We are going to see the Mall of Scandinavia which is the biggest shopping centre in Scandinavian.

 

There are a lot of reflective surfaces in the area which make interesting photos.
 

A beautiful timber wave shaped seat sculpture.

 

The wave seat reflected in the ceiling.

Very smart inside but vast.

Fantastic lighting roof feature.

 

 

Nice area to stop for lunch.

 

On the way out its all upside down.

 We just got home in time to miss a huge, but quite short, thunderstorm.

Usual end to the day, dinner with out little family, bit of TV and then home to bed.

Travelling 2016 - Day 57

Monday 25th July 

It was very hot overnight, difficult to sleep and of course another very bright and sunny morning.

We had decided to go into the city today and do some souvenir and presents shopping.
We met with Elin and walked into Sundbyberg where she helped us to extend the time on our travel cards. We took the underground into T-Centralen where we went to the Design Centre, always an interesting place to visit. Elin carried on to do what she came into the city to do, then head home,  while Di and I continued to enjoy looking around. Clas Ohlson is always a favourite store of mine, then on to Gallaria, H&M  and finally to Ahlens City. This is a great store where we could spend more hours than we have available but while having a very nice lunch we missed being in a big thunderstorm. Quite dramatic to see from our window seat.
Later we walked down Drottninggaten and picked up a few small presents to take home, and a couple of shirts for me.
Back at Elin and Jim's for dinner and then refitting cupboards above Jims computer desk.

I love the underground and all the decorated stations.

Travelling 2016 - Day 56

Sunday 24th July.  

Another warm and sunny morning with the promise of 29C

Spent the morning doing the usual household chores, tidying, washing, ironing etc. While sorting and catching up with our e-mails my mouse seemed to die. Walked down to see Jim and borrow one from him but found it quite complicated for an oldie like me to use, compared to my own. When I tried mine again it came alive so there must be a loose wire somewhere. I cant complain as its served me well for quite a while and has had some rough treatment while travelling. Will have to look for a replacement.

In the afternoon we joined Elin, Jim and the boys in Marabouparken.

We found a nice bit of shade where we could watch the boys cool off and have fun.

 

 

When the family walked home we stayed a little while longer for a coffee in Parkliv Cafe.

When we got back to Elin and Jim;s we sat with the boys and watched TV before a very nice late dinner.