PICTURES FROM SWEDEN - JULY 16, 2001
A note from Tina Book:
Dear Jerry and everybody else,
Today we took about 70 pictures and I am mailing the best ones. It was
raining the whole day.
We went to a small village called Anderslov, where Aina has a friend who
makes and sells peasant costumes (according to my old dictionary from
school). In the 1800s, Sweden was divided into districts called harad (the
first a with two dots). Rydsgard (where Olof and Maria lived) belonged to
Vemmenhog's harad. Aina and Sigurd's costumes (see picture from 6th
day) are in the colors from the harad where Aina was born. In a few minutes
we found the costume for Cindy. It was the right one (from Vemmenhog),
right size and second-hand (picture 1-3). Susan (4) is trying the one that
fitted Barbie (5-7). Susan found another one, also second-hand. Both of
them also found chains, hats, ribbons to go with the dresses. People who
have these costumes, can wear them at weddings, graduations, confirmations,
baptizing, reunions and so on. That also means that they don't have to
buy new dresses for every occasion.
Then we went on to the most southern point of Sweden (8). Different people
(9-12) standing almost in the Baltic Sea with Germany and Poland behind
(fare away). Orson and Cindy discussing who was first in line for the
bathroom (13). The biggest beer cans Orson ever saw (14). We had a small
lunch there. Almost everyone had fried herring, very delicious.
Next stop was at the Amber Museum. Amber is hardened resin from forests
that grew millions of years ago. It was considered to have magical power.
Necklaces and amulets were used against gout, rheumatism and stomach pain.
The most expensive amber are the ones that contain some kind of insect. The
map (15) is showing yellow dots, which are the best places to find amber.
When you find amber it looks like picture 16. Sigurd got a piece like these
from a friend. Sigurd cut it and polished it by wearing it in his pocket
for several months and then he gave this heart (17) to Aina when they were
engaged. That's Love!
We drove west along the south coast and stopped at the south west point at
the beach for coffee and apple cake with whipped cream. The beach was empty
except for us taking photos (18-19). Taking picture of Barbie taking
picture of Per Olof (20-21). More people drinking coffee (22-24). Orson
(25) is reading a letter from Luella (1985) to Sigurd. Outside the coffee
house, on the beach (26-28). Susan is showing off her new ear-drops of
amber (29).
That's it for today. Tomorrow we will pick up 8 people at 10.30 a m and
see to that they get on the train to the airport. JoAnn is not feeling well
today, she didn't join us during the day. I saw her tonight though, and
she was going to sit at the table watching the others playing cards.
Best regards from all of us,
Tina
Activites on July 16, 2001