Anyways...it was a very nice comfortable 3-hour train ride from Copenhagen. The train had internet access so I was able to do some homework (no blog posting, though) and we had a wonderful meal. We arrived in Nassjo bringing with us fantastic weather. It was warm and sunny. And we had warm jackets on (just in case)!! Goran picked us up at the train station and then we drove to their mansion in Tranos were Solvig is busy preparing dinner. Come to think of it, she is always busy preparing food. And it is always GOOOOOOD!!! That night, we had our favorite Greenland shrimps. These are special shrimps that are cooked in sea water immediately after they are caught. That is how they are transported from the boat to the shore. We call them Greenland shrimps but here in Scandinavia they call them Swedish shrimps or Norwegian shrimps depending on which soil you are standing. Whatever you call them, they taste VERY DIFFERENT from regularly boiled, broiled or grilled shrimps. Somehow, they are sweeter. Must be the sea water.
That night, Ulf and Lena and their brood arrived from Stockholm. We were already asleep, unfortunately, as they left Stockholm after work and arrived in Tranos around midnight. The next morning was one of those big family breakfasts.
It was another feast and much catching up from last year's news. We had cheese, bread, cold cuts, coffee, tea, ----- and lots of talking!!! It was great to see the kids (grandkids). Jacob and Lucas and of course little girl Elina who is now 2. I didn't brush up on my Swedish so didn't chat much with the boys ----yet. Jacob and Lucas are my 'Swedish language teachers'. Great because they don't seem to require answers when they ask me something in Swedish and I can get by with my usual 'Ja' (translation: hmmm.... or yeah...?). Of course, I had to endure their questioning stares when I give the wrong response such as if I am asked 'What is....' and I reply 'Yes...'. I am sure they both think how weird I am. I am probably failing every year! Hah!
Over the weekend, we trekked to Oskarsham where Goran's son Jan (Johnny) has a summer house.
More of that trip later. In the meantime, here are some photos at the Gripenbergs Castle:
TOURING THE ESTATE
Taking a walk with Mormor (Solvig), Jakob and Lukas
Matt by the Moose Outpost #1 where hunters stay to spot moose, deer, elk or hare. And here's Raquel with the kids saying hello to the horses.
LITTLE HOUSE ON THE SWEDISH PRAIRIE-- Complete with a tour of the outhouse!
COCKTAIL HOUR
Lena, Goran, Ulf, Matt
Mormor and Elina, Raquel and Jakob
THE GYMNASTS
Jakob, Lukas; Jakob and Elina
DINNER TIME
Solvig in the kitchen. Nobody else is allowed in when she's cooking!
Matt setting the dinner table. And who spilled beer on the table!?! Hurry before Solvig sees it!!
BAKED SALMON WITH BEARNAISE SAUCE AND OVEN ROASTED VEGETABLES
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