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Ever since I did my DNA and found that I was 35 percent Swedish, I have wanted to visit the country. I had the opportunity in May to go for ten days. Friends moved there about two years ago to a little town outside Stockholm called Orebro. I was enchanted by the Hellmark Family, Magnus, Mary, and their two daughters, Annika and Kaija. The entire family bikes to work and school every day. I did ride a bike but then crashed into a guardrail to avoid a pedestrian and was a little intimidated after that. The recycling program collects food waste to run the city buses. School and workdays are shorter and fewer, allowing for lots of family time. And the food was fresh and fabulous. Strawberries with whipped cream as a nightly dessert.
We had a kräftskiva, or crayfish party, which is usually a beloved end-of-summer tradition in Sweden, but the family made an exception on my account to have the party in May. Magnus had his parents over, and they sang Swedish songs followed by shots of snaps. (Not to be confused with the German, Schnapps.) Snaps is potent liquor and after 4 or 5, you are singing like a true Swede, whether you know the words or not.
Another favorite Swedish tradition is Fika, which translates from Swedish as drinking coffee, enjoying sweet treats, and visiting. Fika is a daily routine like a coffee break but with a little more tradition. I was invited to Magnus’s parents’ apartment for Fika. We had Cinnamon buns known as Kanelbullar and Swedish No-Bake Chocolate Balls, Chokladbollar. I fell in love with both so Anna-Kari shared her recipes with me.
I am excited to go back and to encourage you to visit as well. I recommend the book How to be Swedish: A Quick Guide to Swedishness – in 55 Steps by Matthias Kamann. Impress your Swedish friends with all you know about their culture. Hugs and Peace, Sandy
“Friendship doubles our joy and divides our grief.” Swedish Proverb
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