Iceland part 2 (The Vikings) Posted by Tibor on Jul 6, 2010
Some scholars say that the first ever settlers on Iceland were monks from Scotland (as early as in the second half of the 7th century). However, if it was so they must have left when the Vikings arrived around 874. The first settler who was named was a Norwegian settler Ingólfur Arnarson who came with his family to…
Iceland part 1 Posted by Tibor on Jul 2, 2010
I haven´t really been posting so much lately because I spent the last month in Iceland. It was both work and fun. And let me tell you that Iceland is a very colorful spot in our Nordic area. I didn´t really know what to expect. I was thinking trolls, elves, recession and sunlight 247 on the…
The Swedish national anthem: Du gamla, du fria Posted by jennie on Jun 30, 2010
These World Cup-times have made me think about national anthems and what they reflect of our countries. Since I don’t speak Dutch, Japanese, Portuguese or any of the other languages, I have no clue what so ever what the players are singing out there on the pitch (I do get really annoyed when they DON’T sing…) but I am still…
The Swedish provinces: Götaland Posted by jennie on Jun 29, 2010
After a Midsummer’s weekend filled with “Helan går”, herring and homesickness, let’s get back to business and end our journey through the Swedish provinces. The third and final region is Götaland, known as the south part and consists of the provinces Blekinge, Bohuslän, Dalsland, Halland, Skåne, Småland, Västergötland, Östergötland, Gotland och Öland. 16. Östergötland is…
Summer Vacation in Sweden Posted by Marcus Cederström on Jun 28, 2010
Jennie did a wonderful job of describing the Midsummer tradition here in Sweden. The longest day of the year is celebrated (albeit not always on the actual day but still…) with relish in a country that is enveloped in darkness for much of the winter. But once Midsummer comes and goes, the nights start getting…
Midsummer’s Eve: The essentials Posted by jennie on Jun 25, 2010
Midsummer’s Eve is finally here and all over Sweden this big occasion is celebrated in various ways. But there are a few essentials you’ll need to make the celebration complete. The decorations (dekorationerna): A handmade daisy chain (blomsterkrans) is today’s signature piece, all kids and women (mostly) wear them. They are easily (ehm, kind of…)…
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Posted by jennie on Jun 24, 2010
Picture the following scenario: Who: You and a whole bunch of friends Where: In someone’s big summerhouse on an island in the Swedish archipelago When: Midsummer’s eve It’s bright and early on Midsummer’s Eve. You are woken up by the sun who gently strokes you with its warmth. Or perhaps it was the little bird…