After four days of classes last week, we took to the weekend break with arms wide open. Saturday morning we went on a walk with our friend, Sara. It was a really nice day – sunny, cool and a little windy (it’s always a little windy here). We were in search of the Baltic Sea, said to be a mere 3km away. The entire walk was through the countryside – open fields of potatoes and strawberries, with the occasional windmill dotting the horizon. After a few scenic detours and three hours we had made it to the Baltic sea. We dipped our feet in and completed our ocean trifecta – touching the Pacific, Atlantic and now, the Baltic. After sunning at the beach for a while, we walked back, this time walking through farmer’s fields. Sound strange? Well, in Sweden there is no such thing as “No Trespassing.” They actually encourage it and they call it “Yes Trespassing.” No, I’m just kidding, but really, it is perfectly acceptable to walk anywhere you want here accept maybe through someone’s flower bed. It’s nice.
On Sunday we ventured across the bridge and into the city of Kalmar. Kalmar is the closest big city to the school. Kalmar has the shopping centers, the train station, and the beautiful character of an old European city. The city has the weathered cobblestone streets, the colorful Scandinavian buildings, and a giant castle standing guard over the city. We went to a church service while we were there. Our friend Sara joined us on our trip and was able to translate a little.
We met some really nice people at the church. One lady quickly offered to have the three of us over for a traditional Swedish meal at her house next weekend. She even offered to come to the island and pick us up! I’ll tell you how that goes. And another family gave us rides around the city after church. We spent the afternoon walking through stores and doing some shopping. The big fall fashion this year in Sweden is to wear skulls and crossbones. It’s on shirts, hats, pants, underwears - look for it in the States. Maybe it will come in time for Halloween?!
On Sunday we ventured across the bridge and into the city of Kalmar. Kalmar is the closest big city to the school. Kalmar has the shopping centers, the train station, and the beautiful character of an old European city. The city has the weathered cobblestone streets, the colorful Scandinavian buildings, and a giant castle standing guard over the city. We went to a church service while we were there. Our friend Sara joined us on our trip and was able to translate a little.
We met some really nice people at the church. One lady quickly offered to have the three of us over for a traditional Swedish meal at her house next weekend. She even offered to come to the island and pick us up! I’ll tell you how that goes. And another family gave us rides around the city after church. We spent the afternoon walking through stores and doing some shopping. The big fall fashion this year in Sweden is to wear skulls and crossbones. It’s on shirts, hats, pants, underwears - look for it in the States. Maybe it will come in time for Halloween?! 
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