Stockholm 21/22 July

Hard to leave our country paradise yesterday… had a last walk around after breakfast before we headed off to Eva and Henry’s. Eva runs a cropping farm with her sister, while Henry runs a large estate cropping and chickens - 30,000 in each of 6 sheds. Another fab visit. Lunch was in the grounds of their home - chicken and salads followed by strawberries picked yesterday. 

They have three children and Eva has also taken over the travel company run previously by our guide Eva Maria, so she’s a busy girl.

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We followed our farm visit with a bus trip into Stockholm. Good wander around the local streets before dinner at the hotel. In the morning Claudia led us on a very informative trip around the city and then she let us loose (after a ferry ride across the harbour to the old city). Great vistas, lovely lanes and a thorough drenching. 🤭

 Here are a few more pics from our adventures. Off to Paris tomorrow. 

Soderrmanland and around Sunday/ Monday 19/20 July

Large farm, historic restaurant canals and finally to our wonderful stay by the lake,

Then, on Monday, the glass factory really fascinated all of us. We actually had to be dragged away to the next farm. Buffalo farming is a response to keeping the waterways and ponds clean. The burgers for lunch were delicious… Also have sheep and a marketing plan using unsaleable wool has seen all the clip sold in 1kg lots to keep wild animals from eating gardens.

Gothenburg - Lidkoping 18/7

My favorite visit so far - to a couple who produce honey and love bees. Their honey extraction equipment is from NZ and he loves it. Wonderful use of land and buildings with a restaurant, wildflower garden, bee products gift shop and restaurant. I couldn’t get enough. ❤️ 

On through lovely countryside and beautiful vistas to a family farming venture. That was after our bus sprang a leak. Fortunately we were booked in for a seaside lunch…

We stayed overnight in Lidkoping but were hosted in the evening at our guides - schnapps, singing, eating and fab company. We slept well.

Jutland again…

We stayed overnight in the charming city of Aarhus in the coast. Lovely exploring…

Up right and early as we had an extensive farm on reclaimed land to visit before a quick whizz to the ferry for our journey to Gothenburg, Sweden.

A mind blowing view of extensive grain farming!

Jutland

As we drove through the countryside there were huge areas of cropping. Paddocks as big as the eye could see. Of particular interest were 2 impressive properties which were established many years ago. The first was Hofmasvgave Park. Founded in 1750’s with the trees planted in the late 1790’s. The farmer shared great information and we were impressed and amazed at his operation. He was employed by the owner.

The cows were milked by robotic machines. The next shed which was under construction blew our minds. It was wow!

The new milking barn was massive with a lot of very modern technology to come.

Denmark - Copenhagen 13 and 14/7

Interesting views as we entered the port this morning disembarking around 10ish. Met our Copenhagen guide and after a short bus ride we headed off on our walking tour. Lovely historic buildings mixed with modern. And, then it poured!! 

And the next day the sun came out. A great explore on a glorious day where the locals were making the most of their environment. Tivoli Garden in the evening was busy, interesting and delicious - ate a beautiful meal in one of the oldest restaurants with the grumpiest waiters.