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Week 13. June 24, 2003 |
Hi,The Greyfriars at Jonseret, where we are staying, organised the Longest Day - Brother Steven has put the finishing touches in place. The sun is shining. The Swedish children are delighted, school broke up June 6. This year the school vacation will be a week longer as they are changing the school year, do not go back till August. Next holiday is a fortnight at Christmas. May God smile on you today, Elizabeth | |
All are present, including this Australian flag.
The Music begins, and Karin applauds the successful rise of the Pole
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Let the Summer begin, and with great delight the crowd circles the Pole. We were in a group of about 2000 local people who gathered at this place, with many wearing special wreaths on their heads. Each town had a similar celebration.
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On Monday our friends Stig and Marianne collected us to share a special visit to Marianne's favourite childhood holiday area, Sweden's largest lake, Vanern. We travelled about 200 kms north-east of Gotenborg to the town of Lidkoping and then north along the peninsula to Castle Lacko. This area of Sweden has many churches, some over 800 years old, and also has wind turbines - windmills on tall stands which make electricity.
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Lidkoping town square, with the old Town Hall. We looked at the crafts displayed there, and admired the colourful gardens around the square, featuring Fuschias in bloom, with red begonias and geraniums.
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In 1298 the Bishop of Skara began this fortified castle-residence, which later became crown property. Modern tourists are well catered for, with a large car park guarded by the Pay and Stay Machine.
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The 30 Years war with Austria 1620 - 1650 resulted in Magnus Gabriel De La Gardie being given the castle and county, and the present building shows his vision. Frescos depict victory. We toured the middle floor which was the family residences, and the top floor of guest rooms. The kitchen garden has been maintained according to that era. This year's theme is based on the Unicorn which was hunted, then was tethered by a golden chain in an enclosed garden growing vegetables and small flowers.
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