Preparations

We are preparing to leave for our big trip. Our main worry is the lodge. Remember the winter of 2007?

In 2007, the snow hit on Christmas Eve and went into January in full force. It was mid-February until it was all cleared up. Initially it took Arvid 8 hours a day for several days, to clear the roads with his tractor. The accumulation was so great, that every day there were several inches on top of the already plowed road. But he was able to get it all plowed, kept the pipes from freezing and welcomed the guests that were scheduled. We greeted 2008 with snow still on the ground but things were under control.

This year (2008) he has tried to organize people to help out in the event that more snow comes. It cannot do that 2 years in a row, right? Thankfully, the wonderful Anderson Lodge staff are prepared for our month long departure. Winter groups are scheduled but it is a lighter occupancy than other times of the year. Whew! Hope it all works out!

My job is to make signs for all the groups, revise all mailing packets and make sure that the gmail is set up. Of course, packing is the main order of the day. Get that Ziploc with liquid items, pack electrical adapters, order all medications needed, organize the carry on, remember the passports, buy supplies, cat food and dog food for a month, order Arvid's tux for the wedding show, think SNOW! and weigh the suitcases.

Our departure is Dec. 11 and we arrive at 2:20 in Stockholm on Dec. 12. We have called the relatives in Sweden and all are ready for the Americans to visit. First, we will drive to Linköping and stay for 6 nights. Karli is not out of school yet but we are going early to observe her singing in Lucia. We are staying at the Scandic Linköping West. Great deal! Karli lives right around the corner!

The 3 of us will take off to Dalarna on Dec. 18. Ulla is kind enough to host us in Lima, where we are looking forward to seeing the wonderful people there. A trip to see the home of Selma Lagerlöf in Mårbacka if we have time and fun in the snow are our goals. Ulla, get the spark ready!

On Dec. 23 we will drive to Hälsingland to Solveig and Birger in Ljusne. We will spend Christmas with them, Elisabeth and Tommie, and Ella of course. Ella is Arvids special cousin who is in her 90s. Having coffee with Ella is the highlight of our trips. I hope Hans will be there and maybe Albin? There are so many people in Hälsingland to see. Trönö, Bergvik, Flor, Söderhamn here we come! We are very excited and expect to drink a lot of coffee.

Dec. 30 is when we are due in Östersund. Frida and Daniel are traveling in South American so we are taking over their apartment. New Years in Jämtland is the plan. Seeing Störsjon with ice covering it will be such an amazing sight. Can't wait to see Tajson... and of course Sten, Berit, Hampus, Lina and Hanna!

We are hoping to take some kind of an adventure the week before we depart. Flight to another city in Europe? Ferry to Helsinki? Trip on the Birka to Estonia? We have no set plans until Jan. 9th when we have a reservation at the Arlanda Airport Hotel preparing for our flight home. Our flight departs at 6:25 AM on Jan 10th, so the hotel close to the airport is a necessity!

So that is the plan. We have never been to Sweden in the winter. I am quite sure there are many traditions that take place in the winter that we have no idea about. I do not think we can truly know Sweden until we have visited and see their winter life in person. We are a bit curious and worried about how to drive in it all. We have rented a VW Passat wagon. Does Sweden put snow tires on all their rentals? Do they work well? How will it be to drive in the snow when daylight is so short? What are the road conditions throughout Sweden?

Tomorrow we take off!

Wish us luck!
Arvid and Vicki