Sweden Bound: Company and Copenhagen

Company and Copenhagen

We were thrilled to host my brother, sister-in-law (who I think of as a sister) and a dear friend for a visit. We had a wonderful time showing them around the area, and of course, offering them tastings of the local favorite foods. This translated into us eating some form of herring and/or salmon 7 out of 7 days. I feel healthier already!!

The first place we went is the local Kolony. I can just imagine what you are thinking. Allow me to explain. We live in the city. It is not a huge city. Malmo only has around 300,000 people, but it is a city none the less. But - it is well known that Swedes love the great outdoors. Thus, at least locally, they have Kolonies. I do not know all the in's and out's of them, but apparently Kolonies have moderate sized yards which people buy (or rent?) and where they can tend gardens and enjoy the calmer, greener, gentler outdoors. There are little cottages on the lots we saw. I was told by a local that there is a restriction against living there year round, but people do over-night there. The one we went to is open to the public certain hours of the day.

Entrance

yard

The next day we took a quick 15 minute train ride to Lund. The city of Lund dates back to, they think, around 1100 A.D. Lund cathedral is almost as old.

A highlights tour:

In Lund Cathedral

Catacombs beneath the cathedral.

Within the cathedral is a 13th or 14th century clock with movable figures, that still keeps correct time. At the top of the clock, two figures, which represent day and night, fight with swords. Then, as the hour chimes, the heralds raise their bugles and figures come out of the clock and pass Mary and baby Jesus who are seated in the center of the clock. As the three wise men pass, they bow their heads in reverence.

A few days later, another 20 minute train ride in the opposite direction took us to Copenhagen, Denmark.