Tues 16th: Stockholm
Lawrence drove us the 100km to Vadsbro to where his brother and partner Marika now live in the house they have bought to renovate and restore to its original 1890 glory. They moved in January of this year and have worked hard to complete the guest bedroom for us. The house sits on 1.5 hectares and used to have 200 beehives which the previous owner worked commercially.  Only 4 remain and those have produced 150 kilos this year. It was such a privilege to be shown around the property and hear of the exciting plans Ashleigh and Marika have for their future.

Graeme wanted to take us to the Vadsbro Kyrka which was built in 1112 as a Catholic Church. We were so lucky to have one of the committee available to take us on a conducted tour of this building and explain the transformation during the Reformation when it was forcibly transformed into a Lutheran place of worship and all the artistic embellishments were over-painted white. In 1650 a bell tower was built to house the three bronze bells which are now operated electronically.

It was not until 1902 that the white paint was removed and the glory of the art work restored to its former glory. It is incredible that such a magnificent building exists in this small village of 300 people. We were invited to coffee and a large selection of delicious home baking afterwards. Marika and I then went into Flen where she was born and raised. So interesting for me to hear all about it from a resident. Shopping at the supermarket was fun as Marika could tell me what all the products are. By then the temperature had climbed to 32C which is now putting the country into a crisis situation.
We have been very thankful to return to our Blagul beer and Rekorderlig cider.