Thursday 1/29/15
In the morning Lars-Anders gave us a lecture on the mine in Kiruna, SE. It is an iron mine that is the longest running mine in the world, over 100 years old. The deep mining has created cracks in the ground and half of the town is in the process of relocating. It is a sore issue for many, especially the Sami. Also, interestingly, Sweden was responsible for most of the iron the Nazis used to build their army. Sweden also allowed German troops through their land. Swedes feel uncomfortable about this part of their history.
For lunch we ate at a local cafe. Traditional Sami food, made with reindeer, was cooked for us. The chef has written a book about sami cooking and the copy I purchased she signed! We also got a little treat. The Sami like the angelica plant and they candy the stem, which is delicious!
Friday 1/30/15
In the morning we got a tour of a Sami library in Jokkmokk. Per Stefan, a teacher at the Sami school, walked us to the library. They collect works by Sami and in the Sami languages. We found copies of a Sami magazine. On one cover is Lars-Anders and the other is Anna-Lil who is the historian that spoke to us at the Umeå University. I am so grateful of Gustavus's connections in Sweden that allow us to meet all of these amazing and important people.
After the library we had a presentation about Sami youth from a Sami student from Norway. She described the current revitalization of Sami culture and pride. Basically a whole generation was lost due to norwegianziation or the forced assimilation of the Sami into Norwegian culture. Also interestingly she is currently a member of the Sami parliament and one of the youngest. In the afternoon a few of us went to the Konditori, or bakery. Swedish pastries are delicious! I tried a Semla which is like a cream puff with almond paste in the center.
For dinner we had a group dinner of pasta to celebrate Paget's 21st birthday!! We got her a traditional Swedish princess torte. The cake was banana flavored and covered with marzipan. So good! Earlier in the day when we had fika with the Sami students they sang her happy birthday in Swedish. After dinner we all went out to a local bar and hung out with the local Sami students.
In the morning Lars-Anders gave us a lecture on the mine in Kiruna, SE. It is an iron mine that is the longest running mine in the world, over 100 years old. The deep mining has created cracks in the ground and half of the town is in the process of relocating. It is a sore issue for many, especially the Sami. Also, interestingly, Sweden was responsible for most of the iron the Nazis used to build their army. Sweden also allowed German troops through their land. Swedes feel uncomfortable about this part of their history.
For lunch we ate at a local cafe. Traditional Sami food, made with reindeer, was cooked for us. The chef has written a book about sami cooking and the copy I purchased she signed! We also got a little treat. The Sami like the angelica plant and they candy the stem, which is delicious!
reindeer soup and quiche with lingonberry infused water
candied angelica stem
At night a lot of us dressed up warm and played king of the hill! We got to tackle each other!! There is so much snow here and it just keeps snowing.
Some of the girls made a person out of our winter gear on the handicap toilet and scared a few other students when they opened the door :)
In the morning we got a tour of a Sami library in Jokkmokk. Per Stefan, a teacher at the Sami school, walked us to the library. They collect works by Sami and in the Sami languages. We found copies of a Sami magazine. On one cover is Lars-Anders and the other is Anna-Lil who is the historian that spoke to us at the Umeå University. I am so grateful of Gustavus's connections in Sweden that allow us to meet all of these amazing and important people.
Per-Stefan with his husky and kick sled. Everyone in Jokkmokk gets around by kick sled I want one!
For dinner we had a group dinner of pasta to celebrate Paget's 21st birthday!! We got her a traditional Swedish princess torte. The cake was banana flavored and covered with marzipan. So good! Earlier in the day when we had fika with the Sami students they sang her happy birthday in Swedish. After dinner we all went out to a local bar and hung out with the local Sami students.
Paget covered in Birthday streamers
The food looks so fancy, and delicious!
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