Gothenburg Part Fem

Saturday 4/25/15 - Monday 4/27/15

After the long day at the hospital I spent a day relaxing on Saturday. There was a Tough Viking race in the neighboring park, similar to the Tough Mudder back home. The large number of runners had to avoid electrified wires and being tackled by men right out the gate. At night some students from the Challenge Lab met up with us for appetizers and drinks. It was interesting to hear why they moved from Mexico and Iran to Sweden and about their sustainability projects.

We were blessed with one last sunny day in Gothenburg on Sunday so I finally managed to make it to the botanical garden. My foot had been too sore before to tag along with others. There were a lot of people at the garden and many of the flowers were in bloom, especially the rhododendrons. The park is dedicated to Carl Linnaeus, a famous Swede who is responsible for the modern standardized naming system for plants, using two names in latin. The arboretum at Gustavus is named after him. All the plants had name tags in latin. I loved seeing the classical references, the plants named after roman and greek myths.

Pat and Zach, the cute couple 

The myth bellow tells the story of Narcissus and Echo as told by Ovid in Metamorphoses. He is one of my favorite ancient authors I've studied at Gustavus.

"The story is told in Book III of the Metamorphoses, and tells the story of a "talkative nymph" who is admired by the goddess Aphrodite for her magnificent voice and song. When she tricks Zeus's jealous wife Hera, into believing that her husband, Zeus was in the city she curses her by making her only able to repeat the last words said, and couldn't say anything on her own. "Yet a chatterbox, had no other use of speech than she has now, that she could repeat only the last words out of many." This is the explanation of the aural effect which was named after her. She falls in love with Narcissus, whom she catches sight of when he is "chasing frightened deer into his nets." Eventually, after "burning with a closer flame," Echo's presence is revealed to Narcissus, who, after a comic, yet tragic scene, rejects her love. Echo prays in her mind of this to Aphrodite, who makes Echo disappear, until she "remains a voice" and "is heard by all."

Then, Narcissus "tired from both his enthusiasm for hunting and from the heat" rests by a spring, and whilst drinking, "a new thirst grows inside him" and he is "captivated by the image of the beauty he has seen" and falls deeply in love with "all the things for which he himself is admired." He then wastes away with love for himself, echoing the manner in which Echo did earlier on. A while later his body is gone, and in its place is a narcissus flower. The pale flower is still found near river banks so that it can be reflected on the water." Wikipedia

Narcissus and Echo by Waterhouse, 1903. I love Neoclassical art from the 1800s and 1900s. 

Sunday night we went to the new Avengers movie! It came out in Sweden almost a week before the US for some reason. Movies are weird in Sweden; we had to buy our tickets ahead of time. Before the movie started some people came out dressed as Thor, Black Widow and Scarlett Witch. I think they explained where the exists are. As they were leaving Thor 'forgot' his hammer and the Black Widow tried to pick it up but she was not worthy! It was corny but cute. 

Typically weather in Gothenburg is similar to rainy Seattle or Portland. They even have umbrella vending machines at the train station. Thankfully, we got lucky with some sun.

Monday we traveled to the city of Växjö! It was nice to move on and out of a big city. Our hostel is located near a beautiful lake. Above is the view from our porch. 

Goteborg Part Fyra

Monday 4/20/15

Many of us took the morning easy, recovering from our field trip. In the afternoon and evening we planned a birthday scavenger hunt for Becca (turned 20), Hannah (turned 20), Amelia (turned 21), and Signe (turned 16). They all had birthdays within a week of each other. We paired Amelia and Becca against Signe and Hannah. They were given a list of things to take pictures of in the park near our hostel. One item was find Laura who had a special gift for them all. Amelia received wine, Signe-a bird sketch pad, Hannah-a tea cup and Becca-a pug with a crown we found at the royal armory in Stockholm.  It ended with sushi for dinner. Here are some pictures from Signe and Hannah….

#3 Jump on the little trampolines

#8 Take a selfie with a Swede 

#2 A bunny or something with a bunny on it

#5 fungi or fun guy

#9 imitate a sculpture 

#11 Where's Wally? Find Wally (Sidney) in the park and get bonus points for tackling her. Signe distracted Wally by chasing her allowing Hannah to sneak attack her a tackle her down. 

Tuesday 4/21/15

Maria, my professor's wife, met an old lady named Gunnel at a church in Kullavik where they lived while in Sweden for a year on sabbatical. Gunnel's granddaughter is Julia Fors, a health expert who has written two books, the most recent being Superlicious. Julia invited us into her home for a little health workshop.

First we went on a little run on the shore and then back to her house for a cooking lesson. She explained that there is a major health craze in Sweden right now. This same craze is happening in the US and actually started in the States a decade or so ago. Julia explained that fitness is 30% exercise and 70% food. She suggested little solutions such as eaten lemon to balance lots of coffee.

Julia showed us how to make healthy juice and smoothies. Hannah and I tried juicing 2 appeals, lemon and pear. Then blended it with berries, half an avocado and spinach. You can also do 2 apples and a lemon for lemonade. Before Hannah and I went up to attempt a smoothie, we were laughing about what a mess we are in general. So of course we forgot to put the pitcher under the juicer and spilled liquid apple all over the counter…of Julia's white house. Luckily Hannah caught most of it with her hands and I grabbed a rag but Julia didn't find it as humorous as we did.

Laura eating a health warp. Julia's book in the foreground. 

Julia demonstrating who to a make a smoothie.

Paget making her smoothie.

Me licking my fingers after eating a delicious healthy desert Julia made. 

Hannah and I with our creation!

artsy photo of my smoothie and healthy chocolate ball

Erin with the plate of chocolate balls.

Recipe: mix in food processor…4 scoops dry coconut flakes, 3 tablespoons cocoa, 3 tablespoons agave or honey, 2 teaspoons vanilla powder, pinch of salt, 6 dates, hazelnuts, coconut oil (instead of butter).

Paget enjoying her smoothie in the sun 

Fika by the sea near Julia's house. 

Wednesday 4/22/15

This morning was dedicated to environmental work at the two universities in Gothenburg. First we met with students who are part of Students for Sustainability Alliance from Chalmers University and the University of Gothenburg. They work on projects to promote a healthier world such as divesting from fossil fuels. We attended their Re:Cycle event which gave out 230 rescued bicycles to students. They also helped them fix the bikes up.

After that we met with masters students at the Challenge Lab. It is a place for Masters students from all over to create solutions for sustainability as part of their thesis. This year they have students from India, Spain, Mexico, Iran, Thailand, Columbia, Sweden and Lithuania. One stated "Diversity is the power here" both in reference to the people and the projects. One project is the living lab where students will live and research who to live sustainably.

The bikes 

Repair stations

A trick biker at the ReCycle event

The eco friendly building that holds the Challenge Lab. 

Thursday 4/23/15

On Thursday we trekked out to Kullavik, a small town near Gothenburg. This is where The Jeremiasons lived during their year in Sweden six or so years ago. Through much work, because Swedes are shy, Maria made some friends at the local Church of Sweden. This is how we got connected with Gunnel and Julia Fors. Maria also became good fiends with Magdalena, who works with the youth and music. Magdalena gave us a tour of the church and then the priest explained a little about the history of the church in Sweden. The Lutheran Church of Sweden was officially separated from the state in 2000 and now a wider range of denominations and religions are found in Sweden. However, churches now have less funding and must adjust to a more meager lifestyle. Churches in the US are used to relying on volunteers and donations. This is the future of churches in Sweden.

We also discussed the current Roma population that has begun to beg in Sweden and all over Europe. Many are organized and go out from Romania to collect stronger currencies through begging and then return home to exchange it. Some however do need assistance and it is hard to tell the difference. Sweden has such a strong welfare system that they have never really had to deal with a destitute population and consequential aid. It is something that is developing and churches are helping with food and clothing, as is common in America. Some feel that the United Nations should talk to the Romanian government about providing a better life for their people and not marginalizing them, forcing them to find refuge or income in the rest of Europe.

There is a carved cross in the chapel that was made by a woman who, born in 1923, wanted to be a nurse but her hand was crippled from polio. She began to carve and preached with what she made. The cross shows Jesus rising rather than being crucified. Also this woman took care of her mother who was stricken with Alzheimers. At night she would tie their toes together so that she would know if her mother moved at night. When she went to the grocery store she would leave her mother in the car and people would let her out not knowing the story. So this woman would put signs on her car asking people to not let her mother out. Eventually this woman realized she needed help so she hired bums down on their luck to help for room and board. Many felt that for once they received love.

There were also ships decorating the church since it was close to the water. Traditionally when fishermen were saved from storms at sea they donated models of their ships to the churches. This tradition is remembered through these decorations.

Hannah and Laura in The Attic, a lounge where the youths in the church can hang out and do homework. 

Magdalena sang Amazing Grace in Swedish for us.

They fed us delicious fish soup while we chatted with the pensioners who gather every Thursday for lunch. 

They made me a yummy lactose free desert, topped with a Swedish flag.

Anna and Amelia presented our group to the pensioners in Swedish. We all introduced ourselves and I managed to do it in Swedish too! The old folks enjoyed learning about our trip and our studies in Sweden. They asked us to tell a funny experiences so we explained how hard the doors were to open in Sweden.

We finished the day with cliff jumping by Gunnel's house! It was about a 15 foot fall. Many of us got cut up climbing up the rocks. There was a ladder but Pat didn't realize it was not attached so it slid down into the water when he tried to climb up it…oops. 

Friday 4/24/15

Today was spent at the Emergency Room in Gothenburg…all day. I mentioned earlier that Jorgen, my professor's son, broke his wrist on our field trip. He needed a check up. On the island Britta rolled her ankle so everyone felt she needed it to be looked at also. The last few days my left foot has been hurting when I put pressure on the ball of my foot. It makes for a bad limp, which looks worse than it is. My professor insisted I go to the doctor too. I really aggravated it cliff jumping so I acquiesced.

We left the hostel at 9:30AM and didn't return until after 4:30pm. Thats seven hours….Luckily Britta nor I left with crutches. She slightly tore ligaments and merely needed to rest it. My pain is due to overuse and if I don't rest it might lead to a stress fracture. The easy access to health care in Sweden is so nice but the long lines are a major downside as we experienced today. It was sad to waste the sunny day in a waiting room but what can ya do. Now I can check off visiting a hospital in a foreign country off my list. I'm bummed however that I won't be able to run an upcoming 5K or practice rugby in the near future.

Me in one of the many waiting rooms I got comfortable in. 

Geology Field Trip-Husaby, SW

Friday 4/17/15 to Sunday 4/19/15

For the next couple days we stayed at a friend of the college. His name is Magnus and he lives in the rural town of Husaby. Several of us camped out in shelters in the woods. But many stayed Magnus's neighbor's house, named Per. Friday morning we went to his work in the city Skövde.

He works for an association that covers 15 municipalities in the area with 260,000 people. Magnus and his coworkers plan both the urban centers and rural areas for maximum benefit in the future. One idea is that the whole world is urbanized or modernized. Small farms in the country are connected by phones etc. Everyone can not move into big cities and live sustainably. He also lectured about 'Biobased Sustainable Development" or how to live and develop with world in a way that is centered around natural systems like photosynthesis.

After lunch we visited an organ factory. Carl Nelson grew up in St. Peter and went to St. Olaf. A long time ago he was working on an organ at the Haga Kyrka (Church) in Goteborg when he met a Swedish woman who is now his wife. What is it with American men meeting Swedish women and moving to Sweden? Carl and Mark! Now he makes organs mostly for Austria. He showed us around his shop and told us all about how wood moves in two ways but not the other and the troubles of tuning.

Later Magnus also showed us a biomethane gas station. His car is fueled by the gases made from fermenting corn and old alcohol remnants. It is stored in liquid form to save space. It must be stored very cold to be in liquid form. One of the giant thermoses could store hot coffee for two years without us being able to feel the difference in temperature.

This is a model of a much larger organ in Austria.

Also in the same building is a woman who makes custom guitars. 

Pat next to the hand made lead and tin pipes

A practice organ they are working on. It takes 4000 work hours to make a small practice one!

Becca planing a piece of wood to make it smooth. 

Carl and the practice organ

Hannah playing the practice organ

I got to ride in Carl's 1941 Chevrolet. It has been in his family its entire life. 

This is the original license plate.

Per's house had a beautiful sunroom. Pat, the eagle scout, made a great fire.

Hannah roasting marshmallows. One brand we bought didn't start on fire! It caramelized like creme brulé! 

Saturday: Six of us braved the cold night. It got down to about 20 degrees fahrenheit. We were set up in a shelter with borrowed sleeping bags from Magnus's friends. It was Paget's first time camping ever! We woke up at 6AM freezing and went into the house for a nap before breakfast. 

Hannah wrapped in her sleeping bag at 6AM. She is not normally a morning person so this morning was extra great for her!

Erin, Britta and Paget

The next day we went for a hike up Kinnekulle, a twin hill to Billingen. 

me at the top

Magnus explained that at this spot the beloved former Queen Christiana visited. This monument was erected by the people of the area to commemorate her visit. Magnus commented that this was one of the most kick butt things he's seen. 

Now the signature of royalty are carved into the rocks when they visit the area. 

On our hike we came across a little cave with a fountain. These are sandstone columns that are worn down in a particular way. We will see these again in Visby. 

During the time of the Swedish Empire, many oak trees were planted to supply boat making. People were punished if they chopped them down without permission. The green in the forest are a bunch of leek plants. 

There were so many beautiful farm estates in the area.

While we were eating lunch our professor's son managed to break him arm goofing around with his sister. I'm surprised it didn't happen sooner with all the monkeying around he does. 

After a trip to the hospital we visited an old church in Husaby. Magnus gave us a tour. During a time of wealth in the area, each little village had to build a church to show how rich and blessed they were. The main tower of this church above was built in 1000AD. The rest was added in 1400AD. The top floors of the tower were the living quarters of the local king. He was able to ride his horse right up to the second floor for safety reasons. 

At this time the churches were catholic. Therefore the services were in Latin and people had to stand. They painted the ceiling with biblical scenes to both entertain and educate the congregation. 

The first TV. The priests were separated from the congregation so to preach they looked out this little window. 

After the Reformation, pulpits were added so the audience could see the preacher. The sermons were also given in Swedish so all could understand. 

Everyone in the town was required to go to church. Some however were kicked out of the church for whatever reason. Yet, they were still required to come to church and were made to stand outside. This little window is how they received communion. We also saw the site of the baptism of the first Christian Swedish King. 

Nearby we also visited the fortress for the Bishop of the town Skara. 

Here is Sidney 'escaping' from a lower room. Afterwards Magnus showed some of us running techniques. He is a professional running coach. 

Sunday we packed up to head back to Gothenburg. 

I enjoyed my last morning in the country with coffee, a book and some sunshine. Also watched a woodpecker at work on a tree. 

While some went to hear Magnus speak at church, Hannah and I went to a cafe. I got her a treat for her 20th birthday. 

We ate lunch at the Naturum on the shores of lake Vänern. The area is now a nature preserve. 

Hannah playing in the nature. 

Lacko Castle. This castle was built in the 17th century and was never attacked. It resides on the tip of the peninsula diving the two halves of the lake. The facade is limestone from Kinnekulle. 

Paget

There was a small exhibit on the local nature at the Naturum. They had recordings in weird accents for different animals. The salmon had a scottish accent and described his journey up river. The duck had a minnesotan accent. The spider was really creepy but cool. It was a water spider, which actually can't breath underwater. It surrounds itself in a bubble and makes a home underwater in a bubble with enough room for 300 babies!

Kenzie

In Sweden there is a right to public access of nature. This means everyone can wander on the land regardless of who owns it. However everyone must be respectful of the nature. 

Jeff, Sid and Britta

Unfortunately the castle was closed the day we visited but we climbed the wall to view the garden. Erin and Britta are sitting on the wall. 

The weird little room jutting out is a toilet. There would be a pile of droppings on the ground. During long feasts (10 hours) the King and Queen, or whatever royalty, would be sitting on buckets while eating so they did not have to leave while eating….I can't even imagine this. Sometimes their servants would bring buckets so they could throw up to make more room for food. 

View of the castle from lake side. 

Hannah on the drive back to the city. 

Hannah, Me, Becca, and Britta eating thai for Hannah's birthday. 

Hannah, Me and Britta.