The Stuff of History

It was a dark and stormy night -- no, just an overcast morning, but that was just right for two tourists in the historic city of Uppsala.  This area has been a popular place for quite some time -- Vikings lived here in the 7th century and left boat graves for later generations to dig up and analyse.  Very decent of those old Norsemen to think of us struggling to learn about them, so they left dishes and jewelry and animals and dog collars and weapons all neatly arranged in a boat and then covered it up to preserve it.  How considerate!  And how wonderful that there is a group of people hanging around there who delight in digging up stuff--they even went to Egypt to do it.

As you can guess, Richard and I loved the Gustavianum Museum with many of the treasures collected by the oldest university in all Scandanavia -- 1477.  They seem to have had a serious group of chemists and physicists walk down those halls, including Linnae of the classification of life.  You know those old movies where all the med students are sitting in a steep-sloped room watching a dissection -- well, it happened here.  And a civilized place it is, influencing the whole of the city which is clean, dignified, traditional in restaurant and hotel styling, and filled with cyclists.  It has a lovely gothic church of protestant persuasion, so quite stark in its decor.  There are plenty of parks and gardens and paths which would be much more impressive in warm weather -- make a note to self!

But we were off to Gavle by late afternoon and sped through the countryside.  It is a short walk from the train station to Richard and Jennie's apartment, but you are put to the test carrying your suitcase up the 3 flights of circular stairs. Checked out one of Richard's favourite supermarkets for supper -- korv and a dish with an impossible-to-remember name but made of potatoes and sardines -yum!

Richard and Jennie have done some redecorating since I was here last year and the place looks lovely.  With some strategic placement of shelving, they have modified a large living room into a semi-divided space which can be used more efficiently.  They also have a fantastic piece of art in the front hall which inspires me.  Must see what can be done!