After a wonderful, relaxing train ride, we found ourselves back at Stora Frögården, our favorite Öland hotel. I call Öland the “Hawaii of Sweden”. Not because it looks like Hawaii. But because it has some of that laid-back island vibe.
The weather was lovely. Time for some wild swimming! The Sticks were ready to go in no time.
Loud and boisterous, we were very un-Swedish; just like old times.
Öland always feels super-Swedish to me. Perhaps it is more local and less touristy. Maybe it is the proximity to water and nature. I’m not entirely sure. But what is Swedish anyway? The Capellagården certainly feels quintessential Swedish to me:
Look at this smörgås, aka the open-faced sandwich, with one piece of bread, butter, and toppings… yum!
The Sticks got to catch up with their Uncle at our vacation house.
And we feasted at the family homestead on Mid Sommar! We had the most wonderful dinner outside under a huge tree. Half the neighborhood showed up. It was a wonderful day. Much schnapps was sipped.
The sticks even walked to the local beach. No wild swimming today. Just more festivities.
We had a wonderful time meeting new friends and spending time with family. And the grounds of the house are just so lovely!
We enjoyed visiting some of our favorite thrift shops. And taking nature walks.
We stopped at this flower-picking spot. You just cut some flowers and leave a little donation. They even have scissors to borrow for your convenience.
Our final night was more family dinner and Strawberries!
It was bittersweet to leave Öland and say good-bye to my brother and sister-in-law. We have many happy memories with them here and hope to be back very soon.
One last wild swim, and it’s off to Copenhagen!
For the Cinnamon Bun Family, Copenhagen means Tivoli. In the handful of visits we’ve made to the city, we spent 75% of our time in Tivoli. This trip was an exception because we spent 100% of our time there. For some, Disney might be the “happiest place on earth,” but for the Cinnamon Sticks, it’s Tivoli! The adults enjoy it too.
The highlight of the trip for the Sticks was The Golden Tower. It was the first time they dared to ride it. As you can see, it is quite tall. Then it pretty much drops you from top to bottom. It took some coaxing from her older sister, but eventually both girls rode the ride. Then they rode it again. And again. We watched from a safe distance in a beer garden. At least we had our beers.
We needed some cake to recover! Enter Cakenhagen: Cake Art & Champagne. What more do you want?
All too soon, it was time for us to leave. It was great to spend some time in the Hawaii of Sweden and enjoy Tivoli. Next trip, we are planning to fly directly to Copenhagen. That way, we can focus on Öland and southern Sweden. And of course, Tivoli.
To be continued…
I always love updates from the Cinnamon Buns!