Downtown Örebro

After I finished up my thesis defense and opposition, I spent some time with my fellow soldiers in battle but later headed back to Örebro. (I almost just wrote "home" instead of "back" because despite the fact that I've spent much more time in Linköping, Örebro is where I feel most at home, thanks to Christian's amazing family).  We went out to celebrate the fact that I got my masters (go me!), and had a delicious meal.  Afterwards, we were all feeling particularly stuffed and had a really nice walk downtown.
One thing I've noticed from all my picture-editing lately?  I'm kind of obsessed with taking pictures of birds.  Also, these are the last pictures taken on my old, kit lens (since Christian and his lovely parents gifted me with a new one as a graduation gift!!!).
I'd also like to point out that I edited hardly any of these.  Maybe that means I'm getting better?  (it probably just means I was lucky with the light).















isn't that the prettiest public restroom you've ever seen?

my new lens!

Svampen

The day after the wedding, a few of us went to Svampen, a water tower in Örebro that has existed since the late 1950's.  It's a fun place to visit because you can see the entire city from the viewing area, and there's also a cafe.  We had some fika, and just enjoyed a lazy Sunday afternoon.  Doesn't Christian have such a gorgeous family?

Christian's cousin Sara, she's so sweet and pretty :)

Svampen, which means "mushroom" in Swedish

Anton (Christian's cousin) and Charlotte

yet another self portrait

view from the top

Stefan, Christoffer (Christian's cousin), Henrik (Christian's uncle on his father's side), and Christian

Swedish flag

view of the church

Glad Påsk!

(For those of you non-Swedes, that would be "Happy Easter!")
Before I left for California, I took some time to appreciate the color finally coming back in Sweden.  Flowers are sprouting up, and the sun is no longer an infrequent visitor...actually, Christian, me, and his mom Charlotte ate lunch outside before I left.  It was very beautiful.
I also wanted to show you all some Swedish Easter decorations, which are a bit different than those at home, but I think they are charming and beautiful.
Also, I wanted to include some snapshots I took in Linköping before I left- just scenes from home.
Enjoy!

Christian's Parents' backyard












Easter Decorations










my cute kitty Lester





Lester bothering Christian's parents' cat, Scrollan


Scenes from my apartment

ultra big mega post #2

So these pics are a little old, meaning my posts are chronologically out of order.  These are from last weekend in Örebro.  Christian and I spent a few days visiting his family. We went to the county museum, had fika a few times, made puzzles, and just hung out.  It was relaxing and I was very disappointed to go back to Linköping.

1. first, I must show you cutie patootie Vilmer


Despite the snow, Christian, Charlotte and I went to the museum on Friday

2. the streets of Örebro

3. the museum
 
4. Christian next to a picture of Örebro decades ago

5. old Swedish coins

6. crucifix

7. shadow

8. tiaras

9. flag for a European cup for football

10. semla for fika

11. biskvi and mazarin

12. chocolate cake

13. small square behind the cafe

14. Christian on a bridge over the moat surrounding Örebro castle

15. ducks playing in the moat

16. Christian and his mother Charlotte

17.  the main street to both Christian's parents and sister's neighborhood


I went on a walk with Charlotte on Saturday...the day after the snow it was beautiful and warm
18. street signs in her neighborhood

19. when we came up to this tunnel, these cute little kids told us it was their secret hiding place in hushed tones

20. walkway to the park

21. on the corner of the snow-covered golf course

22. ever-present straw

23. a house along the golf course

24. around the corner from Charlotte and Stefan's home


Sunday, we went to Erik and Hanna's and visited with them
25. Vilmer being adorable

26. Christian with one of Erik's many guitars

27. doesn't get any cuter than this!

28. Erik and Vilmer

29. beautiful Hanna

30. Christian

31. Vilmer eating a banana

32. Vilmer rocking the shades

33. Vilmer and Hanna

34.  getting ready to go outside

35. a view of their home from the backyard

36. Christian getting ready to chop wood from a tree that was in their backyard

37. Christian chopping!

38. Vilmer strutting around


Later we went a little outside Örebro to see the new home that Ylva and Patrik just purchased
39. treats for fika

40. Erik and Vilmer

Scenes from a Swedish Home

Here are some shots I took in Charlotte and Stefan's (Christian's parents) lovely abode.

1. key in a hutch

2. old recorded vhs tapes disguised by book covers

3. tiny windmill on display

4. Christian in the basement (my boyfriend has dreamy blue eyes, dontcha think?)

5. basement fireplace (so cozy!)

6. fireplace mantle decoration

7. bookshelves

8. playing Sjuton with Christian and his parents

9. glasses

10. playing an old 'memory' game with Christian's parents

Örebros Vattenparken

This weekend Christian and I are staying with his parents in Örebro, visiting with his family.  We went on a very beautiful walk in Vattenparken with Christian's parents, his sister Hanna, her fiance Erik, and their charming little son Vilmer.  Afterwards we had fika* at Naturens hus there.

1. the beautiful landscape

2. family starting their walk

3. Christian on a bridge

4. the only sign of life and color around

5. Christian again

6. Vilmer pointing the way to Naturens Hus

7. Christian and his parents, Charlotte and Stefan having a laugh

8. beautiful centerpiece

9. Charlotte and Stefan

10. Erik and Hanna laughing

11. Vilmer flying

12. Hanna and me

*fika roughly means "to drink coffee" but implies much more than that.  Its is a beloved and ubiquitous Swedish tradition.
visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fika_(coffee_break) for more information