I am resurfacing after a whirlwind trip to Sweden and Denmark, finally. I left on April 11th and returned on the 19th to meet my friend Kurt to travel from Stockholm, south to Oland Island and onto Malmo. Once there we crossed the bridge into Denmark and spent a couple of days there, culminating in the concert that Paul Simon put on to tour his new album Seven Psalms. Once I got home, I promptly got sick with a cold and have been recovering ever since. I rarely get sick, but it does happen to us all and this was my time . . . over the next several days and weeks, I will post some photos and thoughts about the trip here. Enjoy.

I took one of their fast trains (is it called a bullet train there?) that went something like 185 kilometers per hour. It took 18 minutes to get from the airport to Stockholm Central Station. The flight was long – from Eugene to Seattle to Reykjavik, Iceland and then onto Stockholm.

Water and islands to explore, all connected via bridges that are accessible by walking or cycling. And both of these modes of transport were in abundance. It really is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen.

Pastries and bakeries were also a staple. Perhaps this is the norm for northern Europe, but I was impressed. The colors and tastes were splendid!

Outside the Pelikan Restaurant that was recommended by one of my student employees who spent time in Stockholm a few summers ago. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was hearty – full of many people enjoying themselves in company and grub.