Midsummer Part 1 Torhamn

Wow just got back from a fabulous and rather traditional Midsummer weekend. I have never celebrated midsummer before so this summer was a great first impression on the holiday! I went to Torhamn with my friend Tim and his family, everything was so wonderful from the hospitality, to the charming city, and everything else in-between. 

The first day we got there we were welcomed by yummy homemade meatballs! Then Tim and I sat on the dock talking and feeling the strong Torhamn wind. The next day I got to try windsurfing for the first time. I feel a little disappointed that I wasn't a naturally bad ass surfer who could do flips and race around the first time stepping on a board.. but hey one can dream! I was able to stand up after a little bit of learning my balance, I also was able to sail around 30 meters. It was a good try at least and I'd like to keep trying since it was fun :) 

After surfing we peeled off the wetsuits (I cannot think of anything more difficult) and had the traditional Swedish midsummer lunch. Sil, (Herring) meatballs, smoked salmon, potatoes, eel, and other assorted food. I actually really liked the homemade sil! It doesn't look the most appetizing, but it had a nice fresh vinegar/clove/onion/ fresh taste to it hard to describe but I liked it! I also liked the eel... Again I think I have learned not to judge the book by its cover with Swedish food and the uglier it is the yummier it is! We also had some snapps and shot songs followed by putting up the Midsummer Maypole and dancing around. 

After that we played the world's longest Cubb game, then had the BBQ dinner. Following the dinner we went to the city of Karlskrona to a little "party" it ended up being a casual get together that had no plans but it ended up being cozy. We then went for a 3:30 am walk that ended up being a swim in 52 degree F weather (10 degrees C) brrrr but refreshing! The only thing was that where we decided to swim was about a 14 minute walk from the apartment so we didn't exactly have swimsuits so we quickly walked in jackets and underwear (no pants) back home. It was super funny and fun to do. I have been wanting to do the Swedish water jump after a party, but I've been too chicken due to the cold. 

So here is the first part of the fun trip. I know it is a lot of writing but enjoy. Part 2 to come. 

xx Elizabeth