Midsummer in Midsweden

It's Midsommar in Sweden, the longest day of the year, turning towards darker times already. Midsommar is the most Swedish tradition ever; it's all about flowers, leaves, phallus symbols, little frogs, fertility, alcohol, summer's first potatoes and herring. In my family it's mostly just about eating until you burst. It's not a pretty sight so I didn't take a lot of pictures.



My dad working the barbecue and my brother's cute daughter making sure he does it right.


Guess which side is mine


My own very improvised version of a midsommarstång, google it if you want to know what it's supposed to look like.




The longest day of the year offered a lovely sunset, a huge rain cloud and two beautiful rainbows.



The treasure at the end of the rainbow is what I call home.


Me trapped in the rain again. For those of you who didn't get it yet (someone asked), it doesn't get dark at all in Sweden during summer. These pictures were taken short before midnight.


No Swedish summer day is complete without buzzing little blood-suckers.

Now, for some cultural content. For ages on Midsummer eve young girls have gone out to pick seven (or nine) different flowers which they will put under their pillow and then dream about the man they will marry. Modern times have made some details more difficult; the strict ritual includes climbing over one wooden fence between each flower picked. You're also supposed to be completely quiet while doing it. We don't have any wooden fences around and I believe I was talking to my dad while on my quest, but go ahead and count and I'll go dream:















(and NO, of course I'm not putting those under my pillow - did you see the bugs?! But hey, it's 2000-something, taking digial photos is bound to have the same effect!)

Lots more pics

Some less interesting than others...


What I look like 2 sec after spraying my face with disgusting sticky mosquito repellent...


Norrland!




More spiders


More frogs



More tiny trees


More flowers





Are we in Scotland or Sweden?


Oh the flag, the flag! The pride in my heart!



Real Swedish breakfast





Who would have known hail doesn't only hurt but is also really wet


The fabulous Swedish weather


Can't really tell but I'm completely soaked








Mom and her new toy