I'm starting to become fairly familiar with the town of Leksand. I do say town considering Leksand is made up of 5,934 "inhabitants" (according to Wikipedia - the most reliable source on the internet). It sure has that small town feel and mentality. Anyone you talk to has the same thing to say - "It's simple and easy living."
I've started to notice a trend; Swedish people love to be outdoors. Locals are always outside walking (for long periods of time), biking, playing sports, picking berries/mushrooms and walking some more. Two quick side notes:
1) Last night we went to a BBQ at a teammates house. I had asked one of the wives where her baby was (5 months old) and she nonchalantly replied, "Outside." Mind you, everyone had been inside and it was around 16 degrees celsius (60/ish Fahrenheit). From that conversation I learned it's very normal to leave your baby outside (unattended) in most any kind of weather. Swedish people do this to acclimate their children to the ever changing weather at a young age. During the summer they like to expose their children to the sun and during the winter they like to expose their children to the cold air. Interesting concept that would land any American's butt in jail.
2) Allemansratten meaning "the right of public access" is a custom written into the Swedish Constitution . It allows the public to roam freely, even on private land. I've noticed people do as they please, where ever they please. The campground amenities are open to the general public even if your not paying to stay on the grounds. It's a neat concept that people have grown accustom to and respect. Speaking of the mushrooms... (which I never mentioned but need a place to put these awesome pictures). There are mushrooms that cover the trails I walk. They look to be the most poisonous breed of shrooms I've ever seen...wikipedia told me otherwise.
I've started to notice a trend; Swedish people love to be outdoors. Locals are always outside walking (for long periods of time), biking, playing sports, picking berries/mushrooms and walking some more. Two quick side notes:
1) Last night we went to a BBQ at a teammates house. I had asked one of the wives where her baby was (5 months old) and she nonchalantly replied, "Outside." Mind you, everyone had been inside and it was around 16 degrees celsius (60/ish Fahrenheit). From that conversation I learned it's very normal to leave your baby outside (unattended) in most any kind of weather. Swedish people do this to acclimate their children to the ever changing weather at a young age. During the summer they like to expose their children to the sun and during the winter they like to expose their children to the cold air. Interesting concept that would land any American's butt in jail.
2) Allemansratten meaning "the right of public access" is a custom written into the Swedish Constitution . It allows the public to roam freely, even on private land. I've noticed people do as they please, where ever they please. The campground amenities are open to the general public even if your not paying to stay on the grounds. It's a neat concept that people have grown accustom to and respect. Speaking of the mushrooms... (which I never mentioned but need a place to put these awesome pictures). There are mushrooms that cover the trails I walk. They look to be the most poisonous breed of shrooms I've ever seen...wikipedia told me otherwise.
As far as tourism goes Leksand has three things going for it. Sommerland; an amusement park, Leksand Strand; where we currently live (major camping resort), and the Leksand IF; which is the hockey team. And of course some things in between; churches, hotels, parks, etc. One gem bailey and I found on our daily walk was a Japanese garden. You can read below the purpose of the garden and what it symbolizes.
Another "piece of history" so to speak called The Tuppstaken is located in the center of the city . It's a huge cast iron rooster candleholder. A little background - It was designed in 1922 by a Swedish Artist, Gustaf Ankarcorna and produced in none other but Leksand, Sweden. These candlesticks are often given as a token of love because of Tuppstaken's heart shaped form. It also has other symbols related to Christianity. Six symbols total: Rooster – Watchfulness; Three candles – the Holy Trinity; Two jagged arches – Christ's Crown of Thorns; Ten holes – the Ten Commandments; Heart – Love; Twelve leaves – the twelve Apostles.
People get anywhere from 5 - 6 weeks of vacation time from work. Most use their vacation during the months of June and July referring to this time as Midsummer. Midsummer is a huge celebration recognized all over Sweden that consists of large gatherings between family and friends. I read somewhere that midsummer is used to fulfill one's social obligations so the rest of the holidays can be spent in peace (haha). The celebration consists of music, dance, drinks and a lot of food. One focal point in the city is the "May-pole". The pole is raised during the Midsummer celebration. The pole is 82 feet high and weights 880 pounds. People pick flowers to make wreaths that will be hung on the pole during the ceremonial lift. Leksand holds the worlds largest midsummer celebration. You will find a maypole in most cities.
Farmer's markets are offered on weekends. I haven't had a chance to go yet but I'm hoping I will before they end. Throughout the week people will set-up produce stands and food trucks.
Although Leksand is mainly a giant forrest consisting of red houses with white trim, there are a lot of beautiful buildings. I've only taken a few pictures of these places but there are many more!
The yellow church below called Leksand Kyrka (Kyrka meaning Church) has 2,300 seats being the largest rural church in Sweden. I haven't had the opportunity to go inside the church but I will, someday. Just like I plan on attending mass most Sundays.
The yellow church below called Leksand Kyrka (Kyrka meaning Church) has 2,300 seats being the largest rural church in Sweden. I haven't had the opportunity to go inside the church but I will, someday. Just like I plan on attending mass most Sundays.
The Korstappan Hotel is also yellow (Swede's must have a thing for red and yellow). The Hotel is located off Lake Siljan. Roughly a 15 minute walk from where we live. I don't know much about the hotel other than its pretty and I'd like to stay there some night (hint hint Brian).
The next set of pictures consist of me walking around looking like a complete tourist. These are a compilation of things I've found while walking Bailey.
I swear everyone in our town has a self propelled lawn mower. Bailey is not a fan of these robots. Yes, I threw in a random trail picture - isn't our dog just the cutest ;)
Ill end this blog with a couple more things I've learned...
-Swedish people love their carbonated H2O. I can't seem to get a taste for it (see what I did there, water doesn't have a taste - I need to get out of the house more).
-All people do is walk...and by walk I mean with poles as though their cross country skiing on concrete. I think it's technically called "Nordic walking". google it.
-Sauna's are god's gift to earth. We have one in our house as does everyone else in Sweden. Pretty nice, no complaints.
-They have coffee before/after every meal followed up by a pastry or something sweet. This is called Fika. Fika isn't helping my girlish figure.
-Every where you go you more than likely will have to take a number (It reminds me of the DMV). We've experienced this at the bank, pharmacy, phone store, and grocery store.
-They squeeze foods out of tooth paste tubes (yes, you read that right). Apparently Brian said he tried something of the sort and liked it. Brian also told me he once ate a dog treat when he was little....
-They put Dill in everything. So if you're not a fan of Dill, sucks to be you.
-Swedish people love their carbonated H2O. I can't seem to get a taste for it (see what I did there, water doesn't have a taste - I need to get out of the house more).
-All people do is walk...and by walk I mean with poles as though their cross country skiing on concrete. I think it's technically called "Nordic walking". google it.
-Sauna's are god's gift to earth. We have one in our house as does everyone else in Sweden. Pretty nice, no complaints.
-They have coffee before/after every meal followed up by a pastry or something sweet. This is called Fika. Fika isn't helping my girlish figure.
-Every where you go you more than likely will have to take a number (It reminds me of the DMV). We've experienced this at the bank, pharmacy, phone store, and grocery store.
-They squeeze foods out of tooth paste tubes (yes, you read that right). Apparently Brian said he tried something of the sort and liked it. Brian also told me he once ate a dog treat when he was little....
-They put Dill in everything. So if you're not a fan of Dill, sucks to be you.