Reborn in Sweden: Midsummer Weekend

Midsummer Flowers 2006

So... this year's Midsummer's day is celebrated on 24 June 2006. It actually falls on 21 June, but the day is celebrated in Sweden on the Saturday between 21 to 26 June. Or so I was told. Anyway, it's such an important day that the Swedes would prefer to have this as their National Day! (Or so I was told again.) It's really like Chinese New Year back home. All the shops are closed, including supermarkets! No wonder they say it's an important day. But the meaning of the celebration has been lost on almost everyone.

I don't really know how they celebrate this day, but according to the scenes I saw... A lot of dancing around the Maypole. I really don't get the point of people joining hands, and dance round in circles. Fun meh?

Anyway, my celebration consisted of having a BBQ at the garden of my apartment building with some friends, most of whom are leaving very very soon. (*sob*) Basically, we had plenty of sausages, wine and chips. I really love the disposable grills the Swedes have. No BBQ grill? No problem! Buy a disposable one from the supermarket at low, low prices!

Well, I can't say I actually saw the midnight sun. I have to go up further north for that. But midnight here is still pretty light. All the photos below were taken from my room, without flash. Amazing, isn't it? Although it does get really irritating. I'm awoken by the light at 0430hrs even though I have the blinds down and curtains drawn. The birds still chirp at 2200hrs, and those irritating crows start cawing early in the mornings. I don't hate it though. I'm enjoying every single moment I have left before my return... 27 July...

Oh well...

Saturday 24 June 2006; 0430hrs