Midsummer Fest

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Hey again from Sweden. Today is Midsummer Fest which is a big celebration celebrating summer. The celebration didnt start until 4 so we drove to the coast in the morning to an island called Tjorn. The houses were so close together that I felt like I was in their living room when I was just walking down the street. We walked around on the rocks, looked for shells and Kjerstin even held a jelly fish. She said it felt like nothing was there because it didn't move at all. We had ice cream and coffee and did a little shopping. On our way back, we stopped along the side of the road and picked wildflowers to make the midsummer crowns for the girls. We were not sure how to make them but Maria was an expert and taught us. Now we can teach you all:)

The town celebration was held at an old farm house and barn that has been turned into a museum. At the celebration the girls wear the flower crowns and there is a pole of flowers that the elders do a sort of square dance around. Then the kids do many different children's songs and dances around the pole. I didn't understand the words to the songs but the actions looked like "The Chicken Dance", The Holey Pokey" and others like that. It was very special to experience the traditional Swedish celebrations. We went to some of the elder family members house and had a traditional meal of meatballs, bread, potatoes, strawberries, and (yes you guessed it) coffee. We went back to Maria and Robert's for a more contemporary midsummer party with two other couples and their children. It was another wonderful fun filled day of Swedish traditions both old and new. Tomorrow we rest, do laundry, and pack for the next adventure.

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