Midsummer’s on Sweden’s west coast.

Copenhagen airport. Photo: Janis Kravis.

My son Guntar, a photographer, and I arrived in Copenhagen for a connecting flight to Gothenburg. we had a bit of wait time and spent it in a well appointed lounge area with large potted trees and beautiful light standards. There were additional lounge areas where one could get assistance with bookings and connections. I was amazed that these lounge areas were furnished with the best classics of Danish design. Chairs and sofas with wood frames and fully upholstered in beautiful leathers. Then again, I should not have been surprised, the Danes have always used their best designed products in their public buildings and spaces.

During our wait, Guntar went to the liquor store to pick up a couple of bottles to bring to our hosts. Being used to Canadian import restrictions, he started explaining that he probably had slightly more alcohol than what was probably allowed. He was interrupted and told that persons travelling from Denmark to Sweden were allowed to take ten litres of hard liquor.

In Gothenburg we were met by our host. We did some shopping on the way and stocked up on some seafood delights for the evening and for Midsummer's dinner the next day.

The next day we drove up the coast to Hälleviksstrand, an old fishing village and now a very popular vacation and sailing centre. Many of the old cottages and boat houses are built very tightly together and have been converted into charming dwellings. You can actually look out your window and see your neighbour setting out the candles for the evening's dinner only a few meters away. The weather was typical Midsummer's weather, cold and rainy. Apparently this is usual in this part of the world with the winds bringing in cold, moist air onto shore. I think the temperature was only about 16 degrees and light rain was falling, however most of the locals were wearing shorts, just because it was Midsummer.

Our host and daughter are both great sailors and have many cups and trophies to show for it. Please note in one of the photographs, one of the window sills is covered with trophies. There is another with more cups.

Photo: Guntar Kravis.

In spite of the light drizzle, everyone was in high spirits and enjoying the comraderie and festivities. The local volunteer band played, the master of ceremonies sang songs and everyone, young and old, sang along and acted out various stories.

Photo: Guntar Kravis.

Dinner consisted of four or five kinds of herring, smoked fish, prawns, salads and of course aquavit and beer, accompanied by drinking songs.

Captain's houses on top of the hill. Photo: Janis Kravis.