First winter snow arrived today in Dalsland

click the pic to go to a short video

gg at sensus - 001

performing at Sensus Cafe, Centralbacken,Bengtsfors – Wednesday 2nd Nov

click on the pick to go to the VIDEO

Levanten–another excellent Middle East expose from 2 accomplished Swedish authors

Last night we journeyed to Åmål library where the authors of a new book about the Middle East were due to speak about the book.
These two authors have been journeying/studying/writing about the ME for over 17 years and have an intimate knowledge of the area.
Unfortunately one author, Stefan, didn’t quite make it as there were major train delays from Stockholm his point of departure.
Tomas, however, gave a most entertaining and knowledgable discourse about the area covered by this new exciting book.
I was totally astounded by the almost clinical objectivity of these 2 authors and of Tomas during his talk with us. To be able to observe and comment without colouring the comments with our own moralities/ethics/religions/politics is a considerable gift.
If you would like to understand the Middle East better without the questionable benefit of western nuance of interpretation, this is a book worth getting to know.
         

Sensus Cafe, Centralbacken, Bengtsfors,Dalsland,Sweden

Every few weeks there’s a performance with local talent and compered/encouraged by internationally know artist Dick Johansson

click the pic to go to the video

Best place to be a girl? Sweden

full ‘Save the Children’ report can be found here

Bengtsfors sunset–Dalsland 6 October 2016

New visitors today

click the pic for a short video

Competitive Sweden

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those autumn colours

Overlooking Vestre Silen lake in Dalsland

Walking tour completed last Sunday

The beauty of the night

postage stamps reflect society

In Sweden we also get the opportunity to Instagram in pictures to Postnord postal service

where folks get to vote on the images which are then selected for postage stamp images.

Yet another aspect of democracy in action. And some super pictures.

 

uncompromised beauty

just click the picture for a short video quietly being absorbed by it

St Olavs Pilgrim Walk

Known as the ‘El Camino’ of the North, this Pilgrims Pathway from Sundsvall in Sweden to Trondheim in Norway is 560 kms long.

My wife and her sister are currently on this journey

the pursuit of excellence

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heartwarming record

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all that glitters is not gold….

But in this case the shiny golden looking thermal wraps embrace immigrants rescued from the Mediterranean. In this case the great human (godlike) attribute of overwhelming compassion

is what wraps these desperate people.

The really great thing here is that all the arguments about religions, politics,wars, rights and wrongs – all have been subjugated in favour of the most important reason of all – saving human life.

The rest of the prattle,waffle and arguments can come later…for now, the priority is rescue, saving life.

Despite the challenges to it’s culture, despite the doubts of ‘traditional Swedes’ about the effects upon the future, the emnities that arise about how tax money is spent,Sweden has been at the forefront of extending help and hospitality (but not alone in doing so).

 

There are many problems to be resolved, many traumas to be healed, but the first thing – and the thing that is being done – is to not only share our wealth but to give others a glimpse of how beautiful,peaceful and contenting life can be.

photo sourced via the guardian.com where a brilliant article about rescue at sea can also be read

St.Olavs Wandering Tour - 001

My wife and her sister are on the St.Olavs Pilgrims walk – from Sundsvall in Sweden to Trondheim in Norway.

560 kilometres  !

Scandinavia’s answer to ‘El Camino’

meeting wonderful, friendly, helpful people…one guy called Tommy has signs up just offering walkers coffee and cake (free). My wife/sister were his 100th. wanderers this year. He was very happy..

Hotelopia + Sundsvall

Incidentally, we found an amazing deal at an incredible hotel, thanks to

The amazing breakfast choices and standard were worth at least half of what we paid for the whole deal.

hotelopia.se

Sundsvall–fantastic tourist office

Located in a most beautiful building in the centre of Sundsvall, the tourist office is staffed with incredibly nice people. Extremely – and I mean extremely – helpful, smiling and efficient.

Thanks for a nice visit,Sundsvall