To escape the madness of bunting, union jacks, pasties & the flocks of people crowding into Londontown to see her Majesty the Queen (this was in celebration of her 60th year on the throne Jubilee, which equals a 5 day weekend) My friend Adelaide and I decided to jet of to the most populated urban area in Scandinavia - Sweden. Famous for the birthplace of penis enlargers, ikea, the Volvo, Abba, Roxette, meatballs and most interestingly the zipper found on your jeans.

We flew into Sweden and the awesome Pehr (whom I met when he and his friend Erik were travelling in NZ) picked us up at the airport. Got off to a great start by trying to get into the normal side of the car only to find that I was getting into the driving seat, crazy European vehicles!

On the way to his house in Skinnskatteberg, where he attends University we tried Snus or more commonly called Swedish Snuff. Which is tobacco in a mini tea bag type thing that you put inbetween your upper lip & gums. He warned us as soon as you start getting head spins, to take it out as you will be sick. I got one within about 45 seconds (unsure how some Swede's do this consistently throughout the day!)

Had an amazing BBQ dinner cooked for us, with a few drinks afterwards. Loved hanging out with the Swedish boys (Adelaide and I both now want Swedish hubands) who all spoke perfect english, although we taught them a couple new words - including 'brothel'. Went fishing in the rain on the lake, I caught nothing of significance other than a large stick which I was quite proud of (it was preeetty big), Pehr caught 2 wee fish that he released back, and Adelaide the fishing queen caught 2 cans of Cider.

After our country visit, we headed to the vibrant capital city of Stockholm by train, which was the venue for the award of the first ever Nobel Prize. It is a beautiful city, mixed with old and new. Did a hop-on hop-off bus tour around the old city, marina and waterways, and the inner city. Witnessed some beautiful buildings and scenery along the way. The first night we went out for dinner at a Thai place called 'Pong' which despite the not so apetizing name is was the best Thai I have ever eaten. Funnily enough there was a rave clothing store beside it with the name of 'Cum' so if you looked down the street all you could see was these two bright signs beside each other 'Cum Pong' oh asian's translations - what will they come up with next.

Would love to go back and explore more of this amazing place, hoping to go back in April and go up to north Sweden. Where Pehr's hometown is situated - to go snow mobiling and spot some wild moose.

Have just had to re-new my passport, hope I get it back in time for my next adventure to Pampalona, Spain for Running of the Bulls.. until next time... 'Hej då' x