When I decided to extend our trip to Sweden, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do and where I was going to go. All I knew was we were going to stay in a small sea coast town in Southern Sweden near where my grandmothers were born.
Our first challenge was getting out of Copenhagen and getting on the right train. Luckily, the people were so helpful and most spoke some English. Bruce and I could not muster a word. Our train came and we climbed aboard. It was a lovely, comfortable train.
We waited for a customs inspector to check our passports after we crossed over the border but nobody showed up. We crossed a large body of water with windmills.
The countryside had many farms. In Sweden many homes are barn red or a mustard yellow.
We were almost halfway to Karlshamn when the conductor came to get our tickets. It turned out we were sitting in first class. We asked how much more and we were going to buy the upgrade and he said, “don’t worry about it.” So now I know why the train was so nice and not crowded.
Our B&B in Karlshamn is adorable. We have a lovely room with an ensuite bath.
The house has several old fireplaces, and a cozy outside sitting area where you can watch the birds.
We walked to town and came upon a May Day parade. This is a very popular holiday in Sweden and a lot of places were closed.
The Karlshamn Square has a fountain, benches to sit on and also has market days.
The Carl Gustafson Kyrka (church) was built in 1702 and stands on the north side of the square.
Our full day in Karlshamn was an amazing day. We began by walking to the harbor, where we gazed upon the emigrant’s monument. I was standing on the grounds where my grandmothers had stood over 100 years ago.
I gazed out on the Harbor wondering what their thoughts and dreams were, wishing I could ask them the million questions going through my mind. It felt like hallowed ground, only knowing that they were here so very long ago.
We walked to what is known as the rose garden to see the statue of Lila Maja in memorial of Alice Tegner.
We walked down the cobblestone lanes feeling the history of this quaint little city.
The Hoppet Hotel” was the Hotel of the emigrants. I am not sure, but my grandmothers may have stayed here before they made the crossing to America.
We had walked quite a bit so we decided to take a coffee break and found a cute little bakery called Rocko’s.
My mother’s mother, who we called Mor Mor, was born in Asarum which was 5 minutes outside of Karlshamn. My father’s mother, Nany, was born in Brakne Hoby which was about 20 minutes away. We decided to get a cab to take us to Asarum. I don’t know what I expected to see or find. The taxi driver pointed out the church. Bruce and I went to the church.
Bruce and I started looking at the gravestones. It was like looking for a needle in a haystack. But then I found it. My great grandmother. It has to be her. The dates fit. I knew her name because my daughter was thinking of naming her daughter Olivia. It looks as though someone takes care of the grave. But I was ecstatic that coming to this small town lead to a discovery.
It was an exciting, eventful day. I felt like we had accomplished something by coming to Southern Sweden.
For dinner we had a nice Thai dinner. Yes, I said Thai! It seems to be very popular in Sweden.
Tomorrow we are off to Stockholm!
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