A day in the countryside

Yesterday we visited our friends who just bought a house in a village outside of Malmo.  We took a train to a town called Lund, which is about 20 minutes away.  Pete's friend, Kris, pulled up by the road just as we found our way out of the train station.  The drive took only about 5 minutes and we ended up in a small village surrounded by farmland.  The road that he took was wide enough for just one vehicle so that tells you how often the road is used.

When we got out of the car, I saw two small rose bushes by the sides of the wooden gate leading into the compound.  The first thing I saw was the garden.  The garden looked to be about 120 square metres.  It was neatly mowed but they have not planted much yet.  In the middle of the garden was a small lighthouse fixture with the paint peeling away.  We could still make out the date on the lighthouse though - 1946.  Kris and his partner, Marianne, would be restoring it by giving it a new coat of paint.

Kris and Marianne, walking back to their house

On the far end of the garden, there was a sunny and bright patio with a scratching post for the cats that went up to the ceiling.  One of their cats, a tabby coloured Siberian called Fargo, was sleeping on it.  While we were checking out the garden and patio, another cat came to check us out.  It was a beautiful rare, white Siberian called Tulla.  She has a pretty face and smooth, fluffy coat.  She was friendly and let me stroke her bushy fur.

Fargo on his scratching post

Tulla, sleeping on a window sill

The house is such a quaint, lovely place that has been around for a few hundreds of years.  The house itself has undergone many renovations to make it more modern, of course, but the basic structure has been there for years.  The village is on a settlement that dates back to the 1800s or even 1700s.  Marianne has done some some research on the area and said that tools and other traces of life during the age of the Vikings have been found.

I have always wondered how such old houses look on the inside and now I got the chance to see it for myself.  The main door led to the kitchen.  It was large enough for cabinets on two walls, a stove and an oven, dishwasher and fridge.  On the other side of the kitchen is a small table, big enough for four chairs and a window that looks out to a small road that passes through the village and a neighbour's garden.

On the wall behind the kitchen is a tiny old fashioned fireplace that still works.  There is a small nook for two armchairs and I imagine it would be a nice place to sit and read a book during the cold winter nights.  A small door faces the fireplace and there's a small study behind it.  Behind the wall of the study is a small living room for the tv.  A door behind it leads out to the patio.  We also went up the steep staircase to look at the second floor.  There was a small guest room on the left and the master bedroom to the right.  The slanted roof makes the rooms look small and cosy. 

We spent most of the time at the patio and the living room.  I talked to Marianne about the house and her cats while Pete talked to Kris about a project they wanted to start.  I love how peaceful it is there.  We didn't hear anything except for our voices - no sound of vehicles speeding along the road or neighbours banging or thumping away.  The air is also fresh and crisp.  Crisp air.  I know now why writers describe it as 'crisp' air.  Somehow I could breathe easier and there is a certain moistness in the air.  Lovely. 

We took a walk around the village and I saw more quaint houses.  There were even two houses with thatched roofs.  They remind me of the cottages that I used to draw when I was young.  I have always loved cottages and to see them right in front of me got me excited.  By the road are many pretty wildflowers and apple trees, laden with the green, unripe fruits. 

Marianne's two cats came with us as we walked and they are so cute.  They are so unlike my cats back home.  These cats followed us everywhere and would come when they are called.  Marianne said Siberians are usually like that, less stubborn like the usual cat and more like a dog.  Playing with her cats makes me yearn to have one of my own.  She said her friend has a cat that has given birth to some kittens and she is looking to give them away.  Maybe Pete and I can adopt one.  We have been discussing it but we have yet to make a decision.  But I tell you, looking at Marianne's cats makes me want to have a Siberian too! 

The cats followed behind us as we walked

August is the season for Swedes to have crayfish parties.  Marianne and Kris are going to have one in two weeks but being the thoughtful hosts they are, they served us crayfish yesterday so that I could have a taste to see if I like them.  They have invited us and a few other people and knowing that I have never had one before, they thought it would be good if I could taste it first and if I didn't like it, they could serve something else for me.  They didn't have to worry cause I enjoyed it. 

They brought out a huge bowl of cold crayfish garnished with dill flowers.  We had that with warm bread rolls, butter, cheese and a simple salad.  We couldn't finish the whole bowl but enough to fill our tummies.  I enjoyed gnawing at the tiny claws to get to the sweet flesh inside.  Then I'd rip the head off and peel the shells off to get to the meat.  It's a bit salty from the stock they cooked the crayfish in but the meat is sweet.  It's not as sweet as crab meat but it's good enough for me.

The bowl of crayfish that is traditionally served cold

I had a great time yesterday - lots of firsts for me.  The first time in a countryside, in an old house, walking through a Swedish village and eating crayfish Swedish style.  I hope I will be able to explore more of Sweden and experience more Swedish culture in future.