Monday 10 January 2011

Österlen

We spent the past ten days at my grandparent's house in Österlen, a beautiful spot on the coast in southern Sweden. It is a place we have come to for years to spend time with family, recuperate, and eat grandma's delicious home cooking.

Helena loved to come here and she often made little trips here, even on her own. It was in fact her favourite spot to study for exams during university. She would get up early, study diligently, join the grandparents for a walk along the beach, and eat at least five of grandma's little semlor a day.

For those of you who don't know semlor are swedish treats made up of a humble bun stuffed with an almond paste and toped with cream. They are traditionally made in the months leading up to lent; an indulgence before the fast.

Delicious Semlor

Helena absolutely loved them and our grandmother would always make them especially for her. She says that one time Helena ate so many during her stay that she couldn't button her jeans when she was going home!

This ability to let go, eat what you want, wear whatever, and take a step back from life in the big world is what makes Österlen so special. And Helena felt this magic from very early on. When we visited the area as little girls she went for a walk in the forest with grandma and she said, "You know, I think this is paradise grandma. But I don't know why they have planted the greenery so carelessly".

This is one of grandma's favourite stories about Helena. I think she loves it because it shows Helena's appreciation for beauty but also her usual candour, humour, and desire for order and tidiness.

Helena and Grandma Gittan

Helena, Grandpa Lasse, Gittan, Pricken (the dog) and me

Beautiful Helena on the beach at Osterlen

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