Sverge!

Goddag

I know you are very disappointed in me.  Remember I can hear you through the computer screen.  This is what you are saying:

Pil, how could you be such a sap?  There you were a short ferry ride away from Sweden for heavens sake, and you didn’t go?  What a moron!

Well.  I did explain I found that particular stretch of coast unappealing.  That doesn’t mean I’m unwilling to give Sweden a try.  In fact I went today!

Eh?

I simply took the train from Copenhagen across the spectacular Oresund Bridge to Malmo.  It took about half a hour to get there, but it was a case of paying more for a shorter distance.  I left early and spent several pleasant hours strolling the town.  There are a few modest sights in Malmo, but I went to enjoy being in Sweden and to do some shopping.  The weather cooperated.  I had to carry my coat rather than wear it.

Swedish train stations are what we used to call futuristic.  They are clean, spacious, gleaming with chrome, and high tech.  When I was waiting for my train back, I watched a video projected on the wall.  It was like watching the passing countryside through a train window.  I saw conifer forests and flowing rivers.  Pretty cool, what?

On arrival I dithered around at first needing to find an ATM for some Swedish Krone.  I heard a couple speak English and asked for help, which they kindly gave.  So I had to deal with even more foreign money—just after finally getting used to the Danish stuff!  Swedish Krone?  I had no clue.

Malmo is a delightful place.  It's not especially historical, but on a fine day, it was lovely to explore the parks and squares.  I stayed in the pedestrianized center.  I caught a glimpse of the famous Twisting Tower from the train, and I did not walk out to the castle.

Even the public toilet in the square—for which I had to pay ten Swedish Krone—was controlled by computer.  And should you have a sudden urge for a shower or shampoo, you can also get one there.

I was there to shop.  I came upon another British import store and on impulse went in.  There I came upon my heart’s desire--Twinings Everyday—a delicious breakfast tea unavailable in the United States.  I could not plunk down my krone fast enough!

I also bought some chocolate.  So it’s time once again for---European Chocolate Faceoff!—Scandinavian  Division.

Oh Thank goodness!  I thought you'd forgotten.

Chocolate?  Never!

As usual I am comparing the highest end chocs I can find in this case from Denmark and Sweden.  I taste after dinner when the edge of hunger is off and cleanse my palate after teach taste.  First, Denmark.  Ooooh.  So good.  One bites through a thin shell to the filling. I taste rich chocolately flavor and feel creamy luscious texture.  Now Sweden.  Good.  The chocolate shell is thicker and harder to bite through.  The filling is tasty, but not comparable either in richness or smooth texture.  This time Denmark comes out a clear winner.

More bad news from the Tour de France.  Frank Schleck tested positive for a banned diruretic—banned because it leads to unnatural weight loss or the flushing out of other banned substances.  Neither he nor his brother is having a good year.  Wonder what Andy is going to say to Frank about this!

Farvel