Cruising along

Sweden is putting on its best behaviour. This morning was yet another amazingly beautiful day with sun shining and snow glinting as if there were a million diamonds tossed everywhere. Absolutely beautiful, if not a little bright on the eyes.

I'm starting to get used to the snow everywhere... and having to pile the clothes on before heading out the door. The amount of clothing was highlighted when we went to the swimming pool. Pull of the gloves, beanie, skarf, outer coat, jumper 1, jumper 2, shirt, thermal top, pants, thermal pants, etc. A little more than my usually pair of shorts and shirt. Maybe -9 had me a little scared and overly cautious, but I didn't find I was too warm with it all. We'd been out walking for an 'Exterminate Hunger' walk with snow blowing in the face. Despite snows softness, snow in the eyes stings quite a bit. Snow, snow everywhere. I should mention the pool is part of a heated indoor complex with water slides, diving pool, spa, and sauna. The Swede's probably get to spend more time of the year in the water than the average Aussie.

Yesterday arvo we went to the park and played on toboggans. What I would class a winter wonderland is literally across the road. Powdery, fluffy snow up to the ankles in a reasonable park with nice little hills. I'm not sure if the kids realise how lucky they are with it right there. I had a bit of a play on the toboggan and then the kids pulled out the ski's. Apparently they hadn'd been skiing yet this season, if at all (with the amount of time required and noise generated getting them ready, I can understand why this was the first for the season). I didn't have any skis that would fit, but i had fun watching the kids.

Jordyn is crazy. She has no fear and is so determined. She's naturally very agile and was the first one up the first small hill, and then pointed straight down. She held it most the way and then spiralled into a crumpled heap, then straight back up the hill for another go. After the second go she headed off for a bigger hill. Surprisingly she zoomed up the hill with fantastic herring bone ski technique, turned around and zoomed down... crashing out of control. She is cute cos she just lies for a bit in a heap and then fights her way back up for another go. The second time getting up wasn't so easy. Herring bone technique didn't work and she kept sliding down and falling over, and then she'd get up for another go and fall over, on and on. After about 10 minutes of attacking the hill conventionally but unsuccessfully, she basically clawwed her way up in an undignified fashion on hands and knees in angry frustration, for another downhill attempt. This is one girl who would love a ski lift for Christmas.

Anyway, this is taking way too long to write. Nothing too amazing happening compared to Turkey... quite a lot like Australia except for the snow, lakes and people speaking a different language. But still very cool and nice hanging out.