birthday weekend and he planned a 3 day trip for us to this lovely little mountain town. It turned out to be the best weekend ever. Slowly, time of holiday. In the fact that we celebrate roots, we are perfect, and my birthday is not forgetful at any time. Great magic!
Lina booked our train tickets, booked a hotel room in downtown Östersund, that was about it. After that, we decided to take our time as it came. Not making any plans, but just doing what we want when we want. A perfect way to travel, in my opinion. We arrived after a 5 hour train ride, further north than I had been. The land had been arranged, strengthening the sons + + of the forest. The pool on the two sides of the train. And I almost looked out the window, drinking beer in the Bistro car, the whole trip.
We arrived around 8:00pm and walked 10 minutes through town to our hotel. It is always foolish to arrive at a new place at night, under the cloak of darkness. My desire increases, I wonder what will be like the morning light. We were tired, so we went to sit in our + room, drink the wine we brought, and open the presents before the birthday! Then, early the next morning, we head downstairs for a hearty breakfast and head out to explore.
Östersund sits on the shores of a large lake and is surrounded by forests and mountains - and water, of course. There isn't much else around, so it's a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts at all times. Of course, very close is Åre, a famous and comfortable ski resort (which I have never been to). Therefore, since the city was built in the middle of such natural beauty, it also inspired the culture and beauty of the city.
The general air is slower than Uppsala + Stockholm. In the north, Östersund is comfortable and friendly. What I thought immediately. And people! I had no idea that Swedes could be so friendly to foreigners (no offense like southern Swedes, but you look like New Yorkers. No offense like New Yorkers... I love you + country you!) . What I'm trying to say is that this country in the north of Sweden is a little like the south of the United States. So it's definitely like a house. But, about taking it slow. Although Lina and I deliberately decided to slow down, the whole town echoed the sound. It's just a place to focus on enjoying life. Of course people have to work, but that doesn't seem like the worst/important thing. At least my experience of meeting strangers or talking to local people has convinced me that people really value the country, which includes people and nature, more than anything else. On the other side of Östersund lake is a small island called Frösön.
It's like the Östersund region, you might say. There is a road bridge + pedestrian bridge going back and forth, so we will cross + explore. Well, Lina already knew a little about the island, but I was curious. Anyway, it was freezing cold and windy, so I couldn't help but think about what it would be like to walk back and forth in the middle of winter, so I say d October to April. It must be cruel. But it was the first day of fall that day, so I was happy with the weather. When times change, I want this to be the time they change. Know what I mean? And, like magic, I had a perfect fall! What's better than cold weather, beautiful leaves and plenty of reasons to be outside so you can find somewhere nice and warm inside?!
In addition, it is the perfect location for the annual autumn market in Östersund Town Square, which we visited after crossing the river. While wandering around the square, we came across some lovely local shops where I bought a necklace with local stones and crystals. Mark me. In the middle of the afternoon, after walking and shopping, we found a small bar and thought we'd go for a beer. Turns out we parked at a bar, had a few beers, ordered dinner early, made friends with the bartender, and ended the evening with a light bonfire (coffee, wine and cream. Wait. i). Hand in hand, feeling hot and dizzy from food, drink, the day's activities, and just being together, we returned to our room as the sun set. We stayed again. That's the beauty of this weekend. We have no worries. We're not trying to stick to a bunch of shit. We took it as he came to do what we wanted. And it was a real joy. So this is something I haven't said yet. When Lina went to university in Sweden, she went to Mittuniversitet, a university in the middle of small old Östersund. So this is his college town from 10 years ago!