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Since it's been so long since i was able to write about my goings-on, I will devote this letter to catching all of you up to the present, and then continue in the next letter with what I've been doing in Prague. The last I wrote I was in Visby, waiting for dinner. Later that evening...
We went to meet some relatives that live in a different town on Gotland. This is the town that my grandfather was born and lived until he went to America as a young man. I was shown pictures of my great-grandfather, my great-grandmother and her sisters, and one picture of my grandfather as a boy. Luckily, one of the other relatives that was also with us is willing to scan these pics into his computer and e-mail them to me.
I also was able to visit the church that my ancestors attended, and see my great-grandfather's grave. This was really an amazing thing, as before now I've only had the occasional story from my mother. I think I've learned more about my ancestors in one month than I learned in the past 23 years. It's remarkable how much of a difference it can make to actually be there.
The next day I borowed my cousin's moped and toured around the island on my own. I briefly stopped by the amusement park built around the house that all the Pippi Longstocking movies were filmes in, Summerland, but there were far too many screaming kids, and it was a bit too expensive for me to go inside. But I was there!! I also visited another church, from about the same time period as my great-grandfather's church. It was origionally built in the 11th century, and has been added to and elarged in the centuries since. It is still used to this day, and while I was there the organist was practicing. This added a certain magical air to my visit, and I'm greatful for it. I didn't get to see the inside of my great-grandfather's church, but I feel that I know what it was like after visiting this one.
After that it was one or two more days of touring around Visby and then back to Stockholm. This time i stayed with my cousin Guenilla (sp?) and her boyfriend Moses. They live right in downtown Stockholm, so it was a lot easier for me to get around. They were great hosts, and I am looking forward to the next time we meet. While I was with them, I spent my time wanderring around the old part of town during the day, and going to concerts in the evening. You see, they were having a 'Water Festival' while I was there, which is based on the idea of rewarding people who have done a lot of goot for the environment, but in practice is actually a chance for the whole city to party. They have a huge fireworks show every other day for the ten days of the festival, and concerts every night, on many different stages. I was able to see some very good soul and some really good modern celtic music. I had a great time!
On monday morning I boarded a train headed for Prague. Since this letter is long enough, I'll write about Prague in a separate letter. Have fun all of ya!
Scott
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