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A Fresh Start, Adventure, and a Few Unplanned Surprises
Since our last update, quite a bit has happened – and we have a lot to share! The past few weeks have been full of farewells, preparations, and little adventures. In April, it was time to head to Switzerland – not for a vacation, but to organize our permanent move. This also included presenting my trusty camper, ALMI, to the Swiss vehicle inspection office (MFK). Spoiler alert: it passed (with minor issues), but my nerves were still high!
Our journey began in snowy Glommersträsk, as we navigated through wintry landscapes. After about 300 kilometers, the snow finally became a thing of the past – at least on the road. Lina and Ayla weren’t bothered by this: every little patch of snow was thoroughly celebrated, and as soon as the first green blades of grass appeared, they dove in as if it were a feast. 🤣
In southern Sweden, I was able to capture some magical mood shots with my Canon – photos you absolutely must see! However, the farewell from Sweden didn’t go quite as smoothly. Before we departed on the ferry from Trelleborg to Rostock, there was a little “farewell surprise”: a parking ticket. The unlucky part? I simply overlooked the sign when parking and was even sitting in the camper working on my laptop. Still, I got the ticket. Well, you never stop learning – from now on, every parking spot will be double-checked!
Delightful Reunions, Blossoming Beauty, and a Special Excursion
Back in Switzerland, we were greeted with smiling faces and warm hugs – even though our house was nearly empty. It was all the more special to see family and friends again after such a long time!
The highlight of this reunion? A family outing to Alsace on May 1st, where we made ourselves at home in a cozy auberge. On the table: crispy flammkuchen, flavorful cheese, and a sweet tarte aux myrtilles (blueberry tart to die for!). As we indulged in these delights, the dogs provided entertainment: Lina, usually quite excitable and nervous, handled the chaos with unexpected calmness. Ayla, however, amazed me – it was probably a premiere experience for her in such a setting. In the end, both dogs handled it wonderfully… and certainly snagged a crumb or two. 😉
Back in the nearly empty house, the garden became my little oasis. While everything around me was becoming emptier, the flowers were in full bloom – vibrant azaleas, lilies, roses, and the lush greenery of spring. With my Canon, I captured this beautiful floral magic and let myself be enchanted by the beauty. Honestly, those moments of pause, just me, the camera, and nature, were exactly what I needed amidst all the goodbyes.
Yet despite all the joy, there was always a hint of sadness: every laugh, every walk through the familiar place felt like a quiet “goodbye.” As we made the final preparations, the anticipation for what awaited us in Sweden grew – a new home that would soon be filled with life, memories, and surely a bit of chaos.
Waiting, Hiking, and a Farewell Among the Peaks
With ALMI having successfully passed the vehicle inspection and our household nearly fully dismantled, we were almost ready to depart. However, an important appointment postponed our departure, so we stayed a bit longer in Switzerland. And lo and behold: summer arrived in full force! In the sweltering heat, we decided to escape to the mountains.
What a relief! In the cool elevations of the Swiss Alps, we found not only respite but also unexpected magic. On a mountain pass, ibex suddenly appeared – majestic, as if they had stepped right out of a postcard. With my Canon ready, I cautiously crept closer while the dogs, captivated but silent, stayed with ALMI. The evening sunlight cast their curved horns in gold, and for a moment, the world was nothing but this image: wild, free, quintessentially Swiss. Click.
As we explored the peaks, there was yet another reason to celebrate: Ayla turned 12 years old in June! 🎉 Honestly, who would have thought? The way she leaped over rocks, curiously inspected nature, and handled even steep paths revealed nothing of her age. Lina, the old mountain pro, seemed almost a bit bored: “Seen it all, boss. Where’s the action?” 😂
Yet, the deeper we ventured into the mountains, the stronger the feeling grew that this was a farewell for a long time. Every gaze at the snow-covered peaks, every scent of alpine herbs – everything suddenly became precious. “Our mountains are quite beautiful, indeed,” I whispered to myself as Ayla posed serenely in front of the alpine roses.
The next day, we packed our backpacks one last time. The appointment was approaching, bringing with it the realization that soon we would have to truly say goodbye. But the mountains had given us what we needed – strength, memories, and the certainty that we can always return.
The Long Journey North – and Finally Home
Finally, it was time! In mid-June, under scorching summer temperatures, we embarked on our journey to Sweden. But before we could enjoy our newfound freedom, we faced one last hurdle: customs. Forms, stamps, and curious glances at the dogs – but after what felt like a hundred years (okay, two hours), the officer waved us through with the necessary papers.
Driving on German highways was a test of patience, though we were lucky as it went smoothly. But the farther north we traveled, the more the world seemed to change. Instead of traffic noise, there was the wind whistling through open windows. Instead of concrete jungles, there were endless forests, mirror-like lakes, and occasionally, a deer by the roadside (unfortunately, no moose). We chose the Inlandsvägen – Sweden’s longest postcard. There was no rush, just the gentle purring of ALMI’s engine. “Speed is overrated,” I thought, as we stopped by a lake to stretch our legs. Lina dashed into the water like a Labrador, while Ayla was careful not to risk a wet paw. Typical. 😅
Then, on June 20th, it happened: We arrived in Sweden just in time for Midsommar, the festival of light. The villages were deserted, with everyone seemingly dancing somewhere, wearing flower crowns, or eating herring. But us? We sought tranquility. Instead of celebration, there was a picnic at the edge of the forest, accompanied by birdsong and the gentle snores of two tired dogs. “Perfect,” I whispered, as the midnight sun painted the sky in shades of pink.
The final kilometers to Glommersträsk were like a balm. With each northward mile, the air grew cooler, the forests denser, and the silence deeper. As we finally turned into our familiar driveway, it felt as if everything – the trees, the lake, even ALMI – breathed a sigh of relief. “Hej hemma,” I whispered, while Ayla and Lina explored the garden as if they had never left.
Amidst mosquito bites that tingled like tiny pinpricks of freedom and the rhythmic snip of the garden shears during the first tasks, a phrase that had been with me for a few weeks came to mind:
‘Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”’
Matthew 11:28-30, NLT
Peace. No master plan, no guarantees, just this: a new home under the northern sky, two happy dogs, and the understanding that enough is sometimes everything.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. In Sweden, time moves a bit slower now… and that’s a good thing. 🌲✨