Travels - Sweden (April 2008)
It was more than a bit of a cultural shock going from Korea (size of Indiana and population of 48 million) to Sweden (bigger than California and only 9 million people). No complaints mind you, it was nice to escape to a quieter part of the world for a while even if April in Sweden is not exactly prime tourist season.
Of course getting to Sweden was not exactly easy. I knew I was in trouble when my first leg KLM flight from Seoul to Amsterdam was changed to a Korean Air flight connecting to an Air France flight in Paris. When we arrived 1 hour late into Paris, I knew things were getting worse and when I was told in Paris that my connections would be delayed until morning, that sealed my doom.
That is also when I started to realize that all the rumors about the French being rude to Americans were unfounded - they are really rude to everyone it turns out. Due to unbelievably uncooperative people manning the "information" and "connections" desks it took over 3 hours just to get a hotel arranged and to get out of the airport on the right bus. 2 hours after that and 2 "friendly" hotel clerks later, I was finally settled into the hotel but my plan to make the best of the delay and go see the Eiffel Tower went out the window since it was now after 8PM and jet lag was firmly settling in.
The next morning, I had the pleasant experience of being dropped off at the wrong airport terminal which led to more fun and games with "information" desk personnel whose attitudes towards helping people would give apathy a bad name. Ah, France...
Anyway, once in Sweden I enjoyed a lovely cab ride through the Swedish country side which is very reminiscent of Northern Michigan. Ironically, as the cab left the airport the driver switched on the radio and what should be playing but ABBA. To funny.
As I said earlier, the trip to Sweden was for business, so there isn't too much to report on for sight seeing. I did get some time on the last day to visit the SAAB museum and the local shipping locks. The museum was small but interesting although I have to say old Saabs aren't quiet my cup of tea. The locks were gorgeous and like Germany, it's impressive to see how much effort is spent to provide nicely maintained walking areas. The locks are surrounded by large natural park areas even thought they are in the city. Also, the city has several blocks of streets that are "walking streets" only - instead of making a mall and pulling businesses out of the town center, they basically make the town center a focal point with these walking street areas. Very clever.
All in all a nice place. Not sure I want to live there as it's a bit flat and a bit too cool year round for my tastes, but I enjoyed the visit and hope to return again some day. Just so long as I don't have to stop in France on the way...
Draw bridge in the center of Trollhattan, Sweden.
Walking street on Sunday afternoon in Trollhattan. The crowds are staggering aren't they?
Clockwise from upper left...Dusk falling on the Trollhattan river front area; A church on the shores of the riverfront; View from my hotel room; A ship enters the locks just down river from the hotel; First signs of spring in Trollhattan.
One of Saab's more famous logos indicating the company's start as an aircraft company. As our ads today say..."Born from Jets" or, well, prop planes.
Ursaab (original Saab). One of the first cars to be designed using a wind tunnel.
1956 Saab Sonnett. Car 5 of 6 built it was made strictly for competition. The engine made 58 horsepower.
The Saab Sports Car Family. From left to right...The 1956 Sonnett, 1964 Catherine, 1966 Sonnett II, 1970 Sonnett III
1967 Pers Saab 96 rally race car.
The Saab Formula Junior. Pretty but never competitive. 85 Hp and front wheel drive.
