I skipped a post this week. Not sure if you noticed but here is the update. We were so busy. We enjoyed Kosta on Sunday and Monday we went to other glass factories. Mario saw a tea towel featuring Kalmar and wanted to go, so we did.

We spent the late afternoon exploring. Although everything was closed we still got to enjoy this quaint city. It lies on the West coast of Sweden off the Baltic Sea. It is a beautiful coastal town. I was here once in 1999 with Dan and the girls. I remember the beach here but not much else so it was great to explore.

I worked on Tuesday evening while Mario looked around Malmö and then went to Emporia and finished his day off at IKEA which is across from where I worked. I had a good class. I enjoy it when people come back and I get a chance to get to know them a little each time. After each class when we are finished I love going down and talking to the participants.

After work we went to City Gross and did some grocery shopping. I loved seeing fresh Lingonberries. I think I will have to get some and make something with them. What a delight to find them, it is something you don’t find in the states. I also love seeing things through Mario’s eyes. He takes fantastic photos and these are all his.

Wednesday was our last day together we went to Lund on the bus. We were tired from staying up late and talking. It was so nice to catch up but we were both tired. Mario is an energizer bunny and just keeps going. The morning did not start out very well but we made the best of it.

The train was not running to Lund so we had to take a bus which was less fun than the train but we made it. We spent the day looking around and exploring. The town of Lund is very walkable. It is a university town and also a specialty hospital. There were a lot of students around as classes were getting out.

There is a very unique church with an astronomical clock from the 15th century. It displays a medieval concept of time. The current time of day, lunar phase, the current position of the sun in the zodiac, and current date of the year. We noticed several people sitting so stayed for a short 30-second presentation of figures which was anti-climactic.

Somewhere in there, we found time to explore the Western port of the city. Turning Torso. Such a beautiful place. I love exploring my city.

My time with Mario ended Thursday morning, which is rather sad. I enjoyed the adventures we had. We explored some areas I had not for a while and some new places. I am grateful for the things we were able to see and do. It sure helped to have a car and it works great now.

Mario is an adventurer. He loves to see all kinds of things and has a much longer battery than I do. Mario and I met at my Scandinavian store about 15 years ago. It is always interesting to see what my visitor thinks is picture-worthy. It is a whole different experience and helps me see things in a new light.

Since Mario has been gone it feels very empty and my boyfriend and I are on the outs so it is extra tough for me. I caught a cold as well so staying in but I will get through it. Being alone is the biggest challenge for me and I am not sure I will ever get used to it.