a royal weekend

It was indeed a great day to fly and I had a lovely time in Sweden. Filled with splendidly great company, food and candy. I had barely taken my shoes off at my friend's place and I already had a glass of champagne in my hand and a bowl of candy. 

Being in Sweden is almost like being in Finland, except that everything is a hint brighter, lighter and prettier. These people really know how to take care of their gardens, houses and their own appearances. Lovely indeed.

My friend insisted however to cut off the cuteness with a walk up the military lane. To my surprise it turned into a very pleasant event as we met two locals walking their dogs. It was a father and a son, who knew plenty about Finland and we stood there conversing for a moment about both countries, some military facts from the history and speculations about the future. We came to the conclusion that as long as we stick together, we remain strong against the less beautiful neighboring country in the East. 

I can't remember the last time I have had such a nice conversation with strangers. In Montreal, people either want money from you or they want to know if you do drugs. I have never figured out if it is because they want to sell you some or if they want you to give them some. I tend to stay out of these conversations as I either way have absolutely nothing to contribute.

My Friend brought me to a fancy spot in the woods, a place known for their water. 
There was a little room made into a temple, where you could sit and meditate to the sound of nature with the presence of pure water. I loved this place. I wish more people would forget about worshipping imaginary Gods and instead concentrate on the very real, amazing source around us, the beautiful Mother Nature. She is magical in every possible way.  

At this place in the woods they have a luxurious spa, where we could sip on a glass of sparkling, talk and enjoy nature. 

In the province of Quebec, these kind of spas grow like mushrooms. They have strip clubs for men and spas for women. They are often called by names referring to Scandinavia, nordic countries or one is even called the Finnish spa. These spas neither allow alcohol in the jacuzzis nor conversations, so for me this spa in the Swedish woods felt really nice and different. We ended up this peaceful, aesthetic experience, with a tasty dinner at the premises.

My friend really made me feel like royalty during my stay and I came to regret the fact that I don't visit this country more often. An entire country where I can speak my mother tongue and be understood, that alone made me feel like royalty.