Those of you familiar with The Simpsons will know about the famous Springfield-Shelbyville rivalry. While there's no such violence between Östersund and Sundsvall, the subtle differences are uncanny. So this is the story of last week's adventure to that city on the sea.
All of us outside the other MIUN campus; which we incredibly had full access to.
I say "expedition" because it really does feel like it. It's a 2.5 hour drive up hill and down dale to get there, on lovely but super remote roads. Likewise with the train connection there. We drove, having such a large group.
It was a cold and gray day to explore the town, and we were on the road before sunrise. Talk about dedication! (and this after a late night on Friday...) In all other countries I believe you must be 25 to rent a car, but as explained previously, this rule goes out the window here. Convenient too, as everything here is ridiculously far apart.
We rolled into town at 10:00 and rendezvoused for some waffles. Some of the best I've ever had it must be said! We all crowded into a rustic cafe, around a rickety table, drinking sour coffee. Now this is what I came to Sweden for!
An overview of Sundsvall from Norra Stadsberget. It feels much larger and much more commercial than Östersund. (and I'm glad I live where I do!)
The rest of the day we walked about, and quickly discovered that there's not that much to do here. Hence the lack of pictures, though that's mostly on me. There's a big church, some nice streets downtown, a rather industrial waterfront. It didn't help that it was such a gray and windy day- we sought refuge in coffee shops and the city museum.
It almost feels like Stockholm! The downtown is entirely built in stone, mandatory after a devastating fire in the 1880s. There was a nice (and early!) Christmas market on the main square, where I had many free samples.
Of course no visit to this city is complete without a trip to IKEA. (which, for us, is the top attraction here... maybe that says something!) We all had a lovely dinner there just before they closed. And then another long drive back in the dark. I felt a little guilty for not being behind the wheel, though it's probably for the best. My driver's license card is sitting in a drawer back in Minnesota, and I imagine the authorities would not look kindly on me if I was caught without it.
Another great picture from our resident photographer! That's about all there is to tell. Even though we didn't do much here, it's always a good time with friends. Coming up next time: the first days of winter in Östersund and the usual friluftsliv.*
* "Free-air life", the idea of being outdoors, connecting with your environment, and being happy.
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