Stockholm - Tranås

There's something truly inviting about the European sleep system with the comforter tied up like a package, the down pillow, classic wool or homey quilt. The Swedish bed, in particular, is warm and cozy. Right now a steady rain is falling, but I'm inside and tucked into bed–a bed after over a week of hostels, trail huts, planes, and then last night, sitting up in a train trying to catch a few winks.

I'm relaxed. Grateful for a bed

I've also got pills.

On my last night at a hut my roommate offered me a sheet of antihistamine tablets, saying he didn't need them since he was almost done. I gladly accepted his offer. So I'm set now for the rest of my stay.

My friend from university, Lotta, picked me up at the Tranås train station and drove me to her yellow house on a small lake. Which do you want first, she asked: breakfast, shower, laundry, or a nap. They were all compelling in their own way. I chose food. The shower came between breakfast and lunch. Laundry a little after that

The day was heavily overcast with drizzle. We went to thrift stores and then to a book shop so I could buy some cute postcards.

Later, back at the yellow house, I fell asleep on the couch reading.

My friend Lotta has been all over the world hiking, mountain climbing, skiing, orienteering competitions –you name it. Tomorrow we will cycle around Lake Vattern, maybe not all the way around. She borrowed a bike for me. We'll stop at a friend's house for a nice lunch. It sounds like Swedish Club Med.

The rain outside had slackened. I'm so glad it did not rain once while I was on the trail. I got very lucky.

Looking forward to doing something other than hiking and catching public transportation for the next few days–oh, and getting ready for my presentation at the library. Hopefully people will come.