Tag 156 - Lysvik, Sweden (14.06.2020)

After finishing our road trip at the end of May, we spent another week in Stockholm.

During that time, bureaucratic and organizational tasks were at the top of our to-do list. Package shipments, laundry, an appointment with a notary, and a doctor's visit including blood withdrawal, where we got to experience the slightly different Swedish healthcare system, were some of our tasks.

After a 5-hour bus ride and a 2-hour train ride, we ended up near the town of Lysvik, which is only about 1 hour from Oslo.

We came across Hanna and her husband André through the Workaway platform. They are also absolutely in love with traveling and have been on their world trip, including the Trans-Siberian Railway, India, and South America. Two years ago, they decided to buy an old farm with 4 hectares of land to escape the hustle and bustle of Oslo and do their own thing. Without much agricultural or artisanal knowledge, they are now realizing their dream here in Lysvik.

The two of them have many projects and ideas in which we are now helping diligently. In return, we get accommodation and meals provided, thus saving our world travel budget.

The tasks we took on in the first week were very diverse. We were very busy replanting apple trees, supplying firewood, weeding, sanding and painting the porch, helping with household chores, and trimming bushes.

Our own project, which gives us the most joy, is the construction and building of a garage for the lawn mower robot, which is named 'Mowie'.

Hanna and André give us complete freedom and trust us completely when and how we do things.

Although the work is sometimes a bit tiring, we absolutely enjoy spending the days outside in the sunshine and getting involved.

On weekends, we have some free time.

Since Hanna is a talented cook and very interested in trying out new recipes, we decided to introduce them to the regional cuisine from our homeland. So we spent a wonderful evening with Swabian potato salad, Alsatian tart flambé, and several rounds of board games.

The next day, we borrowed their car and enjoyed a great afternoon at the nearby lake in Lysvik.

We have been on the road for more than 5 months now and will spend a few more days with Hanna and André to celebrate Midsummer together before leaving Sweden and embarking on new adventures and countries.

So stay tuned and see you soon!

Bianca and Michael