A zappy market in Hörby

HÖRBY TRADITIONAL AND ZAPPY MARKET

Since 1784

Hörby market has ancient traditions. It was organized for the first time in 1748 and is today a festive two day event that is not without an international tone. The tourist authority from Höör did mention that some markets tend to dwindle away slowly but that this one in Hörby continuously attract the crowds of 100.000 visitors. The market is organized in the city center next to the church that organizes organ concerts during the market days. A fantastic idea that adds to the versatile program. A large field nearby forms the parking lot where also the photographer found his way - eventually.

HÖRBY MUNICIPALITY

Hörby - middle of Skåne. Below colorful eastern style decoration represent the international offering.

Due to its geographical location Hörby can be reached easily from anywhere in Skåne. The town has some 15.000 inhabitants and Fulltofta National Park, with its varied hiking routes, is nearby. See our previous post in this blog. The oldest building in the town is the old, dutch type, wind mill that since mid 19th century has developed into a restaurant. Another annual event is a Cultural Junket with  music, dance and theatre performances at the end of May.

ALL THE ZAPPY THINGS

Linnéa was very busy on the market days.

In connection with the market there is also a running contest, small animals market and a flee market to mention some concepts. When I for the first time saw the above pictures small mobile "coffée shop" I was excited because everything tries to be mobile nowadays so why not a coffée shop, too. Linnéa said she needs a permit wherever she wants to go but the point is she can go where the crowds are!!! I never asked about rainy days but let's find an excuse in my optimistic nature. I was great looking at Linnéa being so busy with people cueing up for their coffées. Obviously she likes the idea of working differently.

Foreign flavor at supply.

The market concept also has an international flavor into it. Bo-Göran indeed is Swedish but has close ties with Texas where he has recorded some of his music. He learned playing the guitar as a youngster when he responded to an advertisement offering guitar lectures. He paid SEK 25 and got an appreciative answer from the "teacher" thanking for the money and asking him to start learning the guitar. I have now bought my first of his albums. Its called "Amerikanska Irrfärder".

The visitors from Equador where also very skilled with their instruments so I did want to support them, too. Another interesting concept is the Lone Star that organizes festive events in a true western style - YES, in Skåne. Near Höör! Conferencing also but who can wait to take part in the CowboyCombat, BullRiding or a course in Linedance? Tired? Then book one of their cottages - I would, too. Every Saturday they organize a Country Festivity for the whole family. Mrs. T? 

Other international flavors: How about large and juicy cherries from Turkey or Spanish Churros (donut like). Having spent the months in Spain I did try out a churro which is something all Spaniards eat for breakfast (I was told). They come in different toppings but the chocolate is traditional. I asked it the man selling churros was from Sweden or Spain. Quess what the answer was......? GREECE. It's a really small world nowadays. A Greek selling Spanish Churros in Skåne. YESSSS.

If you wonder what the gentleman in yellow shirt is doing he wanted to introduce a political party called Medborgarpartiet. We had a nice conversation and he ended up approving the picture. I also encountered the Swedish Labour Party briefly. Did you think that that's all? No, this was the beginning but a break for coffee or a Western(chili)Burger is now recommended.

Getting ready for the market commotion.

WHAT CAN YOU BUY ON A MARKET?

Fishing gear, donuts, jewelry and hammocks.

We exchanged some thoughts about the fishing rods with the older gentleman: Me: "Wonder if these are Swedish manufacture?" He: "Vem fasingen vet" which means something like !"Who knows, they all come from China anyway". Fishing is an important hobby here and Spinn Sport in Kristianstad an important supplier. Mrs. T would have liked the yellow cloudberries because she fancies a "jammy" British sandwich in the morning. She would have also liked many other things like jewelry, the hammock, leather wallets.........Besides the CD record from Bo-Göran I purchased black waste bags for the garden. I remembered that they where almost exhausted. Like me at that point.

Flowers, brushes, shoes, clothing, cashew nuts and warm sugar coated almonds (big favorite from Spain)  and flee market goodies.

It is important to find ways in making yourself stand out. Advertising is one way. The yellow sign says STOP SMOKING. START HERE!! Who ever wrote it DID find the right place for the exclamation mark. Otherwise it might have been difficult to know whether to stop or start (smoking).

WHAT IS MORE ZAPPY THAN THIS?

I remember doing this, too.

It is great seeing the kids cheering, laughing and shouting. The second picture from the bottom shows a particularly noisy machine. My stomach told me to take the picture and move on.

It was getting late. I had some driving to do and also needed to pick up some fresh flowers for our living room. I also stopped by at a furnace supplier, but he was not in so I made my appointment with Mrs. T on time. The final picture below is seeing other visitors leaving the busy market. Hope you have enjoyed the Hörby Market. Want to come next year?

Ready with the market and time to catch the bus home.

HAVE A GREAT SUMMER WEEK-END ALL. 

:-)

Early Sun over Helge Å

A resting place by route 19 with the perfect morning feeling .

This morning I drove Mrs T. to her job north on route 19. We keep an eye on river Helge for mornings like this one - today was the morning. On the way back I had a few stops taking the opportunity to capture the calm and sunny river bends and would like to share it with our readers without using too many words. 

Helge Å direction south.

For our foreign readers short information about Helge Å. It runs up in Småland and ends up in the sea 20 miles away having passed Kristianstad. In Kristianstads area the water level increases creating a wetland that has become Kristianstads Vattenrike Biosphere Reserve with a rich birdlife and recreative opportunities for the whole family.

Looking the northern way.

Different kind of water lilies are appearing.

The sunny western riverbank. 

The sun open up shadows on the river banks.

HAVE A GREAT RELAXING DAY EVERYONE!

:-)

Hitting Eastern Sands

A promenade in Kristianstad - Vattenriket Näsby Fält (Field).

We have taken a day to explore Skåne's eastern shoreline starting from Brösarps Backar and moving down towards Sandhammar and Ales Stenar in Kåseberga in southernmost parts of the region. Along the route we admired the  natural beauty of Havängen and the rather exotic small coastal villages of Brantevik and Skillinge. Obviously one day is not nearly enough for an in-depth review but we hope that the pictures will talk for themselves. For Stenshuvuds National Park see the earlier post.

BRÖSARPS BACKAR

Beautiful promenades in the hills of Brösarps Backar.

Brösarps Backar is regarded as the gateway to the shiny Österlen region and also a part of one of the largest natural reserves of Sweden (Verkeån). It dates back to the ice ages and has a sandy soil. It is well known for its flora and is kept open by grazing. An old steam engine runs to St- Olof and the apple district is "around the corner". The northern hills are by route 9 and very easily accessible. Also Havängen, our next stop, is on the other side of the road so this region alone offer plenty to do for a day's visit. 

HAVÄNGEN

Havängen with its long white beaches and blooming fields.

Havängen is a well known recreational area but its fantastic landscape nevertheless took us by surprise. The short drive from route 9 to the beaches passes a wine yard and traditional habitation. The beach welcome picnickers and sunbathers for a swim and the hostel provide for accommodation. Interestingly, some two kilometers out in the sea bottom 10000 years old pine remnants have been found and a 5500 years old grave nearby, dated to the stone ages, can also be visited (Wikipedia).

SIMRIS

A meadow by the beach at Simris.

From Simrishamn a smaller route will take you south along the coast with miles of white beaches, and beautiful small villages with a continental atmosphere. A small village, Simris, just after Simrishamn offer the above scenery and a parking space where to stop for a walk for photographing. Skåne is an agricultural region and domestic animals stay outside for the long summer. Having entered the meadow over a walkway I ran into some cows. Not expecting them on the beach these rather big animals startled the photographer but we quickly reached an understanding on my, then acceptable, trespassing.

BRANTEVIK & SKILLINGE

Brantevik, a summer paradise offering B&B facilities.

Brantevik is a small village with some 400 inhabitants with picturesque houses and B&B facilities. It has evolved from a fishing and farming community into a popular tourist resort. Frans Löfström describes Brantevik as the largest seafaring community in Sweden with its 226 registered ships at the end of 19th century. During these times shipping companies where mushrooming in this area. Also Skillinge, the neighbor village, was big in this business and the entire coastal region possessed an impressive 700 ships. The villa also claims to possess the longest liars bench in Sweden, picture above. In July all jazz enthusiasts are offered an impressive program me with Tommy Körberg, Lill Lindfors and others. Sounds great!

"Corporate main office" at Branteviken.

SKILLINGE, the neighboring village has a slightly larger population and is also a popular summer village with its large guest harbour. Tourism and fishing are the key sources of livelihood. The village has an active business climate with over 100 companies that collaborate closely with local interest groups in order to get their voice heard up in the "national hierarchy" (www.skillinge.com). Anyone in for berries? Skillinge organizes a Goosberry Festival in the beginning of August. Other food enthusiast will find Provence-like restaurants. To me, these two villages carry a slight atmosphere of a leisurely labelled French countryside at its best.

SANDHAMMAREN

Sandhammaren Lighthouse watch over the south-eastern waters in Skåne.

Sandhammaren is one of the most important sand-dune areas in Sweden and the white beaches are said to be one of the nicest. They are continuously shaped by waves and streams. In early 19th century the shallow waters made vessels go down before a provisory lighthouse was built. The present lighthouse was finished by 1862 and was the first of the so called Heidenstam lighthouses - light enough to be built on soft grounds. The above picture really nicely fills up my series of different lighthouses in Europe.

BACKAÅKRA in KÅSEBERGA

Dag Hammarskjölds summer residence.

The former UN Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld purchased the Backaåkra estate in 1957 in order to preserve this moor landscape overlooking the Baltic Sea. After his death in 1961 the Swedish Tourist authority has been looking after the museum containing memories of Mr. Hammarskjölds life and achievements. At this moment the museum itself is closed but the surroundings are stunning and the statue of Mr. Hammarskjöld is at display in the garden. Very much worth a visit.

KÅSEBERGA - Ale's Stones

A fantastic scenery at Kåseberga.

The program for this day is coming to a close with the visit to Kåseberga Ale's Stenar (Stones). This is a megalithic monument probably created during the iron age. It is in the form of a stone ship containing 59 heavy boulders (Wikipedia). Bob G. Lind has written about the origins of Ale's Stones and it seems there is no clear understanding of the reason for its construction. But the fact remains that it is designed with skill on an ideal place for astronomical observations using ancient know-how. For more information see www.alesstenar.info

This has been a most rewarding and educational day out in the field; learning to know Haväng, Brantevik & Skillinge, Sandhammaren, Backåkra and Ale's Stones. Besides being on a beautiful spot the Ale's Stones inspires to read more about the background and know-how that existed already in ancient times. 

THE FINAL PICTURE IS TAKEN IN KÅSEBERGA WHERE WILD POPPIES GROW LITERALLY ENHANCING THE COLORFUL IMAGE OF SKÅNE.

Kåseberga Poppies

Hope you have enjoyed todays ride. Have a great day and take care!

:-)

Hooray Drakamöllan

A general view over the concert area at Drakamöllan.

Having arrived in Skåne in April one of our main issues was to find out how to nourish our cultural appetite with concerts and opera. Osby Borgen nearby and their direct broadcasts from Metropolitan was one solution and Drakamöllan's opera festival another local opportunity. Of Drakamöllan's programs we choose their concert on the midsummer week-end. This way our program would be complete for the festivity including Swedish and Finnish traditions as well as something of our own.

At the time of booking we did not know it but we where going to be in for a really good treat.

Drakamöllan is both the name of the Nature Reserve established in 1962 and the Country Hotel beautifully located in a green hilly area with deciduous forest where domestic animals has grazed for ages. They serve private guests during week-ends and summer-time. At other times they organize different kind of events including weddings and conferences. Their kitchen has gained a reputation and is open only for their staying guests. They have also picked up the great idea of presenting operas and concerts on their grounds. The staff want to provide everyone with a personal and unique treat and they indeed succeeded with yesterday's concert.

Drakamöllan is beautifully located in a peaceful environment. 

The above mosaic collection show how quests arrive in Drakamöllan and get together on the green slopes for the concert. This year the rain was ON and OFF (mostly OFF) but as a general reflection this did not bother the audience that normally is up to some 700 persons. We arrived early with our picnic basket and found a place with good visibility over the stage.

Waiting for the concert to start.

Having settled down the first rain set in and created a huzzle when everybody reached out for their covers. Mrs T choose her rain coat instead of an umbrella. Some guests had their lunch with convenient drink at this stage. The group is warming up.

And here we go!

The whole performance could not have been organized better. It started at 14.00 hours and finished at 17.30 sharp with a 45-60 minute intermission for lunch etc. The program included both classical music and traditional songs like Sjösala vals and others. The classical music was carefully selected for this particular environment. Therefore Nordic Nationalism and Romance was present through Grieg and Sibelius, both with their distinctive idioms as composers. We enjoyed Solveig's Song and Elegia and the peaceful tones was so well adapted by the surrounding nature.  A perfect match! And what a chamber orchestra Huaröd has! The soloists included stars from the Copenhagen and Malmö operas and if someone must be mentioned as a personal favorite then it is Cecilia Lindwall, a soprano that has performed many opera roles in Scandinavia and Germany. Drakamöllans Opera Coir consists of singers from Hässleholms Vocal Ensemble and Trefaldighetskyrkan in Kristianstad. Nils Jörgen Riis from Denmark talked us through the event in his professional but relaxed manner. At one point everyone was on the limited stage that looked crowded to say the least, but no doubt the safety issues had been taken into account.

Participants and quests in action and Mrs. T looking comfortable.

Drinks consumed tend to activate the renal system - precautions taken!

Mrs. T and I indeed want to credit the organizers for their efforts. The good new is that there is more to come in October this year through to March next year. Visit  www.drakamollan.com  for more information. The below picture will have to make out as the flower bouquet to the organizers. 

Thank you Drakamöllan for a most interesting afternoon!

:-)

Midsummer at Sofiero and Kullaberg

Ready for our midsummer celebrations.

European midsummer related traditions are of pre-christian origin (Wikipedia). Celebrations tend to centre around the astronomical summer solstice in June while christianity chooses the birthday of John the Baptist as the correct day. Traditions are strong in Scandinavia. Bonfires are traditionally lit to protect from evil spirits, Finns place out branches of birch trees to welcome visitors and Swedes erect a maypole for a reason that is not entirely clear. Anyway midsummer activities like dancing and singing circle around the pole that has been decorated with green leaves and flowers. Food and drink (preferably local produce) are important elements today. And midsummer is not midsummer without singing schnapps songs until the dawn. Our midsummer week-end is well spent; first in Sofiero the Swedish way, on Saturday the Finnish way with a barbecue (but regrettably no sauna) and finally on Sunday with marinated herrings and new potatoes after a classical concert (our own way). Perfect!

Getting prepared; folk dresses are highly popular during midsummer celebrations.

Of many alternatives we choose to visit the western coast of Skåne, mainly because this was new to us. In Sweden free public festive programmes are organized annually in parks around the country. Sofiero Castle organize their own festivities as initiated a hundred years ago by the royal family. The maypole is dressed to become the centre point of activities. The festivity is for the entire family and the program me designed for that purpose. Bringing along your own picnic is also a tradition - some lay out a table with chairs while others place a blanket to sit on. A tent may give you a little bit of shade on a sunny day. Top right a young couple lay down overlooking Öresund. Middle right we have arrived and found our place in the crowd (sharp-eyed will spot Mrs.T) and down right the folk dressed dancers enter. It's all about getting prepared YOUR WAY.

Colourful folk dancers. Over Öresund the castle at Helsingör, Denmark.

Children enjoying themselves.

This Zappy and Colourful happening offer plenty of program for the children; dancing around the pole, running competition carrying a potato or just playing around makes the day for them. Running to win was not essential but having fun and feeling togetherness was the key point. Parents enjoy the company of each others and, once finished their picnic, may opt for a game of cards, following the crowds or perhaps enjoy a relaxing moment on the blanket.

Come as you are and do as you please.

Junior or Senior - everyone enjoy! Some carry competitive camera models.

Good-bye Sofiero until next time!

Our midsummer celebration at Sofiero was over in late afternoon and we continued our journey towards Kullaberg National Park area. A short drive along the coast north of Sofiero took as past picturesque small villages like Viken that comprise old traditional houses and narrow lanes. Was really worthwhile a visit. If you own a Ferrari then you may be able to find a house here, too.

Towards Kullaberg

Kullaberg is nature reserve area in northeastern Skåne with a landline towards Kattegat waters. Steep cliffs and rocky waters dominate the landscape and climbing seem to be a sport of interest here. The area was populated 7000 BC and is today a popular picnic area, also on midsummer eve. Kullen lighthouse is still operational on the peninsula at the opening towards Öresund. With its 1000 Wat electric bulb it is said to be the most powerful lighthouse in Scandinavia (Wikipedia). The Danish astronomer, Tyco Brahe, was the lighthouse administrator here until his death in 1601. Kullaberga offer excellent views, a beautiful nature and a nice stroll in the early evening. 

A view from Kullaberg.

The following mosaic of photos gives an understanding of the countryside in northwestern Skåne. Really well kept with old traditional houses, farmland with ancient windmills and local product at sale along the route (back home).

Countryside in the Högaberg municipality, northeastern Skåne.

The drive to this part of Skåne would not take longer than 1,5 hours along route 21 passed Hässleholm, later the E4 and finally route 111 to Sofiero. We are learning about distances in Skåne and find everything to, yet again, be at a convenient driving distance. The same routes took as back where a bottle of ANNA Cava was waiting for us. 

Kullen Lighthouse behind the cliffs.

This was midsummer eve in Skåne. Have a nice midsummer festivity everyone!

:-)

Contemporary art and veteran fire engines

Kristianstad Art Hall

Kristianstads Art Hall until 26th October, 2014.

The Regional Museum in Kristianstad hosts exhibitions on Skåne County history, art, culture and film. We had earlier noticed the Absolut Art Collection on display and now had a chance to visit the Art Hall in connection with the Regional Museum. Together the Museum and the Art Hall form an impressive cultural centre at no cost to the visitor. This center is very relaxed where anyone can step in to view the basic or changing exhibitions, to digest ecological food or a cup of coffée or to buy articles and books related to Skåne. There is also a separate section for children and during the summer they show films daily. Want to see East of Eden, Hair, Hunchback of Notre Dam, Grace off Monaco or historical films on Skåne then find your way to the Film Museum a short distance away. Tuesdays are for children. The films are also free with the exception of newly released films (on Wednesdays) where they charge a modest fee of 70 crowns. 

FACE IT - Absolute Art Collection

Absolute Art Collection has its home at the Museum of Spirits in Stockholm and has around 850 works by 500 artists that were commissioned by Absolut Company for product branding purposes. Andy Warhol was the first artist contacted and a copy of his work was on display (middle picture, right hand side - smallest picture). Artists from different parts of the world have contributed with their work that is very impressive. The Art Hall is in the same block as the Regional Museum so it is easy to step into the other exhibitions on Kristianstad and e.g. the POP Design Culture Fashion from London that highlights the influence of Pop Culture on design media. 

Hässleholm Museum on Transport

The first fire engine to arrive at Hässleholm in 1920.

While Mrs. T looked after her businesses downtown I had the chance to visit this museum that hosts a number of different vehicles including fire engines, chariots (from Hovdala Castle and others) as well as military vehicles.  They take particular pride in the fact that all vehicles are still functional. Time allowed me only to see the two first mentioned but a glimpse of the military section indicated that this offer interesting photographic opportunities e.g. in black and white. Every Wednesday this museum display vehicles at Tykarpsgrottan (caves at Tykarp) in the evening when you also can visit the caves on guided tours. There are similarly themed museums also in Ystad, Ängelholm and Ljungbyhed for anyone interested (rebates apply).

Vehicles of different ages at the Transport Museum.

Wanås ART

Allow me to finish by reminding you that Wanås ART is open for the season. Here art, nature and history meet up. They host one of the leading Sculpture Parks in the world - placed in the surrounding grounds - where more than 60 sculptors, including Yoko Ono has contributed with their works. A historical exhibition on the Swedish-Danish wars is displayed in Wanås Castle that, in this days, was a centre for the pro-Danish Snapphane guerrilla. Wanås is for the entire family.

Wanås Castle in North-Eastern Skåne.

Culture and particularly ART is a big thing in Skåne - hope you find the above inserts interesting.

Knitting for Peace

We moved into Skåne in April and the welcoming into Östra Göinge municipality has been overwhelming. We met our neighbors Mats, Conny and Bengt the very first week and they, like all the others, have been most helpful. We then met Anna-Stina at the library and through her Gerd who has joined a knitting group set up by the church. Our hobbies include photographing, music and opera, travel, now gardening and of course knitting. Mrs T accepted right off the invitation to join this group and very soon Gerd was only too kind to supply Mrs. T with a loom that she now is a proud owner of. Today the group called attention to World Wide Knit in Public Day by sitting down in Broby city centre for two hours. The day before they had tied up some of their work in trees outside the Cultural Hall to make a difference and spread positive feelings. They want to knit for peace. Gerd believes that knitting can make a person good and happy and we want to underline that.

World Wide Knit in Public Day - Broby city centre.

Leaflets were spread out some days before to lure new participants. From last year the core group has grown to about 10 persons but all interested are welcomed, men all the same. Guidance and support is guaranteed to everyone. The group met up during busy shopping hours to attract by-passers attention. The Photographer that had been summoned soon received more duties including distributing leaflets to any and all like-minded persons. Those who were not troubled by a camera considered the information as "most interesting".  Above the group stands outside the beautiful Broby church. Right-hand top picture Gerd (left), the master mind, is sitting next to Britt while the other members join up on the benches. From here the group moved towards the Cultural Hall nearby.

Mrs. T straightening out knitted peace objects on display.

And from the Cultural Hall the last leg of today's journey led the group to Linnéas Coffée House for a well deserved cup of coffée, tea or soft drink - the Photographer seldom forget about sweet breads and he wants to say thank you for the nice company and for actively spreading the peace message in our community. Today's good work had been done and it remains to welcome all interested to the regular meetings at the Cultural Hall White School starting 28th August - no cost and no pre notification required. Your inspirational ideas and opinions matter!

Mrs. T and Gerd sharing their passion: The Loom! THANK YOU GERD!

Knitting for Peace left to right: Gerd, Zazza, Brita, Anna-Kerstin, Britt (sitting), Lena, Mrs. T, Barbro, Kerstin.

Thank you Ladies for a great morning!