Travel-memories: piglets playing tag in Rismyrliden

Check out these very cute (and active!) piglets we saw on our trip to the old-time farm in Rismyrliden, Sweden this year. If you're traveling in Västerbotten in Sweden in the summer, this place is a fantastic destination to visit with kids.

The piglets were the cutest this year, but there are also calves, bunnies, horses, and other animals to see, and some traditional Swedish crafts and treats to sample. If they have fresh bread for sale from "bagarstugan" (the baking house), then definitely buy a bag or two: it is heavenly with some butter on it!

2012 retrospective - 12 great moments with my kids

It's not quite the end of the year yet, but we're getting there soon, and I'm starting to feel in a retrospective mood. This year, as in years past, I had some great moments with my children. Here are some photos of moments and places I'll remember from 2012.

Late summer/early fall day at Vancouver's Third Beach - And the kids went in the water. My crazy (cold) amphibians.

The dock at my parents' summer house in Burvik, Sweden - One of my favourite places on Earth.

Our seal-safari in Horseshoe Bay, BC, Canada - What a fantastic day on the water that was!

My kids, chilling out together, at the playground at Nordanå, Skellefteå - A great day on our summer-trip to Sweden.

The playful kittens at the old-time farm in Rismyrliden, Sweden - We always visit this farm when we go to Sweden in the summer, and these kittens made our day this year.

Going for a walk through Stockholm, Sweden - Another great day on our trip this past summer. These horses were "parked" just outside the Royal Palace.

My kids and the chickens - This summer, my parents borrowed four chickens (3 hens and a rooster) while we were visiting. My kids loved this. Not that many eggs, and a lot of chicken poop on the ground, but it was worth it.

Another great day at another great playground - The playground on Garden City in Richmond, BC has some great water features and adventurous climbing equipment for kids. It's one of my kids' favourite places to go.

Bald eagle killing a cormorant on Spanish Banks, Vancouver - This moment, when the eagle casually jumped up on and then killed the obviously injured or sick bird (it didn't defend itself or try to get away) was one of those nature moments when you and your kids get to see life and death in the wild up close.

Hiking the Lynn Loop trail in Lynn Headwaters - This hike takes about 2+ hours with the kids (with some fairly easy but somewhat rough and steep sections), and it's about as far as they're prepared to hike for. They were absolute champs every time we did it this year.

Walking through Steveston, BC - This is one of my family's favourite "close and easy" destinations for a walk and some fresh air. Climbing in and out of the old wooden fishing boats set up in the grass, looking at the old buildings, and watching the water flow by always make for a good day out.

Seeing (and hearing!) T-Rex at Science World, Vancouver - We visited the "Extreme Dinosaurs" exhibit at Vancouver's Science World three times. Giant animatronic dinos, fossilized dinosaur poop, and interactive exhibits: this had it all.

7 great places to celebrate Christmas

With the Christmas season approaching, I'm thinking quite a bit about the holidays right now. This year, we're not going away for Christmas, instead, my parents are coming to stay with us. Can't say I mind not having to travel by plane right around Christmas and New Years!

I'm a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to where I'd like to spend Christmas: at home, with family us my preferred spot. But in recent years I have occasionally considered other options, and here are some places I wouldn't mind celebrating Christmas.

About to go dashing through the snow, in a one-horse open sleigh.

Northern Sweden
This is a bit of a cheat, because we have already celebrated Christmas here several times. I was born and grew up in Sweden, and when we do travel for the Christmas holidays, this is where we go: to my parents' place in northern Sweden. It is a great place for traditional Christmas celebrations though: snow is usually in place, it's cold, and there are a lot of nice Swedish traditions to experience. Last year on our Swedish Christmas-trip we went for a sleigh-ride in the snow, we went tobogganing, the kids tried out cross-country skiing, and we had lots of delicious gingerbread cookies, peppermint candy, glögg (Swedish mulled wine), and the kids got their presents on the evening of December 24th, since that's the tradition over there.

Maui
I love, love, love Maui. I would go back there every week if I only could afford it. In the past I haven't been too crazy about the idea of celebrating Christmas somewhere warm and sunny and without any chance of snow, but I would actually love to try this in Maui. At least once!


Santa Claus village in Finland
For a traditionally snowy and cold Christmas, Finland is a pretty sure bet. And going to the Santa Claus village constructed in Rovaniemi at the Arctic Circle, would definitely be a lot of fun with the kids.

Australia
Celebrating Christmas in Australia would of course mean celebrating it in the middle of summer in the southern hemisphere. And that's kind of the charm of it, right? To see the world from the other side, see the starry Christmas skies with all different stars than at home, and go to the beach instead of for a sleigh-ride.

Banff, in the Canadian Rockies
The Canadian Rockies is a spectacular destination any time of the year, but I do think that it would be really special to celebrate Christmas up there. The slopes certainly add to the attraction: there are worse ways to spend Christmas morning than going for some skiing down a mountain.

Gran Canaria: there are worse places to spend Christmas, I'm sure!

The Canary Islands
My family visited Gran Canaria last year in the spring, staying in the town of Arguinegin, and it was a fantastic trip. For many Europeans, going to the Canary Islands is nothing all that special: it's like Canadians and Americans going to Mexico for some beaches and sunshine. But if you're coming all the way from North America, it certainly felt very special. Parts of the islands are too touristified to really appeal to me, but the place we stayed was fantastic. I definitely would not mind going back there for some Christmas cheer.

New York City
I have never been to New York City, but of course I have seen the city in so many movies and TV-shows that I feel strangely familiar with the place anyway. Not sure if Christmas-time is necessarily the best time to visit, but in my head I have this vision of gentle snowfall, sightseeing with the kids, and just a good time had by all as we explore the city. Christmas-fantasy? Probably, but I wouldn't mind giving it a try in real life.

Accommodation for traveling kids: Hotell Kung Carl, Stockholm, Sweden

On our recent trip to Sweden, I spent two nights in central Stockholm at Best Western's Hotell Kung Carl, right near Stureplan.

This hotel is about as centrally located as you can get in Stockholm. It's an easy walk to the shopping district on Drottninggatan, to the park at Kungsträdgården, and to Old Town. Right next door and across street there are some great restaurants, and Spy Bar, one of Stockholm's prime late-night party spots.

The only problem with the location is that there will be some noise: we heard cars and the occasional siren both nights, but it was not enough to really disturb our sleep.

The skylight-"tower" with chandelier.

The room
Kung Carl is a beautiful hotel in one of Stockholm's older buildings. Our spacious family room had everything we needed: a fridge for snacks and drinks (none were provided but we bought some from the stores inside the nearby subway station, a couple of bunk beds for the kids, plus two very comfortable regular beds. We had free internet access, TV with a couple of kids' channels (none in English though), a nice bathroom (though it had only a shower and no bathtub), and lots of space for bags and clothes.

Adding to the experience was that the room was just beautiful. We were on the top floor with a high ceiling and a tower-like skylight. A small round window looked out right over Stureplan outside, with all the hustle and bustle going on there.

View across the street from our window.

Amenities
The one thing we missed was a pool, mainly because the kids really like playing in the water, but we were plenty busy sightseeing and might not have had time to use one anyway.

A buffet breakfast was served in the restaurant inside the hotel and there was plenty of great food: Swedish specialties like "filmjölk" and crisp bread, as well as bacon, eggs, and pancakes, and a whole lot more, including fresh fruits, cheeses, and baked goods.

The restaurant was closed except for breakfast when we were there, but at other times of the year they also serve lunch and dinner.

Service
The staff at the front desk was friendly and helpful, and our room was kept spotlessly clean every day. However, my parents who were staying at the hotel with us, did have some issues with their room. It was not cleaned every day, but seemed to be "forgotten" a couple of times. Not a good thing, especially at a relatively fancy and expensive place like this.

Verdict
I liked our room a lot, and thought the location was great. However, the hotel didn't necessarily feel all that kid-friendly. A bath tub in our room, a pool, maybe some more kids' channels or the ability to rent kids' movies at the front desk would have been much appreciated. I'd probably recommend this place more for travelers without children, but we did have a very good stay.

10 best summer moments with my kids

Summer is almost over. Next week school starts and pretty soon it will be Halloween and even Christmas (OK, not that soon!). I've had a great summer with my kids, and here are 10 highlights.

1. Flying to and from Sweden with my kids, and realizing that they've grown up so much. They know what to do, they are not so anxious about being on the plane, and they handle the on-board boredom better than before. However, they also bug each other to the point of madness when bored at airports: old problems go away, new ones appear!

2. Hanging out in the old-time farm in Rismyrliden, Sweden and watching my kids play with the kittens there.

3. Seeing how much fun my kids had taking care of the chickens (3 hens and a rooster) that my parents had borrowed for the month of July when we stayed with them in Burvik, Sweden.

4. Enjoying the beach and the water at my parents' summer-house in Burvik with the kids.This is one of our favorite places on Earth.

5. Going to Stockholm with my kids, and exploring Old Town and Skansen together.

6. Spending time on the beach in Spanish Banks in Vancouver, including one day when we saw a bald eagle land next to an injured or sickly cormorant. The eagle proceeded to very easily and casually kill and eat the other bird. It was one of those moments when your kids learn something about nature in a very direct way that you didn't plan on when the day started out.

7. Hanging out at Maplewood Farm with the goats, and the other animals. The kids really loved the two kids, aka the baby-goats, that cuddled and then ran around, chasing each other and skipping on the rocks.

8. Lazing around at Centennial Beach in Tsawwassen, enjoying the sand, water, and the fantastic playground.

9. Enjoying the local water-parks with good friends.

10. Going to the local farmer's markets for some fresh fruits and vegetables. Favorites include cherries, peaches, nectarines, blueberries, and corn on the cob.

Picture of cherries from Wikimedia.

5 places to visit in Stockholm, Sweden when traveling with kids

On my recent trip to Sweden with the kids, we spent a few days in Stockholm to catch up with family there. The kids had a lot of fun on this part of the trip, partly because they got to hang out with their 2-year old Swedish cousin, and also because there are some very fun things to do for kids in the Swedish capital.

The weather was great while we were there, so we ended up doing a lot of walking, which is a great way to see this city. Here are some of the places we walked to during our visit:

Strolling in Kungsträdgården.

1. Kungsträdgården
This spacious park in central Stockholm is a great place for a stroll, sitting down to enjoy an ice cream cone or a cup of coffee, or to allow your kids to run around a bit, maybe chasing the local pigeons (that's what my son enjoyed doing at least!). There are restaurants and cafés here, as well as some famous works of public art, like the statue of Charles XII, and Molin's fountain.

One of the lions outside the royal palace.

2. The Royal Palace
This is the official residence of Sweden's king and queen, and it's located smack dab in the middle of the city, right by Stockholm's famous Old Town. My daughter was initially disappointed with the castle ("That doesn't look like a castle!"), because it had now towers. However, once we got closer and she got to see the guards outside in their shiny helmets, and the cannons in the courtyard, she was appeased. Note: If the Swedish flag is flying from the castle, that means the king is at home!

Another highlight for the kids was the horse and carriage we saw just outside the castle. You can hop on for a guided tour of Stockholm!

The well at Stortorget.

3. Stortorget

Going for a walk in Stockholm's Old Town is a must for any visitor. There are narrow cobblestone streets, and even narrower alleys between the buildings (most of them many hundreds of years old), a multitude of shops from tacky to wonderful, and many, many cafés and restaurants. Stortorget is a great stop for some Swedish history, and some great photos. My kids especially liked climbing on the well, constructed in the 1700s, located in the center of the square.

Bloodthirsty note: If your kids are a little older than mine (teenagers, say), you might get them excited about the visit to Stortorget by telling them about the infamous Stockholm's blood-bath, which took place here in 1520. In three days, 90 people were beheaded here by the Danish/Swedish king Christian II. Take that, Game of Thrones!

On the cobblestones of Västerlånggatan.

4. Västerlånggatan
If you're walking around the Old Town, you will most likely end up on Västerlånggatan at one time or another. Along this street are what seems an endless parade of souvenir shops and places selling ice-cream, and in the summer it is packed with strolling tourists. So yes, it has the feel of a tourist trap, but it also retains some serious charm. The cobblestones, the old buildings, the occasional shop with real, honest-to-goodness handcrafted items... it's all here too.

We headed down the occasional narrow alley to get away from the hustle and bustle, and with my kids I tried to imagine what the city was like, hundreds of years ago. We stopped for very delicious pastries and excellent coffee at Café Gråmunken: highly recommended!

Crazy, under-aged drivers at Skansen.

5. Skansen
Skansen, a vast zoo and open-air museum, is another must-see for visitors to Stockholm, especially if you're traveling with children. Now, we didn't actually walk all the way here, but instead took the ferry across from downtown Stockholm to Djurgården, where Skansen is located. You can easily spend a day here with your kids, there are animals to see, all sorts of craftspeople to visit, and museum exhibits to explore. Pony rides, bumper cars, the Aquarium... the list goes on. Take a look at the map, and you'll see you can keep very busy here!

The highlights for my kids were:

• riding the electric bumper cars on the grand wooden dance-floor at Bollnäs Place;
• investigating the cannons outside Restaurant Solliden which is a great, kid-friendly place for an easy-going meal (this location also offers a fantastic panorama view of Stockholm, so bring your camera!)
• riding the kid's train around the grounds: not a long ride (about 15 minutes), but just right for little ones (it departs from Bollnäs Place);
• looking at the animals, especially the wolves, wolverines, and bears (who all were out and about and showing off).

Note: There is a new children's zoo at Skansen, with a lot of stuff made especially for kids, including a petting zoo. However, when we visited, this part of the grounds was extremely busy and crowded and the kids really didn't enjoy it as much as I thought they would. It might be a better bet in the off-season though.

Visiting Stockholm, Sweden with kids: quick photo essay

I just returned from a summer trip to Sweden with my kids, and will be writing more in depth about some things to see, places to eat, and places to stay soon. Today, I'll just share some photos from our visit to Stockholm.

The weather was great and we had a very good time. Stockholm's Old Town and the zoo at Skansen were our main destinations, and I highly recommend both for anyone traveling to this fantastic city with kids!

In Kungsträdgården.

Molin's Fountain in Kungsträdgården.

Outside Stockholm Castle, in Gamla Stan/Old Town.

Stortorget in Old Town.

Cobblestones.

Admiring some Tintin items in Old Town.

The neighborhood Midsommarkransen, with hot-air ballon.

Near the ferry to Djurgården.

At Skansen, near Solliden restaurant.

Crazy drivers at Skansen.

The ceiling in our room at Hotell Kung Carl.

Fun with kids in Sweden - visiting Bjuröklubb

My kids and I are currently visiting family in Sweden. Since we've been here before, we have lots of favorite places we like to re-visit when we're here, and the area around the old lighthouse in Bjuröklubb is definitely one of those favorite places.

Visa större karta
Bjuröklubb is located on the coast near my Swedish hometown Skellefteå. It's a place with a long history. In the woods around the lighthouse are the remains of human habitation from many centuries ago. People lived here, fished here, hunted seal here, and pulled their boats up on the shores here, as early as the bronze age.

The lighthouse was built in 1859 and is still standing though it is no longer in operation. You can climb the hill up to the lighthouse and enjoy the spectacular view however.

Heading down towards the café from the lighthouse.

My kids love this place for the easy walk in the woods up from the parking lot, for the blueberries that grow here in July/August, and for the ice cream and other treats at the café, Café Fyren, below the lighthouse. They love running up the boardwalk to the top of the bluff where the lighthouse is, and they love visiting the sailboat in the harbor down the hill where the proprietor sells fresh and smoked fish, locally caught of course, and some other fishy Swedish specialties like surströmming.

Bjuröklubb is located about 60 km from Skellefteå and it's an easy drive. There's lots of free parking next to the road below the lighthouse, and even on a windy, stormy day the place is a spectacular destination: watching the waves and feeling that wind blow your hair around is pretty exciting!

Highly recommended, by me and my kids, if you happen to be in the area.

7 foods to try with kids in northern Sweden

I grew up in northern Sweden, and since my kids were born, I go back there with them at least once a year to visit my parents and other friends and family. It's a beautiful part of the world, and though it might not be known for its cooking, there is some great food to try if you're in this part of the world.

This list is all fairly simple, even rustic, stuff, since much of it is old-school, traditional home-cooking. Depending on your child, most of of it is also quite kid-friendly.

My grandmother holding a plate of home-made palt.

1. Palt - Palt is the northern Swedish version of a boiled potato dumpling. It is made with grated raw potato, and flour, and is filled with diced, salted port. Traditionally it is served with butter and lingonberry jam. My son, often a picky eater, loves this dish. It is hearty, heavy food for sure, but definitely one of those dishes I miss from home.

Baking mjukkaka in a traditional oven.

2. Mjukkaka - There's nothing quite like fresh baked bread, and if you want to try a local bread, this is the one to go for in my opinion. Some enthusiasts still bake this bread themselves, the old-school way, by renting a "bagarstuga" "baker's house" with a brick oven, to prepare this traditional bread. It's a soft, round bread made from rye and wheat flour, and it is one of the most delicious things you can eat with nothing but butter on it. You can find this bread at any grocery store, but it tastes best if bought straight from the bakery. Visit the bakery in Kåge, buy it at the bakery house in Rismyrliden in the summer, or look for mjukkaka at the various craft markets around northern Sweden.

3. Filmjölk - The Swedish version of yogurt, this is one of the most common breakfast foods in all of Sweden. A bowl of filmjölk with cereal or muesli is how many Swedes start the day. Look for it in the grocery store, or at most buffet breakfasts at the hotels.

4. Hjortronsylt/cloudberry jam - Hjortron, AKA "the gold of the forest", AKA cloudberries, grow mainly in the marshy areas of the northern Swedish forests. They are one of my daughter's favorite berries, ever. (And that's saying something!) They have a slightly tart and very particular flavor, and they are delicious raw, when made into jam, or simply eaten with a bit of sugar. Many Swedes think they are especially good served warm over vanilla ice-cream.


5. Fläskpannkaka - This thick, oven-baked pancake (usually made with fried, salted pork) is a common dish in many homes in northern Sweden. You can also buy it ready-to-serve in many grocery stores. Swedes eat it with butter and jam. My favorite way of enjoying it is to cut up day-old pancake and fry it with some butter. Delicious. A recipe in English is available at the website Gretchen Cooks.

6. Renskav - Not all kids will take kindly to eating reindeer, but it really is delicious when cooked the right way. Renskav is thin-sliced reindeer meat that is usually sold frozen, and used to make stews. One simple way to prepare it is to fry the meat with some onions and mushrooms, salt and pepper to taste, and then pour in some heavy cream to make a gravy. Season with soy sauce if you like, and you have a wonderful dish. Boiled potatoes and lingonberries make a great accompaniment, and your kids might even like it (if they don't know they're eating Rudolph...)

7. Surströmming - No, your kids probably will not enjoy eating this canned, fermented herring, but they will certainly have a story to tell their friends when they get home! Surströmming smells so bad you will not believe people actually eat it, but they do. It is traditionally eaten on white crispbread with boiled potatoes and raw, chopped onions. This is not a dish for the faint of heart, but you will earn bragging rights if you can eat a couple of fillets!

Cloudberry jam photo thanks to user Ankara, at Wikimedia. Photo of renskav thanks to user Wikbigidy, at Wikimedia.