to celebrate our anniversary - twenty-four years! - stefan and i spent a weekend on svartsö, one of stockholm's larger islands in the central archipelago.
we brought our bicycles, but you can also rent from the village shop, which allowed us to easily get around between our hotel, skärgårdshotell & vandrarhem, on the north side and the krog, a beloved restaurant among the locals, on the south side. the road is lined with rocks, lush forests, and pastures with grazing horses and the occasional deer.
at the krog, we enjoyed a beautiful and fun evening on the lovely terrace, with a view of the baltic. our meal was superb, food that stands out and you remember, flavour exploding in our mouths with every bite. first, hiramasa with grapefruit and green chili followed by focaccia with sardines and hot sauce. when we returned for lunch the next day, we just had to order the focaccia again, it was that good. our main was duck, grilled with pak choi and green pepper sauce. we ended dinner with a delish rhubarb and star anise panna cotta.
just to remember, bob the lactation consultant was a hilarious story. to retell it here would loose it's appeal but we had a good laugh to the bemusement of the others in the restaurant. i apparently have an infectious laugh.
in the middle of woods, it's quiet and peaceful and lovely. we especially enjoyed our well-stocked breakfast basket, eating under the trees. of course, in sweden, breakfast always includes egg with creamy caviar... my favourite.
our first swims in the sea were lovely. i have come to love swimming in cold water :)
and marriage after 24 years? i think i'll hang onto him for another 24 years or so.
