Göta canal

Yesterday me and Hasse went on a trip on Göta kanal with the Rheumatic association. The weather forecast had predicted rain and generally bad weather. We started out from 4 different places since we are so scattered. The first ones were picked up at 5.15AM!! We boarded the bus in Upplands Väsby at 6 AM. After the last ones had boarded the bus we started our trip to Bergs slussar where we were to board the ship.

It was surprising how fast I slipped into the role of tourleader again. I haven't been tourleader since 1993 but as I said it came to me faster than you would have thought. Why did I do this you may ask? Well, no one took the responsibility and since we only had the chauffeur (the most important person of the bus) and he was no guide or tourleader someone had to do it.

I had prepared a quiz about Sweden. It consisted of 18 questions and no alternative was given. It's more of a challenge that way. I divided them into groups of two as a team to solve this and that was an ice breaker. We arrived in good time (1 hour) before the boat was to leave so we had time to sit down and take a cup of coffee in the sunshine while one of the passengers played the accordion. Did I mention it was sunshine? Lovely weather and mild temperature.

Finally it was time to board the ship and it was lucky I knew what to do. I was first in line and therefore everyone in my group was admitted onboard first of all :-)
We were designated tables where we were to sit throughout the tour which takes 3 1/2 hours.
We passed 9 locks and 2 aqueducts during the trip and it's fascinating to see.
We also had lunch onboard. A very good salmon with whitewinesauce, fresh potatoes and carrots. Afterwards a cup of coffee. It was so nice to sit and watch the scenery along the canal. Sheeps, birds, cows, tourists, cyklists and all the colours of green you can imagine. It was also very peaceful since the boat travelled with only 5 knots. The actual distance is only around 30 km and takes 3 1/2 hours as I mentioned before.

When we reached Borensberg we got off and our bus stood waiting for us. We then set off to Old Linköping which is a bit like Skansen but smaller. Old buildings have been moved here and set up like banks, bakery, chocolatefactory, old café and more. You can bet there were a lot of bags from the chocolate factory when everyone boarded the bus for our trip home.

When we started I revealed the right answers to the quiz and top 1-4 received prizes which of course was in the Rheumatic spirit.
As I mentioned before we had one passenger who played the accordion and he had also prepared booklets with songs so we all sang along while he played. It was so funny and you really get in a good mood when you sing and for a while you forget your pain and aches.

We returned home at 6PM and everyone was very pleased with the trip. I was so tired because I did feel a responsibility that everything should go as planned and I'm glad it did.

I attach some photos so you get a picture (:D) of how it was. Until next time, take care :-)