A lone ferryboat travels across the blue sea. The sun rises from the waters and creates a glimmering streak of light across the waves. A haven of clouds constantly modifies the size and intensity of this streak.

At two o’clock we reach Nynashamn, and at 3 o’clock we pass the passport controls. As we didn’t have access to the car during the ferry ride, we use this time in between to do some speed cleaning of our vehicle. I (that is Jan) am especially keen on the car’s cleanliness this day as just behind the passport controls we’re picking up my sporty cousin, Mette, to run with us to Stockholm.

After weeklong sessions of cloud and rain, as we arrive in Sweden the sun slowly bursts through the cloud cover and very soon we have a beautiful sunny day. The nature is awe-inspiringly bright and beautiful. The pure radiant forests and fields powerfully jump at us and seize our wonderment. We get the feeling that Sweden is very eager to welcome us. In these favourable circumstances three of us join Mette for a 9k run.

We make a mistake with the leapfrogging in the beginning, losing some time, despite it being very simple going with only one car. The reason for this lack of concentration is probably a mixture of lack of sleep, excitement over being in a new country, and possibly a slight pre-relaxation due to this being our last day of running before we take a two week break. It is indeed a lesson to us to stay focused until the end.

We also get a minor scolding from the police for running on the highway, which, we’ve now learned, is forbidden in Sweden, so we change to smaller, more legal, roads. Still, despite the misphaps we make it to the border of Stockholm in good moods. From here we will continue in two weeks time and have a ceremony in the city.

Running finished, we drive to Uppsala to stay with our friends, who also prepare a great warm meal for us.

See you soon!

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Distance: 56km

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