Second Day Trip

Yesterday (the 27th) we drove from Halmstad to Laholm, Helsingborg, and drove through some other little ones in between. Walking through Laholm we got to see our third great grandparents' house (grandpa's great grandparents, the yellow house). Lunch consisted of a quart of strawberries, some Swedish pastries, and sandwiches we prepared at breakfast back at the hotel.

I want these so bad. Along with my periodic table chocolate, and I'm set.

After Lahome we headed off to Skottorps slott. The castle was built in Empire Style in approximately 1670. There were peacocks everywhere but I didn't get any good photos of them. Grandpa found two of their feathers in the garden though!

Candid!

Afterwards we spent a few hours wandering the gardens of Sofiero and exploring the castle. The sculptures & view of the beach were wonderful and the labyrinths were beautiful as well. Afternoon tea was spent at Sofiero (outdoor cafe) as well.

"Garn" room, all the yarn from the tapestries throughout the castle's exhibition.

Grandpa's face after Nancy's "grandpa get out of the picture." Quite humorous.

16 year olds can play on playgrounds too.

Gargoyle much?

I love labyrinths.

One of the sculpture was coming back to life!

After reading the poem out loud: "the younger generation should drill a hole and stick a ring through here." - Grandpa

This labyrinth was amazing. Figure eight pattern with hedges (and little door-like holes throughout them) blocking either side of the path. Took about ten minutes to get through.

Aerial view of the figure eight labyrinth.

Favorite flower, some sort of siberian iris. The colour is stunning.

A large tree. Yes, I apologize but that is the best description you are going to get.

"Karnan is the only tower left from the old Helsingborg Castle, one of the strongest fortifications during early medival time." This tower is considered the oldest building in Skane (dating farther back than 1400). Skane was at one point a part of Denmark (until 1658). Denmark is just a few kilometers across the North Sea from Sweden, you can actually see Denmark from the tower.

Helsingborg in 1400.

The tower.

The view!

The view, and the beautiful copper roofs!

Driving back to the hotel after chasing down the sunset (unsuccessful, but drove through a lovely nature reserve/golf course!) and oh look, our name on a road sign.