Having enjoyed Laila’s company, our traveller asked if they could travel with Laila who was stopping in Sweden on her way back to France. This was a win-win for both parties. It allowed our traveller to save money as they slowly started to make their way home. On the other hand, Laila was really pleased to have someone to talk to.
As they made their way to Stockholm, Laila decided to drive along the Gulf of Bothnia, and have a stopover around Lake Siljan in Orsa. After a long journey and several stops, they finally arrived at their destination. In Orsa, they decided to stop and have lunch. Laila told our adventurer that this region was known as “the most Swedish of all regions”. She went on to explain how every summer, in the beginning of July, a week-long series of events and concerts by the name Musik vid Siljan takes place by the lake and attracts a lot of people. She also told him of the great panoramic views of the lake that can be seen from the top of mount Gesunda.
Full of knowledge and interesting facts, Laila added “ as we are in Sweden, did you know that the name IKEA is an acronym comprising the initials of the founder’s name, Ingvar Kamprad, the farm where he grew up, Elmtaryd and his home village, which happens to be called Agunnaryd?”
Our traveller was still in awe. They could not believe the scenery and what they had seen on their journey so far. As they made their way to a local restaurant, Laila asked “as someone who loves travelling, have you ever thought of being a photo-journalist?”, to which our adventurer replied “ I am really interested in photography, maybe it’s a career path I can explore when I am back home”.
In Restaurant Stinsen, both travellers ordered Gyrta, a common winder dish in Sweden made, similarly to beef stew, with elk or reindeer. As they waited for their food, our travel took his phone out and went on the National Careers Service website.
It’s fair to say that our friends were very disappointed not to spend more time in Orsa, home to one of the biggest ski resorts and wildlife park in Sweden.
Hoping to get a lift all the way back to France, our traveller hopped back on the lorry with Laila, as they made their way to Stockholm.
Written by David Lubendo, Team Leader Youth Programmes.
