In Pals, north of Barcelona close to Girona, wedding bells rang around 6.30 pm.
A Friday, a light shower in the morning that freshened things up, to become one of the most beautiful days Spain can offer.
The day I married the gorgeous Marta, The One for me. I'd like to say the only one but she has gotten some pretty fierce competition lately when it comes to # 1 in my heart. I quiet frankly rank Marta #4 these days.
#1. A tie, Alex and Fia
#3. the little Milu
#4. Marta
Since it being our wedding day and all I worked and are now at home in my loneliness. Marta and the kids left for Spain yesterday as luck has it to get stuck in Atlanta. She just called me from the plane, they are finally in their seats. I know I had a better day than she did. Or maybe not, 3 hours of sleep in a crummy hotel, no play ground, early checkout resulted in 10 hours in an airport with a 2 and 4 year old. Only crap food that has given the kids diarrhea.
Well, honey, rather you than me but to cheer you up, we did have a good old time that Friday eight years ago. A scenic setting, great families, good friends, gourmet food and the most beautiful woman on earth at my side made an unforgetable night. And the music on the dance floor. I appreciate that you put up with that and the fact that you still put up with my behind every day.
I love you!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sorry
To whom ever in Spain I called last night/early morning and left a message about Marta and the kids flight delay.
If you didn't speak Spanish so darn fast on your answering machine I might have realized that I dialed the wrong number. I hope you woke up and couldn't fall back asleep.
To every one else, they are still in Atlanta awaiting their flight. If all goes well they should be in Spain tomorrow, Tuesday at 11.05 local time.
If you didn't speak Spanish so darn fast on your answering machine I might have realized that I dialed the wrong number. I hope you woke up and couldn't fall back asleep.
To every one else, they are still in Atlanta awaiting their flight. If all goes well they should be in Spain tomorrow, Tuesday at 11.05 local time.
1-0
Spain! We saw the first half while having a late lunch. The place was packed with Germans, Bosch is here in Charleston so Germans are a common sight. When Spain scored, Marta was just about the only one cheering. Some one said to her that she was gutsy being the minority. Well, I was there to protect her and besides the lousy Germans got what they deserved.
After all, a team that has a player who's name translates to pig masturbate r (Schweinsteiger) says it all.
After all, a team that has a player who's name translates to pig masturbate r (Schweinsteiger) says it all.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Fast runner
Alex got new running shoes for his sports camp, the camp is in Barcelona this summer. He starts Tuesday.
I went to summer camps and they where great, it's just that after one week of golf camp, one week of dinosaur camp and one week of red,white and blue camp here in Mt. Pleasant SC, I find the fact that he get one month of sports camp in Barcelona Spain truly unfair. The kid is so freaking spoiled there's no justice to it.
I might be slightly jealous but still.
Off course little sis got some Puma's to match big bro's Nike's. She on the other hand will spend a month with the Nuns, with my hopes that they can teach her to behave. I have my money on Fia however, she will wear the Nuns out but one has to have hope right?
If not she will kick their buts in her Swedish clogs, yes they are bought here in the Mt.P and made in Sweden. The next
thing after Crocks.
I went to summer camps and they where great, it's just that after one week of golf camp, one week of dinosaur camp and one week of red,white and blue camp here in Mt. Pleasant SC, I find the fact that he get one month of sports camp in Barcelona Spain truly unfair. The kid is so freaking spoiled there's no justice to it.
I might be slightly jealous but still.
Off course little sis got some Puma's to match big bro's Nike's. She on the other hand will spend a month with the Nuns, with my hopes that they can teach her to behave. I have my money on Fia however, she will wear the Nuns out but one has to have hope right?
If not she will kick their buts in her Swedish clogs, yes they are bought here in the Mt.P and made in Sweden. The next
thing after Crocks.
Practice
I might have to start to practice run up and down Greymarch Boulevard for a very possible sprint down la Ramblas in August.
3-0 Spain yesterday, way to go!
3-0 Spain yesterday, way to go!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Samurai douse
I have sailed all my life and raced a fair bit on various boats and in different positions. Since I moved to Charleston I mostly have had the position of Bowman, a position that no one wants. When things go wrong at the mark the Bowman gets the blame.
It's a more challenging task than it might look like at times. If you don't have it figured and sorted out on the bow things go south in a heart beat, likely ending the race for a trip to the sail maker for repairs. And to the chandler to replace what ever other equipment that broke.
So, no wonder I find this clip hilarious.
It's a more challenging task than it might look like at times. If you don't have it figured and sorted out on the bow things go south in a heart beat, likely ending the race for a trip to the sail maker for repairs. And to the chandler to replace what ever other equipment that broke.
So, no wonder I find this clip hilarious.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Why me?
Swedes are often taken as light footed, liberal, blond, easy to get.Most think of our women in a warm tourist place.
Marta has told me over and over that when she went to El Encierro (running of the bulls in Pamplona) years ago, she met some Swedish guys and told her friends that she one day would marry one.
And at times I wonder why. I'm not the big old strong Magnus ( I'm strong but not like that), I'm getting heavy, going on obesity, my jokes are old and so are my habits.
After 10 years dating I know she still sees me as a man hunk of meat, and I love it.
I am not Inga but I am Jonas from Sweden in my wifes eye's, and I wouldn't have it any other way, she thinks I'm HOT!
Marta has told me over and over that when she went to El Encierro (running of the bulls in Pamplona) years ago, she met some Swedish guys and told her friends that she one day would marry one.
And at times I wonder why. I'm not the big old strong Magnus ( I'm strong but not like that), I'm getting heavy, going on obesity, my jokes are old and so are my habits.
After 10 years dating I know she still sees me as a man hunk of meat, and I love it.
I am not Inga but I am Jonas from Sweden in my wifes eye's, and I wouldn't have it any other way, she thinks I'm HOT!
A Monday night
Marta has book club once every 6 weeks. Tonight was one of them.
The kids and I went to the ballgame, nothing better than hot dogs, French fries and some baseball. We ate our hot dogs and fries, saw our team make a home run to score two points in the second inning.
Then the sky opened up. We got soaked. We had a great time.
As we road home in Betty through flooded streets down town Charleston we tried to make the water spray the highest. Betty didn't like it to much, sputtered a awful lot but brought us safely home.
The kids and I went to the ballgame, nothing better than hot dogs, French fries and some baseball. We ate our hot dogs and fries, saw our team make a home run to score two points in the second inning.
Then the sky opened up. We got soaked. We had a great time.
As we road home in Betty through flooded streets down town Charleston we tried to make the water spray the highest. Betty didn't like it to much, sputtered a awful lot but brought us safely home.
Jansson's frestelse
Or Jansson's temptation.
A great tasting potato gratin with anchovies, might take a Viking to appreciate. Long story short we celebrated Midsummer this Sunday instead of Friday. I know, shame on us but we do after all live in the US, Friday was a soccer game and Saturday we went on a date night with out kids.
So Sunday started with me picking up the kids and Grandpa at his house, went to Church, Sunday's service was on the beach, literally on the beach, then some shopping to get ready for Spain, I dropped out early to go the grocery store so I could make the best Midsummer meal ever.
I made Jansson's for the first time in my life and it did turn out great (maybe living abroad for 10 years help it), I also made meatballs, 95 of them, as close as I have ever come to taste like my great grandmother Elsa's, who made the best freaking meatballs ever.
Then of course new potatoes, pickled herring. crisp bread, aged cheeses, strawberries. All in all a traditional Midsummer.
What made it real Swedish was the fact as we sat outside on the porch getting ready to eat, it started raining. I felt like home.
A great tasting potato gratin with anchovies, might take a Viking to appreciate. Long story short we celebrated Midsummer this Sunday instead of Friday. I know, shame on us but we do after all live in the US, Friday was a soccer game and Saturday we went on a date night with out kids.
So Sunday started with me picking up the kids and Grandpa at his house, went to Church, Sunday's service was on the beach, literally on the beach, then some shopping to get ready for Spain, I dropped out early to go the grocery store so I could make the best Midsummer meal ever.
I made Jansson's for the first time in my life and it did turn out great (maybe living abroad for 10 years help it), I also made meatballs, 95 of them, as close as I have ever come to taste like my great grandmother Elsa's, who made the best freaking meatballs ever.
Then of course new potatoes, pickled herring. crisp bread, aged cheeses, strawberries. All in all a traditional Midsummer.
What made it real Swedish was the fact as we sat outside on the porch getting ready to eat, it started raining. I felt like home.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Last
night we went to the soccer game. Had a big afternoon thunder storm rolling through the Lowcountry so there were hardly any people at the stadium.
The Battery club served up Italian foods and it was also military personel appreciation day. A C-17 did a fly by which was pretty cool.
The game was lame and ended 1-1.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Små grodorna
Classic dance around the maypole a day like this. I'm sure that my nephews have enjoyed Midsummer celebration and that they are entering face 2 of today, the traditional dinner.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
The real Midsummer
I have looked all over to find ya'll some picturesque Midsummer pictures/videaos. The ones from utopia, the perfect Midsummer.
Moms pickled herring, Janssons frestelse, meatballs, lax and dads perfectly grilled steak. All kids dressed in beautiful white clothes ( and they stay white no grass stains) with flowers in their hair.
Sun is shining, flowers in full bloom and traditional folk music at it's best. Cold Aquavit and no one is arguing with family members.
SCRATCH!
I found this, Midsummer at it's best. It's always cold and rainy but the spirit is right there. This is what it's all about.
Happy Midsummer!
Moms pickled herring, Janssons frestelse, meatballs, lax and dads perfectly grilled steak. All kids dressed in beautiful white clothes ( and they stay white no grass stains) with flowers in their hair.
Sun is shining, flowers in full bloom and traditional folk music at it's best. Cold Aquavit and no one is arguing with family members.
SCRATCH!
I found this, Midsummer at it's best. It's always cold and rainy but the spirit is right there. This is what it's all about.
Happy Midsummer!
Javi
Javi is my brother in law, the Spaniard. I had a little email conversation with him today over my great offer to trade him my Swedish jersey for for his Spanish. I'll never hold this against him, I wouldn't accept a Swedish after yesterdays fiasco so I most humbly thank him for his offer to buy me a Spanish and/or Catalonia when I see him July 30th in Barcelona.
He is also a little negative about the outcome of Sundays game, apparently Spain has never won a quarter final ever, or at least not in a long time.
Well Javi, that's because Spain never had a true Viking and two 1/2 Vikings cheering out from the West. That'll make a huge difference.
Tell you what. Spain wins the Euro Cup, I will do hula hoops down La Ramblas dressed in Spanish or Catalonia jersey, your pick, screaming out of the top of my lungs Espana, Spanien, Espana,Spanien......
As long as you document it with your camera.
He is also a little negative about the outcome of Sundays game, apparently Spain has never won a quarter final ever, or at least not in a long time.
Well Javi, that's because Spain never had a true Viking and two 1/2 Vikings cheering out from the West. That'll make a huge difference.
Tell you what. Spain wins the Euro Cup, I will do hula hoops down La Ramblas dressed in Spanish or Catalonia jersey, your pick, screaming out of the top of my lungs Espana, Spanien, Espana,Spanien......
As long as you document it with your camera.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Inbjudan till Bohuslän
We're approaching the Swedish holiday of Midsummer. I will try and get you into the spirit of Midsummer and get you as excited as I am about it. This upcoming Friday is Midsummer eve and Saturday is Midsummer day.
I always spent my Midsummer on the west coast of Sweden, therefore I invite you to Bohuslän, the very province, just to the north of Gothenburg all the way to Norway, with it's red granite rocks and salt water. The home of the best boat building inherited from the Vikings and the best spread of seafood one could ever have.
The song is a tribute and a welcome to Bohuslän. It is one of the most beautiful places on this planet if not The Place. I always tear up when I hear this song, it is a place I love dearly and truly miss.
I always spent my Midsummer on the west coast of Sweden, therefore I invite you to Bohuslän, the very province, just to the north of Gothenburg all the way to Norway, with it's red granite rocks and salt water. The home of the best boat building inherited from the Vikings and the best spread of seafood one could ever have.
The song is a tribute and a welcome to Bohuslän. It is one of the most beautiful places on this planet if not The Place. I always tear up when I hear this song, it is a place I love dearly and truly miss.
2-0 Russia
Sweden lost, supporters are in an uproar and the coach has to go, no doubt about it.
Since the Berg household is multi national, triple to be exact, I get over this sour loss today by recognizing arch rival Spain who played 2-1. With 10 (TEN) of their best players on the bench! Keep in mind that there is 11 players on the field, goal keeper included.
Well now, that's more like it. Alex will wear his Spanish team outfit all the rest of the cup.
I won't, my Spanish family seems to think I'm not worthy. Come on Javi, I trade you my Swedish for your Spanish. It might not fit but still.
Since the Berg household is multi national, triple to be exact, I get over this sour loss today by recognizing arch rival Spain who played 2-1. With 10 (TEN) of their best players on the bench! Keep in mind that there is 11 players on the field, goal keeper included.
Well now, that's more like it. Alex will wear his Spanish team outfit all the rest of the cup.
I won't, my Spanish family seems to think I'm not worthy. Come on Javi, I trade you my Swedish for your Spanish. It might not fit but still.
Cheer for nothing
Right now I'm cheering for Sweden against Russia. The game just started. If we win, we get to play The Netherlands in quarter finals. If it doesn't end tonight, it ends then.
Simultaneously Spain is playing against Greece in an a totally meaningless game since Spain already won the group. They will play Italy on Sunday in the quarter finals, should be a good game. And we will of course cheer for Spain.
Simultaneously Spain is playing against Greece in an a totally meaningless game since Spain already won the group. They will play Italy on Sunday in the quarter finals, should be a good game. And we will of course cheer for Spain.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Learn Swedish part #20
I for one can't phantom what came out of my mouth when I moved to the US 10 years ago. I did translate directly from Swedish to English all the time.
And I honestly thought that they smiled about my quaint accent...
And I honestly thought that they smiled about my quaint accent...
Summer camp
Since school is out we have had to come up with some stuff for the kids to do. I think that they have a full schedule as it is. Alex might need things to do besides hanging with Mom and baby sister.
Last week he did golf camp for five days. His team was the Jaguars and they won the competition a couple of the days.
This week is Dinosaurs are back at the Mount Pleasant recreation center. I just got "it's pretty cool Dad" when I inquired about his day after I got home tonight.
I received the benefit to sit in on his lecture about how to become a better golfer, not that I needed that since I'm an excellent golfer, after last camp. Next he's about to open a Jurassic Park.
Last week he did golf camp for five days. His team was the Jaguars and they won the competition a couple of the days.
This week is Dinosaurs are back at the Mount Pleasant recreation center. I just got "it's pretty cool Dad" when I inquired about his day after I got home tonight.
I received the benefit to sit in on his lecture about how to become a better golfer, not that I needed that since I'm an excellent golfer, after last camp. Next he's about to open a Jurassic Park.
Dogsitting
We dog sat the little Daisy over the weekend, who's owner is a very good friend of ours. As I upload this weeks pictures to the computer I think that her owner might opt for boarding next time.
I wouldn't, Marta keeps our toilets cleaner than new so I feel pretty good about it. I'm sure that the water is nice and cool too, not to mention that the kids flush after themselfs everytime.
Every time, right.
I wouldn't, Marta keeps our toilets cleaner than new so I feel pretty good about it. I'm sure that the water is nice and cool too, not to mention that the kids flush after themselfs everytime.
Every time, right.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
2-1
Spain won. Damn! F***!
I will never hear the end of this. And in added time too.
Good thing that the kids were napping when this took place. They would have learned a few bad words.
Spainiards.
If we win against Russia we will meet Holland. Great!
I will abandon Sweden in this cup and cheer my ass of for Spain. That I'll do. Maybe that will cut down on the anoying singing in this house. 2-1, 2-1, 2-1, 2-1.....
I will never hear the end of this. And in added time too.
Good thing that the kids were napping when this took place. They would have learned a few bad words.
Spainiards.
If we win against Russia we will meet Holland. Great!
I will abandon Sweden in this cup and cheer my ass of for Spain. That I'll do. Maybe that will cut down on the anoying singing in this house. 2-1, 2-1, 2-1, 2-1.....
Thursday, June 12, 2008
God parent
Every birthday that I can remember my god mother has sent me a card wishing me a happy birthday, every year her thought of me makes me smile.
I'm the god father of my two nephews who live back home in Sweden. I call them and speak to them on their birthdays but to get me to send them a card is not happening. Marta is on me every year to send them a card but I'm so distracted with everything else that goes on.
Yesterday's card that I got made me smile and then it stung in my heart like someone stabbed it. It came to me that I should have sent cards to my nephews. I'm a terrible god father I thought.
I told Marta about this and her reply was.
"They know that you love them, Honey. Don't worry, that's all that matters."
And love them I do.
I'm the god father of my two nephews who live back home in Sweden. I call them and speak to them on their birthdays but to get me to send them a card is not happening. Marta is on me every year to send them a card but I'm so distracted with everything else that goes on.
Yesterday's card that I got made me smile and then it stung in my heart like someone stabbed it. It came to me that I should have sent cards to my nephews. I'm a terrible god father I thought.
I told Marta about this and her reply was.
"They know that you love them, Honey. Don't worry, that's all that matters."
And love them I do.
Making his bed
Our Alex is a good little helper, always eager to give a lending hand. The latest is that he makes his own bed every morning.
Last night when I got home he showed me his bed and explained what and how he made it.
Very good Alex, I said and gave him a hug.
He was so proud of himself making that bed.
Our little Alex.
Last night when I got home he showed me his bed and explained what and how he made it.
Very good Alex, I said and gave him a hug.
He was so proud of himself making that bed.
Our little Alex.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Europe cup
The European soccer championship is going on in Austria as we speak. This year Sweden has a crap team. The coach is as conservative as always so our hopes to go on to quarterfinals is nil.
As I write this it's half time in the match Sweden-Greece. One expert said that Sweden has done a very good first half, 0-0. What the hell is good about that? Better than 0-5 I guess. With that attitude we will go a long way, I can smell the gold medal.
No, I will cheer for Spain instead, nicely done with a 4-1 against Russia.
Or just imagine a final between Sweden and Spain. That would be pretty intense in our house those 90 minutes, and one of us would sleep on the couch when it's all over with.
As I write this it's half time in the match Sweden-Greece. One expert said that Sweden has done a very good first half, 0-0. What the hell is good about that? Better than 0-5 I guess. With that attitude we will go a long way, I can smell the gold medal.
No, I will cheer for Spain instead, nicely done with a 4-1 against Russia.
Or just imagine a final between Sweden and Spain. That would be pretty intense in our house those 90 minutes, and one of us would sleep on the couch when it's all over with.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Poll time
We have our battles in the Berg household. Marta is always wrong but tends to win any way. This time I ask you, my great readers to claim who wins this one.
Marta claims that FC Barcelona's song is better than my beloved IFK Göteborg. Barca I'm waiting for the troops to move in and Blåvitt has nerd status all over. Let me know which one you think is the best in the commentary field.
Marta claims that FC Barcelona's song is better than my beloved IFK Göteborg. Barca I'm waiting for the troops to move in and Blåvitt has nerd status all over. Let me know which one you think is the best in the commentary field.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Salamanca
I asked my wife today what was the most beautiful place in Spain according to her. She said Salamanca and for me to not blog about it. We youtubed Salamanca and she got all ecxited saying I been here and there, Oh, this is where so and such is.
I totally lost track but I did yell at her a good bit for never have taken me there, I mean what the heck.
I might not have taken her all over Sweden yet, but that is a big task, only 9 million people but if you flip the country over itself to make the very southern part the north, the new southern part is in Rome Italy. In Europe that would make one hell of a difference in landscape. So is Sweden withouth flipping it.
And for my wife to think I would not blog about such a statement, apperantly she doesn't know me.
I found this on youtube, maybe not very flattering but Marta refuses to guest blog so this is what you get. Salamanca according to Auburn Univerity.
I totally lost track but I did yell at her a good bit for never have taken me there, I mean what the heck.
I might not have taken her all over Sweden yet, but that is a big task, only 9 million people but if you flip the country over itself to make the very southern part the north, the new southern part is in Rome Italy. In Europe that would make one hell of a difference in landscape. So is Sweden withouth flipping it.
And for my wife to think I would not blog about such a statement, apperantly she doesn't know me.
I found this on youtube, maybe not very flattering but Marta refuses to guest blog so this is what you get. Salamanca according to Auburn Univerity.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Swedish lesson part...
June 6
The Swedish national holiday or the Swedish flag day, started June 6 1523 when Gustav Wasa was elected King and Sweden became a state.
Most of us today think of June 6 1944, D-day. Or if you're in to tennis, Björn Borg was born on June 6 1956.
Or as I hope you're aware of, June 6 is y'alls bloggers birthday. 1972 was the year.
The Swedish national holiday or the Swedish flag day, started June 6 1523 when Gustav Wasa was elected King and Sweden became a state.
Most of us today think of June 6 1944, D-day. Or if you're in to tennis, Björn Borg was born on June 6 1956.
Or as I hope you're aware of, June 6 is y'alls bloggers birthday. 1972 was the year.
June 5 1999
The wedding day of Ana and Joseph, congratulations from The Berg family on your 9th anniversary.
That day was also the start of the Campilla's what have we done to deserve this? I'm not talking about my sister in law and her husband, I'm talking about the week that lead up to their wedding and the week after. See, that was when I was introduced as Marta's fiancee and they sensed it would be hell to pay.
I will never forget my father in law's concerns about us maybe rushing things, or maybe it was the fact that he had another wedding to deal with the very next year, my two sister in laws critical judgemental looks and my brother in laws " you better not mess with my sister"! Neither will I forget my mother in laws " Hallelujah, some one is willing to put up with Marta, a saint".
As I think about this day in the past there is one thing that comes directly to my mind. During the wedding reception dinner, a cake was brought in just past midnight, the bride and groom carrying it, everybody standing ( my self included, I had no idea what they were singing but I smiled as best I could) looking my direction.
At this hour it was June 6th, my birthday and they all took time out of their wedding day to, as I felt welcome me to the family.
This I will never ever forget. June 5th is a date very close to my heart, as I know it is for Ana and Joseph and I will love them and The Campilla's forever.
That day was also the start of the Campilla's what have we done to deserve this? I'm not talking about my sister in law and her husband, I'm talking about the week that lead up to their wedding and the week after. See, that was when I was introduced as Marta's fiancee and they sensed it would be hell to pay.
I will never forget my father in law's concerns about us maybe rushing things, or maybe it was the fact that he had another wedding to deal with the very next year, my two sister in laws critical judgemental looks and my brother in laws " you better not mess with my sister"! Neither will I forget my mother in laws " Hallelujah, some one is willing to put up with Marta, a saint".
As I think about this day in the past there is one thing that comes directly to my mind. During the wedding reception dinner, a cake was brought in just past midnight, the bride and groom carrying it, everybody standing ( my self included, I had no idea what they were singing but I smiled as best I could) looking my direction.
At this hour it was June 6th, my birthday and they all took time out of their wedding day to, as I felt welcome me to the family.
This I will never ever forget. June 5th is a date very close to my heart, as I know it is for Ana and Joseph and I will love them and The Campilla's forever.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Hot
Today is hot, darn hot. A sign that summer is here. So is the hurricane season with one named storm so far.
We have paid our insurance, that's about what one can do to protect ones assets.
Besides hauling ass out of here should a storm approach.
We have paid our insurance, that's about what one can do to protect ones assets.
Besides hauling ass out of here should a storm approach.
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