Hej!

It’s finally Spring. Which means the darkness is retreating and the weather is warming up. This is actually the driest part of the year in Sweden, with humidity dipping down to around 40%. Sometimes dipping down to below 30%. Which means I’m reapplying chapstick and moisturizer.

Walpurgis Night

Last Thursday was Walpurgis night or Valborg here in Sweden. It is also celebrated in Germany, which is where the tradition originates. This holiday marks the beginning of Spring. It also marks the final stretch of the semester before Summer break. Traditionally it is celebrated by lighting a big bonfire.

However, these days the tradition has evolved into a party with DJ’s, live music, and bar-hopping. (It’s become an excuse to drink.) Sadly, I didn’t celebrate, because I have two papers due next week and a pile of reading. Oh well, there’s always next year.

The King’s Birthday

Thursday was also the 80th birthday of King Carl XVI Gustaf. It was not a big deal for Swedes, but there was a big celebration at the Royal Palace. Heads of state and royals from across Europe traveled to Stockholm for a banquet at the Royal Palace. The King and Queen of Thailand even flew in from Bangkok specifically for the occasion. Swedes may not have been glued to their TVs, nor celebrating in the streets, but the international royal community rolled up in style. I’m not going to name everyone who was in attendance, mostly because I don’t know. So here’s a photo from the event!

Also worth mentioning: he's now the longest-reigning monarch in Swedish history, having been on the throne for 52 years. His motto is "For Sweden — with the times," which is very on-brand for a country that quietly does everything right.

There's been some pressure for him to abdicate, following Queen Margrethe of Denmark's surprise resignation last year. But copying the Danes feels very un-Swedish.

Spring in Kalmar

If the weather doesn't tell you Spring has arrived in Kalmar, the seagulls will. They are everywhere — perched on rooftops, circling the waterfront, and screaming at absolutely nothing at the crack of dawn. I don't know what they're so upset about. There’s plenty of herring to go around.

To be fair, Kalmar is genuinely beautiful this time of year. The city sits right on the Kalmar Strait, and when the sun actually shows up, the waterfront is hard to beat. Kalmar Castle looks especially dramatic in the long spring light. The whole city feels like it exhales after the long winter. The first nice day, everyone rushed outside to soak up some sun and feel the cool Baltic breeze. I even spotted a few people sunbathing by the castle.

But then a seagull lands outside your window and starts yapping at 4am. And just like that, Spring has arrived.