Krageholm Farm: Part II

Krageholm, Sweden

'So you're basically having a holiday from a holiday' the guy at the hostel in Gothenburg said as I left, when I told him I was off to stay on a farm for a week with some friends. He was not far off.

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My return to Krageholm Farm started with a train inspector telling me I should have bought an extra ticket for my bike, and would now have to pay a fine on top. Fortunately he never bothered to come back to me to do so. Once at Ystad station, Christer kindly picked me up for my second stay with the Pålssons - friends made 30 years ago through a Young Farmers exchange with my Dad.

Krageholm Mansion - right next door

This time things were a lot quieter, with Hedda, Astrid and Frenchman Constant all away in different places, so it was just Christer, Ingeborg and I. And quieter as well in terms if what I've been upto. Sometimes it's good to slow down for a few days when travelling to recharge, catch up on things and plan the next bit.

Because of that I'll spare you the diary this time and pick out a few things. Starting with Ikea - before I left home I found there was an Ikea museum, so the first Saturday Ingeborg drove us up to Almhult - home of Ikea - to have a look around. The museum had typical Ikea living room setups from the 50's to now, and also showed how Ingvar Kamprad went from a boy selling matches to at one point the 4th richest man in the world. Amazing. Naturally this was followed by a trip to the hometown store, and the Ikea restaurant for lunch.

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Christer manages Krageholm which has about 2000 acres of arable crops, forestry, a mansion complete with moat and a few properties. He's kindly taken me out a few times whilst he runs errands in the truck, whilst diverting to see a few local sights on the way. One day we went to a neighbours to drop off some parts, then another estate to see their mansion, straw burning heating system and to meet the owner in the orchard he was establishing. After, a tour of a rapeseed oil factory, a drive through an agricultural college and a walk inside an old windmill. Quite a day.

Another day we went to a free BBQ at a tool hire place, a look round the local builders stores and farm stores, then gave me a walking tour round the outside of Krageholm Mansion, maze, old laundry room and stables. Thanks to the local Swedish newspapers that I was in for the bike ride a few weeks back, three people that day knew who I was before I knew them; it's not often that happens abroad!

Unfortunately I found myself glued to the computer too much for a few days, I say unfortunately as I often get that feeling I should be outside doing something more interesting when I'm in another country. But, it was self enforced as I needed to get a load of things sorted for my trip to Germany, back up and upload photos, update the website etc etc. I also decided to put together a video of my bike ride which you might have seen (YouTube link to the right if not). I quite enjoy a bit of movie production in my spare time you know. It's probably that need to be productive in some way when travelling.

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As the weather's been good, though cooler, I've been out on the bike quite a few days and put in 150 or so miles - you can see the rides in a box to the right side of this page. The area around Ystad is great to cycle with quiet, flat roads and nice scenery, though you do occasionally get caught out when the tarmac road turns to gravel, not so good on a road bike. 

I've enjoyed chatting to Christer over lunch every day - he's the best farmer-cook I know, and usually comes up trumps with simple wholesome food, along with a good story from the papers or farm in his dry humourous manner. Equally Ingeborg is lovely to chat to, and full of tales every evening about the special school where she teaches, family or Sweden in general, and cooks a fine meal.

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The family have a big screen protector and a good movie collection so I've managed most nights to expand my limited movie history a bit - with Apocalypse Now, Forrest Gump, Once Upon a Time in Mexico, The Bourne Supremacy, The Constant Gardener and a bit of James Bond - Dr No.

I've done a few jobs round the house as well - a day of apple picking, a bit of lawnmowing, some cleaning and cutting back some weeds. Not nearly enough to justify everything the Pålssons have done for me, so will just have to reciprocate the fantastic hospitality one day. Thank you C & I!

Photos from my stay at the farm - HERE

And also from my day trip to Norway a few weeks ago - HERE

The Pålsson's have a very British driveway

C&I at home