Xmas letter 2023

(click on pictures for larger size)

   No surprises where we were for the crossover to 2023. It was, once again, in Botswana and, this time, in Masunga (Julia’s home village) for the unveiling of the tombstone of Julia's mother (MaJulia) and those of Julia’s grandparents. There, we re-lived the importance of family and social support. At least 250 people gathered to honour the occasion, followed by a warm celebration of the New Year. Comforting, as we had not been able to be part of MaJulia’s funeral due to the Covid pandemic.
   Our daughter, Anna, and her children joined us for the tombstone unveiling. Soon after they left for Sweden, the Åkalongo group arrived. The eleven of us took a nostalgia trip around Botswana. We went to Maun (via Serowe) and Kasane—where we visited the new spectacular Kazungula Bridge. We ended the tour with a visit to the Tuli Block and Goo Moremi Gorge, near Palapye.
   Shortly after the Åkalongo visit, our Sigtuna neighbours, Roger and Annelie Bremberg, landed in Gaborone. We, again, ventured into yet another beautiful trip around Botswana. Botswana was blessed with exceptionally heavy rains and was transformed into a green oasis! However, 50 years of us travelling in Botswana and hosting visitors from around the world, we realize how much we are unlikely to continue with these wonderful adventures!
   In May, we headed to Santorini in Greece to celebrate our daughter-in-law, Kutlo’s, 50th birthday. All in all, 12 participants including us, her husband, two daughters and five friends. We had a splendid time. Our granddaughter, Asali, graduated from high school. For Midsummer, we headed to Farsund in Norway to celebrate Jan Isaksen’s 80th birthday—a wonderful time with many Botswana yesteryear Norwegian acquaintances. The 900 km drive from Sigtuna to Farsund was tiring but spectacular.
   Over the summer, we had a visit by Precious—who takes care of our house in Gaborone and later Josephine Kgolagano and Josephine Chiura. We also spent time in the forest picking mushrooms, at times with our grandchildren. But, as usual, summer is short! The dark and cold November pushed us to take a short last-minute trip to Gran Canaria—our first ever to any of the Canary Islands. It was most relaxing.
   We continued with our usual pastime activities—with Per actively participating in the committees and events of MFG (dance), PRO (retirees) and Stockholmsbild (photography). Julia spent most of her time working on the dissolution of BOTSFA—which now no longer exists—and we both enjoyed playing minigolf, boule and, when it became cold, taking weekly pole walks with PRO members.
   Baring old age challenges, we had a good year with family and friends.
   It’s our hope that we will be reconnecting next year in celebration of 25 years of sending our digital Christmas newsletter.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

Per and Julia


	(click on pictures for larger size) No surprises where we were for the crossover to 2023. It was, once again, in Botswana and, this time, in Masunga (Julia’s home village) for the unveiling of the tombstone of Julia's mother (MaJulia) and those of Julia’s grandparents. There, we re-lived the importance of family and social support. At least 250 people gathered to honour the occasion, followed by a warm celebration of the New Year. Comforting, as we had not been able to be part of MaJulia’s funeral due to the Covid pandemic. Our daughter, Anna, and her children joined us for the tombstone unveiling. Soon after they left for Sweden, the Åkalongo group arrived. The eleven of us took a nostalgia trip around Botswana. We went to Maun (via Serowe) and Kasane—where we visited the new spectacular Kazungula Bridge. We ended the tour with a visit to the Tuli Block and Goo Moremi Gorge, near Palapye. Shortly after the Åkalongo visit, our Sigtuna neighbours, Roger and Annelie Bremberg, landed in Gaborone. We, again, ventured into yet another beautiful trip around Botswana. Botswana was blessed with exceptionally heavy rains and was transformed into a green oasis! However, 50 years of us travelling in Botswana and hosting visitors from around the world, we realize how much we are unlikely to continue with these wonderful adventures! In May, we headed to Santorini in Greece to celebrate our daughter-in-law, Kutlo’s, 50th birthday. All in all, 12 participants including us, her husband, two daughters and five friends. We had a splendid time. Our granddaughter, Asali, graduated from high school. For Midsummer, we headed to Farsund in Norway to celebrate Jan Isaksen’s 80th birthday—a wonderful time with many Botswana yesteryear Norwegian acquaintances. The 900 km drive from Sigtuna to Farsund was tiring but spectacular. Over the summer, we had a visit by Precious—who takes care of our house in Gaborone and later Josephine Kgolagano and Josephine Chiura. We also spent time in the forest picking mushrooms, at times with our grandchildren. But, as usual, summer is short! The dark and cold November pushed us to take a short last-minute trip to Gran Canaria—our first ever to any of the Canary Islands. It was most relaxing. We continued with our usual pastime activities—with Per actively participating in the committees and events of MFG (dance), PRO (retirees) and Stockholmsbild (photography). Julia spent most of her time working on the dissolution of BOTSFA—which now no longer exists—and we both enjoyed playing minigolf, boule and, when it became cold, taking weekly pole walks with PRO members. Baring old age challenges, we had a good year with family and friends. It’s our hope that we will be reconnecting next year in celebration of 25 years of sending our digital Christmas newsletter. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR Per and Julia