Junibacken & Inger

This morning we got up early (though not quite as early as we wanted), ate, dressed, and hopped on a bus to go to Junibacken. Junibacken was so amazing! We started with a play featuring Pippi, the constable, and Fru Prusiluskan. Though it was entirely in Swedish, Linnea enjoyed it immensely. Ebba translated a bit for us, and there was certainly enough physical acting and humor to carry the story. Linnea's little Pippi came along and really liked the play, too! After the play, we got to explore Pippi's house and meet (and even ride) Lille Gubben (her horse).

Annali with Little Baby and Linnea with Pippi riding Lille Gubben

Villa Villekula

Next, we explored the various playrooms, each with a different book theme which maybe doesn't sound so exciting but was really incredible to see and play in. All of the exhibits were built for children to play in, climb on, and explore. There were dress-up clothes and all kinds of props so that the kids could pretend to be parts of or characters in their favorite stories.

Annali sitting on Moomintrollet's couch (Linnea's in the mirror)

Linnea, Ebba, and Annali sitting on a throne in an ice palace

Hanging out inside Alfons Åberg's apartment

Linnea sitting on Mamma Mu's lap

Karlsson on the Roof

Pettson and Findus' house

Findus

Annali's enjoying some "hot ice cream" in "Upside-down Town"

The best part of Junibacken was the last thing we did. They have something called the "Storytrain". You get in a "car" and they turn on the guided soundtrack, thankfully ours was in English. The Swedish soundtrack is narrated by Astrid Lindgren herself! Maybe next time.... The car takes you past and through many different miniature and lifesized scenes from Astrid Lindgren's stories and other authors' stories. While this maybe doesn't sound so exciting either, Kevin and I both thought it was better than any comparable Disneyland ride! The car didn't stay on a track on the ground. It lifted us up in the air and flew over and through scenes. It was really wonderful! The only bummer is that we weren't allowed to take any pictures during the ride.

When we finally left Junibacken, we went to Carole Peggar's cousin Inger's apartment. She had prepared for us a lovely meal complete with appetizers and dessert. It was so nice to see her again and to meet her new partner Lars-Åke.

Lars-Åke, Kevin, Ebba, Linnea, and Inger

When we left Inger's we headed back to Margareta and Ruben's apartment. On the way, we happened to pass Bellmansgatan (for all you Stieg Larsson fans, it's the street where Kalle Blomkvist lives), so of course we had to stop and pose for a picture!

The Ergo has come in really handy so far!

Once we got back to the Aronssons' we were served a wonderful dinner! We certainly are NOT going hungry here in Sweden! I just hope my clothes will fit the remainder of the trip.... :)