4th of July in Sweden

We began the day glass shopping in Vaxjo.  Sweden is known for their glass and have several shops (even outlets) dedicated to selling their Swedish made glass.  I attached a couple of pictures that I pulled from the internet below.

After we finished glass shopping we went on a "moose safari".  It's quite possible to see a moose in the "wild", but going to a ranch that has them was the most assuring way to spot one.  The moose were contained in a large area that you could walk around.  We were able to see a couple of moose, but the oldest one that we came across was laying down so we couldn't tell how big it actually was.  This was actually my first time to see a moose.  :)

When we left the "moose safari" we went to one of the castles in Vaxjo.  The second floor of the castle was destroyed in an attack with Denmark.  The remains of the castle have been preserved, and are used throughout the year for reinactments and other events.

That night Ede's family served a traditional 4th of July dinner.  Ede's mom is actually from America and met her husband studying abroad in high school.  After graduating from high school she moved to Sweden, went to college, married and they started their family.  They cooked out hamburgers, and served chips, baked beans, and watermelon.  It was really delicious.  After eating dinner Ede's dad entertained us by playing his guitar while the family joined in singing.  They are like a Swedish Von Trapp family! ;)  Here are some pictures from the evening...

One of the most memorable experiences from the night was watching her dad play the "Star Spangled Banner" on his trumpet outside on the balcony. Apparently it's a tradition of his to do that every year on the fourth.  Hope the video below works!  If not, here is a picture hallmarking the performance! :)