My European Super Tour

Jet Lagged and Sleepy

Nothing beats going to bed when you're really jet lagged. I got home just after 7PM last night, after a terrifying cab ride from the airport (my cab driver decided looking in the rearview mirrors was over rated - better see if the other lanes are free through trial and error technique!).

I was welcomed by a really sleepy Alfie who decided I wasn't allowed back in the house unless I played tug with him first. Then he sniffed my suitcases to see if there were any presents lurking in there (thanks to his buddy Archie he found a toy in there!).

Then Jelte and I ordered Pizzas (gluten free - can pass as paleo food with a little imagination!!) and crashed in the sofa. I managed to keep my eyes open until 9:30 and slept like a brick until 6AM. I'm not a morning person - but waking up early because you're jet lagged is actually quite nice.

Oland Adventures

I spent a lovely couple of days at the north of Oland. The weather was so sunny and lovely and we drove around the island to take in the local sights and wonders. Among other things I saw the troll forest, a ship wreck, raukar, and more antique shops than I can list here.

We also came across a field full of lovely mushrooms and of course we cooked them in butter - so yummy (and very paleo!).

Found shipwreck

Found rock art

Climbed rauks

Took artsy photos

Chilled on the beach

Picked mushrooms

and cooked them

London Visit

After the usual train ride to Kastrup airport, I flew to London to catch up with some friends there. I'm pleased to report that our flat is still standing and looks in good shape - even though Putney looks pretty changed with lots of new shops, a refurbished train station and temporary closed bridge leaving the whole place nearly deserted of traffic.

Couldn't resist a tourist snap flying into London

Archie looking good

Ollie with his new toy

Holland and the Inlaws

Then followed a quick hop over to Amsterdam to see the inlaws and meet our brand new little niece Sara. I had the honour of seeing her first introduction to real food - she tried a spoonful of mashed carrots only to throw up shortly after.

While in Holland I also met up with some friends from the Entlebucher community - and our little niece had her very first introduction to big barky dogs.

It was really great seeing everyone and catching up.

Proud parents and a reluctant baby trying carrots

Learning to 'read'

Heavy baby

Selfie with Sarah and Bella

Paleo tour

Everywhere I went I tried sticking to my Paleo diet as closely as possible - and I think I even managed to convert a couple of people along the way (you know who you are!). I also found out that airport security scanners don't pick up on freezer elements even through they are essentially a bottle of water. Great news for me as it meant I could keep my food cold - not so great news from a security point of view though I guess.

I promised to share some paleo links so here you go:

Blogs

• Paleo Nom Nom Blog: What is the Paleo Diet
• The Paleo Mom Blog: Starting on a Paleo Diet articles explaining the science behind it all.
• Swedish Paleo Portalen: recept mm
• Under vart tak: Hur man startar med Paleo
• Yummy Paleo Bread

Books:

• Paleo: Naturlig mat och livsstil 
• Practical Paleo: A Customized approach to health and whole-foods lifestyle
• Against all grain by Danielle Walker
• Paleo Nom Nom - food for humans

Swedish Paleo book with great recipes

Carrot patties, sausage and spinach 

Banana and avocado 'yoghurt' with berries and sunflower seeds

Crayfish with salad and beetroots

Pint sized dogs, heat wave and trying Swedish Paleo

It took nearly 18 hours to get here, flying from San Francisco via London and Copenhagen - but the lovely Swedish summer is worth the long travel. We're having somewhat of a heat wave and it's much warmer here than in SF! Apparently it's been like this for a while and the locals are getting a little fed up.

Getting my Paleo fix

Continuing with the Paleo lifestyle I've started introducing my mum to paleo eating. So far we've cooked Sweet potato hash and beef patties for breakfast, whole roast chicken and carrot hash for dinner and a handful of other recipes. Oh and of course paleo banana pancakes!

Going to the Swedish supermarket was a 'new' experience. I think I must have gotten used to the good quality meat options and  huge variety of fruit and vegetables available in our local SF store - because although Swedish ICA offered an enormous selection of ready made meals, the fruit and veg department was looking pretty sparse and the meat isle consisted of mostly ready marinated and flavoured meats. Additives, and bad fats aplenty.

There were lots of 'ekologiskt', or organic options but as far as I could see there was no labelling for grass fed or pasture raised meats - so either it doesn't exist here, or all farm animals live better lives in Sweden!

Of course we did find some real whole foods though - and our meals so far have been great.

Getting my dog fix

I've been walking and snuggling with Stina, my mum's cute little mini pincher/ chihuahua cross. She is a pint sized little sweetie - and I barely notice when she pulls on the lead as hard as she can, I guess that's the advantage with tiny dogs!

Dykes on Bikes, Herb Garden and 4th July Celebration

We've had another busy couple of weeks here in sunny California with lots of outings and celebrations.

4th July Celebrations

We had been told that the best place to see the 4th July fireworks would be from Fisherman's Wharf so we headed out that way in the evening. Jelte was obviously convinced that the city put up the show to celebrate his birthday, but I'm not sure the thousands of people who had turned up would necessarily agree. The fog was there too, making it a little difficult to see the fireworks but that didn't stop people oooh'n and aaaaah'ing. Most memorable firework was the one shaped like smiley face - never seen that before!

fireworks as seen through the famous fog

Obligatory selfie

Alfie opening Jelte's presents

After Dark at the Exploratorium

We went to the Exploratorium at their monthly 'after dark' event and learned everything there is to know about sound, light, other physics and weird stuff. Oh and I also kissed a gigantic dachshund.

slinky treadmill

weird optical illusion

Herb Garden

My herb garden is starting to take shape - although most of the plants still only resemble little weeds.

Dykes on Bikes

The day before the big pride march here in San Francisco, we were invited to see the Dykes on Bikes march from a friend's place. His house was right where the march starts and we had the best view possible of all the cool bikes, and their riders. The day also included sunburn, and lots of beers (hidden in plastic cups - you're not allowed to drink alcohol in bottles in public here in the US).