The summer of 2026 became the summer I travelled to Sweden, first and foremost to ensure that my late mother’s ashes would be scattered at sea. Fulfilling her final wish was never a question – it was something I simply had to do.
My mother would probably have preferred to have been born a mermaid; she was truly at one with the sea.
When travelling from Bangkok to Sweden, it hardly makes sense to stay for less than a month. The journey is both long and expensive. While my mother was still alive, I usually stayed for at least two months – a small way of making up for all the other months of the year when I was living on another continent.
To ensure that I would arrive safely at Landvetter Airport in Gothenburg, I booked my journey with Finnair, an airline I have remained loyal to for many years and one I have always trusted.
Imagine my surprise when I was greeted by clear blue skies and bright sunshine upon my arrival in Gothenburg. It was something I was certainly not used to. Normally, I would put on my down jacket as soon as I landed, since the weather was usually grey and chilly – or simply rainy. This time, however, Gothenburg welcomed me with beautiful summer weather.
Once I had secured permission for my mother’s ashes to be scattered at sea, my family, friends and I agreed on a date that suited everyone who wished to be there. It is not simply a matter of going to any beach and scattering ashes.
Swedish regulations require that the ashes be released at least 300 metres from the mainland, and location must be approved by the County Administration Board (Länsstyrelsen). Nor are the ashes scattered directly anymore.
Instead the ashes is placed in a biodegradable sand urn, which quickly dissolves when it comes into contact with water.
The day had finally come. The sky was grey, and a gentle drizzle fell from the clouds. Dear friends had generously offered us the use of their beautiful sailing yacht. How my mother would have loved to experienced such a day had she still been alive among us.
We had decided not to wear black, despite the solemn occasion. It was the height of summer, and yellow had always been my mother’s favourite color. Each of us wore something yellow in her honour. Once we were on board, we placed the urn, surrounded by yellow roses, beside a fairly recent photograph of my mother.
Our captain then sailed. It was a fresh breeze and we had to hold on as the yacht made its way through the archipelago. After a scenic cruise among the islands near Styrsö, our captain found a calm spot and dropped the anchor.
It was time to say our final farewell.
As my mother dearly loved the songs “To The Sea” by Jussi Björling and “The Sea Was Never So Still” by Ewert Taube, we played those two songs. And then, as if on cue, the clouds parted and the sun broke through. It was a truly magical moment.
After a few heartfelt words and many salty tears, we gently released my mother into the sea.
Watching the urn drift away, surrounded by yellow roses, was both heartbreaking and beautiful.
Then we opened a bottle of well-chilled Prosecco – of course we did, as my mother had always loved a glass of sparkling wine and we needed it.
It marked the end of a long well-lived life, and I am convinced it was exactly the kind of farewell my mother would have wanted.
The summer also brought many wonderful and unforgettable lunches and dinners with friends.
In our beautiful capital, Stockholm, one of Sweden’s best-known designers celebrated a birthday and invited me to a magical afternoon and evening aboard the historic “Motala Express”, a vessel built in the late nineteenth century. The Stockholm archipelago was at its most breathtakingly beautiful, as we were approximately one hundred guests who had the pleasure of sharing in this very special and fun occasion.
A birthday lunch at “Mälarpaviljongen” beautifully situated along Norr Mälarstrand, was another truly wonderful experience. How had I managed to miss this restaurant during all my previous visits to Stockholm?
So romantic, with its autentic Swedish home-style cuisine and an impressive wine list. We began with a classic Toast Skagen, the famous Swedish shrimptoast, created by the late, legendary Chef Tore Wretman. Chef Tore elevated this simple shrimptoast into an elegant classic toast by using selected hand-peeled prawns, creamy mayonnaise, fresh dill, a touch of horseradish, and a generous topping of golden vendace roe (löjrom). I followed up by my choice of Swedish meatballs, served with mashed potatoes and freshly stirred lingonberries. A tru classic-and absolutely delicious.
During my approximately six-week stay in Sweden, I felt almost as if I were on a tour. I have lost count on how many different beds I have slept in, thanks to so many caring and generous friends who opened their homes to me. A heartfelt thanks to all of you.
I managed to visit Stockholm twice, as well as Smögen, Högsboholm, Nälleviken, Skaftö, Tommarp and Trelleborg. In Gothenburg, I was fortunate to be able to borrow a small apartment in a neighborhood that took me straight back to my school years. Here, as a young schoolgirl, I used to board the tram early in the mornings to get to school in Stampen.
Talking about nostalgia.
I have enjoyed watching Swedish television from time to time, something I never do in Bangkok. “Nyhetsmorgon” is an informative and pleasant programme to wake up to, offering a bit of everything.
I heard that in Finland, schoolchildren are offered free lunches in various parks during the summer holidays. For many families who struggle both to afford food and to find the time to shop and prepare meals, this initiative has been greatly appreciated.
Perhaps something for Sweden to consider adopting? Finland is, after all, a country that has achieved great success in many areas.
We have certainly noticed that living in Thailand has become considerably more expensive, but it is still not comparable to the high prices we experience in Scandinavia. It is said that Bangkok is now the tenth most expensive city in the world, with Singapore perhaps ranking first. That may well be true in some respects, but Bangkok still offers the possibility of living more affordably-as long as one sticks to local products and avoids the more luxurious, international restaurants.
I could write pages and pages about my Swedish tour; there is simply so much more I would love to mention.
When the weather is, as it has been for most of this summer, Sweden is as close to paradise as one can possibly get. But as the autumn approches, paradise moves once again to “The Land Of Smiles” – Thailand.
Until next summer Scandinavia!
