We arrived late Saturday afternoon after travelling for approx. 5 hours from Stockholm together with Marlon, John and Stephen. We departed our ways. They proceeded to Oland while we from Sheppie were dropped off in Oskarshamn. This is where the twinning originated and expanded since 1995. It was really home coming, nostalgic experience to reflect and be accomodated at Folk High School. As always, Tormod was there to welcome us and take leadership in co-ordination for the week - end programme together with our many friends that we got to know over a decade.
That evening we had dinner at Ingebrog and Kai's place. It was exciting to be reunited with HIV and Aids delegation from back home. Lynne and Christa together with two ground breakers. At dinner, Laila, Ulla Maria, Gunila B, Stefan Windh, Tormod,Ritva and many others welcomed us. Kai was kind to hand Gulshera a bag replacing the stolen one.
Early next morning, Carl Bloom, well known friend to Port Shepstone (joined byHelena, Tormod Ingeborg and Kai, Andreas and Rebecca -young leaders and twinners together with Lynne's delegation) gave us a guided tour of the old town of Oskashamn that is preserved beautifully from 1800 - railway line construction, churches to beginning of 1900 with electrical power stations up to 1990 with high tech renovation, building. Oskarshamn was founded in 1856, a town centre of boat construction. Besvaret and Fynket, narrow cobbled , original street, well preserved with wooden building still occupied.The longest wooden bench was built in 1867- 72 metres where the young generation still enjoy their free time that overlooks the harbour.
N.B. Earlier that morning, Tormod had taken Gulshera shopping to purchase essential items that was in her stolen bag. A short visit to his home to make the necessary calls to the Embassy to start the process of getting a temporary passport.
Picnic Lunch at Stenjo By took us back in time. The village itself , 18 and 19the century, open landscape, wooden fences, red - wooded building and gravel road was peaceful and in harmony with nature and its surrounding. Our friends that came along to the picnic was the highlight of our trip ( especially to the PSTA committee members) and introduction to new members present. In addition to the others that accompanied us that morning to the old town walk, Lars and his wife, Ake and his wife, Laila , not forgetting our dear Sven Ake joined us. It was a day full of beautiful memories and recollection of this wonderful relationship.
Afternoon tea at Ritva's and her husband's- art exhibition home. She and her husband pay detail attention to their painting and are well recognised.
A short hour back to our accomodation before dinner at Laila's place.
A long evening as Gulshera had to redo her powerpoint presentation, a presentation that she had to deliver the following evening at Oskashamn Commune. Sometime past midnight - the other delegates also assisted, including assisting with other chores. A team effort, appreciated.
In all, the week end at Oskarshamn was packed with " TIME TRAVEL" activity. Much appreciated and dear to us in Twinning.
g.k
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