We caught up with the group when they visited the old lighthouse at Bönan outside Gävle. Bönan is well known for commercial fishing, starting several hundred years ago. The group were guided by Sven-Erik Ekdahl, who lives in Bönan. They also visited Åkerbloms Fish Smokehouse and had a nice lunch at Engeltofta, a conference center, hotel, restaurant and café in a magnificent old merchant’s residence, built in 1882.
During the stay in Avesta they had visited the old copper mine in Falun and other interesting cultural spots, such as Orsa Rovdjurspark, Europe's largest predator park. They also hade the opportunity to try traditional church boat rowing on the lake Siljan and spending a night at a mountain pasture.
In Årsunda they visited the Viking Village, in Hofors they went down in the old mine Stollgången, where mining started in 1374. Stollgången, a 265-meter-long tunnel, straight through the mountain, was opened end av 18th century and it closed 1887. 1917 the mine reopened but was finally closed 1919.
After the lunch at Engeltofta the group went to central Gävle for a visit to the Town Hall and an information about Gävle, county capital in Gävleborg.
What impression did they get out of their visit to Sweden?
Tuğba from Ankara, Turkey: - I am a member of Leo (the Lions youth organization) and applied and was accepted to this program. I like travelling and I liked Sweden very much. I like all the forest and appreciate your manners and way of living. I find the Swedes very warm and welcoming. But I didn’t expect Swedens climate to be so warm and hot!
Donat, Kalmar, Sweden: - I won a travel allowance from the Lions in Vetlanda. I am one of two Swedes in the group. The best parts so far were Stollgången and Falu Copper Mine. I like the spirit of the Lions so I might later become a member!
Anna, Krnov, Czech Republic: - I am also interested in travelling and went on a tour to the US last year. I like the weather and Årsunda Viking Village.
Arina, Kiev, Ukraine: - I am also a member of Leo and I appreciate the nice weather. I also liked Avesta very much.

Text and photo: Torbjörn Edlund
edlund@gestrike.net