Etikett: motorhome travel

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On the Road to Stillness – A Motorhome Weekend in Sweden and Thoughts Along the Way

Sometimes a motorhome weekend in Sweden begins long before the engine starts.
That’s the case this time – with freshly washed curtains, a living room that suddenly feels more harmonious, and a weekend waiting to be filled with both stillness and small adventures.

For those of you who follow my blog, the week has also brought other reflections – from the latest part of the Oskar Series to my post on ADHD in Everyday Life – Burnt Butter, Wardrobe Projects and Brave Steps. And did you know I now blog in both Swedish and English? Read this post in Swedish → På väg mot stillhet – en husbilshelg i Sverige och tankar längs vägen


The Journey That Began Yesterday

Even though we haven’t left the driveway yet, the motorhome weekend in Sweden really began yesterday. Not with driving away, but with those small preparations that set the tone.
I put a few things into the motorhome – nothing big, but still the bits that needed to be in place.

Then I decided to buy curtains. Fresh, new curtains. And not only that – I also decided to wash them before they had even been hung. My poor husband had to help, even though he was tired after work. But now they’re up in the living room, and the whole space feels different.

New green curtains in the living room, hung while still damp to dry straight, with plants and a cat tree in front of the windows.

New curtains – hung straight from the washing machine. Damp curtains dry neatly and let in just the right amount of light.

Grandma’s table now stands neatly with a cloth in the same fabric. No piles, no sketchpads – just a bare, beautiful table. It’s a rare feeling, as that table is usually both a dumping ground and an art desk. But today I decided: if I want to draw, I’ll go down to the basement and bring up my art supplies. This way, we won’t have corners of the house turning into workspaces whenever the mood strikes.

Freshly cleaned dining table with a green tablecloth, neatly set without clutter – ready for the weekend’s motorhome trip.
Clean table before the motorhome weekendGrandma’s table – for once without piles or sketchpads. Ready for a weekend with more calm than clutter.
Dining table covered with everyday items – magazines, pens, cereal container, and art supplies – as it usually looks.
This is how the table usually looks – full of everyday life and ongoing projects.

New Curtains, New Calm

We even got new curtains in the bedroom. Freshly washed and still damp when I hung them – my trick to avoid ironing. They dry straight and smooth in place, and the room suddenly feels both lighter and fresher.

However, this post isn’t really about curtains – it’s about the fact that we’re heading off today.


Back to Hanatorp

We simply couldn’t get enough of Hanatorp, so we’re taking another trip there. My husband’s brother is there, and they wanted to spend some time together. I don’t know what “cousin vitamin” has planned for the weekend, but if they’re there, they’ll definitely get a hello.

Since this is the last weekend before school starts, it feels extra special to get away. After this, it’ll just be Fridays or Saturdays, depending on how tired everyone is.


The Weekend Plan

This weekend, I intend to enjoy myself. Relax. Blog. And, of course, keep developing the Oskar Series. Perhaps I’ll add a few lines here and there, somewhere between my coffee cup and the evening sunset.


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A Question for You

Where do you find your stillness?
By the sea, at a campsite, on the sofa with a cup of tea – or perhaps when you give yourself permission to simply be?
Share in the comments; I’d love to hear from you.


Reflection

It’s strange how small things can change the feeling of an entire home.
A pair of new curtains, a clear table – and suddenly it feels like I’ve made more space, not just in the room but in my mind as well. This weekend, I want to take that feeling with me on the road. To let it remind me that sometimes it only takes small changes to set life in a new direction.


Between the Lines – My Voice

This isn’t really about curtains, Hanatorp, or even the motorhome.
It’s about creating space for what matters. About choosing less clutter so I can enjoy the present more. And about giving myself time – both at home and while traveling – to simply breathe.


”Yesterday has already settled into history, tomorrow waits further ahead. But right now – this is where life happens.” – Carina Ikonen Nilsson


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Morning swims, waves, and cultural encounters – a day at the campsite

Read this post in Swedish

Preface
Some days stay with you, like pearls on a string. This is one of them. A day that began with rain and grey skies, and ended in deep reflections, play in the waves, and a troubadour singing for a scattered crowd. Here’s my story from our last day before heading home – written just as it happened.


From rain to sunshine – the day took a turn

Yesterday began with clouds, rain, and wind. However, by late morning, the sun broke through, bringing back the warmth. Despite the gloomy start, we had breakfast outside. Somehow, food always tastes better outdoors – even the driest toast becomes delicious. That’s how it is, at least in my world.

Even before the sun appeared, my husband and I took a walk down to the lake – just to see it.


Photos, swims and dancing waves

My husband had bought a new camera lens, which sparked his creativity. I’ll try to include some of his photos here – let’s see how that goes.

Once the sun came out, we couldn’t resist the water. I lost count of how many times I swam – but it was a lot. One of the swims was from a rocky outcrop with a ladder into the lake. The wind had stirred up fairly large waves, and it took effort to descend without being tossed against the rocks. Still, what a swim it was! The movement felt like a full-body workout. Surprisingly, Lake Vänern was warm.


Sitting on the ground – and getting back up again

In the afternoon, our daughter arrived with little Alfred and her partner. My husband took charge of the grill, and as usual during camping trips, the food tasted amazing. Since we only have three chairs, my daughter and I made do by sitting on the ground.

Now, being 60 years old with a stiff hip and aching back, getting up again wasn’t my most elegant moment. It probably looked quite amusing. Yet with a bit of help from my daughter, I managed just fine.


Playing in the waves – childlike joy

Later, when the others went grocery shopping, Alfred stayed with us. So he and I went down to the lake again – this time under heavy clouds and even bigger waves. We swam and played in the water for over an hour. Bathing with children changes everything – it’s not just about swimming; it’s about adventure. Together, we chased waves and explored the shoreline. By the time we got out, my fingers had turned purple-blue with cold – but I was still smiling.


Bruno the dog, dishwashers and the best eggs ever

After they left, my husband and I went to do the dishes. This campsite has one of those super-fast dishwashers – two minutes and you’re done. What a luxury!

Earlier that morning, we had seen Afghan families having breakfast by the sinks. One woman was cooking a traditional egg dish called Tokhm-e-tomato – eggs fried with onion, tomato sauce, and Middle Eastern spices. It smelled absolutely wonderful. I tapped her gently on the shoulder and told her – this is one of the tastiest things I’ve ever eaten.

Later on, we met a man from another Middle Eastern country who told us he had owned a restaurant and used the exact same kind of dishwasher. I mentioned that my husband and I had looked into buying one ourselves, though it’s a bit bulky and expensive for a regular home. Still – imagine getting your kitchen cleaned in just two minutes!


Respect in the small moments – when hearts want to speak

I stood a few steps behind her. The scent of the food lingered in the air while she focused silently over the frying pan. I wanted to say so much. Over the years, I’ve worked with many boys from her part of the world – boys who arrived in Sweden alone. And I always carried the image of a mother far away – perhaps someone like her – cooking, worrying, hoping.

In my work, I tried to offer those boys what I believed she would have wanted for them: dignity, safety, care, and deep respect.

I wanted to thank her – not just her, but all the women I’ve never met yet still carry in my heart. I wanted to say: I saw your sons. I listened. I tried to be worthy of your trust.

But I stayed quiet. I hesitated, unsure if we would understand each other. Maybe that was a mistake. Sometimes, it doesn’t take perfect words. A smile. A hand on the shoulder. A simple presence. That’s often enough.

People talk about culture clashes. But not here. Not on this campsite. Here, we shared meals, stories, swims, and dishwashing tips. Here, we were just people.

If only we could take that simplicity with us – into society, into our politics, into our everyday encounters. What if we led with curiosity instead of fear, and respect instead of suspicion?


Evening music and a soft goodbye

That evening, there was live music at the bar. Not many people showed up – perhaps because of the weather. A troubadour gave it his all, trying to capture the audience. He was good – had a nice voice and plenty of witty remarks between songs. But most of us were busy socializing.

Still, I appreciated his effort. It added something to our last night here.

This post turned out a bit different. But these are my words, from our final day at the lake. Tomorrow, we pack up and drive home – to celebrate my mother-in-law who turns 81 today. She’s one of the kindest souls I know.

Then it’s back to work for my husband for a week – and after that, two more weeks of spontaneous camper freedom. We don’t know where we’re going yet. And that’s exactly the beauty of it – the freedom to just go.


What do you think?

  • Have you ever sat on the ground at 60 – and needed a hand getting up?
  • Have you experienced warm encounters across cultural boundaries?
  • What’s your most memorable camping moment?

Reflection

Sometimes, the most powerful bridges are built quietly – with a glance, a plate of food, a shared laugh. That’s where humanity lives.


“Live today – right now. Yesterday rests in history, and tomorrow waits out there in the distance. What matters is now.” – Carina Ikonen Nilsson

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Back at Kolgårdens Camping – Like Coming Home

Link to Swedish version: Läs det här inlägget på svenska. ->


Foreword

This is another post from our life on wheels – from our little motorhome LVL², where we’ve just arrived at one of our favorite places. Here, fatigue, gratitude, and the longing to pause all come together. A moment to breathe and simply be.


Back at Kolgårdens Camping – Like Coming Home

We’ve arrived once again at Kolgårdens Camping, and it honestly feels like coming home. It’s beautiful, peaceful, and welcoming. The service buildings are fresh, clean, and tidy.

My husband told me the campsite has expanded – and I can see that myself. They’ve built more service facilities and made the area more accessible.

It’s always nice to come here. You feel truly welcome, almost as if the place remembers you.


A Shower to Wash Away the Mountain Chill

The very first thing I did when we arrived was to take a shower.
And oh, what a delight it was – stepping into a warm shower, in a cozy building, after a windy and rainy trip up in the mountains.

The weather changed in a heartbeat. One moment clear skies – the next, darkness and strong winds. It came faster than I expected. I was freezing to the bone, but the hot water brought me back to life.


The Urge to Stay – Yet Also to Head Home

Now that we’ve landed here, I feel my whole body exhale. I’d really love to stay an extra day – just to avoid rushing off again. One more day in this beautiful, welcoming place would be lovely.

At the same time, there’s a quiet pull to begin the journey back home. We’ll see what my husband thinks – maybe he agrees with me.


The Road from Stekenjokk – A True Challenge

The road from Stekenjokk to Vilhelmina was anything but easy. Roadworks everywhere.

Some stretches were just rough gravel with big, rolling stones. It felt like driving on loose rocks. My nerves melted the moment we hit that part – we couldn’t drive faster than 40 km/h, and I held my breath more than once.

But we made it – slowly, carefully – and now we’re safe and warm.


A Moment for Words – And New Ideas Are Born

After this long day, with mountain rain and dusty roadwork behind us, I’ve had a truly comforting moment – just sitting here in our motorhome, looking out over the campground, writing down everything that’s been building up inside me.

All the impressions, the sounds, the shifting weather and feelings – they needed to come out. And now they have.

As if that wasn’t enough – a new story idea popped up today. The title came to me like a whisper. But the tale itself will have to rest and grow – for now, it remains in the shadows until Winged Horse has finished its journey.


In Closing

Thank you for following our journey. It means a lot to me to be able to share these moments – with you.

Have you ever camped at Kolgårdens Camping or driven the Stekenjokk road? I’d love to hear your thoughts – leave a comment below!

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Wishing you a beautiful day,
Malix/Carina

Carina Ikonen Nilsson Lev idag, just nu. Igår finns inte längre här och morgondagen kommer först i morgon. Just nu är det som gäller.

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