Day 13: Midsommar at Skansen

In terms of weather, today was a somewhat dreary day. Although our clothes were damp from the rain, we tried to not let our spirits be dampened. We went to Skansen, an outdoor museum and zoo that celebrates historic Swedish culture. Today was a special day because it was the eve of Midsommar, one of the biggest holidays in Sweden. Covered with ponchos and rain coats, we made midsommar wreaths for our heads, looked at nordic animals in their exhibits, and even watched a milkmaid make cheese. At two o’clock, we stood in the rain while we watched Swedes raise a Maypole, a traditional symbol of Midsommar. Although it was hard to tell with the rain, it definitely felt as if everyone was overjoyed for the arrival of summer.