40th Annual California Lutheran University Scandinavian Festival

On Saturday, Laurie and I headed up to Thousand Oaks to re-establish our deep cultural roots we grew regarding everything Nordic while in our wonderful six months living and coaching in Hässleholm, Sweden.

. . . or at least have some FIKA!!!

Lots of people wanted to enjoy a

sunny day in Scandinavia

Can you name the five Scandinavian countries? Answer at the end of this blog.

All the Nordic countries were represented,
these flags may give you a clue
to the question above

We got to hear each and every country's National Anthem to properly start the day off.

 SWEDEN #1!!!

 So many great people, places and memories!

Yes, we've been to beautiful Vinslöv . . .

"Plötsligt i Vinslöv."

Just after you entered the campus, you had to walk through a . . .

VIKING WAR CAMP!!!

Boars are plentiful in Skåne

 Viking Weaver

How do they do it?

Viking Booty

Sleeping in Comfort 

 The 13th Warrior?

Something about him is just not

resonating as 100% authentic . . .

GREAT Storyteller

His tales of Thor, Loki and Giants had us absolutely spellbound.

Uh-oh, a Raiding Party on the prowl!

What was he looking for?

More Booty?

Why he raids!

 The Vikings were always in

need of more clogs I am told

Or perhaps they were in need of provisions . . .

Viking Dogs on the Grill

Sliced by a Master Viking Chef

YUM!!!

Two orders of Swedish pancakes with whipped cream and lingonberry jam please.

While we were at it we also split a Viking Dog (nowhere near as good as the one's at the Finja games) and an order of Swedish meatballs, potatoes and even more lingonberry jam. 

Some coffee and a sweet Danish cinnamon crisp cookie and we had a California version of the Swedish tradition of afternoon FIKA!!!

It turned out to be a wonderful day!!!

Trivia question answer: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden