How lucky were we this morning? A bridge crossing with 2 entire closed lanes made it a dream bridge crossing!
Palash is from traffic crazy NY and couldn't believe we had a whole 1/2 a bridge to ourselves!
The view across the bay was stunning. It was all set up to be a hot day again.
The sea was so still.
This beautiful family of swans were hanging out at our swimming spot. All was peaceful and serene until Harita started swimming a little too close and 'Daddy Swan' started to get a little protective! Some directions yelled from the beach sorted out a new swimming route and all was well :)
It's always fun meeting people on the road with such enthusiasm to run with us.
And here's our route across Europe ...
A photo for the family album.
Typical Swedish landscape along the coast.
This man stopped working on his boat house and was out waiting by the side of the road as his sister had just met Shyamala running! She called down the road to tell him that a runner was on their way. Thank-you both for taking the time to hold our torch and make a wish for peace :)
Not only do we meet people on the road but also animals. I think the team wanted to adopt this loving dog.
The sheep are following us!
The meeting of sheep versus runner.
It's too hot for some.
Which way do we run now?
The Team running into the town square of Bjasta.
We received a tremendously warm welcome from the people of Bjasta.
They had made peace doves to wave and all flags were flying.
Our American and British runners were glad to see their country's flags.
We met with the Multicultural Society. They are an association of over 20 nationalities, celebrating our oneness as a humanity and the uniqueness of each ones culture.
One of the town's residents from Eritrea.
After playing our usual country guessing game we decided we'd turn the tables and let us try to guess the nationalities of our multicultural audience!
It was challenging for us and a lot of fun! This is a father and daughter from Syria.
This Khazhak had been looking forward to speaking the shared language of Russian with our Moldovan runner.
All generation's joined us for the World Harmony Run actions.
The Team were entertained with some lovely performances.
A bit of rock and roll.
A presentation on land mines from a UN representative.
3 Eritreans who have now settled in Sweeden.
Could we recruit Mickey and Minnie to run with us?
This is now decorating the front of one of our vans :-)
A big thank you to Hans Ullberg, Chairman of the Multicultural Society who organised the ceremony and our dinner and accommodation. He worked so hard on this event and gave us such a very special welcome. We certainly won't forget Bjasta!
All smiles holding the torch.
The passing of the torch always feels special.
Filling the torch.
Our Syrian friends were so happy to meet us, and so was the whole Team to be greeted from people from many different countries.
Cool transport! ( that looks like it could save us some time occasionally!)
We thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon in the sun!
The children making bracelets for the runners.
Each runner was given different colored bracelets with the word 'Peace'. Rasmivan was given a very appropriate bracelet with the Swedish colours of blue and yellow.
All proudly wearing our bracelets.
Someone is wearing two bracelets?
Hans was presented with one of Sri Chinmoy's paintings entitled 'Oneness'. The town certainly reflects this oneness with the people coming together to welcome us.
Peace Run Team and the people of Bjasta coming together as one.
Hans put a great effort into promoting our visit, we are so grateful!!
Having our evening meal with our new friends from the Multicultural Society.
Hans was so deserving of receiving a Peace Run t-shirt. A big thank you for looking after the Team and making us feel part of the community. It was such a treat for the team to get to spend some extra time with you all over dinner. The dynamics of the run keep us moving along quite rapidly so time with new friends is often too short. Thank-you all for coming and we hope you enjoyed your time with us as much as we did :-) Bjasta is a lovely community with such a welcome heart! The blend of nations here is a credit to your community spirit.
Thank you to the Chaplin Restaurant of Bjasta for hosting us and offering the meals at a big discount. We are most grateful: and extremely well fed ;)
Our accommodation for the night by the sea. Moon rise topped the sunset this eveing!
The owner of Restaurant Kajen where we stayed the night played the keyharp. It is a 13th century traditional Swedish instrument and this one he made himself. We could have stood and listed to a whole set, but sadly he had to get back to serving tasty food and beverages & us to our busy after running schedules taking care of various duties!
A fond farewell to such a beautiful location where we had such a restful sleep.
