First Destination, candy canes, me and my ugly yellow rain jacket, sunsets for takeaway and sleeping peaches
My first stop was Gränna on Lake Vättern. I just wanted to get away and start my adventure. Much more I wanted to find out, how it is to be alone and independent in a completely new environment, and under different circumstances, as the daily ones. I mean, to go camping without company or help, also means independently set up a tent, pack everything neatly / well thought out, keep order, take care of myself and my dog and constantly pay attention to weather conditions (yes seriously, in this case my optimism doesn’t help me at all, the wind and rain don’t care if i sleep in a tent or want to get a tan, no joke). That’s a lot, to be honest. I was told beforehand: it doesn’t have to be you, and you don’t have to strive for figuring out who you really are or what your future should look like. You do it now and you can start an adventure whether it suits you or not. I carried this statement with me throughout my whole road trip because it’s true, you don’t always have to do things that are sustainable for your future, you can just live and do things that come to your mind at this very current second (Yes I know profound words and yes I still had doubts haha, it just sounds professional).
In order not to be completely on my own and to have certain security, I have decided for campsites. In Gränna it was one of the places from FirstCamp. In my opinion, very good fair pricing, even during high seasons offers a lot of comfort. For example, clean large bathrooms, long-lasting showers (i am not into paying coins for like 2 minutes of hot water…so stressful), wifi (necessary if you run out of data roaming), large pitches and especially cooking facilities, because:
Solo-Camping incorporate a more intense feeling of everyday activities, especially when you live in a tent for a while. For example, cooking on a gas stove, with only one plate and no refrigerator, and often no electricity. You cook and shop much more consciously and preparing food becomes a main activity several times a day. I started to think about dishes that can be eaten directly and can be done on a single cooking plate. Starting with pasta with pesto, to fresh vegetables added to the sauce. Grilled cheese also recommended with bread, for example. But have you ever noticed how much you can do with just hot water? Instant noodles with spices and fresh vegetables, oatmeal with fruits, soups…… Avocados also keep well under the car, by the way. A cool box that is kept cold by the car ignition and cold packs is also practical. Although the cold does not last very long but protects against animals. Fruits and vegetables can be stored for about 2-3 days, even if the temperatures rise again (Yes its happening in Sweden trust me). Healthy eating while camping is thus possible. Everything is possible and feasible, to make it clear (lets start some deeptalk again). Mostly it is your own thinking, situations are too cumbersome or complicated. Here the inspiration: the newly gained knowledge of how easy life can be. Limitations arise only in one’s own mind and are one’s own created blockages. Every situation in life can be mastered and there is a solution for everything, trust me. Return to the kitchen facilities…. how much do you value spaces on campsites that provide a stove, for example? You still don’t have a fridge, but you can cook on several plates at least. Food that you have bought fresh directly. And if you have, as in my case, waived electricity and all power banks are empty, you can meanwhile relaxed charge all devices. After a short time, I really had the feeling to have my life under control, literally.
Again, more about the place and what you can do there. Gränna is very small but cute, I must say. Quaint stores that traditionally make and sell candy canes give it a real Swedish feeling (bought some and continue to wonder why, because does anyone ever eat a whole sugar stick just like that?). Not far from the campsite and all gathered in one street. Likewise, you have a very nice view on Lake Vättern from the shopping street. On a rainy day I also went shortly to the city of Jönköping. Not particularly but was worth a trip.
