GOAT

Before we first came to Sweden, I’d already heard about the giant goat that is erected at Gävle every Christmas. I’d also heard about the many times it’s been burned down. I was determined to see it for real. Photos were not enough. Be they of goat or ashes.

Of course, I’ve been to Gävle before. Back in 2022, when I came over to check out possible places to live, I took the train from Tierp and spent a lovely day there. I was way too early to see the goat.

Then, the other day, I decided I’d waited far too long. I worked out the logistics, booked a hotel and, this morning, I set off. This is even though Nicoline suggested I could just look at a photograph.

The bus to Södertälje had two passengers. One of them was me, the other was another bearded fellow who left the bus before Vagenhärad. Thereafter, my personal Sörmland chauffeur drove me to Södertälje Syd.

I had a bit of a wait in Fiona’s Espresso House at Stockholm C (the Sleeping Man was not there, Fi) before boarding the very popular 11:30 train to Gåvle. It was chockas.

A French woman sitting opposite me was endorsing the flu vaccine. She explained to her travelling companions, who all seemed to come from different countries, that she had been vaccinated six years in a row and didn’t get the flu. Then, in the seventh year, she didn’t get the flu shot and, guess what? She got the flu. She looked to be about 35 years old.

I’ve never had the flu vaccine and have probably had the flu once in the last seven years. If that. I can’t actually remember the last time I had the flu. I am 69 years old.

Could it possibly be that the vaccine breaks down a person’s natural defences, as well as stopping the virus?*

Anyway, after a very dull train ride, which featured the group around me showing each other silly videos on their phones, we pulled into Gävle Central, having made a brief stop at the always popular Tierp shortly beforehand.

When we arrived in Gävle, the hordes disgorged onto an icy, gritty platform. I was a bit concerned as I started for the exit. I needn’t have worried. My Icebugs held me secure.

They really are brilliant shoes. Okay, they don’t allow you to walk on ice, but they come pretty damn close.

Even so, I carefully made my way to my first stop, the Länsmuseet.

The current building was opened in 1940, but there was already a Gävle Museum that had been around in some form or other since 1850. And what an amazing town museum it is! Along with lots of amazing artefacts, interesting locals and local history, there is the most wonderful collection of artworks on the top floor.

I was in heaven. So much so that I was there for over two hours. That’s unusual for me. While I might love a museum or gallery, I’m usually done after an hour, but not today. I lost complete track of time.

Apart from some excellent art (including a Zorn) there were some beautiful ship models.

There was also a 1600-year-old boat with a rock anchor which, obviously, I photographed and sent to the Weasels. John said it was well-preserved, but Bev wondered if he meant me.

Anyway, there were so many interesting exhibits and so many amazing people featured that it would take another, entire blog post to include them all. Though, I should mention the special gingerbread house in the entrance of the museum.

It’s claimed to be the largest gingerbread house in Sweden. It stands four metres tall and has a sizeable girth at the base. It was created by African artist, Olof Wiklund using his grandmother’s recipe. The structure was very impressive. I am expecting similar from Mirinda and Fi.

Equally impressive, though not as tasty was the Elite Grand Hotel, where I was booked into. My feet wanted a bit of a rest so I checked in and had one before heading out into the snow.

Interestingly, the main pedestrianised centre of Gävle appears to be heated. The road was completely free of ice and snow while the side streets and parked cars were covered in white. It made walking very easy.

So, the goat was in the town centre and had not been burned down. It was magnificent. I was so glad I saw it in real life, rather than via someone else’s photograph. It was truly epic.

I continued walking down the pedestrianised centre until I reached the big shopping centre, which was closed. Not that it mattered, I was simply retracing my steps from 2022 to see how much I remembered. Turns out, I remembered everything. Satisfied, I turned around and headed back to the Lion Bar for a few beers and some ice hockey. As far as I can tell, there are three halves and lots of stick clattering.

The game was between Sweden and the Czech Republic. I left, a bit bewildered, after the first period when the Czech Republic were leading 1-0. It was very difficult following the puck given the speed of the skaters. It was, however, very exciting. I don’t know the rules etc of ice hockey. Jonas and KSP have promised to take us to a game and, hopefully, explain what’s happening.

But I was tired and needed a bed. I returned to the hotel and collapsed. I then looked at the time. It was only 7pm. I watched a bit of forgettable TV and drifted off to sleep a few times.

As forgettable as the TV was, the truly memorable Gävle Goat was totally worth the trip. It really was the Greatest Of All Time.

*Disclaimer: I’m not a virology expert, chemist or conspiracy theorist, I just report things I overhear. Then give my opinion. Obviously.