Vimmerby

It is not every day that you come across a huge pirate ship on the main square of a very small town. Or three Alice-sized cottages, perfect for toddlers to climb in and out of, next to it. The square also houses a bronze statue of the world-famous writer of children's books, Astrid Lindgren, who was born and raised in this little town, writing away on her bronze typewriter while children from all over the world are climbing all over her and sitting on her lap. She would have liked that.

It's been a while since we were here, and mum had to sit down with a piece of ostkaka, not a cheesecake but more a cottage cheesy pudding, almonds, strawberry jam and whipped cream, and coffee, to take it all in. Vimmerby used to be a tiny, sleepy town when both mum and Astrid were young. Now it is packed with tourists, in a way that none of them could ever have imagined.

There is a theme park, of course. ALs family has been in charge, so it's a very good one. Pippi, Emil, Bullerbyn, Ronja, Mio, Madicken, Karlsson - all the characters have their own worlds built up, in sizes inviting kids to play. Actors perform shows from the books many times a day, plus do improvising theatre walking in the streets, interacting with kids. It is very fun, even for an adult. Says mum. We weren't allowed in today,  but I got to play in the square.

We then went to ALs childhood home. Close by is a more serious exhibition about AL, who was a fascinating person. Mum hopes to come back with a dog sitter. I can't understand why I can't come with her? I might like it...