Driving back to Sweden, the Harwich to Esbjerg way

Hello!
Ok, lets just gloss over the absence of a blog for...some time, and move on. Agreed? Good.

So now that is out of the way, I will get back to what this blog was supposed to be about, an English view on Sweden.

We (my wife and I...yep, I am now married to the lovely Sarah!) recently drove back to Sweden after a long (4 months) stay in the UK. We haven't actually ever done it by car before, for the last 3 and a half years we have flown all the time, and so it was a bit of an adventure. And of course, the weekend we decided to come back, it decided to snow. Now for those of you in Sweden (or most or Europe actually) this isn't a big thing...for those of you in England, or those of you who have ever been in England during snow, you will know that this is a MASSIVE thing! Well luckily we had had winter tyres fitted to the car about 4 days earlier (as they are a legal requirement in Sweden this time of year) so I wasn't too worried about the snow, but the whole country basically ground to a halt!
With the winter tyres we didn't really have an issue in getting down from near Sheffield to Harwich, it was quite fun passing all the cars with 'summer' tyres on actually! But due to the snow, we left early...2 hours early. And of course, with winter tyres we had no problem, and got to the ferry early... 2 hours early!
Now, a bit of advice for those of you who will ever get the Ferry from Harwich to Esbjerg.. do not get there early! There is nothing to do at all! The website says 'make sure you get there at least 90 minutes before departure time', and we were there 3 and a half hours before departure time...and so spent 3 and a half hours in the car waiting! (ok, exaggeration...we went to the toilet for 5 minutes) But really, the gates open for the check in and security bit 90 minutes before departure, but after that you sit in your car for about an hour anyway.
So, we did eventually get on the ferry, and it was actually ok. Nothing special, but certainly not something you have to avoid. The ferry goes overnight, so be set off at 1710 ish (British time, GMT winter time etc...) and got to Esbjerg at 1300 the next day (Danish time, CET, Swedish time etc...)
Oh, and a not of warning...food is expensive on the ferry! 500 Danish for the 2 of us... that's about 55 of the Queens English Pounds, 550 SEK!Oh well, we will know to take food next time, you live and learn.
So we get off the ferry, and of course there is snow. Everywhere. And guess what...not a single problem. Roads are fine, all the cars are fine, no queues or anything!
And then we drive home, to Helsingborg. For those wondering if its worth the extra time...yes is the answer! Its beautiful through Denmark and Sweden, we even saw deer (only 2, but still!) And actually, the overall cost was very similar to 2 people flying, if you miss the low low cost flights. And for those of you who like bridges, there are 2 very nice ones to cross. This one and this one. (Both toll)

So we are back in Sweden now, and I am back working in the office again. I never thought I would say it...but I am glad to be back in an office! 4 months working 'from home' is actually pretty tough, its nice to have a separation of work and home.

We have also got to catch up with quite a few friends, not as many as we hoped to yet, but we are getting there. So, if you know me and haven't seen me and Sarah for a while, and want to come visit, just let me know :)

I will update you on more later, but that will do for my first foray back into this blogging world.

Things I have learnt since last time:
The drive from Esbjerg to Helsingborg is beautiful
I REALLY like being in Sweden at this point in my life
I have missed our Swedish friends more than I thought!

P.S. Guess what?? Got ya! :)