In the far north of Sweden
(A "Land of the Midnight Sun”),
A strange thing chanced upon me -
And I’ll tell you, just for fun.
Got off a train late-morning
(Had to catch same one next day)
And trudged far to the Youth Hostel -
Paying for a one-night stay.
I spent the afternoon sightseeing,
Then, after a latish dinner,
Returned to my own small bedroom -
The comfy bed proving a winner.
For I soon dozed into dreamy sleep -
Waking what was just two hours hence;
But my watch was an analogue,
And night or day I couldn’t sense!
I quickly packed all my things
(My train an hour or thirteen on)
And hurried out the bedroom -
The bright sky a sneaky con.
I wandered down the road a bit
(The Hostel office empty),
Before a smiling helpful local
Did kindly enlighten me.
(C) David Franks 2003
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| "The far north of Sweden" from the air - coming into Kiruna Airport; 20/6/2025 |
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| "The far north of Sweden" from Kiruna's (hiked) ski-slope - Luossabacken; 21/6/25 |
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| "The far north of Sweden" from the train to Narvik, near Riksgränsen station; 23/6/25 |
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| 37 years on, the train, in Norway, to Narvik, between Katterat and Bjørnfjell; 23/6/2025 |
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| From Hotel Samegård on Midsummer's Eve, Kiruna, Sweden; nearly midnight 20/6/2025 |
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| From Kiruna train station; 21/6/2025 |
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| What was Point North Youth Hostel - towards Kiruna train station; 20/6/2025 |
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| The new Kiruna City Hall & Clock Tower on Midsummer's Eve, Sweden; 20/6/2025 |
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| Sami Parliament, Kiruna, Sweden; 20/6/25 |
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| Sami abode, Kiruana, Sweden; 20/6/2025 |
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| Samegården Museum, Kiruna; 22/6/2025 |
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| "Far north of Sweden" midges; 21/6/2025 |
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| Arctic transport; Kiruna; 21&22/6/2025 |
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| Skelleftea Goffklubb: played (late) 12/7/88 - was most northerly 18-hole course in world, & still home to a midnight golf tournament |
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