Goteborg for the afternoon: Jonathan, Amanda, and Linda went to the Liseberg Amusement Park, while Par, Agneta, and I toured parts of Goteborg.

Paddan Boat Ride: Par and I took a boat ride down the Gota Alv (river) that runs through Goteborg. It was a wonderful way to view the city from a different vantage point, other than the normal walking tour of the streets of the city.

Low Bridge Ahead: These bridges had only inches to spare as we went under them. We had to crouch on the floor of the boat and tuck our heads.

Another Low Bridge Ahead: Here we go again, "Crouch low onto the floor of the boat, tuck your head..."

Fancy 4-Masted Schooner: We saw some huge ships in the harbor, with this one being the fanciest one out there!

Harbor: Our boat took us into the harbor, amidst the big ships. We felt rather insignificant...On an historical note...A trade route to China was established by the Swedish East India Company in 1731, and there was a maritime trade boom.

Statue of Woman: I think there are statues of women who have lost their men, or are awaiting the return of their men from sea, at every major fishing port around the world.

Next stop...the Goteborg Botanical Garden. Did I mention how hot Day 8 was? We were sweltering. All I could think of, besides enjoying the beauty of my surroundings, was Fika, Fika, Fika...(aka...an ice cream and cold beverage break.)

Welcome to the Goteborg Botanical Garden: This garden was established in 1910 with an emphasis on horticulture. It consists of 430 acres, most of which is a nature reserve. About 98 acres of the total land is the garden proper. There are also greenhouses that house about 4,000 various plants, including around 1,500 orchids.

Statue: Every botanical garden has at least one statue. I do not know what this one represents, but she sure is pretty! She has water lilies surrounding her in this particular pool.

Water Lily: What is a botanical garden without a wealth of water lilies? I am enamored of these pink lilies. They have always been my favorite species on any pond. (Remember that you can click on any photo for a larger view)

Ahh...love birds...aka Par and Agneta: This reminds me of a photo that Agneta took of Drew and I just prior to our wedding, when we went on a canoe trip together on the Withlacoochee River. Drew and I were standing under the arch of some trees along the river bank some 18 years ago!

Freesia: This looks like Freesia to me. If I am incorrect, please let me know. There was a row of these flowers along one of the paths in the botanical garden. I love the line of flower buds.

Asiatic Lily: There were many Asiatic lilies in the botanical garden. I was thrilled, because I have not been successful in growing them at home due to the ravages of the cursed lily beetle.

Pretty in Pink: Here is the last little flower of the garden that I'd like to share with you. Now, onto Ramberget, to look at the city from above.

Ramberget: This hill is 87 meters high, and is a local landmark. It overlooks Goteborg, and has a road running up it through Keillers Park. Agneta used to climb to the top during lunch breaks when she worked in Goteborg.

Goteborg to the sea: The Gota Alv (alv means "river") runs to the sea, which you can get a peek of on the right side of the photo. Keillers Park was a great vantage point from which to overlook the city that we had spent the day wandering around in.

View of Ferry on the Gota Alv: Goteborg is the largest industrial port in Scandanavia. The ferry you see in the photo motors between Denmark and Goteborg.