06.19 Today is the beginning of this summer's journey to a new part of our world. I have just woken up and Christer just did the same. We are in Sundsvall and will soon travel south.

07.09 The music flows from the radio, water from the shower is flowing over Christer and the words are flowing from the pen. The train departs within an hour. Hopefully, we will be sitting in it when it departs.

08.09 Today, the following is important for me to note, wagon 2 and seat 14, 2.14 is the world record in female high jump, worthless in the long jump and a lonely sandal is lying on one of the tracks. We are on the platform at Sundsvall Railway Station.

Peter on his way through Sundsvall.

Walking through a peaceful Sundsvall.

09.40 We are traveling with the train in first class and are going south. Once again it has proven to be cheaper with first class instead of second class. A small but nutritious breakfast was followed by a similarly small and nurturing nap. We are between Söderhamn and Gävle.

11.17 We will soon be in Stockholm. There we will wait for two hours before we head on. We will probably need that.

11.48 We are now at Stockholm Central Station. Here we are having a cup of coffee each at the new nice café Dagny. The last time we were here it looked rather different and the place was called something else.

13.04 We drank our coffee thinking and talking about previous trips. It was a nice café. Now we're back on track. We are located one floor up from the track 10, just close to Klarabergsviadukten.

13.35 We are back aboard a train. This will take us to Nyköping and the good old Railway Hostel (http://www.railway.nu). This time it´s without any codes to the door and key cabinets. There will be people at the reception because we arrive during the day,

14.53 We have arrived in Nyköping and walked the few steps required to get from the train to the hostel. Guess what, there wasn't anyone in the reception! I had to call to get the codes and the rain just poured down. We are now in room number 4. I think we have been in this room before. We will soon set out in a rain-drenched Nykoping.

15.49 We had dinner at Pizzeria 12:an. Here, we have not entirely unexpected eaten pizza. Outside it remains wet and a little chilly weather. It's boring, we had some plans of enjoying the summer sun on this last evening in Sweden.

16.38 After a tour among the few people and along wet Nyköping streets, we decided to have coffee at Coffeehouse by George. We wonder what we're going to buy at the grocery store Hemköp. We require breakfast and something else.

The regional government in Södermanland has its office here.

Nyköping theatre.

Peter is taking a look at Nyköpingshus.

18.09 We walked around and saw the castle Nyköpingshus before we went to Hemköp on the way home. Now we have bought some things for later this evening but also some breakfast for tomorrow.

20.04 We've been resting in the room. Some British tourists have arrived to the hostel. We are now heading out to try to find a Statoil petrol station we visited during previous stays here.

21.00 So we are back home at Railway again. It was easy to get there and back. Our feet and shoes are wet though.

22.22 The night is here. Now we will make ourselves ready for the night.

Monday 20th of June

06:53 A good night's sleep has been replaced with a quick breakfast. Today we will take a small leap westwards.

07.46 A moderate rearrangement to a bus stop outside the railway station has been made.

08.41 We are, once again, at Skavsta airport just outside Nyköping and once again we have sent our backpacks. Now we’ve treated ourselves to sit down for a while. Soon it will begin......

We will soon land at Stansted Airport.

09.26 Advertisements for cheap phone calls and Mozart's "Eine kleine Nachtmusik" is heard. We are on board this yellow and blue plane. It is also time to change the clocks to GMT. It's time to fly with Ryanair again.

09.48 We're still flying. There are all sorts of offers that are touted in the speakers. A flight attendant just walked through the cabin to change a 10-pound note into smaller denominations.

TIME ZONE CHANGE

UNITED KINGDOM

11.02 Our plane landed at the low fare airlines airport, Stansted Airport and we have walked to the baggage conveyor belt. Soon the backpacks will be here as well.

11.34 We’ve purchased some expensive bus tickets to Heathrow Airport, they cost us 25 pounds each. Now we are sitting and we´re waiting for the right bus. In a slope a man is cutting the grass with a big lawnmower.

12.02 Now the bus from National Express started to roll. We are leaving the day's second airport. The trip should take about an hour and a half.

13.18 We are at the Central Bus Station at Heathrow Airport. I'm hungry.

13.30 We are now in Terminal 3 and are waiting for a connecting train that will take us to Terminal 5.

Peter is having a healthy meal at Giraffe in Terminal 5.

13.49 A base camp has been established here in Terminal 5. I hold the fort while Christer is probing the terrain. One difference from last year is that there are now clear large plastic bags for garbage. We didn’t see a single trash can last year. Has the threat of terrorism declined? Behind us a bunch of Swedish language travel students are gathered and they are presenting themselves in their best school English.

14.12 We have approached an information counter and asked for directions from the airport area. To get to our pre-booked accommodation, you can walk, it takes 20 minutes and can be dangerous because of traffic, or you can take a taxi which cost 12 pounds. Now we have treated ourselves a little to eat healthy diner Giraffe.

14.45 After we had eaten healthy muffins and been drinking coffee Christer went off again. He will try to find the way out and away from here. We want to get to our new accomodation.

15.18 It was unexpectedly easy to get to our accomodation. It was only to follow a paved walkway. We can’t understand why the whole thing should be dangerous. Now we´ve checked into room 104 at Heathrow Lodge (http://heathrowlodge.com) in the village Longford. Here we will take a deep breath before we go out for new adventures and discoveries.

Longford

Heathrow Lodge

15.49 There are planes over us. They are crossing at regular intervals. We are waiting for the bus which will take us to Slough. Light rain is falling and I just had a cyclist behind me.

16.06 The, to say the least, crowded double-decker bus finally arrived and now we are leaving Longford.

16.50 There was a short stop in Slough, the city that the KGB forgot/didn’t mind to put out the map. The central areas were undergoing a big renovation, but eventually we found the bus station. We are now heading towards Windsor. Maybe the Russians were more interested in the town next to this, Langley. Isn’t that where the CIA are? Unfortunately, it has started raining quiet heavy.

17.09 There are short distances in this country. We soon made a new stop in a new city. We are in Windsor. It's raining and we huddle inside a bus shelter. The big question is whether we should eat first and do some sightseeing later or. The bus dropped us off on a pedestrian street in the town centre.

Peascod Street in Windsor.

Here you can see the western wing of the royal Windsor Castle.

Windsor Royal Shopping Centre.

17.51 We challenged the rain. It had no plans to cease completely. We looked for a restaurant, took pictures of the castle and a church. Now we have reached the Windsor Royal Shopping Centre and found the restaurant Gourmet Burger Kitchen.

18.23 It was good, rich meaty burgers. The restaurant chain's concept is to serve the burgers in a more luxurious form, better than at fast food restaurants. We thought we recognized the restaurant name and found out that we were supposed to eat there when we were in Belfast at the New Year but that restaurant was closed. This mall contains various things, such as a train station with an old locomotive that we looked at. After browsing around a bit inside the area, we have now decided to visit Eton, which is across the Thames.

18.45 We are now at Windsor Bridge where the River Thames parts Windsor and Eton. We’ve seen sea birds and some people are going down in a canoe or rowboat. Some people, not seabirds that is.

19.02 Last year we were in Oxford. We are this year and right now at Eton College. The rain is unfortunately continuing. Some students at the prestigious school have walked past in their neat clothes.

The river Thames is the border between Windsor och Eton.

Eton College.

19.53 We took one last look at Windsor Castle and also saw some neat cars, a Jaguar and a Bentley. South of the castle is a large park with a very long promenade, The Long Walk. Now we are waiting for the bus to take us back to Heathrow's Terminal 5.

21.34 We bought some evening drinks/snacks at Heathrow before we went home. On the way back we studied some shuttles along a rail transporting people from the parking lot to the airport terminal. Here at home, we showered and Christer has found that his shower gel has leaked and coloured one of his shirts. Bad!

23.06 We are look at the news about the economic chaos in Greece, the NATO bombing of civilians in Libya and about people who died in Syria. We have also seen a sports quiz with competing old tennis heroes.

The teahouse, "crooked house" in Windsor.

Christer is taking photos along "The Long Walk".

Our room at Heathrow Lodge.

Tuesday 21st of June

06.54 We have woken up in the comfortable beds of Heathrow Lodge. There are news on the TV, breakfast in the throats and within half an hour we will continue with life and traveling.

07.29 We ordered the transfer to the airport yesterday. It is included in the price. The luggage and passengers have been placed in order according to which terminal we are going to, Terminal 3, 4 and 5 went well, but Terminal 1 made the driver thoughtful.

08.02 A Norwegian woman and a Swedish air hostess talked incessantly on the short trip to Heathrow. We have reached Terminal 4 and are now trying to find out where to check-in. It seems to be done electronically. Now we sit outside in the fresh(?) air and prepare the backpacks for the long journey. We want as little loose strings and tapes as possible.

08.55 What a morning! Upon check-in we had to show papers for the flight to Panama, confirmation of accommodation and flights home and to answer questions and check on something else. My backpack was allowed to go in but Christer had to take his to the counter for special baggage. My little backpack later got stuck in the security check. It was the camera that caused it. Now we are having a bench break, waiting, and thinking. Another thing, when checking, I wanted to use my card to get points in the Star Alliance. The lady behind the counter asked which company and I said, SAS. She raised an eyebrow and it struck me that SAS except that it is the Scandinavian airline also is the name of the British elite forces.

Our backpacks are ready to fly.

09.22 We went to Starbucks and bought coffee. I chose a hot sandwich and Christer took a carrot cake. Things get crazy sometimes when one of the staff takes your order, another one charge and a third serves. No one really knows about who should do what.

09.56 Our coffee break is finished and we have walked to today's first gate. There are not much people here.

10.35 We hear classical music on the speakers and see people in the aircraft corridor. It is time to fly across the Atlantic. This time it will be with Continental Airlines.

TIME ZONE CHANGE

06.02 Our watches are set to New York time. The passengers have been asked to sit down. We must not sit on the sites of people who have paid extra or where any of the crew will sleep.

07.48 The food tray has been removed. 6 hours and 14 minutes remain of the flight. Still, all goes well. I am about to watch some TV.

10.26 We're more than halfway, but 3 hours and 34 minutes still remains. Should I sleep a little or will it be more TV? It is a matter of adapting to the next time zone.

13.11 The customs documents for the United States are completed and we have seen a movie about how to act at the airport. Do we have all the information needed, or what?

UNITED STATES

14.40 We arrived too early and had to wait. Now we are on our way out of the plane. It's off to passport control. We are at the airport Newark in New Jersey, USA.

15.15 We are registered and allowed to transfer here in the U.S. We will not stay here but must nevertheless get the luggage and check it and ourselves in again. The young woman that stamped my passport originates from Costa Rica and she wished us a pleasant trip through her old homeland.

15.56 The luggage was supposed to be dropped and left to some men shouting different destinations. After that we were at three different security checks before we entered the departure hall. We did nothing wrong. It was just crowded with people. Here in the hall Christer thought that he heard "for Security Reasons, please eat your luggage" through the speakers. We have withdrawn US-dollars from an ATM and had our lunch at "Wok and roll" and now we will travel on. What was said in the speakers were "Please keep ...." etc. It was all about keeping your eyes on your own bags.

16.38 Now we have bought some sweets, cookies and drinks in kiosks here and continued to the right gate. Soon we´ll leave Newark. Since we´ll arrive late tonight, we want to bring something to eat with us to the hotel room.

17.40 We are seated at the rear of the Boeing 737-800/900, which will take us over the Bermuda Triangle to Panama. Will we make it?

18.31 First we were late, and then we had to wait for other planes that had bad weather along their flight route and could not take off. When it finally was our turn to start then came the news that the weather will delay us for another ten minutes.

TIME ZONE CHANGE

18.01 We still came on our way. We’ve shifted to what I assume is Panamá time.

19.58 A meat wrap with lettuce and baby carrots. This is our last little airplane snack. This flight is too short for some proper dinner. Now all I want to do is to touch down. It's been a long day with many flight hours.

21.35 Customs document and other papers to enter Panamá have been completed during some turbulence. Why should it always shake when you want to write small and neat? This happens both in aircrafts and on buses.

22.13 The approach to the Panamá City has begun. At the airport awaits the usual procedure and also a man with a sign (we hope).

PANAMÁ

23.05 We were stamped in without any problems and went to get our backpacks. My backpack was too light and a check showed that my toilet bags were gone. Christer saw a counter for luggage information and I went there. They were there waiting, the toilet bags. They had reportedly fallen/been picked out. More likely is that someone checked the backpack and forgot to put them back. The man with the name sign was in place. He had a note with Christer´s name and was sent from our hotel. The man took us to a minibus which will now take us to our next home. Bye Tocumen Airport! With us in the minibus, we have a Slovenian girl and an Englishman.

23.44 We checked in at Hotel Marparaiso (http://www.marparaisopma.com) in Panama City. We are in room 301 and I washed the clothes I´ve used. Upon check-in we got a plastic chip of the type found at the roulette tables. It must be shown to have breakfast tomorrow. Now we will get some supper and sleep.

A tired Peter has finally found a bed to sleep in after this long trip.

Wednesday 22nd of June

08.37 We are newly awake on a new continent! Sirens are heard outside. The sleep has been good but the room is too warm. Our air conditioner is old and worn. It is today that it starts. Brand new parts of the world are about to be discovered!

09.48 We have sat down in the breakfast room. We showed our chips we received yesterday and said we wanted black coffee. Repainted U.S. school buses rolls on the street outside and serve as public transport. They are called "red devils" and spew out their black exhaust clouds. We have also seen a man standing and waving at a crossing point. What does he want? Who does he want to come into contact with, help? Who knows?

A view from the window at Hotel Marparaiso.

10.31 We had two pieces of bread, pineapple juice and strong coffee. The people at the table next to us got pancakes and sausage. They had probably paid extra for it. The Slovenian woman and the British guy were seated two tables away. Now we are back in the room and are looking in our papers about the city we shall soon see.

11.25 Now all is checked. It's time to go out in another capital city.

11.49 We took a short walk down to the busy Avenida Balboa. I'm having a bench break. Behind me is a busy road. A short distance away is the bust of Uruguay's national hero Artigas we saw some of last year and even Franklin D. Roosevelt. In front of me are a park and even a playground. Beyond this is the Pacific Ocean. It is not so violently hot, but it is humid.

11.55 If we look to the left we see a forest of skyscrapers in the modern part of town but we will go the other direction. We intend to walk to the Casco Viejo, the old part of town that was built after the pirate Henry Morgan (Captain Morgan) destroyed the old Panamá in 1671.

Traffic along the Avenida Balboa, Panamá City.

Panamá City

You can walk along the Cinta Costera. It´s quite safe too, the police come on their bikes now and then.

Fishing boats and the skyline of modern Panamá City.

12.32 The long walk and probably devoid of solid foods for a while has made us really hungry. We walked along the sea and looked at things at the fishing port/fish market, and after that we went into the Casco Viejo, which was guarded by policemen. Casco Viejo, the "old town" here in Panamá City is a colonial town, which UNESCO considers to be listed as World Heritage. It is now time for lunch at the restaurant Segafredo Espresso at the Plaza Bolivar.

13.29 The first lunch in Panamá was a lunch offering, which consisted of potato soup, Fettucini pasta and something to drink, it was just what we needed. Now we are on a new bench. The heat and humidity is oppressive. The waves roll in from the sea in front of us.

13.42 It's hot at the Plaza de la Independencia. Something is touted out from a megaphone. I see a small crowd of people chanting. Is there a demonstration? Media is present in all cases.

Plaza Bolivar, a small beautiful square in Casco Viejo.

Catedral Metropolitana, Panamá City.

Peter in Casco Viejo.

From this nice spot you have a nice view of the sea and the skyline of Panamá City.

14.15 We have calmly walked along the streets here in Casco Viejo. The walk took us to Plaza Francia and the lookout point above. Before us lies the Pacific Ocean. It has due to low tide, receded. The heat has not backed down. Here and there stands some indigenous women selling handicrafts. They are from the Kuna people.

14.39 We have looked into a small souvenir shop. We’ve bought postcards and Christer bought a cap to protect the head from the scorching sun. Now we are having a cold Panamá beer each at the restaurant Buzios opposite the shop.

16.11 The heat is more than we endure without the risk of harm. We have returned home to room 301. Here we will give a shower to ourselves and a wash to the clothes. You quickly become tired in the tropical heat, especially when you´re not used to it.

A white dog is feeling the tropical heat.

Where did the sea go?

Christer is enjoying a cold beer at the restaurant Buzios.

Peter is looking at the Pacific ocean.

18.29 Today's heat has made us dizzy, drowsy. CNN has reported about a new earthquake in Japan. Now we are considering the evening's activities.

18.56 The cars are passing right next to us. We are at the Cafe Boulevard Balboa. We are not hungry but the body needs food and order. You have to stick with regular hours.

19.30 First we got a plate with lettuce leaves and tomato slices. Then we had some tasty meat with cooked vegetables and strips. Our water glasses were filled as soon as we emptied them and it was needed. During the meal has a nearby car been salvaged and the game of football between the United States and Panamá in the Gold Cup is shown on the TV. Now Christer asked for "la cuenta" the bill.

19.59 The american team took the lead just before we left. Now we are back in the room and wondering how to get it cooler/cool in here. Internet in the hotel lobby is sadly out of order so there is no contact with home today.

21.19 We've been down in the dining room for a cup of coffee and to write postcards. Now we have a small problem, none of the adapters I have with me fits with the local grid. This must be resolved in some way. Sooner or later we need to recharge cell phones and batteries.

22.28 It ended goalless in the match Honduras vs Mexico which has just been shown on TV. There is thunder and lightning outside. The room heat makes us lazy and tired. There'll soon be some sleeping.