Writer: Helena Bergström
What a week! (Again) We imagined we would be able to enjoy peace and quiet at home on the houseboat, but it has been full of events, projects and work. And now we are getting ready for a new trip ...!
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Finally, the motorhome is in the garage... but then a new problem arose!
After all the misery with the water that froze in the motorhome It was incredibly nice to finally drive it to the winter garage, which we rent a good distance north of Stockholm. Once we had secured our spot in the garage, we took care of everything that needed to be done – opening taps, opening refrigerators, placing mattresses upright, etc. – and plugged in the power cable so that the battery can be maintained while the car is stationary. We have chosen this garage both this year and in previous years precisely because we have access to electricity there.
Then began the long journey home – a walk to the nearest bus stop, a 40-minute bus ride to Uppsala, a train from Uppsala to Solna, and then the light rail and underground. We only have one car, and I don't have a driving licence, so this is how we have to do it.
Everything felt great until a few days later when we received a text message: ”We are no longer allowed to have electricity in the garage due to new rules from our insurance company, so we have pulled out the cable.” Couldn't they have said that before...?
Without electricity, we have to disconnect the battery, otherwise we won't be able to start the motorhome in the spring. Now we have to hire a car for a day just to get to the garage and sort this out... Sigh! It will have to wait a while, though – we don't have time right now, and we'd prefer to combine the car hire with doing some other ”car errands” on the same day.
Events all week long
This has been a week full of events for us, by the way. Earlier in the week, there was events at the Spanish Embassy and the Portuguese Embassy, respectively. Last Thursday was the day of an event that is important to us: the B2B trade fair Travel News Market. We will tell you all about it tomorrow!
We are preparing for a new journey
We are now preparing for a new journey, in the form of our last trip abroad this year. On Sunday, we will head south through Sweden by train, with the German island of Usedom as our destination. During a few days of press travel, we will explore what the island has to offer during the low season, with a focus on food and wellness. It will be exciting!
This week: grateful for…
This week, I feel grateful that over the years we have learned to stress a little less about everything that goes wrong. There is almost always something that causes trouble and gives rise to worry, but usually it works itself out somehow, and I think I have become a little better at resting in that thought. I am grateful for that.
I am also grateful that Peter is currently in the midst of a new ”cooking phase” inspired by Michelin chefs, which means I get to eat fantastic food here at home.
Your turn... what are you grateful for this week?
The week ahead
For our part, Germany and the island of Usedom await! Here at FREEDOMtravel.se, you can expect a variety of reports, some of which we have prepared in advance. These will include December destinations, Christmas traditions, language usage and a product we have purchased... We hope you will join us! We would like to take this opportunity to wish you a pleasant Friday and weekend!
Did you miss the last Friday Blog? Read it Winter weather and new names on social media
You might also like:
Further adventures, challenges and film number 3
Fantastic days in Croatia - and back in the motorhome
Friday blog: Lectures and party at Elmia Husvagn Husbil
Wintery everyday life in the houseboat marina
The Friday blog: With a bit of a jolt, a bit of a jump, and a bit of a kick-start... we got the motorhome going
Friday Blog: Now in Sweden... but so much to tell from Norway!
English (UK) 
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Eval8 says:
It's a shame you didn't find out sooner! But then again, why should everything always go smoothly?
I am grateful that we have finally got around to fixing the wardrobes and that we have actually ordered a new roof and some new windows. The front door and balcony door too.
And most of all because we are all healthy. For life, quite simply.
Happy Friday!
28 November 2025 - 9:27
Helena says:
No, things don't always go smoothly... It's great that you've taken charge and sorted things out, that always feels good! And yes, of course we should be grateful as long as we have our health! 🙂
29 November 2025 - 16:58
Anna i Portugal says:
But how annoying that they didn't inform us about the electricity! I hope it at least means you get something positive out of it with lower rent... trying to see the bright side 🙂
28 November 2025 - 10:38
Helena says:
Yes, I think it's extremely strange because there's something about ”maintenance” in the agreement. I also think we should get a lower price now, but it doesn't feel that way...
29 November 2025 - 16:59
bmlarsreseblogg says:
It's so incredibly stupid that they didn't announce this about the electricity earlier, sometimes it just makes you so tired... Otherwise, I read yesterday's post about the events and we've already seen several such initiatives here in Portugal. We often seek to get away from the big tourist metropolises and head for smaller places that are often just as cosy.
It would be wonderful to spend a few days on beautiful Usedom. I imagine there are many spas and other things to enjoy at this time of year.
We are grateful for a wonderful week in Silves with fantastic weather and a lovely two-day trip up into the mountains! We wish you a great weekend!
28 November 2025 - 12:44
Helena says:
Yes, it's like a day trip for us to get there and back, so it wasn't fun to hear this when we got home... These winter garages tend not to be located in Stockholm... By the way, it's great to hear that you've seen such positive initiatives in Portugal! Take care...!
29 November 2025 - 17:01
Åsa på husbilsresa.se says:
We are grateful that we have the opportunity to do what many only dream of – travelling, experiencing and creating new memories together 🥰 Right now, we are in Silves, Portugal.
28 November 2025 - 15:01
Helena says:
Yes, but that's wonderful! We wish you a wonderful stay in Silves!
29 November 2025 - 17:01
BP says:
I was wrong in thinking that you would be visiting your friends in Spain. I Googled Usedom and learned that the island is divided between Germany and Poland and that it is marketed specifically during the autumn and winter. It seems to be a food mecca with German star chefs in various restaurants. It also seems to be a peaceful and pleasant place, something you may particularly appreciate at the moment.
The car issue will be resolved – that too, but the rental company should have informed you before you parked the car – sigh!
Enjoy the train journey and everything Usedom has to offer.
28 November 2025 - 19:19
Helena says:
Yes, we're planning to visit our friends in Spain too, eventually...! Glad you googled Usedom! The island isn't very well known here in Sweden, but it's a popular holiday destination. In the summer, it's all about sun and swimming, but it's a classic spa resort, so it works all year round! And yes, we hope it will be a peaceful and enjoyable trip! 🙂
29 November 2025 - 17:04
JoY says:
No, that thing about the electricity seemed a bit strange, since you don't live next door, so it would have been appropriate to provide that information earlier. Perhaps it came as a surprise to the landlords as well, but still.
We just got back from a train trip to Copenhagen for a few days. I think it's nice to travel by train, and it was quick – six hours with no changes, perfect. How's your train journey? Have a nice trip and enjoy Usedom. Hugs
28 November 2025 - 23:29
Helena says:
That's the thing, we don't live next door, and we don't have a car either (except for the motorhome) ... I was quite annoyed, actually, but now it is what it is ... I like trains too! We have one change on the way down, and two changes on the way up ...
29 November 2025 - 17:06