Commence the Countdown!

I love traveling - both the process and the destination. You learn from everything and everyone you meet along the way. This time, you and I will be meeting many, many people at several stops. Here's a short rundown, which is always subject to change when traveling!

• Malmö - Our first stop in Sweden. This southern city is hosting the fourth and last semifinal on February 23rd. We will be there early to catch the first practice run on Friday night and then we'll attend the big show on Saturday evening. I'll be cheering on the artists, especially Terese.


• Göteborg - The second largest city in the country and a historical place for many Swedes who left for America in the big immigration. For many, the skyline of Gothenburg was the last glimpse they would ever have of their native land. We will visit a few of the important areas around town. We'll also meet up with some locals to talk music and Melodifestivalen on Tuesday night the 26th.


• Karlstad - The second chance round happens here on March 2. Eight artists will compete for the last two golden tickets to the final. We will meet with members of the Melodifestival club in Sweden, a country-wide contingent of fans who follow the contest year-round. Swedish America also has a presence in this sunny city. Twenty percent of Swedes who immigrated to the States came from this region. The Swedish American Center highlights this fact. We will take a tour of the center.


• Växjö - I've never been to Växjö and Småland, so I look forward to visiting a new area of the country. If you have any must visit/must eat places, let me know! I do know the city has a huge research center for Swedish American genealogy and information. That will be a definite stop in our itinerary!


• Stockholm -The crowning of the 2013 winner happens on March 9. The final week promises to be full of energy and interviews. We will chat with Semmelmannen, a connoisseur and expert on semlor. His well-known and well-visited Tumblr blog documents and grades semla offerings across the country every year. We will also stop and see what Ausben Jordan is up to after his work and winning dance with Loreen in last year's Mello and Eurovision contests. 

• Other plans? - Who knows what might happen on the road? Never plan too much because you could end up in some crazy places with a host of fascinating people. Like a Boy Scout, you should always be ready for anything.

Our winding path all around the southern half of Sweden.

I don't dare go further north during winter. My Texas hands and toes couldn't take it.

It's going to be a busy trip, so gather up your stuff and get packing. We have less than a week.