Asakiyume writes that an old friend visited her and brought along an unusual harp. Asakiyume explains that the nyckelharpa is “a Swedish musical instrument that’s both keyed and bowed.”
That sounds harder than walking and chewing gum. Even the hurdy-gurdy that I hear in the subway doesn’t look as hard as that sounds, and the hurdy-gurdy involves keying and cranking.
“It’s older than the violin,” Asakiyume says of the nyckelharpa, adding, “my friend tells me there are old tapestries and paintings showing the angels playing these nyckelharpa in heaven.”
(Readers of this blog will note that I can seldom resist tidbits about Sweden. Egypt is another favorite. Both for family reasons.)
Here is Asakiyume’s friend playing the nyckelharpa.
Suzanne's Mom's Blog 
As a Swede I am also learning a lot of new things about Sweden through your blog and how a foreigner could grasp our own littel ways. In addition I can follow the “little life” around the Boston area, poetry,art and theatre. Thanks!
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There is a lot more I’d like to know about Sweden. I’d especially like to see all the suits in Battery Park (NYC) doing the Midsommer dance as Erik and Suzanne described it!
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