Cinnamon buns, princess cake and 50 Swedish words for love
- Millie
- Sep 14
- 2 min read
On a September evening, around 35 members gathered at the Norwegian Study Centre (YASS)
to welcome award-winning author and poet Stephen Keeler. Originally from the north-east of England, Stephen has spent much of his career living and working abroad in Sweden, China, Vietnam, and across Eastern Europe.
He spoke about arriving in Sweden in the 1970s, newly qualified as a teacher and answering an advert in the Times Educational Supplement that took him to Mariestad. He chose not to stay in Stockholm but wanted the life of a smaller town. There he taught English not just in classrooms but also with society ladies during fika, even teaching them the English names of the flowers they picked together.
He shared the December morning when a knock at his door woke him early. Still dark outside, he wrapped a rug around himself and opened the door to find a Lucia procession singing softly in the hallway – an image that still makes him smile.
From his book 50 Words for Love in Swedish, Stephen reminded us that language is not only about meaning, but about feelings too. Certain Swedish words hold a special place for him – “maskros” (dandelion), “pimpling” (ice fishing), “vitsippa” (wood anemone). Each word, he explained, carries with it not just a translation but a memory, a sense of belonging, and a personal affection for Sweden. As he writes: From bageri (bakery) to vitsippa (wood anemone), via Björn Borg, Saab and smörgåsbord, these 50 words capture the essence of a love affair with Sweden – and show the ways we can fall in love with places not our own.
Helen Fisher’s freshly baked cinnamon buns were enjoyed by all during the break – who can resist a proper Swedish kanelbulle? – and Stephen himself was surprised with another treat: a prinsesstårta, specially made by Victoria of the Hovingham Bakery. The green marzipan cake, perhaps the most Swedish cake of all, was greeted with delight. Even better, it came just in time for his birthday two days later.
As Beck Sinar, YASS Chair, summed it up:
"It was a warm and convivial start to what promises to be another stimulating year for the Society."
Or, in Swedish:
"Det blev en varm och gemytlig start på vad som lovar att bli ännu ett stimulerande år för föreningen."
An evening full of stories, language, cake – and the kind of love for Sweden that stays with you.
