A few months ago our website, through research in the archives of the Swedish Royal Library related to the relations of Hellenism with Sweden, he identified a particularly moving human story. The case of a 13-year-old student from Famagusta who traveled to Gothenburg in 1963 for surgery with the help of the Lions Club where he developed a deep friendship with a Swedish family.
Shortly after the publication of the relevant material, the protagonist of the story himself, Mr. Charalambos, contacted us, who shared in Greek radio and news in Florida his personal memories from that period. We met him and he described with emotion the experience of his hospitalization in Gothenburg, the hospitality he received from the Swedish family of his friend Yngve, his schooling in Partille, but also the ties that lasted for decades with his beloved country, Sweden.
How was your trip for the surgery organized then?
The help was organized through the Lions Club. First I went with my father to London. My father had friends in the Lions and eventually a very good doctor was found in Sweden and it was decided to have the operation there. So I went to Sweden for the first time at the age of 13 for the operation in Gothenburg. I remember specifically that my father told me that the next day we would have a small operation. It ended up taking eight hours. When I woke up, my father and a Swedish friend, Yngve, were next to me. Since then we have developed a long-lasting friendship.
Which hospital were you hospitalized in?
I remember it was the Children's Hospital in Gothenburg. It seems like a dream to me today.
How were you treated at the hospital?
With a lot of love and professionalism. People would come and bring me gifts and toys. I especially remember a nurse who dedicated the song “The Children of Piraeus” to me on the radio. Another time, when I was afraid of the injection and started crying, she cried with me. I saw only love then.
How long did you stay in Sweden then?
I stayed in the hospital for a few days and then I remember we went to a hotel. In total I stayed for about a month.
Did you develop relationships with Swedes during that period?
Yes. I developed many friendships with Ingve Kramberg's family. They lived in the suburbs of Gothenburg, in Sävedalen. In fact, after the bombing of Tillyrmia in 1964, Ingve was worried about me and sent me a ticket on the first merchant ship from Limassol to go back to Sweden. The trip took about 12 days. From there I went to Finland and then back to Sweden. I went to a school in the Partille area near Gothenburg for about three months.
What impressed you about the Swedish school?
I was very impressed that the bus would pick us up through the forest and take us to school for free. I remember that they gave us free food: apples, cheese and milk. I saw frozen milk for the first time then. I was also impressed that the girls did wood carving and the boys did cooking. It was something new for me.
How were the teachers?
They were very friendly and understanding. I remember a teacher who taught French in Swedish and then tried to explain it to me in English so I could understand.
Did you learn any Swedish then?
I learned some phrases. I still remember the phrase "tack så mycket".
Did you miss your family during that time?
Yes. I missed my family a lot and felt intensely homesick.
How did you return to Cyprus?
Ingve sent a telegram to my father and it was arranged that I would return via Athens. There were no mobile phones then. My parents went to Nicosia airport every day to see when I would arrive. I stayed in Athens for a few days but eventually returned.
How did your friends welcome you when you returned to Cyprus?
With much love. I continued my schooling normally at the First Boys' High School of Famagusta.
Do you remember the Swedish peacekeepers in Famagusta in 1964?
Yes. They were kind people. At the time, many considered Famagusta almost a "Swedish city," due to the presence of Swedish soldiers and tourists.
Did you revisit Sweden later?
Yes. I went on a Baltic cruise again and visited Stockholm. I also traveled twice on official business when Sweden held the presidency of the European Union and then I saw my friend Yngve again.
What does Sweden mean to you today?
Sweden is in my heart.
