Sweden is more like Eden

Ahhhh, Sweden. Touching down in the pink glow of the late summer sunset on the thickly forested shores of Gothenburg (Sweden’s second largest city) was like a long, cool, glass of water after a hot and sticky final day in Italy.

Sweden contrasted Italy in almost every way. Like Red and Green. It was friendly, organised, sophisticated and über cool. We had only one week to explore the three main cities of this sparsely populated country, but Heath, Andrew and I all agreed it would be very easy to have spent a lot more time in Sweden. We had three nights in Gothenburg, two in Malmo and two in Stockholm. Stockholm was definitely a highlight. We managed to get tickets to see the troubled genius of Daniel Johnston perform in the stunning Berns Salonger. He played with a bunch of his mates, including members of Yo La Tango, Teenage Fanclub and Scout Niblett. There was something very fragile about his great lumbering figure singing the sweetest love songs and stories of redemption. He even managed to Rock Out too!
It was also refreshing not to be overwhelmed with tourist attractions. We were very happy to just spend the week exploring the beautiful lanes and squares of the old towns, poking about in the amazing clothing, design stores and museums and lapping up the lifestyle in the abundant cafes.
Perhaps the only disappointment was never finding an IKEA….

Mr Gothenburg.

The first day we were in Gothenburg we decided to hit the amusement park of Lisberg. We talked ourselves into going on the "Worlds Best Wooden Rollercoaster" (See above). By the way, the day after we went one of the rides fell apart.

This was on an Island Fortress we visited in Gothenburg

Malmo

Old Town in Stockholm

Changing of the guard at the Palace in Stockholm. Did you know Sweden has one of the worlds oldest monarchies. They are also much more attractive than the English royals!

Daniel Johnston and friends

Kickin it old school on the "garden" island in Stockholm. We rode around the whole island.

Thanks Sweden. Hope to see you again someday.

PS. Ever wondered about that particular scent that Ikea has? Turns out its Sweden! The whole of Sweden smells just like Ikea! That heady mix of new pine, clever, functional design and blonde, athletic types.