I was in Sweden (the final part)

In Sweden, fika [feee-ka] is a cultural staple. The act of having fika involves coffee and a little (or sometimes quite big) something sweet. It is perhaps because of the strong coffee culture in this country that they have managed to keep the big coffee chains off the streets. Not once while I was in Stockholm did I see a Starbucks. Instead, the streets are littered with independent, unique little spots - all with a different feeling and flavour - but most importantly, all bustling with Swedish fikarers.*


*absolutely not a real word


While I thoroughly embraced the coffee aspect of fika, I can only deal with so much sweet in my life, so aside from breakfast buns, I often skipped the on the sweet sides. That doesn't mean that I didn't see many incredible looking deserts - most memorably at Robert's Coffee, inside an indoor market, which was a beautiful spot for a pit-stop. The cortado they served me was the most intense (and delicious) cup of joe I've ever had.

I was in Sweden (part 3)

As I was saying, Stockholm is made up of fourteen islands - the next island which had to be visited was Djurgården. First off a coffee at Cafe String was sipped, before a short ferry boat ride to the next island on the list; home to historical monuments, an open air museum, not to mention a sprawling island garden. Wandering aimlessly around the empty, snow covered paths was a relaxing way to while away a few chilly hours.


Later on, I spotted some coco - or should I say O'Boy! And found a mouth watering indoor market. The obvious had to be done: a hotch-potch bench picnic of market bought walnut bread with swedish cheese........

I was in Sweden (part 2)

Did you know that Stockholm is made up of fourteen islands? That's why there's so much water! It's ingenious because there seems to be an island for everything, including 'museum island' as I've named it - home to the Museum of Modern Art and Swedish Architecture...oh, and big downward pointing arrows. I picked up an incredible extending (and I mean it re-ally extends man) ruler, and set of 'award winning' erasers for my architect boyfriend in the sprawling gift shop. I think he was impressed.


Museum island (or Skeppsholmen as it is actually called...and by the way it doesn't contain all the museums, just a few of them) was followed by a sighting of many cold little ducks, and the eating of a big fat semla bun at Albert & Jack's, sunset views turned into night-time views, and then there was a little reflective self-portraiture on board a floating boat. 

I was in Sweden

Which is why I was mute. And while I was there this little blogette celebrated a year of existing. Despite often falling into neglect and silence, which I am going to attempt to prevent in the future. Did you hear the poetry there?

In Stockholm last week it was c.o.l.d, though you might not be able to tell from the photos. There was lots of frozen water in the mornings. There were also huge cinnamon/cardamon buns for breakfast at Cafe Saturnus (bigger than my hand, even though the picture clearly doesn't do justice to this), and delicious warm coffees. 

I went to the breathtaking public library, which is a giant cylinder of books, and saw a frozen newspaper on a snowy bench. 

The tunnelbana/underground/metro/subway (or whatever it's known as in your local city) is also pretty phenomenal, and the escalators look like they can reach the stars.

Another installment of Swedish lovin' coming soon.......