Blogs from Sweden, Europe - page 213

Malmö Redhawks vs. Timrå at Malmö Ice Stadion. It's my first live Swedish top league ice hockey game ever. A feat I think I share with all the members of our little party of five. I know the game well though; growing up in Sweden entails cheering for the Swedish national team every winter when the big tournaments come on television. A reason to party, to get some entertainment, to feel the national pride increase by a few hundred percent until the tournament is over, and a reason not to go outside. I’m not sure to what extent my fellow hockey-goers are familiar with the sport. The Finn definitely knows the game like the back of his hand. The German and the Swiss have probably come across a broadcast or two at some point. To the ... read more

Sweden was great, loads of blonde people hehe.... read more

Geo: 59.3327, 18.06451 -... read more

As I crossed the train bridge that connects Denmark with Sweden and headed North to Stockholm the landscape changed drastically. The long bridge that stretches for 5 minutes of the journey, incredible in itself, was surrounded by a vast steely grey ocean. Lit up occasionally with shimmering patches where the sun managed to break free from the clouds. The landscape seems controlled, so symmetrically divided by agriculture without a hint of ruggedness. Punctuated by perfect little buildings staring blank and lifelessly back at me. It all appears so ordered and visually crafted, ultra modern in all conveniences yet some buildings of the past still remain. Combined with a distinct lack of people walking around, my first impression is one of sterility. Obviously Stockholm is bustling but outside that seems starkly different. Southern Sweden is supposed to ... read more

It's not really clear why he decided to go to Stockholm. Just a short vacation, I guess. Staying at a youth hostel makes it impossible not to talk to strangers. He's from England somewhere. Name is Gregory, or maybe Jeff. Or something. He suggests going to a pub for a beer. Since the alternative is turning in a 9pm, I'm in. We have a couple of beers, nothing extravagant, over some casual conversation. The last beer is on him. "You buy me a beer next time", he says. We both know that the odds of us meeting up again are slim to none. What he really meant was "next time you go out for a beer with a stranger, if you've got the money, beer is on you. At the end of the day, it all ... read more