Beautiful Girl

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The Swedes are a genetically blessed people. I've been strolling around two cities so far, and I'm convinced every time a local sneezes the blessing must be ... you are so good looking! From the kids, to the guys, and of course the girls, it seems that everyone here in Sweden is oh so fabulous. But the Swedes are not just phenomenal eye candy, they are a creative and resourceful people whose influence on design, fashion, architecture, automobiles and of course pop music has spread worldwide. The cities I've visited so far are super modern and super efficient, with prices on par with other Western European cities.

The great Swedish adventure commenced, dear reader, with a half hour train ride from Copenhagen to the southern city of Malmo. But this was no ordinary train ride, as we crossed The Oresund bridge which is the world's longest cable tied bridge. The engineers and locals on both sides of the Baltic are celebrating ten years in operation; where every day 72,000 people cross the bridge to shop, work or play. This engineering marvel has been the renaissance of Malmo, in fact many workers commute from Malmo to Copenhagen every day. Build it and they will come, and go! Everything has been so wonderfully organised by the Scandinavians, and there's even an Oresund train line that zooms up and down the Baltic coast on both the Swedish and Danish side. What a wonderful introduction to my first visit to Sweden crossing this stupendous bridge.

Malmo really blew me away actually. Aside from the many beautiful girls, the streets in the Old Town were absolutely heaving with locals and tourists alike. Also, the Turning Torso is the most amazing skyscraper I've seen, and twists through ninety degrees from bottom to top. The guide book states that Malmo had it's share of problems a decade ago, but the opening of the bridge sees this city looking forward with great confidence. I checked into the great Rut & Ragnars hostel just a short tram ride from the centre, and was greeted warmly by the friendly staff who had me sorted in a jiffy. The Swedes are warm and hospitable people, and their english skills are superb. Free wi-fi with clean and modern bathrooms are high on the list to make me a happy camper, and this hostel fits the bill.

I only had one night in Malmo as time marches on, and I needed to head north. So I booked a seat on the train next morning for the three hour journey to Gothenburg, and shared the trip with a Swedish mother and her six young children. I told her briefly how impressed I was as I come from a family of seven children. She said it was a lot of work but good, and kept her kids under control with the help of her eldest daughter in a calm and loving manner. We arrived in Gothenburg on time as you would expect, and I got on to a tram towards the recommended Backpackers Goteborg in Sweden's second city.

Gothenburg is a superb European city, and has that familiar feeling that strikes seasoned European travellers from time to time. I've spent three days walking around and exploring the city, and only the second day had cold and rainy weather. I spent the other two days in sunny weather with an ideal temperature in the mid 20's. The hostel guests here in Gothenburg are the friendliest I've come across during my visit, so everything is falling into place nicely on the great Scandinavian adventure.

When travelling in Sweden the local stores sell light beer only, as the law requires an alcoholic volume of 3.5%. There are several state run liquor stores dotted around the city for full strength alcohol, but they're expensive. In fact the Swedes in the south often duck across the Baltic to the nearest Danish city to stock up on loads of grog, either crossing the bridge from Malmo, or at one of the ferry crossings if they live further north. There's always the pubs though, where you can buy a variety of full strength beers at the bar. Sweden has become internationally recognised lately for fine dining, but one night I visited a local pub and ordered a traditional meal of meatballs and mash with lashings of gravy, and it was really scrummy.

So as the first instalment of my Swedish adventure draws to a close, I'm enjoying travelling in this fantastic country. On my last night at the hostel I arrived back cranking my ipod, with a couple of beers under my belt to be sure. I headed for the bathroom near the living area, and the busted door handle crashed to the floor when I tried to turn it. Two guys and a girl looked at me in surprise. I tried to reattach it with music still blaring through the headphones, and sure enough the other side of the handle duly crashed to the floor. The guests were in hysterics at the chaos I was causing, which left me mightily embarrassed. But it's all good here, and the Australian dollar has strengthened considerably in the last few years. Sweden is now an affordable travel destination and the Swedes are friendly, charming and sophisticated hosts. As a matter of fact, basically all of you should be here now!

If you do not change direction you may end up where you are heading." Lao Tsu

As I continue my travels, until next time it's signing off for now

Tom

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Photos

Gamla Staden, Malmo
The historic Old Town in the centre of the city is fantastic.

Streets of Gothenburg
An extensive tram system runs through the city.

Historic tram, Gothenburg
A special trip for tourists around the city centre.

The Goteborg
This magnificent tall ship sails the oceans to promote peace and friendly relations between countries.

Comments

[RiverHxu]

very nice
so nice! that is what i appreciate。

[Jason]

Mycket Bra!
So mate, sounds like you are loving the Swedes so far....if I was still living there we could have caught up for beers! I'll sell ya my apartment there, 3 hours from Stockholm, good investment dude ;-) Anyhow, keep giving those Swedish heaps......du masta prata mycket Svenska....och dricker mycket ol!! Jas