Spring Arrival

Well, spring is finally here and so are the splendid bright evenings. The month of April marks the beginning of spring in Sweden and one can spot the tender crocus saplings sprouting out.

Honestly, every season has its own charm but, the happiness brought by the effervescent flowers and the azure sky is unmatchable. Spring in Gothenburg is usually accompanied with mild rains and winds but, one can pack the heavy woolens​ and a light jacket is just fine. After the long winters everybody here in Sweden welcomes spring in their own way. Believe me, once you come here you will agree that all this build up for spring is totally justifiable. If you are the kinds who prefer outdoor activities then the arrival of spring will indeed bring double happiness for you. You need not go to the gym for workout or daily exercise, a run through the forest trail or cycling through the meadows makes you feel more energized​ and cheerful. You can save some money from gym and enjoy a coffee ​in a nice cafe in the city center (wink). Spring is the time when you will find a lot of people in the parks and the outdoor areas. Some, out with their barbeque grills enjoying the marsh mellows or the grilled salmon and sausages, while some simply strolling in the streets and basking the warmth of the mild Sun. So, if you are the kinds who don’t like to sweat it out then the barbeque experience will surely be fun for you.

A visit to Slottskogen, which is Gothenburg’s biggest park tops the list of “to do things” on the onset of spring. The entire park covered with lush green trees and blooming flowers is an amazing place to be close to nature. One can even spot Nordic animals such as elks and deer and yes, Slottskogen has penguins. I still remember the happiness I had on my face when I saw the penguins for the first time in real. So if you are a nature lover and like to enjoy the calmness then Slottskogen is the place for you. The beautiful view of the bright orange sunset from the top of Slottskogen will simply catch your breath away. Personally I love the days which are far away from darkness. I like the late evening spring sunsets and I am looking forward to the pleasant summers

Stockholm syndrome!

I know the title can be a little misleading but quite amusingly despite the bad weather and spine chilling winters, Stockholm made me fall in love with it.
Yes! I became a victim of Stockholm syndrome. I choose to overlook the harsh winter experience and enjoy the beauty of the frozen yet alluring Baltic.

This vibrant city has streaks of both classical and modern architecture, and a fascinating old town called Gamla Stan which boasts of a rich history. In January I got the opportunity to visit the Indian embassy in Stockholm as a representative of Chalmers Indian Association, RANG with one of my fellow member.
The city welcomed us with a bright sky and a thick blanket of snow around. We started our day with visit to the Vasa Museum. One can see the fully intact 17th century warship “Vasa”, which sank on her maiden voyage in 1628. The restored ship is one of its kind being 98% original.

Later in the day post our visit to the Indian embassy we went to the old town, Gamla Stan.
It’s distinctively known for its medieval and archaic architecture, razor-thin alleys and cobbled streets which dates back to the 13th century. Mårten Trotzigs grand alley in Gamla Stan is the narrowest street in Stockholm. The large square in the center of Gamla Stan, is called Stortorget. It was the site of the Stockholm Bloodbath in 1520s. The Swedish noblemen were massacred by the Danish King Christian II and this eventually lead to the election of King Gustav I.

The old town holds oodles of mysteries and the Stockholm ghost walk is the best way to explore them. It indeed gives one the opportunity “to see, touch, smell and taste history” as our guide said. Gamla Stan is also home to the Stockholm Cathedral and the baroque Royal Palace. Despite the cold spells and temperature of around -10°C we made it a point to wander through the streets and explore the old city charm of Gamla Stan. Retro themed cafes, artfully shabby lamps, antique artifacts and the blissful calm and enigma is totally worth experiencing.
Another fascinating thing about Stockholm after its architecture and high street fashion is the Stockholm metro. Metro stations here are well known for their wall art and it has been named the longest art gallery in the world. Stockholm also hosts the annual Nobel Prize ceremony and banquet at the Stockholm Concert Hall and Stockholm City Hall which facilitates the Noble laureates. The city definitely tops the must-visit list of every science and art lover. 

The city of Stockholm with its scenic beauty and a vast archipelago is indeed a traveler's delight!