Cherry Blossom Love

Happiness is seeing Cherry blossoms in full bloom!

​This is my second spring in Sweden but, this time I had a magical tryst with the beautiful cherry blossoms. It’s so surprising that last spring I didn’t notice the ethereal beauty of these flowers. Cherry blossom also called Sakura in Japanese are said to be native to the Himalayan region. Because they bloom briefly, in the Japanese literature they are seen as an allegory for the ephemeral beauty of living. The cherry blossoms usually bloom in the March end and the beginning of April in Japan. With globalization I must say the joy of seeing the Cherry blossoms has been embraced by the whole world. Believe me, you need not go to Japan to experience and appreciate the beauty of these mesmerizing flowers. Though not as popular as Japan, Sweden has a short season for these beautiful blooms. 

So, last weekend when I went to Stockholm for a short visit, I happened to go to Kungsträdgården (“The King’s Garden”), located right in the heart of the city. What a sight it was! A myriad of soft pink cherry blossoms. Yes, this is the place where you can see the biggest display of cherry blossoms in Stockholm. Though the place was flooded with people, it was completely worth taking a dip in the swarm of the crowd to get clicked with these pretty flowers. In Kungsträdgården, Cherry blossoms planted in the boulevards, form a canopy over the entire park and it is definitely worth seeing. Lot of people click photos with the ​lush pink blossoms and soak up the mild spring sun, sitting in the park. Besides, Kungsträdgården one can spot these beautiful blossoms at the road sides in other parts of Stockholm city. Honestly, I can go on and on speaking about the beauty of these pretty flowers but, I would end it here and hope you get to see these Cherry blossoms in full glory next spring! 

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