#Street of Gamla Stan

[travelella]

Street of Gamla Stan, Stockholm, Sweden

Taken by Adam Hornyak

[thegirlintheturtleneck]

Hej från Sverige 🇸🇪

just a couple pictures in Gamla Stan

7/18/24

[hsundholm]

Slap Street Night II by Henrik Sundholm Via Flickr: Kindstugatan in Old Town, Stockholm, Sweden. These streets are always fun to shoot!

[ivomagus]

[blueiscoool]

15Th-Century Gold Ring with Mark of Christ Discovered in Sweden

The discovery of a remarkable artifact from centuries ago among tens of thousands of medieval objects found in Sweden has thrilled archaeologists.

Nearly 30,000 objects were discovered during the two-year excavation of medieval Kalmar, according to the Archaeologists, which is part of the government's National Historical Museums. Among the unique finds was a gold ring in almost new condition.

Carved with the figure of Christ, the ring dates to the beginning of the 15th Century, according to the agency. Based on its size, researchers said it's possible that a woman may have worn the ring. Other rings like it have been discovered in northern Finland, Östergötland and Uppland.

"Probably someone was unlucky and lost the ring 500 years ago," said Magnus Stibéus, project manager at the Archaeologists.

Archaeologists said they unearthed remnants of roughly 50 medieval plots, ten streets, and segments of the ancient city wall in Gamla Stan.

Remains of hundreds of buildings, cellars, streets, latrines and everyday objects from centuries ago, approximately 1250–1650, have now seen the light of day following the Kalmar War in 1611. Archaeologists said the findings were beyond all expectations.

"We have been able to lift the lid on the city's Middle Ages and have had the opportunity to study how people lived, what they ate and drank and how this changed over time," said Magnus Stibéus, project manager at the Archaeologists. "Archeology becomes like a peephole into medieval history that allows us to learn more about how life was several hundred years ago."

A unique glass alsengem, also known as a pilgrim's amulet, with three carved figures on it was also found. The object was broken and may have been discarded at the time, Stibéus said.

Long ago, people used to wear these small stones which were believed could protect travelers against misfortune.

The excavation also uncovered several fascinating discoveries, such as a rune stone that is believed to have originated from a burial mound located in a 12th-century cemetery, as well as a brick bearing the imprint of a cat's paw, archaeologists said.

The numerous remnants provide evidence of wartime scenarios and the impact of the Kalmar War on the city.

"We have also found a large number of projectiles, such as cannon balls, musket balls and pistol bullets, but also swords," Stibéus noted.

Ongoing excavations continue in the area in hopes to uncover more historical artifacts and information, creating a valuable archive of the past.

By Chris Oberholtz.

[hanna-kin]

Hiii I’m going to Stockholm on Friday and wondered if you have any tips for the trip? Tack!!

How nice!

I don't live in Stockholm so I'm not an expert but I always think Gamla Stan is a nice visit and if you want the Royal Palace. I would honestly just walk around there in the narrow streets and alleyways. Especially if the weather is nice.

The Royal palace also have some exhibitions if you are interested. You can find more information here

There's also Fotografiska museet if you like photography. It's a photography museeum and they usually have a few photographers featured at once. I love to visit l. Here's some more information There’s an entry fee though.

If you like shopping there are alot of options. I would check out drottninggatan. Åhlens city and NK but once again just walking around is very nice.

There is also Mall of Scandinavia if you only want to go shopping but it's not something I recommend really. It's a mall, it's big by Swedish standards but that's it.

I think you can get around with walking alot but of course that does take some time and effort but it's definitely possible depending on where you live. Last time I was there I walked to gamla Stan and the royal palace and back again with no problems.

I would make sure to make time for a traditional Swedish fika at a Café. That's an absolute must and you are right in time for our "Semmel" season

Semla is a traditional Swedish pastry that was traditionally eaten before the long fasting but now we eat them just for fun.

The traditional one is a wheat bun flavoured with cardamom filled with almond paste and whipped cream.

Every café will have them, traditional versions and more new conceptual versions like vanilla semla (no almond paste) chocolate, licorice, croissant, semmel wrap etc.

Or you can always go for a cinnamon bun or a danish pastry or anything really.

There's also a the classic princess cake which is a sponge cake with jam, vanilla custard and cream with a lid of marsipan.

I cannont recommend dammsugare though, which is a small pastry that tastes like arrack with marsipan on top. I can't get behind it but is popular and if you like arrack you might like it.

I would avoid chains for this so stay out of espresso house.

As for food that are many many options, everything from McDonald's and other fast food chains like Max (Swedish version of McDonald's basically) to fancier options. It all depends on what you are in the mood for. Some placed demands reservations fsr in advance but these places are usually quite hyped and expensive so not something I would look for on a trip.

If you have any more questions don't hesitate to ask. I'm always happy to help! And any swede is welcome to put in their own recommendations.

[lihikainanea]

hi lei! just dropping a line because i'm heading over to Stockholm and Berlin in August, and i'd kill for your recs around what to do, where to go, and what's overrated/can be avoided! i hope you and your pup are doing well <3

Babe that's SO great! I was just in Stockholm in June, I haven't been to Berlin since before COVID though I think so my recs won't be all that valid--but I got some good ones for Sweden!

I like to stay at the Scandic Malmen when I go, it's in Södermalm on Götgatan so super centrally located, and the breakfasts are bomb ass.

Food wise, I love Symbios, Cafe Nizza, Pelikan, and Prinsen. Symbios changes their menu weekly and I tend to prefer their lunch offerings, but they have a great outdoor space and inside is super cozy. Cafe Nizza is fantastic for dinner, it's so cute and quaint and they have this table d'hote thing with an appetizer, main dish, and dessert for not that expensive compared to others. Pelikan is classic swedish food--meatballs and herring, gravlax, akvavit. The inside space is beautiful but the acoustics can get quite loud so if you're bothered by that kind of thing, just be warned--but honestly, a lot of people go to Meatballs for the People because it's all ~viral~, but you'lwait like two hours to get in and the space is super cramped. Pelikan is better. All of these are in Södermalm.

Over in Stockholm Central there's Prinsen, which is just the epitome of perfection. Every time I go I'm waited on by the same waitress and she's been there for like, 40 years. They have gravlax and toast skagen and meatballs and WALLENBERGARE WHICH IS MY FAVOURITE. It's such a classic institution.

There's also Sturehof, if you're into seafood. It's a bit more upscale but also a Stockholm institution and so so delicious.

For quick bites, I like Grand Cafe which yes, is super touristy but honestly in the summer it's just perfect with a glass of rose and some almonds and olives on the patio while you people watch. There's also Babylon back in Södermalm and right beside the Scandic Malmen--they've changed a lot over the years, and for the better. The vibe used to be SUPER hipster and the wait staff was, quite frankly, mean AF. I never knew what to do. Sometimes I would just go and sit at a table and they'd get all huffy and tell me I should have waited. Sometimes I waited at the counter and they got all huffy and told me to just go sit down. But they're better now, and a little nicer :-P There's also Vau de Ville in the square which is so great for light munchies and people watching.

For a fika, I love Cafe Pascal--their coffee is excellent, and so are their pastries. ANd don't forget to ask for you påtar! Your second cup. Every cafe in Sweden, when you pay for a coffee, you automatically get a free refill. Åso Bageri is also great, but not as nice of an ambiance or vibe--but excellent sweets as well.

Cocktail wise, I'm like, a big people watcher. I love the little bowls of marcona almonds and olives and a cold drink and I could just sit on a busy street for hours. There's this resto called The Hills (right beside my MOST FAVOURITE home design store ever--Granit) that's great for that, and it's steps away from the Scandic Malmen. Pharmarium in Gamla Stan, the old town, is wicked as well. At night, head up to Mosebacketerrassen for the best view in all of Stockholm and the most mediocre nachos you've ever had that are also just so damn good for some reason.

Most of all, just have fun and soak it all in--it's by far my most favourite city and I want to hear ALL about your trip when you're back!

[omarera]

Wild card question - do you know which street Omar (&Edvin) ran up on their TikTok? I’m guessing it’s in Gamla Stan somewhere, but Google earth has failed me….

Gamla Stan is a good guess but I think it is at Södermalm. Katarina Kyrkobacke and Svartensgatan, the streets in that area.

[hana-the-ghostieee]

iiiiiiii have translated. the angriest song ever made by yorushika (i think). 八月、某、月明かり.

also no one answered that question i had earlier butttttt

should i (or should i not) make a sideblog for all of these translations??? (for now i'll keep these posted over here until someone says something)

anyways here

8/7, 八月、某、月明かり (August, A Certain Place, Moonlight/Hachigatsu, Bou, Tsukiakari)

I don't need anything.

My heartbeat was loud, and when I walked, it got difficult to breathe As I ran from my first part-time job Music, life, nothing meant anything anymore Just like how nothing had captured my interest either

A certain August, under the moonlight, I rode my bike Through that bridge in Higashi-Fushimi, Kodaira, Fujimido-ri and past that one shopping district That night's wind blew at my nose, this heart's pain must've been my imagination I understood, or pretended to, at least

It's the worst, just the worst, Everything about me is the worst! I wish you could stay next to me As if I'd leave you to turn into a distant memory!

It's the worst, only the worst, Though I can't help but feel somewhat good It's just, the worst, like these lyrics

If my life were to end at 27, rock n' roll would save me But, you know what, I'm done thinking about it! I'll be dying soon enough, anyways I don't need you, or anything else either

My heartbeat remained loud, but my throat felt laughably dry As I sold my heart for the first time This constricted heart, pride, I already didn't care Even though I had to bow my head to the worst kind of people

That one August, I walked across this path Stockholm, Kiruna's street vendors and Gamla stan's streets I closed up my heart from you Even this sky's blue, it must've been false Just smiling, and even while smiling, I felt

It's the worst, it's just arrogant, you know, You and everyone else! Dramatic songs and love songs, they're pointlessly unrealistic I finally knew, finally understood Your life, it's yours to create, in the end But still - it's the worst, just like how I'm screaming this out

Of course, it has to be That everyone plays rock n' roll in this world Hymns and songs like that aren't worth anything, because God doesn't exist, after all! Mistakes, crimes, wars, discrimination, suicides, minorities - no one cares at all

It's the worst, it's the worst I wish I had known leaving you was arrogant I really want to agree with you on whatever But that would've been the same as lying to you, Elma!

The worst, just the worst, And I can't help the fact that all of this was close to me But all I want to do now is dramatically grieve on this night

It's the worst, only the worst These words are just pointless! I keep telling you, "You life is like the moonlight" As if that was something you could ever call common!

The worst, it's the worst So bad I could just laugh at it all It's the worst, you know, having lyrics for how they sound

If my life ended at 27, rock n' roll would surely save me But, you know, I'm sick and tired of thinking about it! In the end, I'll be dying anyways

The present, love, the past, dreams, Memories, humming, sleepy eyes, the night fog, kindness, pain, flower petals, depression, that one summer, this useless song Hypocrisy, the night wind, lies, you, me, this blue sky -- I really don't need anything.

---

thankth or something idk :P

UGHHHH i just love how this song progresses. just nanIMO IRANAI *EPIC GUITAR RIFF* and then the verse gets really calm and makes the chorus so much ANGRIER YOU'RE PRACTICALLY YELLING OUT THE LYRICS

[mediocrelanguagelearner]

May 2023, Stockholm

I was in Stockholm for five days. And it was wonderful, the weather was amazing, I walked almost 70 kilometers and saw so many things. But it made me realise how insufficient my Swedish is. And that I actually don't know how to say many basic things or how to react or just how to act in different situations. A lot of Swedes actually replied in English when I was talking to them in Swedish, something that didn't happen when I was in Sweden 2 years ago. I try to console myself with the fact that a lot of it happened in Gamla stan and that they're probably used to everyone being a tourist there. Some Swedes also looked a bit confused, as I confidently talked to them in (probably not 100% correct) Swedish but didn't know how things worked (I'm still not sure how do you work with the pant receipt). I also forgot or didn't know how to say simple things, like "you're welcome" or "a couple of streets from here". I was also a bit sad I didn't get to speak Swedish a bit more, but I guess that's expected - I wouldn't be talking a lot to strangers in my city either. But I had at least two interactions (longer than hej, nej tack, hej då) in Swedish where the people didn't switch and maybe didn't suspect I was a tourist.

The trip was lovely, I've got around 500 photos, I got to eat lots of kanelbullar, I bought a book from Myrorna and I'm very happy I could get to know Stockholm and walk through Södermalm, Gamla stan, Norrmalm, Östermalm, Kungsholm... but I've got some mixed feelings about my Swedish and some thinking to do.

[umichenginabroad]

Stockholm Week 7: Travel Week 1

Hej igen! 

I had a bipolar week: the beginning of the week was full of presentations but the end of the week was full of laughter :) 

Let’s begin! 

2/28 Wed

It has been a while since I had two study trips in a day. I learned about the New Slussen Project, which is the reason for all the construction around Slussen. The planning behind the project was astoundingly complex and comprehensive, considering all social, environmental, and economic factors. 

Model of the new Slussen project design

The next study trip was a real guided tour based on the Swedish crime fiction novel, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. We walked around Monteliusvägen to Michael Blomkist’s apartment, the cafe where the movie was filmed, and viewpoints that showed the city at a glance. 

A picture of a gallery I peeked into before the field trip

The view was gorgeous. It's not too far from my apartment too!

When the tours were over, I stopped at the Coffee House and yapped with my friend for a bit before going home.

2/29 Thu 

Today was the big D-day: a 10-minute presentation on the case study done in my core course. I booked a room in DIS to practice until class. I ate my packed lunch and finished up my last touches. 

My messy hair ;-; The sun was out and I needed a break

Turns out the presentation was informal but I guess that was for the better. 

At home, I couldn’t rest as I had to prepare for my other presentation for Swedish and read half of a book for Crime Fiction class tomorrow. I made the mistake of reading in my bed and fell asleep eventually. 

3/1 Fri 

My team successfully finished the presentation and ate the pepparkakor that our teacher prepared for us. It is a thinner version of ginger cookies with a taste of Sweden. 

As a little treat after school, I ordered TooGoodToGo at an island I’ve never been to. It was such a smoggy and windy day (especially because the bridge I had to pass was near a huge lake) but I managed to arrive at the bakery in one piece. 

The bakery had so many cute chocolate pieces < 3

I caught up on my sleep for the rest of the day. 4 hours of nap before sleeping for real at night ;) 

3/2 Sat 

Finally, travel week 1 break began! My family came to visit Stockholm while I was here. We had no specific plans in mind, so we spontaneously decided on places to go. We left Airbnb at 5:30 pm when the sun was all set (...) but we still had a good time walking around T-Centralen and Gamla Stan. 

It was nice seeing my family again < 3

3/3 Sun 

We had a slow morning but made it out of our house by 1 pm. 

Our first stop was Gamla Stan since we could not see anything in the dark yesterday. I took them to the main photo spots first. 

Happy happy happy '◡ '

If you remember this place from my prior posts, you're a real one < 3

My dad then led the way to Stockholm’s narrowest street, Mårten Trotzigs gränd. It is only 90 cm (~35 in) wide. 

I took some great snapshots for my brother 

From far away, we saw a commuter ferry departing and abruptly decided to take it. We ran and ran and ran to make it in the departure time. We found out where we were headed once the ferry steered toward the temporarily closed amusement park on Djurgården Island. I felt like I hadn’t been on impromptu journeys for ages, so this kind of random traveling brought me so much joy! The island was bigger than we thought, and it was then that my dad discovered something from the map. The island we were on was the island with the Vasa museum! On the subway to Gamla Stan earlier on, we had made a plan to go to visit the Vasa museum later today. Without a clue, the ferry took us to the right place at the right time. We were so amazed and couldn’t stop talking about it for a good hour (and now I’m writing it on my blog post). 

Since we were there already, we went to the Vasa museum. It is a popular museum with a restored ship that sank back in the 1600s and recovered after 333 years, in the 1900s. I was impressed by the grand size of the ship and the salvage operation.

I still can't believe this magnificent yet delicate ship sunk 10 minutes after its departure

We took a thorough scan of the six floors and finally left when we were satisfied. A beautiful sunset was awaiting us outside. 

Swan couple < 3

This time, we took a tram to go back to Gamla Stan for fika. Fika and Wine was our first destination. We ordered Swedish meatballs and shrimp salad as our main dishes, as well as delicious desserts with coffee. 

Can’t describe the deliciousness in words < 3

For the rest of the evening, we enjoyed Gamla Stan with street lights on, going into souvenir shops one after another like real tourists. 

I loved the owls in this store but my wallet said no to all of them :(

The past few days have been relaxing, and I can’t wait to spend more time with my family :)  They are wonderful photographers (as you can see from the pictures in this post) so I'll have tons of more photos to share in the following days. Good pictures always brighten my day <3

I will let you know all about the rest of my break next week! 

Tack, 

Jiwoo Kim 

Chemical Engineering

DIS Study Abroad in Stockholm, Sweden

[ourtriptoswedenandnorway]

Epilogue

Here are some observations I made throughout our trip. These are just my impressions and experiences and not based on actual facts. Also included below are a couple of recommendations.

Weather: The weather was totally unpredictable and changed hour by hour. When the sun comes out in Sweden, it seems like everybody wears shorts, regardless of the temperature. It could be because Swedes are accustomed to cold weather and have developed a high tolerance for it. Or, they just want to make the most of sunny days, even if they are cold, to enjoy outdoor activities and soak up as much light as possible after their long, dark winters.

Crime: I felt safer in Stockholm, Oslo, and Bergen than in any other European city I have been to. Not that I feel unsafe in Europe—it feels far safer than in the US. It felt like crime doesn’t exist in Scandinavia, but I am sure it does.

Poverty: In the nine days we were in Stockholm, we never saw a homeless person or someone begging for money. It is unclear to me why that is, but I would guess they have a more comprehensive welfare system that includes housing and other social services. It was refreshing not to see people living on the streets, like in San Francisco. In Oslo and Bergen, we saw a few people (less than 10) non-aggressively begging for money, but again, nothing like you see in major cities in the US, or other cities in Europe.

Diversity: I found Norway to be more ethnically diverse compared to Sweden. The Swedes in Stockholm seemed more homogeneous. The best way to describe the Swedes is blond, blue-eyed, physically active, and fit. It seems like everyone on the street is in their 20s, 30s or 40s and dresses like fashion-aware preppy members of a fraternity or sorority. I know it’s not true, but I can’t help wondering where they hide their ugly and older people—or maybe they just age really well.

Walkability: Stockholm, Oslo, and Bergen are all very walkable cities. And when they are not, public transportation is easy to use and runs frequently. Because of that, I don’t recommend the Hop On, Hop Off buses, even if you have a limited amount of time. I would only use them if walking around presents a problem.

Pedestrian Friendly: Stockholm and Oslo limit the number of cars in the central area of the city, making it relaxed and very enjoyable for pedestrians. The few cars that are there have very courteous drivers who yield to pedestrians. Drivers don’t seem to be in a hurry, unlike in the US. E-bikes and e-scooters, however, are everywhere and used by locals and tourists alike. Bergen, however, does not limit cars in the central area, and I found the city more congested. But still, car congestion was nothing like you would find in US cities.

Tourism: We encountered very few crowds or signs of tourists in Stockholm. It might have been because it was June and still early, but it was very refreshing to go to museums and move around the city without long lines. Most of the people we encountered in Stockholm appeared to be Swedish. The only exception was in Gamla Stan, the old town, which had tourist shops and plenty of tourists. But there is so much more to Stockholm than just Gamla Stan. In Norway, it was the same thing—we encountered very little tourism. Do tourists exist? Sure, but not to the extent we have seen in other major cities in Europe, or where it presented a problem for us. Bergen appeared to have more tourists than Oslo. The only time tourists and tourism got on my nerves was in Flåm in Norway, where everything seems to be geared around tourists from cruise ships coming in to see the fjords. But rather than hanging around Flåm waiting for our cruise to depart, we went for a walk out in the countryside instead.

Cash is King—NOT: Before we left, we got $200 in Swedish kronor and $200 in Norwegian kroner. We typically try to pay by credit card for everything, but most trips to Europe we still end up going to an ATM to get cash for small purchases, tips, museums, taxis, etc. Not so in Sweden and Norway. They are pretty much cashless countries—at least in the cities we visited. Two or three of the hotels even advertised they are “cashless hotels” and have no facilities to accept or provide cash. Most of the restaurants and museums we went to would not take cash. Buy a gelato, charge it! So we had a hard time spending our cash—we found the cruise ship tourist areas had the highest likelihood of accepting cash.

Tipping: After talking with a number of locals we learned that in Scandinavia tipping is welcome, but not expected. The staff in restaurants appear to be paid a living wage and are not reliant on tips. How nice that someone can make a living as a waiter. The only place I found that not to be true was in tourist areas, where restaurants and taxis try to take advantage of tourists who are not familiar with tipping customs and get as much money from them as possible. Most of the time, I tipped about 10% and still got US tipping guilt.

Honor System on Transit: In Norway, the buses, trams, and subways all work on the honor system. No badging on, no badging off. It works so much more efficiently. Most buses are articulated buses. A bus pulls up, and everybody just gets on, with people entering and exiting from all doors on the bus. While we were there, we purchased a 7-day transit pass, which you have to electronically activate the first time and then just need to make sure you have it with you whenever you use public transit in case someone asks. No one ever did ask, but supposedly, they have people who occasionally check. I came away with the impression that Norwegians are honest and trustworthy. I don’t think that would work in the US. How sad :-(.

Public Restrooms: Scandinavia has clean restrooms. During our three-week trip, I only encountered one restroom down by the harbor in Oslo that grossed me out. Otherwise, every restroom would get my Good Housekeeping seal of approval.

Unisex Restrooms: In Scandinavia, it was relatively rare to find separate men's and women's restrooms. One restroom, and a man, woman, or trans person just takes the next stall available. Makes sense and eliminates all the transgender issues related to restrooms that we have in the US. And if there is a queue, men and women wait the same amount of time.

Utensils To Go: Scandinavia is much more environmentally conscious than we are in the US. In Scandinavia, when you get food to go, instead of plastic utensils, you get wooden ones—a wooden fork, spoon, and knife. Sure, they have a lot of trees in Scandinavia, but it is also very environmentally friendly. Wooden utensils do taste and feel a little bit strange the first time you use them.

Pride: Scandinavians take a lot of pride in their country. And so they should. There is a lot they can be proud of, and in many cases, the US should model our society after theirs. I guess I am a late-blooming socialist :-). When you tell them you are from California, they ask, “How do you like Sweden/Norway?” They even appear to be proud of their Viking warriors who looted and terrorized most of Europe, unlike the Portuguese, who barely acknowledge their part in the slave trade (e.g., no museum there acknowledges or explains their part in the slave trade). I felt the greatest sense of pride from the Swedes—they appeared proud of their country, their traditions, their music (ABBA), and their history.

Sell It, but Don’t Use It: I found it ironic that all of Norway's public transit is electric, including their buses, and that Norway leads the world in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, yet oil makes up over 70% of Norway’s exports.

Packing for Scandinavia: The weather is very unpredictable in Scandinavia, and it rains a lot. Stockholm had the worst weather during our trip, but was sunny and hot the weeks before. Scandinavia is beautiful when it is sunny and wet when it rains. Essential items to pack are an umbrella, raincoat, waterproof pants, and waterproof shoes.

Laundry: It is not easy to find a laundromat in Scandinavia. There is maybe one in all of Stockholm and two in Oslo. And they are very busy. Using your hotel’s laundry services is prohibitively expensive. So bring quick-dry clothes that you can wash in your hotel room.

[cutneteel]

hmmm I dont know... no. 3-6 from a random album which u really like ✌🏻 (your choice 😌)

ahhhh thank you <333 i'll send you one too dw :)

the album for today is: だから僕は音楽を辞めた

3. Thoughts on the cover art/packaging?

very simple but very pretty too, it's "a real location in between the streets of Tyska Skolgränd 1 and Baggensgatan 30-24 in Gamla Stan, Stockholm, Sweden." since you're into nordic stuff now and coincidentally i also listen to an album that "takes place" in Sweden, i thought you'd like it :-)

4. Are any of the tracks important/meaningful to you? Why?

the self-titled/last track is very important to me because i cried while listening to it lol, embarrassing i know. it's also just a very good song, and very heartbreaking if you know what the lyrics mean.

5. When did you first hear the album?

ehh... i think it was last year i don't remember sorry :/ (think it was actually 2021/2020 when i first listened to it? maybe even 2022... my memory is all foggy)

6. Have your thoughts on the album changed since you first heard it?

nope, i still listen and enjoy it :-)

[hsundholm]

Slap Street Night by Henrik Sundholm Via Flickr: Kindstugatan in Old Town, Stockholm, Sweden. These streets are always fun to shoot!

[ivomagus]

[kmp78]

What's the story behind those pics and that meeting with Lordy?? Do tell!

Well, it was August 2018 and I was in Stockholm for the Gröna Lund gig. 🇸🇪

I had arrived the previous evening and was strolling around town looking at the sights and having a bite to eat, you know the usual stuff.

I knew Mars was most likely also already in town and I knew JL had a habit of going for strolls so I kept my eyes open and 🤞 that maybe I'd get lucky!

So I had walked around for a good hour or two cos it was a lovely evening, and my feet were getting a bit tired so I jumped in a tram for a bit, and for reasons still unknown to me to this day, I decided to get off the tram after only a few stops and walk to Gamla Stan via Kungsträdgården Park.

I mean, I could have turned right or left to walk through the streets, but I guess the universe beckoned me to cross the park and no longer than 5-10 seconds after I enter the park and head down that looooong pedestrian walkway towards the marina, who do I spot approaching me... 😂😳

I mean whaaaaaat the fuck! 😵‍💫

Luckily he was wearing his usual and very easily recognizable rags... 😂

Well my brain of course completely melted as I knew in a few seconds he'd be right next to me, and luckily as I am always 📸 stuff I already had my camera ready to go cos I knew there would be no time to start fumbling with it once he got close! 🫣

So I snapped that sneaky pic and "caaaaasually walked towards him" like no biggie (🤭) and once he was within earshot I went "Oh hiiii it's you!" or smthg like that. As if I had just then spotted him and not when he was 200 meters away... 😂🤫

He said hi back and as I knew I had like 2 seconds max to spare here, I immediately whipped out my camera (that was ready to go cos honey I always come prepared!) and asked for a selfie, to which he agreed. ✌️

Immediately after the pic he turned to walk away as I said thanks, and I mentioned that I was coming to the gig tomorrow. I can't fully remember what he said back but I'm 99.9% sure it was just smthg like "cool" or "great" or whatever.

Then I just yelled out "Have a good evening!" as he was already leaving and I can't remember if he said smthg back. 🤷🏼‍♀️

So... yeah. That was an epic turn of events indeed! I was shaking quite a bit afterwards... 🤭

Alas I was not offered any freebies... 🫤

But then again he was in a jovial mood and not in his Bitchred mood so that's reward enough I think! 😂

Also imagine this: he was ALONE!!! 😱

Without Kenny!!! 😱

Of course this all happened before he became addicted to Panna so no need to have a water carrier running behind him. 🤷🏼‍♀️