This was a last min work trip to fill in for a colleague so not something I planned personally, although I’d always wanted to visit as much of Scandanavia as possible. I’ll just say straight away that it was one of those trips of a lifetime for me. Absolutely magical! It was mid December for a few days and in a small university town called Uppsala, about 40mins north of Stockholm. Apart from the fact that it’s a lovely town, set on the Fyris river and with castles, cathedrals and parks, it was mid December and Christmas time! And there was plenty of snow! White Christmases are a thing for me but I’ve probably only experienced a small handful in my lifetime so that made this trip special.
As soon as I left the airport in Stockholm I was straight into knee deep snow so I was very glad I brought my big hiking boots. I wasn’t going to! My hotel was about 40 mins in an Uber and despite being a small room, it was compact, cosy and had a work table which was handy for my laptop. Special mention to this hotel for their breakfast. It’s probably the best hotel breakfast spread I’ve ever experienced. So much choice and because it was Xmas they had free cookies and treats too! My short walk from there to the university and back every day was through a lovely snow filled park and the main train and bus stations were just across the road.
I took a train trip to Stockholm one of the evenings to do a food tour but to be honest, the train trip through the snow covered landscape was probably the best part! Stockholm is like any other big city and I’m not sure the food trip offerings were my cup of tea! They included Reindeer, Bear, Moose and of course Swedish meatballs which I learned were no different to any other meatballs! The Ostermalm food hall was incredible though. Other culinary visits included an excellent Lebanese meal at Byblos, Uppsala, Lovely Italian at Villa Romana and a very expensive but lovely European restaurant near the train station called Peppar, Peppar.
I didn’t get much time to do any other proper activities so whatever I cam across on my travels. Uppsala cathedral was awesome in the evening snow and when I popped in they were rehearsing for a St Lucia’s day concert. Hundreds of kids were circling the inside of the cathedral singing one of the most beautiful songs and the echoes of it up through the church gave me goosebumps. Some kids came into the university on St Lucia’s day itself singing which was also magical. Uppsala castle was a lovely uphill stroll to reach with lovely views over the white countryside too.
On this trip I was introduced to the Swedish concept of “Fika” where you take a break from your working day and have a coffee and treat but you have to completely switch off. No phones or work talk, just chats with friends and colleagues. Much needed!
I also stupidly visited an Ikea, just because it was Sweden, the home thereof! I hate Ikea!
