Fika time for the birthday boy

Crossed and divided in two by the Göta älv river and just a few kilometres from the North Sea, you’ll stumble upon Gothenburg or Goteborg (needs right spelling). The second largest city in Sweden, only behind Stockholm and the place chosen to celebrate my birthday this year. An excuse for a short escape, a short getaway in the middle of March visiting the Scandinavian country for the first time, well-accompanied and in a city as vibrant as the said, is undoubtedly the best gift. Gothenburg has become one of the favourable cities of the Swedes. Its size and commercial importance as well as having the largest seaport in all of North Sea(?) it hosts the headquarters of numerous renowned companies. It serves as a huge cultural hub to its citizens and visitors and it is necessary to understand what this cultural offer means in a country like Sweden, which is plunged into darkness and with adverse weather conditions for a good part of the year.

Summer brings long, bright days to explore the dozens of islands that make up the Gothenburg archipelago. Without a doubt, it is one of my favourite places to walk through the parks and enjoy the outdoors. On the other hand, during these cold times of the year, you will find an unforgettable view of the city and its surroundings, as well as the opportunity to practice winter sports, visit its many museums and take a ‘fika’, that is, a break to enjoy a hot coffee and, if accompanied by a pleasant chat, even better, in one of the numerous cosy cafés in the Haga district.

Compared to Stockholm, it has a much more turbulent history, greatly influenced by its neighbouring countries, Norway and Denmark. It was founded and fortified in 1621 by King Gustav II Adolf, after several failed attempts at founding due to attacks by these two countries. It is traditionally a more industrial city, far from the aristocracy of the capital. A city full of life, which sometimes bears little resemblance to traditional Swedish cities.

I am wearing extra-high-waisted trousers in camel colour, buckled up with a black ribbon belt. At the top, I went for a black, turtleneck t-shirt and tucked-in sweater also in black. This is matching my black Vans with that funky flame on either side. And finally, the black, fedora hat. The vintage ~~sky~~ (anorak?) jacket is one of my warmest outwears, for the low temperatures of the season. A very puffy black r with details in vivid red and purple. I am wearing a colour block scarf in electric blue and black and matching leather gloves.