Rock Climbing

Göteborg has some of the best rock climbing in Sweden; at least during the summer months. All the climbing we could want is located 30 mins out from the city, right next to Amanda's dads place. The scenery was un-believable. After each climb you could gaze over the beautiful Lake Aspen.

Lake Aspen: Teo (left), Oskar (right) Amanda's brothers at the top of a climb and ready to descend.

Jungle terrain surrounded the rocks. The soon to be climbing instructor (and Amanda's brother), Oscar, belaying me on a challenging climb.

 I was a bit shaky at first but soon got back into the rhythm. 

20m up and you feel on top of the world.

Last climb of the day. Goofing around in a large crack also known as "AssJam"...

Lerum and Lake Aspen

Welcome to the beautiful lake Aspen. This lake lies in the middle of Lerum where Amanda's Dad lives. We have spent numerous nights here to escape the city life and enjoy the fresh water swimming and great outdoors.

During summer nights, it was no surprise to retire with magnificent sun sets.

Transport- My Bike

The Swedes have continuously worked hard at improving their transport system; the Göteborg trams, railway, and buses. However they have just made it all the more confusing with a new 'swipe on, swipe off' card system. Not only is it expensive (approx $7 one way 30 min train ride out from the city), it's also hell confusing. You could travel by car if you have one but just remember Volvo was born in Sweden

Bring forth the bicycle...

Advantages- Light and nimble. hop on- hop off when you feel like it. FREE to travel, cheap to service.

Disadvantages- May get tricky in the Swedish winter- although it won't surprise me to see the vikings riding the powder.

Amanda had this Crescent bicycle locked away in her storage room from the previous inhabitant. Thanks to Amanda's dad, Klas, we had this baby up and running in no time.

Packed with features; old school wheel powered light, tyre and chain guards, a classy package holder above the rear tyre, and something I haven't seen before- 3 gears all contained within the cassette hub!

Göteborg city is built for cyclists. There are places to chain your bike up outside almost every shop, bicycle lanes on most roads and even little traffic lights to go with it. The road rules are pretty much the same as Australia except you don't have to wear a helmet.

The cycling culture is big in summer. Once the sun is out, Swedes take every opportunity to make the most of it by either walking or cycling to their destination.

There are a few fixies to be seen around the city especially in the 'Soho' areas. Although most don the trad style bicycle, like mine, with few gears and reverse cycling to activate the brake.

I can already see myself taking up yet another hobby...

Gothia Cup

The Gothia Cup is the largest youth football tournament in the world (by number of participants). It is held annually in Göteborg, Sweden. The football talent is scary. I saw a 12 year old shoot from near the side line, off a penalty kick and score in the top corner with firm force.

Along with the gala day of games, there was a set up of stalls and novelty challenges. Below is a picture of 2 guys battling it out in a juggling competition. Their skills could rival any Nike/ Ronaldinho commercial!

Jordgubbar

Jordgubbar = Strawberries

Just 2 hours drive out from Göteborg city we would be found picking the much loved jordgubbe. In the asian squat position for only a short while is enough to give you a decent workout.

The Swedes love their Strawberries as it reminds them of the best months of the year. Just mention  'Jordgubbar' to any swede and you immediately place pictures of sunshine, swimming in lakes, singing and dancing around maypoles...maybe.

Below is a picture of the amount of strawberries we managed to pick. That's 4 kg's for one box; we picked 2 boxes in total. Little sick of them now...

In Sweden you can also find a different type of Strawberries called 'Smultron'. Translated to Wild Strawberry, European Strawberry or Alpine Strawberry. I haven't seen these in Aus before... have you? They are pictured below doused in creme and sugar- a Swedish favorite.

Homemade Sushi

Who would've thought that in a land far north where the vikings roam, that I would be making my very own sushi?

All sushi here was hand made by Amanda's extended family for an enjoyable dinner. Teo and I invented our very own recipe; the Honey Soy Steak Sushi pictured below.

Made famous whilst kayaking in Vänern

Oskar's girlfriend, Johanna, invited us out for an evening of kayaking approximately one and a half hours drive north of Göteborg. There we found ourselves at Sweden's largest lake, lake Vänern. This freshwater lake is 5650km² in size and stretches 140km from its furthest points.

View Larger Map

After a quick briefing, we (including Hector the dog) set out from Vänersborg to paddle along the waters. The scenery was no disappointment.

The water was ice cold so the fun in water fighting was short lived. After finding a nice bay we soon stopped for fika (a noun/verb that can't be directly translated but is closest to meaning coffee break).

On our kayaking adventure we we're also accompanied by a local journalist and photographer from Vänersborg. To our surprise, one week later, we made the front cover of the local paper! Page 10 included the full story, of which is all in Swedish and I am currently unable to translate it. I do know that the title does read 'Kayaking with a sense of freedom'; I think he summed it up pretty well.

Water-painting Museum

Nordiska Akvarellmuseet Årets Museum

Located 3 hours north of Göteborg city on the west coast of Sweden.

The Water-painting museum is famous throughout Europe for having the outstanding artists on display. The 3 wooden houses in the background depicted here is lies adjacent to the show rooms. These cottages are used to house any travelling artists that currently have their works on display.

Skärhamn, where the museum is situated, is a small sailors village; full of vintage wooden sailor boats.

Above the town you will see an old white church; if you look closely you can see a face made out by the 2 windows and lights below it.

The landscape surrounding the village was unbelievable and in typical west coast style. 

Göteborg Waters

Off the West coast of Sweden lies Saltholmen and a beautiful archipelago. For a moment I thought I was in the Mediterranean during summer. The sun is enough to burn you but the water is cool enough to keep you refreshed. 

During Summer the Swedes soak up as much sun as they can. The water fronts are always overcrowded the moment mercury hits 20 degrees.

A swan and its cygnets cruise around the islands. Aparently swans are considered dangerous if you get too close. I almost found out the hard way when I was keen to swim up and close with them. Amanda pointed out that it wouldn't surprise her if I cam back with a few less fingers!

 A random dance floor on the edge of an island. Loved the old school feel to it. Unfortunately it wasn't in operation so I couldn't get my boogie on.

The islands are too small to accomodate regular traffic. The community uses little mopeds as modes of transport.

The beautiful landscapes of the west coast.

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Amanda and I enjoying the water, sun, and surrounds