Gör Brá

Göteborg's Coat of Arms

After spending more time than originally planned in Stockholm, we were determined to see at least one other destination in Sweden before heading off to Norway.

It just so worked out that my dear friend Amanda had recently moved to Göteborg (aka Gothenburg) and had both room and time to spare to spend with us.

After a 5 hour train ride from Stockholm, we arrived in Göteborg to discover a different side of Sweden.  Still stylish, still beautiful, but this time, with a lot more character.   Different architecture, different fashion, different vibe.

Where everything and everyone in Stockholm was clean cut and picturesque, Göteborg had an edge.  And I liked it.

Amanda is the definition of a perfect host.  In the two days and two nights we spent in her city, she spent it all with us – taking us on a walking tour of the city and also Marstrand, one of the most famous towns on the Bohuslän coast, where we visited the grand and majestic Carlsten’s Fortress.

Amanda accompanied us to explored the sights, she introduced us to all traditional Swedish goodies and staple foods (Swedish meatballs, pickled herring, and delightful snacks), she cooked us dinners, she handmade desserts from scratch, and she introduced me to Swedish nightlife. Awesome.

Although our time was brief, Göteborg gave me a better grasp of Sweden.  It was so different from Stockholm, and it made more sense to me.  Stockholm was just mind-blowing in terms of how picture perfect everything was.  In retrospect, it’s as if it was a dream.

As lovely as the architecture and landscape in Göteborg was, everything seemed more real than Stockholm.  The vibe was more relaxed, more casual, more untailored. Almost grundgy in comparison to Stockholm, I even saw a few Emo Swedes in Göteborg.

It was comforting to see this side of Sweden and I’m so happy I did.  And it only encouraged me to want to see more.

Here are some snapshots of Göteborg:

Snapshots of Marstrand Island:

Shout Outs:

Amanda, I can’t tell you enough how grateful I am to you for the outstanding experience in both Göteborg and Marstrand.  You were such a perfect host.  Thank you so much for the home-cooked meals and for introducing us to all the amazing Swedish desserts! I had so much fun with you at Kingshead, next time we’re going to hit up Avenyn.

Markus, I was so happy that you came to meet us. It was delightful reminiscing on all those parties and Great Wall Camping Trip from our first year in Beijing.  I wish you all the best in your remaining years at University!

You are both more than welcome ANYTIME to visit me in Beijing.  Just tell me when and I’ll have a couch with your name on it.