Gothenburg view of Sweden
October 23rd 2006 00:02
The Gothenburg view of Sweden:
I had the opportunity of visiting Gothenburg through the courtesy of a friend who worked as a travel writer on a UK magazine.
When invited to ‘test a tour to Gothenburg (or ‘Goteborg) I quickly accepted.
Our itinerary was to travel by ferry across the North Sea, stay at a four star hotel, do some shopping and visit various exhibitions.
The giant ferrry offered passengers ‘walk-on’ status with seating inside below decks, or ‘including accommodation’ in roomy cabins. I was very grateful to have a cabin as it turned out further into the journey. The trip would take several hours from England.
As is often the case where duty free liquor is available- soon after entering international waters, some passengers embarked on drinking competitions- their antics becoming louder.
We left to walk on deck, savouring the fresh sea breeze as long as the light and weather would allow, then went below deck to investigate the attractions. There were several restaurants, a theatre, a gaming room, a few bars and a nightclub. Our cabin on an upper deck was comfortably arranged. There were two beds, ample storage space neatly fitted about the room. The bathroom was compact. As we looked out of the porthole, we could see lights of oilrigs as we passed at a distance.
Later while enjoying after dinner drinks, the ship began to roll- we were experiencing a rough North Sea storm. As the ship rode the trough of heavy waves passengers began to ‘turn green’. We returned to the cabin to sit out the storm that eventually lasted most of the night.
In the morning we were greeted with bright clear skies. The breakfast buffet included a special item of smoked reindeer leg The texture and colour reminded me of an Italian prosciutto or Parma ham. The taste was delicious, delicately cured- it was not at all salty, I went back for seconds! I completed my breakfast plate with assorted cheese, and eggs washed down with a few cups of piping hot coffee.
We descended the gangplank ready to explore Gothenburg. Our hotel was centrally situated in the town. Depositing our bags at the hotel and clutching our handful of shopping vouchers, we strode out to ‘test’ the town. I was struck by the look of some buildings- not unlike those in London. At the same time there is a quietly different village atmosphere.
Gothenburg is no longer a major shipping port, but one can visit the Marime Musean or ‘Sjofarts Museet’ to marvel at exhibits and interesting
ship figureheads on show.
The Goteborg Museum of Art is a good place to view Nordic Art and classic masters- Rubens, and Rembrandt.
The Liseberg Amusement Park is a venue for international music artist concerts as well as providing rides and other entertainment to pass the time.
We were lucky to enjoy an international festival; stalls show casing products
from around the world. As this included food- we enjoyed a medley of exotic snacks for lunch. This unexpected treat also gave us an excuse to purchase assorted gifts and handicrafts to take home.
That afternoon we went for a stroll to find the shops that provided our vouchers. The clothing style in Sweden we considered quite conservative after the eclectic mix of London. We made some basic purchases while noting the relatively high prices.
After a refreshment stop for a popular snack- an open sandwich topped with marinated herring, and a drink-we were sorry not to have purchased duty-free liquor on the ferry as café, restaurant or bar prices are very expensive!
Around the harbour are a number of seafood restaurants to enjoy the fishermen’s local catch. The nearby fish market –Feskekorka- is worth a visit.
If you are planning a trip to Sweden in the month of August-note the ‘Gothenburg Party’. It is a free festival where you can enjoy music, dancing, entertainment and exotic food.
For sea lovers, take the opportunity to hire a boat to cruise the nearly 100 islands that make up the Gothenburg Archipelago.
Whatever your interest, you will find it and more in your travels to this interesting Northern harbour city.
…Travel with me again soon….
I had the opportunity of visiting Gothenburg through the courtesy of a friend who worked as a travel writer on a UK magazine.
When invited to ‘test a tour to Gothenburg (or ‘Goteborg) I quickly accepted.
Our itinerary was to travel by ferry across the North Sea, stay at a four star hotel, do some shopping and visit various exhibitions.
The giant ferrry offered passengers ‘walk-on’ status with seating inside below decks, or ‘including accommodation’ in roomy cabins. I was very grateful to have a cabin as it turned out further into the journey. The trip would take several hours from England.
We left to walk on deck, savouring the fresh sea breeze as long as the light and weather would allow, then went below deck to investigate the attractions. There were several restaurants, a theatre, a gaming room, a few bars and a nightclub. Our cabin on an upper deck was comfortably arranged. There were two beds, ample storage space neatly fitted about the room. The bathroom was compact. As we looked out of the porthole, we could see lights of oilrigs as we passed at a distance.
Later while enjoying after dinner drinks, the ship began to roll- we were experiencing a rough North Sea storm. As the ship rode the trough of heavy waves passengers began to ‘turn green’. We returned to the cabin to sit out the storm that eventually lasted most of the night.
In the morning we were greeted with bright clear skies. The breakfast buffet included a special item of smoked reindeer leg The texture and colour reminded me of an Italian prosciutto or Parma ham. The taste was delicious, delicately cured- it was not at all salty, I went back for seconds! I completed my breakfast plate with assorted cheese, and eggs washed down with a few cups of piping hot coffee.
We descended the gangplank ready to explore Gothenburg. Our hotel was centrally situated in the town. Depositing our bags at the hotel and clutching our handful of shopping vouchers, we strode out to ‘test’ the town. I was struck by the look of some buildings- not unlike those in London. At the same time there is a quietly different village atmosphere.
Gothenburg is no longer a major shipping port, but one can visit the Marime Musean or ‘Sjofarts Museet’ to marvel at exhibits and interesting
ship figureheads on show.
The Goteborg Museum of Art is a good place to view Nordic Art and classic masters- Rubens, and Rembrandt.
The Liseberg Amusement Park is a venue for international music artist concerts as well as providing rides and other entertainment to pass the time.
We were lucky to enjoy an international festival; stalls show casing products
from around the world. As this included food- we enjoyed a medley of exotic snacks for lunch. This unexpected treat also gave us an excuse to purchase assorted gifts and handicrafts to take home.
That afternoon we went for a stroll to find the shops that provided our vouchers. The clothing style in Sweden we considered quite conservative after the eclectic mix of London. We made some basic purchases while noting the relatively high prices.
After a refreshment stop for a popular snack- an open sandwich topped with marinated herring, and a drink-we were sorry not to have purchased duty-free liquor on the ferry as café, restaurant or bar prices are very expensive!
Around the harbour are a number of seafood restaurants to enjoy the fishermen’s local catch. The nearby fish market –Feskekorka- is worth a visit.
If you are planning a trip to Sweden in the month of August-note the ‘Gothenburg Party’. It is a free festival where you can enjoy music, dancing, entertainment and exotic food.
For sea lovers, take the opportunity to hire a boat to cruise the nearly 100 islands that make up the Gothenburg Archipelago.
Whatever your interest, you will find it and more in your travels to this interesting Northern harbour city.
…Travel with me again soon….
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