A bit more than one week has passed since I got back from Sweden. So many fun memories and happy times 🙂 Since back, I’ve been cutting sugars out (too much of it in Sweden), back at pickleball, and almost got this jet-lag under control too so things are great 🙂
Here are some pics from after the hike.
My oldest and one of my best friends, Karina and I took off to Grisslehamn. It’s about 1,5h drive from Stockholm and we had booked a stay at Hotel Havsbaden i Grisslehamn. I liked the place as soon as we walked in. I also bribed the receptionist with some sweets so she gave us an upgrade on our room I think 🙂 And how cool is that puma lamp?
She likes to eat like me and the hotel is located at a harbor with a few restaurants. I had done my research beforehand and we hit ‘L8 i Hamnen’ and everyone said to have their fish soup. It was as good as everyone said!
The hotel had a spa with indoor and outdoor pools which we tried out. Best part was walking a short trail to the sea and going swimming there. Nothing beats doing things in the wild/nature! Swimming, eating, walking or just sitting and taking it all in….
Built up an appetite and walked to another restaurant that was recommended – ‘686 Mat & Bar’. I really love homemade meatballs so if I see that on the menu, it’s my pick. Karina went for them too and we agreed that they were superb!
On the walk back we spotted this knitted house in the middle of a roundabout 🙂
Not sure which one of us talks more, but we can hang 24/7 and never run out of topics to talk about. We chilled by the fireplace at the hotel with a couple of ‘Carajillos‘ with whipped cream added on top. My favorite drink when I lived in Mexico.
Great weather the next morning and ate breakfast at the hotel and then chilled on the lounge chairs until we had enough…
We both enjoy food and found a great garden/cafe to grab lunch at. They sold plants and I believe all their stuff at the cafe was home baked. Had a tasty flatbread pizza!
My sister and I went out to visit Linda who was in Vegas a while ago. She has literally moved into the middle of the woods. Even my navigation couldn’t find the little dirt road we were driving on to get there LOL…
We found her house finally and it’s beautiful out there in the middle of nowhere! She has friendly chickens running around too…
On her huge property there’s a lake too. Walked through the woods, caught the sunset, and took a quick dip.
Took advantage of the good summer weather and went for a walk & lunch with friends. Lots to catch up about…
Made it the gym ONE time!
Next up was lunch with Katrin at a place called Brasserie Astoria in the city. Ate a very tasty beef tartar! Her doggo Sten joined and we went shopping for soccer gear for one of her sons after. I suggested he should have a Puma ball 🙂
My friend Sanna who I met in Mexico set up a fun shoot at an art gallery. We were a great team and it was so much fun! The result will be published later this year, but here’s some BTS pics.
One of my cousins and his girlfriend has a house on the island Gotland in Sweden. It’s beautiful there and I haven’t been there in years. Me & my sister packed our bags and took the 3h ferry there. You get into the main town Visby. We strolled around a bit, ate and bought some charcuterie and cheeses from this great shop.
We rented a car from a place called ‘Mickes Biluthyrning’. They rent out old cars and they are pretty much half price compared to the big rental chains. We got a beige Toyota which was pretty ugly, but did the job 🙂 We drove an hour up north on the island to a place called FÃ¥rösund. Got welcomed by wine and snacks 🙂
Our cousin is very proud of his grill. He wanted to supervise my BBQ’ing, but you can see I got it like a pro!
As the earlybird I am, I caught the sunrise. Just across the street you have the sea and it was so relaxing to just sit on the dock and enjoy the fresh air…
We took the car on a ferry over to the small island FÃ¥rö. So beautiful there! These rock formations called ‘rauk‘ are a result of erosion during the Ice Age and are unique to Gotland and FÃ¥rö.
Passed this cute fishing spot that was used back in the day by fishermen.
There’s a place called ‘Kutens Bensin’ on FÃ¥rö which kind of is like a cemetery for old vintage cars and a collection of cool scrap. There’s also a barn where they sometimes have live music at. We wanted to eat at the waffle restaurant there too, but too many people in line…
Finished off going to one of the mile-long sand beaches. Even managed to take a nap on the beach with my sister since we can pretty much nap or sleep anywhere hahahaaa… Sightseeing took its’ toll on us…
Took the ferry back and drove by ‘FÃ¥rösund Fortress’. It dates back to 1885 and I think it had some military purpose back then, but now functions as a hotel with a restaurant. We opted for only drinks though 🙂
On the 3rd day we headed to Visby This week was the annual ‘Medeltidsveckan’ in the city. It’s a cultural medieval festival where people dress up, there is food, historical markets, jousting tournaments and shows. Pretty busy and fun walking around people dressed up in all kinds of clothing and styles from the pre 1800’s.
On the way to the botanical gardens we passed Kallis Beach Club. It super popular party spot during high season. There’s also a beach right next to. Pretty cool you can go swim in the middle of the city.
Probably the most famous thing in Gotland and Visby is ‘Ringmuren’ – Visby City Wall. It was a defensive wall built in the 13th and 14th century. Approximately 3.44 km (2.14 mi) of its original 3.6 km (2.2 mi) still stands.
Lunch at Prima Roastery & Wine Bar. This spot, like most of the places here, was very cute and cozy. Excellent coffee and food!
Also tried the the famous Gute Ice Cream that’s made locally. Opted for the ice cream flight where you can try 10 different flavors. There was also an option of 18 flavors, but had to contain myself 🙂 Our favorites were salty licorice, fire tree sprout, and raspberry sorbet.
Some more pics from the city while strolling around. The last picture is a sign that says ‘PusshÃ¥llplats’. If you put a ‘B’ as the first letter it means bus station. Now it means a ‘Kissing station’ 🙂
Since it was our last night I made a dinner reservation at Furillen. Wow, what a place! It was was a tasting menu with wine pairing. It used to be a lime stone factory and the military also had operations there. Now it’s a creative place with a small hotel, bar and restaurant. We were all very happy with the whole experience there and the food and paired drinks were superb.
Could’ve stayed a few more days. Loved it there. Before going back to the ferry and Stockholm, we went swimming and I paddle boarded. We also befriended this cute cat 🙂
Made a pit stop on the way for some seafood. This place called ‘Fiskbaren’ – FishBar, was sooo good!!!
We booked a cabin on the ferry so we could relax (read nap) and chill. I did my make up. My nephew picked us up and we went home, jumped in another outfit and went out partying with some friends. Only managed to snap one pic. I blame the shots!
Last day in Sweden was spent buying some gifts, eating meatballs at ‘Meatballs For The People’. My nephew and his son came over and later friends for dinner. I came with one suitcase and left with 2 🙂
Managed with 1,5h of sleep before it was time to head to the airport. Ugh! Missed Hunter so much!!! But he was in great hands with Angel and Jennifer. Spoiled rotten of course! Pics I got from them while in Sweden.
Great being back home even though there are regular heat warnings popping up on my phone. Hitting the gym, eating healthier, and catching up on work. Obviously playing pickleball and our team made the finals in the summers pickleball league last night wohoooo! Hope to have an update for you this Sunday! Sandy is on her way here to Vegas so will be amazing to catch up with here too!
What you been up to? Back to work?
Kisses, Puma