Yep, I was fortunate enough to visit Stockholm at the end of August. What I love about going to a new place is exploring the local culture and geography. When you go to a different city or country, it opens up doors for observation and inspiration. And isn’t that what authors do—observe and get inspired to write?
Wonders
First off, there were so many things about Sweden that I found wondrous. The architecture was a beautiful European style, complete with colorful buildings and cobblestone streets! I also found these cute “hobbit” doors, although, to be honest, they were probably just storage spaces. And I saw police mounted on horseback—and the palace guard, too. I actually visited the royal palace and got to see fancy thrones and regal attire. While there, I timed it so I could witness the changing of the guard, and the ceremony even has music, including ABBA tunes!
Books
I like to visit a place and hunt down bookstores and/or libraries. Of course, it’s because I’m a bibliophile. But I also find it grounding and a good reminder of our commonality. We’re all human, and part of what binds us together is empathizing and understanding one another. And what better method of connection than through books? I was able to check out a science fiction bookshop, an English bookstore (and its array of cosy mysteries), and the parliamentary library.
Food
All my vacations are food-cations as well. For culinary cozy writing research, obviously…
Being surrounded by water, there were a lot of seafood options. There’s the rich “fish stew,” which is hearty and comforting—and filled with more seafood than just fish. I also enjoyed toast skagen, an appetizer featuring a creamy shrimp salad and topped with caviar. I didn’t think I’d like fried herring, but it was a delicious, delicate fish dish. Main courses often came with mashed potatoes and lingonberries, but I really liked the accompanying bread in Sweden. Everything tasted so artisanal, and the golden butter was super creamy.
Sweden is also known for its sweets, everything from the ubiquitous wall of mix-and-match candy in supermarkets to its extensive network of bakeries featuring decadent desserts. I found pretty princess cakes, cute candies (see the marzipan mushrooms), and scrumptious cinnamon and cardamom buns. Yummy pastries and a hot cup of tea for fika was a fun Swedish tradition to enjoy!
What has inspired you from the places you’ve visited?
Chicks on the Case 
What a great trip, Jen. I think I’d really like one of those cinnamon/cardamon buns with my afternoon tea.
LikeLiked by 2 people
They were unique–and delicious!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jen, I was so excited to read your trip post today–what a fabulous time! And I love what you said about the commonality of reading–I head for the local bookstores, too. They always feel like little spots of home in a new place, no matter how exciting the trip destination. In Sweden I’d probably be living on the mashed potato and lingonberries (I go wild with those at the IKEA cafe, lol). I enjoyed a long trip with my family in Cartagena (son’s wedding) and I’m still inspired by the vibrant energy and more relaxed attitude. As a tourist, I felt very spoiled within the Walled City.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Even the airport bookstores were a lot of fun to browse through… But I agree about that spot of home. Sadly, I didn’t get a chance to visit IKEA, though I saw the outside of a local branch.
Ooh, Cartagena! I have a friend from there and would love to visit someday…
LikeLike
Jen – thanks for the great photos and info on Sweden. You’ve given me inspiration for my upcoming travels (Agen, France and Pamplona, Spain)! My interests coincide with yours–wonder, books, and food. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yay! Have fun on your upcoming trips! Ooh, report back in a future comment on everything you experienced!
LikeLike
I so love that they play ABBA at the changing of the guard! And that shrimp salad looks simply divine!
What I loved about Scandinavia when I was there were the breakfasts–oh, my, oh, my! I thought I’d died and gone to heaven! Yes, it is most often food that inspires me when I travel (or even when I stay home!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had “Dancing Queen” stuck in my head for so long after that trip!
We got a hotel breakfast spread, so definitely spoiled… But, at home, I just throw something together.
LikeLike
I’m with you, Leslie … the food! The fooooood!
Jen, your trip sounds fantastic, and very similar to what I found in Iceland, which remains one of my very favorite trips. Worth it for the butter and 7 gajillion kinds of seafood alone! We were lucky enough to go before it got overrun with tourists, though. I’d love to go back and take a remote Northern Lights tour, but I might instead opt for one of those igloo hotels in Finland.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We would have loved to have seen the Northern Lights–a small chance in Stockholm, and we didn’t want to go far north. But those igloos sound amazing!
LikeLike
Some of my friends saw the northern lights here in CO last night! This place in Finland looks absolutely gorgeous … https://www.kakslauttanen.fi/accommodation#glass-igloos
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know! I heard it was even around here in San Bernardino!
LikeLike
GLORIOUS, Jen! What an amazing experience!! Now moving Scandinavia to the top of my travel wish list.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha! Thanks! We should have a Chicks destination retreat!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Let’s do it!!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Woohoo!
LikeLike
okay, I am now so hungry for everything you mentioned. I may have to take a trip to Ikea! 🤣What a wonderful trip.
As to what’s inspired me about places I’ve visited, clearly Cajun Country, New Orleans, and Columbia Historic State Park. All had such an impact on me they inspired mystery series.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nothing wrong with IKEA! Heard some Swedens prefer the meatballs combo there (super affordable!).
Love that places you’ve visited turn into books. Travel more, and keep on writing!
LikeLike
Sounds like a fabulous trip! Glad you got to enjoy it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Mark! And hoping to see you again at a future conference!
LikeLike
Sounds like a great trip. One of these days I’ll get there. One set of grandparents came over from Sweden in the late 1800s. I do know a tiny, tiny bit of Swedish. Not much, though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, Sybil! Count it as uncovering your roots!
LikeLike
Well, there are so many places that I have visited that have given me great food and made me visit them over and over again because they were fantastic. Your trip to Sweden sounds amazing. I would love all of that seafood. I love New Orleans for the fabulous Cajun and Creole food. Muffalettas, gumbo, po’boys, redfish, Jambalaya, Crawfish Etouffee, and so much more. San Francisco for the amazing seafood, Italian dishes and Chinatown with Dim Sum. Savannah for great Flounder. Texas (where I was born and raised) for the fabulous Tex Mex and Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy. The Keys for more fabulous seafood. I could go on and on, but probably the best was in Peru. It was a fabulous trip for two weeks. I went by myself though I did join a group in Miami, but I knew no one. One week in the Amazon. One week in Lima and all of the ruins and Machu Picchu in the interior. The food was amazing. The drinks were very good. In the Amazon, they made Pisco Sours with a blender that had a huge hand crank. Can you say no electricity? Two of my favorites there were Hearts of Palm and Fried or Broiled Piranha. So many other strange but fabulous dishes. I would go there in a heartbeat. It was in 1989, so I have forgotten some of the things we ate, but they were all good. i need to go back and read my journal. Inca Cola was also good. Unfortunately, no bookstores were visited, but I would have loved to go to some. I hear that Ikea’s meatballs are great and cheap. We visited the ATL one but did not eat there.
LikeLike
I forgot to say one thing that inspired me from that visit to Peru, is that we make a fabulous Hearts of Palm, slice avocado, garlic salt, sliced onions, in an olive oil and salad vinegar dressing that is to die for.
LikeLike