Blog Archives - The Swedish Traveler

Back in Eskilstuna!

6/30/2024

Hello Everybody! Im back in Eskilstuna, after a couple of days being home!
It was nice being home, seeing my family! It was nice seeing my hometown again, even though it was a couple of months ago I was there last time!

I had some errands in town and also went out to the Västerbottens museum, which was nice as always! The Weather was nice during these few days!
I woke up quite early today, and then eating lunch, and packing my stuff and then had my family pick me up to get to the airport!
We talked for a bit and said our goodbyes, and then I went through security, which went really fast! The flight was a bit late, but it eventually landed!

I got my bag really quick, but missed the train I was aiming for, so I went for some dinner, and then took the train one hour later, and I got back to the apartment!
I left my stuff, and went to the store, and grabbed some supplies! I then unpacked my stuff, and chilled ever since!
This vacation has gone by so fast! 3 weeks was nothing! I had a great time with shifting weather! Tomorrow I will be getting back to work! Which is going to be interesting!

Arriving back home!

6/27/2024

Hello everybody! I have arrived back home in Umeå! Technically I arrived yesterday, since I cam home very late last night!
Yesterday started very early! Since I woke up at 4am, and I ate some breakfast, and chilled a bit, until I packed my stuff, check out and had a taxi waiting for me, the same driver who drove me to the hotel! The check in and security went smooth! I chilled for a bit until my flight to Amsterdam, which lifted and landed on time!

I had some time to kill, so I went to have some lunch at Burger King! Then I went around looking around the airport, buying some souvenirs for my family, and some things for myself! Then I went to the gate and chilled for a bit until my flight lifted!
The flight went smooth and landed in Stockholm! I got my bag and chilled for a bit, since it was a couple of hours until my flight to Umeå!

I recharged my stuff while waiting, and after a while, I checked in my bag and went through security, and they reacted to some of my stuff, which they apparently always does! but I got through, and went for the gate, and chilled some more until the flight, which went smooth! I had my dad and brother picking me up, and we talked for a bit while driving me home!

I got home and unpacked my stuff, and went next door for some deliveries, and then went to bed really late!
It's been a while since I have been home, and I need to do some stuff in town, and the of course seeing my family, and hopefully meeting some friends as well!

Last day in Ljubljana!

6/26/2024

Hello Everybody! It has been the last day in Ljubljana!
The day started with some decent sleep, and chilled for a bit, and decided to head out! I went north to a cemetery, which was more lovely than expected! It was also sunny, which was nice! I then decided to head back to the hotel and recharge my phone!

I then decided to walk along the river, which was nice! I then decided to head to a restaurant and have something else for a change! I had some pasta and chicken, which was tasty! I then decided to head back to the hotel, since it started to rain, the weather has been very shifty during these couple of days!

What do I think of Ljubljana?
It was a positie surprise! The city is walkable, has some markets, fountains, and statues, and walking along the river is really nice!
Ljubljana Castle was also nice, but a bit small! So it was a bit expensive for its size, but it does have some museums to make up for it!
The Hotel (or apartment) I´m staying at is small, with shared bathroom, which is functional if you just need somewhere to sleep! It was decent priced for the time!

First full day in Ljubljana!

6/25/2024

Hello Everybody! It has been the first full day in Ljubljana!
The day started slowly, since I had some terrible sleep! I couldn't really sleep, as it was hot! But I eventually got some sleep, and I chilled during the morning, while it was raining! When it stopped, I decided to head out!

I Headed to the Ljubljana castle, which wasn't far, and I expected a huge climb up to the castle, but it wasn't that bad! It was 12 euros to get in, which was fine! I headed inside and saw the Puppeteer museum, getting up in a tower, to have a great view over Ljubljana , and seeing other interesting stuff! After seeing most of the castle, I headed out, and checked out the area around the castle which was interesting!

Then I decided to head to Tivoli park which is a huge park, and I had a look around! It was a nice park! After that I decided to head back to the hotel, and recharge my phone, and when I was close to the hotel, it started to rain again!
I recharged everything and then headed out to have some food, a pizza at the same place as yesterday! after that I decided to head to the botanical gardens, but halfway there, I decided to head back instead!
After that I have been chilling ever since, and having a shower!

We will see what I will do tomorrow, as it will be the last day in Ljubljana and the last day being abroad! Time has flown by so fast! I will be heading back to Umeå on Thursday and be there for the weekend, and then head back to Eskilstuna on Sunday! I´ll be starting work on Monday!

Arriving in Ljubljana Slovenia!

6/24/2024

Hello everybody! I have arrived in Ljubljana!
The day started relatively early as I woke up around 7am, and went for breakfast and then chilled for a bit until packing the rest of my stuff, checked out of the hotel and went for the train station!
I took a train to Antwerp Berchem, to switch to another train to Brussels airport! The train I wanted to take was in an accident, so I took a later train! I eventually arrived at Brussels Airport!

I check in my bag and went through security relatively quickly! So I chilled for a bit and looked around the airport, seeing the tax frees but didn't find anything I wanted!
So I waited for the flight, which lifted without a hitch! I got my bag quickly, and had a taxi waiting for me! I arrived at the hotel, and I left my bags, and went out for a walk! I first went to the store and bought some supplies!

I left the supplies and went for another walk! First I went to Presernov Square and had a look! I then crossed a bridge and walked along the river and crossed another bridge and went to knogresi square.
I then walked to another park, and then decided to grab something to eat, I went to a pizza place near the hotel!
After dinner I went back to the hotel and has chilled ever since! I plan to go to Ljubljana Castle tomorrow!

Last day of Graspop!

6/23/2024

Hello Everybody! It has been the last day of Graspop! The weather has been great but some things did go wrong during the day!
I woke up later than expected, Which was intended, as I didn't want to go up early, So I chilled in bed for a bit, until breakfast opened up at 8am. I had a huge breakfast, which is well needed!

After breakfast, I chilled some more, until deciding to head to the festival, but managed to take the wrong train, so I had to go back and take the right train, which meant that I arrived one hour later than expected! But to be fair, it wasn't a huge line for the bus when I arrived!
I eventually arrived at the festival, and went to fill up my water bottle, and had a look around!

I started seeing Atreyu at the main stage, and after a while I went to an other stage for Crystal Lake which which a friend recommended, which were an inside stage, and it was warm as hell! The music was alright, but the acoustic was bad!
Then I went to have something to eat, and went to see Black Stone Cherry! Then I noticed that I couldn't charge my phone, as I had brought a battery pack with me, and I noticed that a tiny piece of wood had somehow found itself into the charging port!

With no tooth pick in sight, I decided to head back, as I was tired anyway from the heat! I managed to get an early bus, so I was very early to the train, so I had to wait! I eventually got on the train, and got to Herentals, where I went to the hotel, and asked for a pick, which I got, and got out the wood, and managed to recharge my phone!

What did I think of this rendition of Graspop! The Set up was mostly the same as last time I was there, and the music acts were alright, a couple I managed to see from both Download and Graspop!
The thing that bothered me with this years Graspop is the fact that you have a armband with a QR code, that you need to top with "Skullies" to pay for food and drinks, which were expensive! Maybe a little more expensive than paying for food with ordinary money at Download!

Then of course Graspop also had problems with rain and mud, but Graspop handled it better and it wasn't as muddy as Download, but Graspop did have mud!
Will I go back? Not in a while, since it's getting more expensive with festivals, and the novelty has worn out for me!
It also depends of the music is worth it or not!

3rd day at Graspop Metal Meeting!

6/22/2024

Hello everybody! It has been the third day at Graspop Metal Meeting!
I woke up early, after a long night, as my sleep was on and off! But I went up at around 7am, and chilled for a bit, until breakfast! Which was delicious!
I then chilled for a bit until deciding to head out!

I walked to the train station, since the train left a bit earlier than usual, but I got there in time, and got on the train to Mol! There was a huge line for the buses again this time! There were a lot of people going to the festival just for the day!
the buses eventually came, and I got into the festival area, the sun was out and there weren't as much mud as yesterday!

First I went to the bathroom, and then bought something to drink, as I forgot my water-bottle. I then saw Fleddy Melculy for a bit!
I then went and watched Flotsam and Jetsam, which were decent! I then went to grab something to eat, and went back to the main stage to see Mammoth wvh! After that I went to see Steel Panther! I decided to head back after that, and walked to the bus to the train and then managed to get the train back to Herentals!

tomorrow is the last day of Graspop, last day here in Herentals and Belgium! Monday I will be heading to Ljubljana, and it will be my first time there, which is going to be interesting! I planned on going there a couple of years ago, but couldn't because of financial reasons! But now I got another chance! It will only be for a couple of days, and then I will be getting back home to Umeå!
Then I will be in Umeå a couple of days, before going back to Eskilstuna!

2nd day of Graspop!

6/21/2024

Hello everybody! It has been the second day of Graspop Metal Meeting, it was a short one, as it was raining a lot, and it was getting a lot more muddy!
The day started early, as I woke up early as I always do apparently, as chilled for a bit, until breakfast, and then chilled some more!

Then I decided to head out to the festival, it was already raining when I head out, so it was a great start already! When I arrived in Mol for the bus to the festival, it was still a bit of a queue, and I waited a while for the buses to arrive.
When I finally arrived at the festival, it was seen more muddy than yesterday, as it was more manageable yesterday! It was almost the same as Download festival!

When I got in, I went to the bathroom and filled up my water bottle, and headed to the main stage, where Bryan Andrews Lie & Dangerous were playing, who were alright! Then P.O.D came on, I saw them while standing in line for getting Electric Callboys autographs, which I got, while filming some of P.O.Ds songs as well!
I talked to EC a tiny bit, that it was a shame that they couldn't play at Download festival! I got my autographs which was awesome!

Then I went for Hammerfall, a Swedish band! After a while I decided t have something to eat, so I went for a chicken burger! After that I went for Fear Factory, but my feet were very wet and I was a bit tired, so I decided to head back early! I was planning to at least see Bruce Dickinson, but I couldn't manage it!
I almost missed the bus for the train, but I got it just in time, and I catched the train back!

When I got back I cleaned my shoes, and took a shower, and then chilled for the rest of the night!
The weather forecast might be better tomorrow, but I can imagine it will still be a lot of mud, because that doesn't go away overnight!
so we will see how long I manage tomorrow, I will see some bands at least!

First day of Graspop Metal Meeting!

6/21/2024

Hello everybody! It has been the first day of Graspop Metal Meeting! They day started early, as I couldn't sleep properly, so I chilled for a bit, having some breakfast, and took a nap.
Then I took the train to Mol, where a free shuttle to the festival was. It was a half hour line for the shuttle and then it took another 30min to get to the festival area!

Then I arrived and got my wristband! It is different compared to Download festivals wristband! In this one, you get a tag that you need to top up to pay for stuff, which for me is quite weird!
But after topping it up after a while, I went to the main stage, and saw Amaranthe, a Swedish Band! From there I went to another stage, and saw Bury tomorrow, where a lot of people were crowdsurfing!

Then I went to have something to eat, some pasta! then I went to see Doro, who ere alright, then I went to see Kerry King, from Slayer! I then went to se BABYMETAL, who managed to get to play their whole set this time! After that, I decided to head to the bus back to Mol and take the train home, since the last train home leaves quite early!
During the day it rained a little, and it was a little mud, but not as much as at Download!

Arriving in Herentals!

6/19/2024

Hello everybody! I have arrived in Herentals Belgium!
The day started early, after a terrible sleep! I chilled for a bit, and packed my stuff, and left for the train station and took the train for Herentals!

I arrived on time, and went to the hotel to try to check in, but The check in was a couple of hours away, so I managed to leave my bags, and went for a walk! I decided to head to a watchtower in a huge park. I decided to not go up in it though, as it was a huge climb, and it also had an entrance fee!
So I went back to the city centre, and chilled for a bit, and bought some supplies (water amongst other things) and checked in at the hotel!

I went to the room and chilled for a bit and recharging my phone! After a while I decided to head out, and have something to eat! After that I went back and has chilled after since!
Tomorrow is the first day of Graspop Metal Meeting! There has been bad weather yesterday which has affected a little bit of the festival, but it has been some good weather today, which I hope keeps up during the weekend! But we will see!

June 18th, 2024

6/18/2024

Hello everybody! I have arrived in Brussels, just for the day!
The Day started Early, as I waned to chill a bit until I packed my stuff and went to the underground, to get to Heathrow Airport! The ride took an hour, and I checked I my bag relatively quickly and went through security relatively quickly as well!

So I chilled for a bit, and bought some water with some coins that someone else left! Awesome! I went to the gate, and saw that it was an hour late, which sucked! Maybe karma from earlier! So I had to wait, but when the flight lifted, it made up for it a little! I had to wait a while for my bag, but I eventually got it and took the train to the south of the city!

After checking in to the hotel, I recharged my phone and then went out, in the rain! I Walked to the Mannekin Pis, where it as a lot of people! I then walked to the Grand Place, which is a huge square! From there, I went to the Brussels Park, and to a nearby cathedral, while grabbing something to eat! I then headed back to the hotel, because of the rain!

After that I have been chilling for the rest of the night! I´m heading to Herentals tomorrow, for grasp Metal meeting, my second time there! I hope it doesn't rain as it did at Download festival! But we will see!
It's going to be 4 days this time as well, compared to 3 days at download festival!
So we will see what bands I will see this time!

A day in London!

6/17/2024

Hello everybody! I have arrived in London, spending a day here!
I woke up early, and chilled for a bit, and then I packed my stuff and took the bus to Derby, and then the train to London! The train was a little late to the station, but it didn't matter much, I got to the hotel, got my room, and left my stuff and went out!

First I went to Abbey road, and to have a look, and buy something to my neighbor back home! I then went to Camden town, to have a look. I then went to Embankment, and walked to London Eye, and then to the House of Parliament! From there I walked via St James Park to Buckingham Palace!

I then went to Wellington Arch, and then headed to Covent Garden, and walked via Chinatown to Piccadilly Circus and back to Leicester square! I thought about heading to Trafalgar Square, but I started to become tired, so I went back to Kings Cross, and had some dinner! After that I went to a store and bought some supplies and went back to the hotel!

I have chilled ever since! What do I think about London?
I do like London, there´s a lot of things to see and do! A lot of food to eat and it's amazing! I´m on a budget though, and some things that I wanted to do, I decided against, because I felt that I couldn't afford it! But hopefully I will come here again!
Tomorrow will be Belgium and Brussels! Then on Wednesday will be Herentals in prep for Graspop my second time there!

Last day at download Festival!

6/17/2024

Hello Everybody! It has been the last day at Download festival and I´m writing this the next day!
Yesterday started early as always, as it seems like I´m used to getting up early! So I chilled for a bit and tried to take a nap but failed!

So I upload the rest of my footage from yesterday, and went to the festival area! I had something to eat, and went for the second stage to see Royal Republic, which had a short set! Then I had a look around the area, trying to find a signing tent, but didn't find it!
So I went relatively close to the main stage, to see Bowling for Soup! Which was alright, and their banter with the crowd was awesome!

Then we waited for Sum41! Who were awesome! They rocked the place!

What did I think of the festival?
The first day wasn't as interesting musically but it picked up during the rest of the weekend! The weather wasn't good either, as it couldn't decide if it should rain or not, and the ground became a mudfest! It only picked up on the last day, but it was still a mudfest!
The hotel that I´m staying at in Shardlow is alright, the owners are very nice and accommodating!

Will I go to next years Download Festival? I don't know, kinda depends of what band that are playing, and I must admit that the weather this year has put me off a little bit! But we will see!

2nd day at Download Festival!

6/15/2024

Hello Everybody! It has been the 2nd day at Download Festival!
The Day started early, with some terrible sleep, as I went to bed late, and woke up early! Was trying to take a nap but couldn't get a decent nap!
So I decided to Upload the rest of the footage from the first day and chill for a bit until heading to the festival area!

I arrived and had something to eat, some Asian food, and then headed to the main stage to see the Hunna, who were alright! Then I hung around the area for Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes, which I have seen before, and they didn't disappoint!
I then hung around for Babymetal, which had some issues with sound and they had to cut their set short, which was disappointing!

I then decided to have something more to eat, and listening to Tom Morello during dinner, which was nice!
I then decided to head back to the Main stage to see The Offspring! I saw half their set until I decided to head back to the hotel! Since I was tired!
I have uploaded a little bit from the day, and we will see what I will do tomorrow!

First day of Download Festival!

6/15/2024

Hello Everybody! It has been the first day at Download festival!
The day started early, as my body is used to get up early for some reason, So I chilled in bed for a bit, until deciding to head out around mid day!

So I packed some stuff and went to the bus stop, and met some people going to the festival as well, and we took to the bus to the airport and walked from there to the entrance, where there were a huge line, and the gate hasn't opened yet!
So I waited for a bit, until 12, when they opened, it was a security check and getting the wristband to get in. and then there were a bit of a walk to get inside!

When I got inside, I had a look around to get my bearings, to see where everything is! then I went to have some lunch, and then going to see the Blue Stones, and they were decent! Then came Those Damn Crowes, and at this time, it started to rain! The Weather was very irregular during the day! During the day I met up with someone I met in December during a show in London!

Then the Struts and Polyphia played which were decent! Then we went to the dogtooth stage, to get away from the rain, and saw Urne, which wasn't really my taste! Then we went back to see Black Stone Cherry, and then I went to have something to eat! After that I went back to the main stage and saw Royal Blood, who had some issues with the sound!

After that I considered seeing Queens of the Stone Age, but they were an hour away, and I was tired so I decided to head back to the hotel and I had to take a bus to the airport and another bus back home!
What did I think? The first day didn't really have a lot of bands I wanted to see except Queens of the Stone Age, which I missed!

The Second Day (today) will have some bands I want to see, as Babymetal and Frank Carter and the rattlesnakes, and we will see if I got energy for Fallout Boy!