Blog Archives - The Swedish Traveler

Back in Sweden for now!

7/31/2019

Hello Everybody! I am back in Sweden for now!
The day started yesterday, as I woke up early, couldn´t sleep very well. I chilled on the computer until about 8am and went to grab some breakfast at Tom´s for the last time.
I packed the rest of my stuff and checked out from the hostel at 10am.

I headed down to 42th street and walked up to a comic book store (there´s 3 by the same chain) and bought some more comics (which turned out to be duplicates). I then took a taxi to the airport, which took a while.
I waited to check in, because the check in opened at 3pm. So I sat and waited for a couple of hours.

Eventually I checked in my bag and went through security, which took a while. I bought some from the duty free with the rest of my money, and waited for the flight, which lifted at 7pm.
I landed in Helsinki at 10.30am, and my gflight to Umeå lifted at 3.50pm, so I hung around the airport for a but, looking through the duty free again and bought something for me.
The flight lifted at normal time and my dad and brother picked me up.

It´s my dad´s birthday, so he got a present from me. He drove me home and I unpacked my stuff, which was a lot.
Now I need to grab some dinner!

Lazy last day in New York!

7/29/2019

This day Hasn´t been prductive at all!
I started the day chilling in bed, eventually going to Tom´s for breakfast, is it bad that the staff know what you will order?
I then headed to Natural History museum, and walked around, seeing a lot of cool stuff!

After a couple of hours I went back to the hostel and took a nap. At 5pm I went to Johns for a last meal, and headed back to the hostel, chilling in bed and had a shower.
I have also packed the most of my stuff for tomorrow, as I will leave for Helsinki and Umea. It will be an over night flight to Helsinki, as it will leave at 7pm, so I will probably hang around town for a bit after checking out from the hostel.

I had a great time in New York, both the John Mayer Concert and going to Bannerman´s Castle. It is my first concert that I have seen in North America. I have also checked off a place from my bucket list!
I will barely get home until my next trip to Tallinn, I will get home on wednesday, work the graveyard shift to friday and leave for Tallin on Friday!
So Stay tuned for that!

A Hot day in Brooklyn!

7/29/2019

Hello!
i´m writing this the next day, as I went to bed early last night! The day started early and chilled by the computer until breakfast.
I then took the subway down to brooklyn, which was a long ride! I went to the Brooklyn Pier first and had a look, and walked from there to the Barclay center, which was quite a walk.

I went down to Prospect heights and had a look around. I did see Brooklyn Public Library. I then went down to Brooklyn Museum. I went inside to have a look, but it cost 20USD, so I passed. I walked up to 23rd Armory, which was a castle like building.
I then decied to head back and cross the Brooklyn Bridge. It was a long walk!

After Crossing the bridge, I walked to China town and Little Italy. I had something to eat in Little Italy, some delicious Cannolis. I then decied to head to 40th street and buy some more comics. I then headed to 44th street and have something to eat at John´s.
I headed back to the hostel and chilled for the rest of the day.
The whole day was sunny as hel, and managed to get more burned.

Going to Beacon and Bannerman´s Castle!

7/27/2019

Hello everybody!
Today I went to Beacon, which is a 1.5 hour train ride north of NYC! Why? becuase I had booked a tour of Bannerman Castle, which is on my bucket list!
The day started very early again, at about 3am, since I went to bed very early, like 7pm, so my sleeping patterns is not that great. So I chilled on the computer until 6am, in which I took a shower and went to Grand Central station and bought a ticket to Beacon!

It was quite expensiv, 35 dollars for a return ticket, and paid by cash, and got 15 dollars in coins in change, which was quite annoying. I waited until 7.45, and got on the train. The train took about 1.5 hours, and the station in Beacon was right next to the docks, where the boat to Bannerman´s castle were shipping from. But the boat was scheduled to leave at 11, so I had some time to kill, So I did look around the area, and started talking to some people who were going on the same tour.

So at 10.50 we went on the boat, and the tour guide explained a few rules and had some interesting facts about the surounding area, as we went closer to the island where the castle is. The boat ride took about 30min. Another guide waited for us, and split us up in two groups, as we were over 40 people in total.
Then we walked around the area with the guide, who explained the history of the area, which was interesting!
After tour, we went back to the boat and headed back to Beacon.

There´s was some time left for the train to New York, so I headed to the bathroom and waited for the train, getting tired at this point. After a while I got on the train, and managed to sleep for a bit, and eventually arriving in New York.
I went to John´s and had a pizza. I decided if I should go to a comic book store in the area, but decided against it.
After dinner, I got back to the hostel and took another shower, as it was hot as hell today. I have no other plans for today, but i´m planning on heading to Brooklyn tomorrow.

A chill day in Central Park

7/27/2019

After my last post, I went out and had an awesome day in Central Park.
I walked around for over 3 hours, trying to explore the most of the park, which I did.
Just to explain how big the park is, it goes from 110th street to 59th street.
When I tried to take the subway back, someone could get in the subway, and I used my metrocard to help them, and since I used it once, I couldn´t use it myself to get in. So I had to buy a one ride card to get in.

When I got back to the hostel, I chilled for a bit and uploaded the footage from the park (which you could see down below). I then went and grabbed something to eat, a huge pizza at Papa Johns. I then bought some supplies for today, because I will go up to Beacon to go have tour at a castle, and I have to take a train quite early to get there!

Statue of Liberty and John Mayer!

7/26/2019

Hello! I´m writing this the day after!
The day started quite early, which is not intentional, and chilled on the computer until 8am, which I went to Toms again and ahd some breakfast, american Pancakes is addictive!
I went back to the hostel and waited for the gastrointestinal relfux to kick in, which it did, and then I went down to battery park to get on the Boat to Statue of Liberty.

This tour has 2 parts, First going to the Statue of Liberty, in where you could have the option to get to the pedestal or up to crown, but you have to book at least 6 months in advance to get to the crown, so I managed to get to the pedestal, which was interesting!
After that I took the boat to Ellis Island, which was a museum from the immigration days, which is also interesting.

But I must admit that at this point I was tired, so I decided to head back, and be able to rest up before the concert. I uploaded the footage of the tour (which you can see down below) and took a nap.
At 6pm i headed to Madison Square Garden, and after a while trying to find the entrance and finindg my seat I had a decent spot. The concert started at 8pm and it was amazing! It was my third time seeing in live, but my first concert ever in North America!
He played a lot of new songs, which were amazing! The crowd were singing along all the way!

The Concert ended at around 11pm and I took the subway up to 125th street, which is far off my stop, but since it was an express train, it didn´t stop at my stop, but it was the closest stop to my stop, so i walked down the blocks and got home after midnight. I uploaded some footage from the concert!

We will see what I will do today!

First full day in New York, being all over the place!

7/24/2019

This is the first full day here in New York!
The day started very early, as I got woken up by my roommates in the middle of the night, and I tried to get back to sleep, which I couldn´t. So I chilled on the computer until 7.30am.
I went to Tom´s, which is seen in Seinfeld, and had breakfast, american pancakes with bacon and scrambled eggs! Which was delicious!

From there, I walked back to the hostel and got some water, before heading out again. I went to 34th street and saw Madison Square Garden (which I will see again tomorrow), and walked to the High Line and had an amazing walk.
From there I walked into Chelsea Market, and had a bathroom break. From there I walked down to the World Trade Center memorial, which is always surreal!

I then walked to the closest comic book store, since I always look for those. I bought quite a lot of different comics. I then decided to head back to the hostel to have a break. I took a nap till just before 5pm. I had planned to go and try out some stand up, So headed over there, and got up, and totally bombed. But I was not alone of bombing!

I got back and has chilled ever since, I will head to Statue of Liberty and ellis Island tomorrow, and then later in the evening I will go and see John Mayer. Which would be my third time I´m seeing hom live, and my first concert in north america ever!

Arriving in New York!

7/23/2019

Hello everybody! I have arrived in New York! I´m tired but glad that I´m here!
The Day started by waking up very early, which wasn´t intentional, as I went to bed early, as I was tired yesterday.
So I chilled on the computer until 8am, checked out from the hostel, grabbed something to eat and took the train to the airport.

I went to the front desk, as I was informed that I needed to pay for checking my bag, which apparently I didn´t need to, which was awesome!
I went through security and spent some time in duty free. bought some stuff and then went to the gate, and spent some time on the computer.

The flight lifted on time and during the flight I talked to a awesome stewardess.
I slept from time to time during the flight, and landed at 14.40 local time, after over 8 hours on the plane.
I went through security, grabbed my bag and took a taxi from JFK to uptown. after checking in and left my stuff in the room, I went to Times Square and had a look around. I also went to John´s pizza and had an awesome pizza!
I then went back to the hostel and took a shower, and have rested since then! Let´s see what I will do tomorrow!

Arriving in Helsinki!

7/22/2019

Hello Everybody! I have arrived in Helsinki, being here for a day before going to New York city!
I had to work on Sunday to Monday, getting off at 7am. I stayed up all morning and Dad picked me up at 10, and drove me to the airport. I checked in quite fast, and talked for a bit with my dad and brother.

I went through security at 11 and tried to continue to stay up, and went inside the plane on time. I was at the front and sat with my back towards the front, which was a new experience. I managed to get some sleep on the plane.
When it landed, I thought I would get the bag so I could check it in again, but I didn´t. I took the train to Helsinki central and found the hostel I was staying at. It was cloudy, but warm.

After I checked in, I went out and had a look, still being tired. I went to the harbour, seeing Salu Square, which had a market. I saw some churches in the area as well. Rains started to pick up here, so I went back to the Hostel. I then chilled on the computer and the lack of sleep was taking its toll, so I went to bed early. i just woke up now, and decided to write my blog. I will leave for New York today at 12.45, and will hopefully get some sleep on the plane!

3 shifts to go!

7/18/2019

Hello Everybody!
I have 3 shifts left before my trip to New York, Via Helsinki! I will get off work Monday morning and my flight to Helsinki leaves at 12pm, which will be rough. I will have a day in Helsinki before leaving for New York on the 23rd of July!
It will be amazing! It will be my 4th time in New York, and has been 3 years since I was there last time!
Shortly after that I will head to Tallin as well, and that would be my first time there!

I have also been looking into trips for next year. I have been thinking about going to Cardiff and London in February, to go and see some concerts! It would be my first time in Cardiff and it would be cool to check that city out! I will probably head to Stockholm in February as well!

4th trip booked!

7/14/2019

Hello Everybody! I have booked a 4th trip!
I will be heading to Tallinn in the beginning of August! 2-7 of August to be exact!
It will be intense! I will come home from New York City on the 31st of July, work one graveyard shift and then head out again!

Why would I go to Tallin? I have heard good things about the city and it is on my bucket list. it´s also the fact that I always try to go to a new country/city every year, an this one was relatively cheap as well, so I couldn´t pass it up!
as I said, it´s going to be rough, but it will worth it!

New York trip coming up!

7/11/2019

Hello everybody!
I realised that it´s only 2 weeks to go for my trip to New York city! It´s going to be amazing! On my way there might be rough though, as I will get off work at 7am, and the flight to Helsinki leaves at 12. I will have a day in Helsinki, as that flight lands at 2 pm and leaves for JFK at 12 the next day.

I have a few things planned while in New York, the main reason is a John Mayer Concert at Madison Square Garden on the 25th of July. At the same day I´m going to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, a tour I did last time I was in NYC, and found it interesting!
On the 27th I will go up to Beacon and go on a tour of a castle. Bannerman Castle to be exact, it has some history and is on my bucket list. Other than that, I will explore the city, as it has been a while I have been there!

The trip is going to be amazing! It will be a my third trip this summer alone, and that might be a record. I usually take longer trips, visiting more countries. The last time I did this kind of stuff was back in 2014, where I did three separate trips, to three separate continents in three months.
I will also go to Stockholm in february next year, as the band I did see last week is coming to Sweden. Which is amazing!

That would be the third time I will see them live. I´m planning on seeing them live in London again that same month, but will probably wait for booking that one, so I could have money for New York City!
I know it´s a lot of traveling, but it´s so fun!

Home for the second time!

7/4/2019

Hello everybody!
I´m home from London now! The day started very early, as I involuntary woke up early, at 5am. I chiiled on the computer for a bit before checking out and getting to the underground!
The ride from kings cross to Heathrow took about an hour.

I checked in without a hitch and went through security, and I decided to spend the rest of the gbp that I had left.
I was very early though, as the flight lifted at 1035, and I went through security at 08.30. So i chilled for quite a bit, reading some comics that I have bought! The flight then went smooth. I almost forgot my comics in the plane when I left the plane though. one of the stewardesses brought it back for me!

At Arlanda airport, I went through security and got some lunch. I messaged my brothers if they could pick me up from the airport later, and my little brother could (thanks bro!).
I chilled some more, recharging some of my stuff, and then went to the gate. the flight were late, but it wasn´t that bad. My brother came just in time for me to get my bag! We spoke for a bit, while driving home.

When I got home, I unpacked my stuff and went next door, with some deliveries and chatted about the trip. and Now I need to get some sleep!

Last July day in London!

7/3/2019

Hello everybody! Today has been both active and lazy at the same time!
I woke up early, which I didn´t mean to, and started uploading some footage from the show last night, which took forever, as 4min clips took at least 1.5 hours to upload. I tried to get back to sleep in the meanwhile, but couldn´t.

I managed to upload most of the footage, and went to BK to have some Brunch and waited for the gastrointestinal reflux would kick in. After that I took a trip to Ruislip Gardens, and when I got there, I saw it didn´t have much to see (which I should´ve researched more about). I went from there to Tower Hill and walked by Tower of London, Tower Bridge and HMS Belfast before going to Borough Market to have somethign to eat.

After that amazing food, I walked over London Bridge and went by Westminster Abbey and St James Park on my way to Buckingham Palace. From there I took a long walk to Battersea Power Station. From there I walked back to Knightsbridge and seeing Harrods. From there I walked to Hyde Park Corner and Wellington Arch. At this point I was getting tired, so I went back to the hostel and has been chilling since, trying to upload the rest of the footage from the concert last night.

What do I think of the Hostel? It is a place I haven´t been in before, it´s named Clink261. currently staying in a 10-bed room, it´s a small room.

First Full day and a Concert!

7/2/2019

Hello Everybody! I´m writing this the day after the Concert obvisously since I got home late!
The day started quite early, and chilling in bed for a bit, until 9am and started going out, having a look around the area, since I´m staying at a place I haven´t been to before!
I then went to Camded Town and Market, to grab some scented candles for a friend of mine. I was thinking of grabbing an early lunch, but couldn´t find anything interesting to eat.

I then went to Notting hill and Portobello Market, grabbing some Cuban Cigars. I almost lost my scented candles, but I managed to forget about them at the cigar shop, and found them again.
I then went to Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus and Covent Garden having some late lunch, also found some tea for my mum.
I then heading back to rest and taking a shower before the concert.

At 4pm I took the tube to Brixton, which is in the south of London, and also took about half an hour, and when I arrived, the line were Long, and I thought I was early.
I stood in line for 2 hours and then they started letting people in. I got a decent spot, even though the line were long. The first opening act weren´t that good, but the second one, Amarenthe, were good!
Then Babymetal came on, Holy shit the show were awesome! They played a few new songs, which were awesome!
The set were kinda short, just about an hour!

After the Show, I managed to get to the tube quite early and got home fairly on time. I tried to upload some footage from the show, but it took a long time.
I ahd a great day, and now we will see what the last of London will be like!