Music Monday #90

Lots of good music this week as I haven't update my music Monday's in a while!

Madrid day 5

I have completely muddled up the days and don't know when or what we did anymore…
I have completely forgotten what day we had beer in las Huertas, and when we went to del Prado… Anyway, we did squeeze those things in our tight schedule.

Wednesday morning I woke up with the rest of them and we had breakfast. I packed my bag and got ready during the time Helen was washing up, getting ready and bossing the kids around. I said goodbye  to Helen and the kids. It was pretty emotional, as it always is. I don't know when I'm going to see Helen next, but I hope it's soon as I miss that girl whenever I'm not with her!
I headed over to the metro station to go to the airport. I got there in about half an hour of traveling, and had to walk about 1.5km to get to the actual check-in desk… Ridiculous amount of walking in my opinion.

I checked in, went through security and headed over to my gate. I popped into the bathroom to change into my jeans as I was preparing for the long and chilly flight ahead. After that I headed over to a café to purchase I panino and a bottle of water. For 7 bloody euros… I hate airports. They're outrageously expensive!

Our flight was delayed by about half an hour, no surprise there. I finally landed in Stockholm at seven or so, and briskly headed over to the bus which would take me directly to Fridhemsplan on Kungsholmen. I walked the short distance home and stopped by 7/11 to get a few snacks for myself as I wouldn't be able to get into the flat as nobody was home and I didn't have the keys with me…
Thankfully though, my mum arrived only after about half an hour of waiting and I actually managed to connect to our WiFi out in the hallway!

Madrid day 4

Somehow, I managed to drag myself out of bed in the morning when I was called for breakfast. After breakfast, homework, getting ready and general faffing about, we headed out to the park around noon. This time Laura from next door came along with us. It was nice to meet her as I know Helen and the kids hang out with her quite often. We only dat in the park for about 15 minutes before we headed over to an American candy shop across the street. We were all just window shopping but it must have looked quite funny to the public as we were literally staring at all of the sweet for about 15 minutes. We then headed to a flower shop on the corner to check out the pretty flowers. We then headed back home as we wanted to bake cookies.
Helen, Angel and Esther were in the kitchen making cookies while I was in the living room on the computer. I couldn't be anywhere near the kitchen as it was absolutely boiling in there. not only was it hot from the sun, but the oven was on and I felt like I was going to melt every time I went in there.

In the afternoon we headed over to Gran Via for some shopping. We went in a few stores such as Bershka, Pull & Bear, Zara and Stradivarius. Everytime we came out of the air-conditioned shops we were hit by the tremendous heat outside. It hit us like a slap in the face along with the sun blazing into our eyes, it was pretty horrible. After our wee shopping-spree we wanted to rent city bikes, but we couldn't as the only way you could do it was by buying an annual pass… Literally the dumbest idea I have ever heard of in my life. I mean I thought the whole point of having accessible city bikes around cities was so that people could get them whenever they wanted, plus it's great for tourists or lazy people like Helen and I. We were properly gutted that we couldn't go for a cycle ride, so instead we headed over to a little street adjacent to Plaza Mayor. My memory is really blurry, but I think this is what we did. Anyway, when Helen had been down that little street she had seen a shop that sold handmade leather satchels. We popped in and I found a small one that I liked. I paid for it and they kindly altered the strap for me.
We then headed around the neighborhood we were in, slowly making our way to la Reina Sofia. We walked around for a good long while before we finally got there.
After our look around in the museum we headed home for some dinner with the family. I think we went to bed fairly early that night as we were both exhausted from the late nights and miles of walking.

Madrid day 3

At 9 o'clock on Monday morning I was woken up by Angel knocking on my door, telling me breakfast was ready. I headed out into the kitchen where Helen and Ester were waiting for me. Helen and I finished our breakfasts quite quickly, but as Helen has told me previously, the kids took quite a while to finish their minuscule breakfasts. After breakfast I helped clear up a bit and then I got ready for the day, which for some reason took about 2 hours.. I was faffing about with so many different things. Meanwhile the kids were doing their homework and playing 2048, while Helen was nagging them about finishing their homework before we headed to the park.
At 12 o'clock or so we were ready to head out to the park. It was quite hot today and within about 2 minutes I was already sweltering.. After half an hour at the park I decided to head to the pharmacy at the corner as I needed to get Compeed bandaids as I was feeling blisters coming. We didn't stay at the park for long after that. Once we got home we let the kids watch some TV while Helen and I prepared lunch. Which was absolutely delicious, but the kids took a long while to finish it, and they needed Helen's help. Shortly after we finished lunch Angel (dad) came back form work. This is when Helen and I decided to pop out for the day.

We headed to the underground which would take us to Parque del buen Retiro. This park reminded me so much of Giardini Estensi in Varese. We walked around for a bit before we decided to sit down in a café by the lake to have a Calippo. We then headed down towards the Crystal Palace which was absolutely incredible! This is by far my favourite building in the world. It was so incredibly beautiful and I was in awe the whole time we were there.
After a long rest of our legs, we headed towards the exit and headed up to Salamanca. One of Helen's favourite parts of Madrid. We wanted to get tapas at a tapas bar however, the one we finally ended up going into had really bad service. This is why we decided to just head back to Santiago Bernabeu and have tapas at a tapas bar right next to the stadium. One which we had discussed eating at one night.
The service was pretty bad again, but at least we finally got some food in us. We got back at about half eleven and decided to have a bit more to eat. We then went to bed and a brief hang-out in my room, before we went to bed at about one in the morning.

Madrid day 2

After quite an uncomfortable and sweaty night, I finally got up at 8.30 to get ready, pack my bag and get some breakfast. After my breakfast I headed out on a short walk around the neighbourhood, soaking up the beauty of the quiet streets of Madrid on the Sunday morning.
As Helen and I had decided to meet up by the Alonso Martinez metro station, I headed over to the plaza. After a short wait we were reunited again. Helen wanted to head over to Bilbao so we walked down Calle de Sagasta for about a 15 minute walk. We found a Starbucks and sat down with a coffee and decided what we would do that day. As were on the West side of the city, we decided that we would do the more touristy things.
Firstly though, Helen wanted to check out the sports section in the nearest Corte Ingles, so we headed over there. Helen has been wanting to get a Real Madrid football-shirt for a long time, and the shirts in the kid's section were 64.99euros. This is cheap compared to the 85euros one has to pay to get ''the real deal.''
We then headed out of Corte Ingles to go to the nearest metro station, Arguellas. We headed to Opera, to visit the Palacio Real. After a quick look on the map, we found our way over there. It was magnificent! Even though the shutters of the palace were closed, and the facade looked the same everywhere, it was pretty amazing. We then turned left and headed to the Cathedral which is right next to the Palace. We arrived just as mass was starting and we felt a bit awkward to be in there during mass, so after a brief look-see, I lit a candle and then we headed out.
We decided to go to Mercado de San Miguel for some food and a drink. On the way we saw quite a few interesting people and buildings. We passed by Plaza de Villa for example. Upon arrival at the Mercado, I was mesmerized by the atmosphere, it's just like nay other crammed market with people everywhere and food in masses! We found a place we liked, just by the entrance and decided to get a beer. This is where everything started going wrong. Helen and I were standing next to each other, and Helen ordered her cerveza. But the man didn't take my order, for some reason. He asked the next person, who arrived after us, and served him. This went on for about 10 minutes, he absolutely didn't give a rat's ass about serving me. I got fed up and asked Helen if she could order for me. At this point, a new person was working at the counter. Helen finally got served and bought a cerveza and salad for me (not what I had wanted, but we shared the salad anyhow...) After the quick lunch we headed to Plaza Mayor. Right in the middle of the square we encountered a 30-something man on a Segway  He came up to us and started advertising his company, and what kind of tours they do on the Segways. After a quick chat, he asked us if we wanted to try riding the Segway. Helen was skeptical at first as she thinks they look dorky, but in the end she went on it. I filmed a bit of her ride on it. It was then my turn to go on it and i really enjoyed it! this is now another thing I can tick off my bucket-list! Also, I decided to name the dude Cedrick.

On our way from Plaza Mayor we passed by Plaza del Puerta del Sol, or simply just called Sol. on the plaza we bumped into a few people dressed up as cartoon characters, there was Spongebob (whom we took a photo with), Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Bart Simpson and other goofy characters. They must have been sweltering in those thick costumes as it was bloody boiling. We finally ended up on Gran Via after a long walk where we got lost amongst the many streets and tall buildings, but proceeded down towards Plaza de la Cibeles. This is where we decided to finally sit down on a bench as our legs were hurting so much!!
At this point we decided that the best thing to do was go home, where we would grab something to eat, have a quick nap and
finally be able to put down my heavy backpack which we had been carrying around Madrid for the whole day...
At about four we headed back out again to go and visit the Real Madrid stadium, Santiago Bernabeu. We finally go to the bar where we got a drink voucher. We sat down by the window with our cervezas, overlooking the football pitch. I thought that the outside of the stadium was quite boring, I mean it was huge, but I feel like it could have been more extravagant. Helen was in heaven though, she says that the Santiago Bernabeu area is her favourite part of Madrid, along with Salamanca.
We finished our beers and headed out again. We walked around the stadium and headed over to the metro station. At this point my mind is a little fuzzy, you have to understand, it felt like this day went on forever. It's been a good long while since I have done so much in one day. And so much walking!

We got on the metro and headed over to a rooftop bar near Plaza de Cibeles. After a bit of searching, we finally found the place, payed the entrance fee of 3euros and headed up in the lift. Once we stepped out of the lift, we were greeted by a large group of people and a lovely view of Madrid. We decided to get our drinks and look at the sunset. Helen ordered two sangrias for us, but we ended up getting two Gin and Tonics instead... this was the second time our order was screwed up! Anyhow, after a quick photo-session we walked around the place looking for a place to sit, but the only free seats were reserved, which was a pest for us as our legs and feet were hurting after having walked several km's during the long and hot day. I think the rooftop bar was one of my favourite things about my trip to Madrid, it was just such a nice atmosphere and the view was impeccable.

We stayed there for about an hour and a half before we needed to head back home to have dinner with the family. It took a while for us to get down though as the lift was quite small and a lot of people were leaving at the same time as us.
Once we got back to the apartment the family was waiting for us at the table. We said hello and we sat down to eat. It was very good! On my bed there was something that looked like a note. On the front of the envelope, it said To Sofia, From Angel. I opened it to find a nicely drawn picture of a house, a tall building and a tree. Angel had been so thoughtful that he drew a beautiful drawing to me. My heart melted. After dinner we helped clear up and then Helen and I skyped Jen in my room. We stayed up quite late, and after such a long day I passed out almost immediately after my cold shower!

Madrid day 1

Barcelona Ariport

My backpack. It looks tiny but it's very spacious

My journey started in Stockholm. My flight with Vueling airlines was meant to leave at 13.35,which would take me to Barcelona. Upon arrival to Stockholm Arlanda airport, I realised that my flight was delayed by an hour and five minutes. I was disappointed, of course, but I also had a strange feeling that this would happen. Almost everytime I fly with a new airline, I am skeptical. Skeptical to what the future will bring onboard that flying vessel, and curious as to how many hours my flight will be delayed by... Anyhow, after a brief examination of the information screen, I briskly headed over to the check-in counter. I told them my situation; that my final destination that day was Madrid and that I would miss my connection in Barcelona due to the delay from Stockholm. (As a side note, I would also like to point out that I was nervous about my short 50-minute connection time in Barcelona... it's almost impossible). They told me that they could not help me book a new flight as the Vueling office was in Barcelona. This meant that I would have to wait until I arrived in Barcelona to book a new flight to Spain's capital.

As a frequent flyer, one is used to the many queues, mishaps, delays and hours spent at airports staring into thin air. You just get on with it. All I could do was say goodbye to mother and head on over to security. After a 15-minute wait I was trough and headed over to my gate. I made use of the free wifi that Arlanda offer (Yes Arlanda!), and when my time expired I started reading my Madrid-guidebook, soaking up information about the city I was about to explore. After a long wait we finally got to board our tiny plane, which would take us to Barcelona. I felt sorry for all the tall Swedes for the tiny legroom on the plane. It resembles any Ryanair flight but with better service (Thank the Lord). Even I, measuring at 1.66m felt claustrophobic in that tiny space, crammed between two people, and the seat in front of me.

Upon arrival in Barcelona, after an very uncomfortable flight, we stepped out of the plane onto the tarmac, greeted by a comfortable 23 degrees Celcius. As per usual in southern Europe (at least in my opinion), the transit busses took us to the termial. I quickly headed on over to the information kiosk to ask for information, racing several other passengers on my plane. They guided me over to the Iberia desk, where I would get help to rebook my flight. After a quick explanation of my situation and a short 5-minute wait I was presented with a new boarding ticket and a dinner- voucher (one of the perks of the day).
After a quick look-see in some of the many shops Barcelona airport offers, I made my way over to the canteen to eat some food. God it was good. Any other day I wouldn't have eaten that crap, but that day I didn't care; it tasted like heaven!

After a couple of hours wait in the airport, it was time to head off to Madrid, at last. After a short flight, and a long day, we finally landed. I quickly headed on over to the salida, where upon I headed for the metro, which would take me into the centre of Madrid. Line 8 took me to Nuevos Ministerios, where Helen kindly met up with me. We then hopped on the dark blue line (line 10) to Alonso Martinez. I was happily surprised that it was quite easy to find my way around the deserted metro stations. As well as the way to the hostel, where I checked in, received my key, and was to shown to my 2people dorm.

Day two of my Madrid adventure will be up tomorrow!!

Terrified...

I turned my bed side lamp off at roughly 23.00 and put my head on my pillow. Just as I was about to slumber I hear a noise in the house. It was one of those noises which completely freaks you out. It's not that it was super loud or anything, but it sounded suspicious. One of those noises that you don't normally hear.
At this moment I froze in my curled up position in bed, swaddled by my duvet, and I could hear my heartbeat pounding in my ears. I lay still for a while, hardly breathing. Listening for that sound again. I heard it several times and started to freak out even more, as I was almost certain someone was in the house.
In these situations, I usually am too afraid to even breath, and will absolutely not move form my frozen position, not even to turn on the light and sit up in bed. But after a serious debate in my head of the consequences of me not getting up and investigating, I finally rolled over and turned on the light. I then sat up and reached over for my phone on my bedside table. I quickly punched in 112 into my phone (just in case), but didn't call. I then put my feet on the ground as quietly as I could and snuck over to my door and put my ear against the door. At this point I felt my adrenaline rushing though my body and my  heartbeat was pounding like never before. I then heard the sound again and mustered up enough courage to open the door. Just in that instant I recognized the sound I had heard as the sound of water dropping from a tap. I cautiously headed over to the bathroom but it wasn't coming from there, so I stood still for a while, listening for the quiet "plop" sound again.
It wasn't coming from downstairs, so I headed into the living room, thinking it was coming from in there (weird.. I know). But apart from the buzzing lights we have in there it was silent. So I headed back to my room, when I heard the "plop" once more. It then occurred to me that it was coming from my brother's radiator in his room. As his room is right opposite of mine, and his door is open as he isn't home, I could hear it very clearly from my position in bed. I cannot describe the relief I felt when I finally figured out where the strange noise was coming from, and what was causing it. I let out a huge sigh of relief and instantly felt a bit queasy, but headed back to bed to try and calm myself down by listening to calming music and watching 2 clips of Robin Williams' stand up on YouTube. Now, after writing this, I am going to catch some z's.

Time

I don't think any song has made me feel as emotional as this song has.
As I was sitting on the sofa in the TV room, with the speakers blasting out some good tunes, Wait by M83 came on. As soon as it came on I leaned my head back on the sofa and closed my eyes.
This song makes me happy, sad, nostalgic, excited - all at the same time. How this is even possible, I have no idea. As the song was drawing to its close, I opened my eyes and looked out the window, only to realise that I had tears in my eyes. No song has ever made me feel this way before.

I found this song before sometime during the end of June, just before Helina came to visit. We played it a few times during the week she was here, and takes me back to that week with her.
I get especially attached to songs that remind me of cherished memories. For example, every time I play the playlist I have of all the songs from our time on Ios (Greece), I get extremely nostalgic and want to book a ticket back right in that instant!

Our trip to the north

Early on Wednesday morning, my grandma, Oskar and I set out on our road trip up to Sollefteå, where my grandma is currently residing. The car journey went smoothly and we were all eager to get out of the car once we arrived. I spent a part of the afternoon napping, trying to recover from our grotesquely early morning. After dinner, Oskar and I went on a walk around Risön, which is right next to where my grandma is living.

The bridge you cross to get to Risön

Standard foot picture. My brother is truly baffled as to why I take these types of pictures, and to be honest, I don't know why I do.. Also, I am absolutely loving Oskar's "sock-tan" haha!

On Thursday we set out on an adventure up to Myre, which is situated right on Ågermanälven (a big river). We had a delicious lunch and then had a quick look around in the "loppis"

Our view at lunch

The old barn which had been redecorated into a small café/restaurant was decorated with charming old cans and bottles, as seen in the photo above

On Friday around noon, we headed up to Imnäs to visit my grandma's brother:

The view of the river from their cottage

After a day of fishing with Oskar, and watching Oskar swim in the river, I headed back up the hill to pick some raspberries. I have never seen so many raspberries in the same place in my life, I picked about half a litre in a matter of minutes and it wasn't even noticeable!

Of course one can't visit Imnäs without diving over to Skogsnäs and the best tomatoes and cucumbers on the planet! This is a greenhouse owned by a farmer where the locals come to handpick their vegetables. We have been coming here since we were children, and this time was no different, apart form the fact that the place had been plundered by a few people just before we arrived, leaving us with only a few tomatoes to take back home.

Oskar looks like Slenderman in this photo, cracks me up

I cannot express in words how insanely cool and dangerous this place feels. (This picture really doesn't do this place justice.) As I was standing there on the brink of the water, with the loud noise of the water gushing out, I felt so peaceful. It had been raining quite a lot over the past couple of days, and as a result they have to let some of the water out of the reservoir to maintain the water level

The view from my grandma's balcony out over the garden and river, and in the distance you can see the camping site.

Oskar and I drank many glasses of the homemade (it was actually purchased in the shop but it's homemade by a woman in the area) blackcurrant "saft" (cordial/squash).

We got home at around 19.20 on Sunday evening, and after dinner I headed out for drinks with Natalie and Juno

Friday night

Before I headed off to dinner with Natalie, I had an aperitivo at home with my parents and two family friends. My dad made watermelon and mint drinks, containing watermelon flavoured rum, sprite and chunks of fresh watermelon and crushed mint.
At roughly half past eight, Natalie and I ended up at Level (a bar & restaurant) for dinner and a glass of wine. After our dinner, we headed over to Sushi Yama for a taster of their cocktails. I had a mojito, which was super nice and fresh! After my cocktail we headed down to Ivy to meet up with a few people and a cider. We then headed to Satin, where I bumped into a few friends and stuck around until half past 2, when we finally decided to skedaddle and head home. As Natalie was the designated driver for the evening, we first drove home Robin, her boyfriend, and two of his friends, but only after a quick stop at Sibylla, where they got some food. I got home at twenty past 3 and headed straight for bed as I was knackered.

This morning, Oskar and I took the car over to our grandparents house for lunch. We then helped them around the house a little bit and ran an errand, before we headed back home.
My Sunday will be spent at work, as I had to cover for a girl who couldn't make it. I'll be working from 11.30 to 22.00, so I'm making the most of my chilled Saturday.

Heatwave

Snapped a quick photo of the pink clouds the other evening before I headed out

The heatwave that has struck Sweden has left its population in awe. It has even made me feel like I'm not in Sweden at all. It has been around 30 degrees for the past two and a half weeks, and it's bloody sweltering. It makes me a little upset that I have to work during this glorious heatwave, but I am grateful that I finish in the early hours of the afternoon, so I am able to quickly head home and enjoy the sun for the rest of the day, and perhaps a quick catch-up with a friend in town.

Even though I enjoy the sun and heat, I have to run inside for refuge when my body is clammy with sweat and my head all dizzy from the scorching sun. I chug a glass or two of cold water to quench my thirst and then head down into the wine cellar for refuge in the blissful 15 degree A.C. After a few minutes inside recovering from my my minor heatstroke, I head back outside to read a chapter or two of The Great Gatsby and then a nap in the shade to recover from my early mornings. 

I spend my weekends hanging around the house and the garden, sketching, reading, listening to music and drinking cold iced tea. In the evenings I either opt for a chilled dinner with the family or a few drinks with a couple of friends at Satin until the early hours of the morning.

Stenshyttan

On Friday morning my mum, dad and I left to go to our summer house. This is the place where Oskar and I (and mamma) spent most of our summers growing up. Every time I go back I feel very nostalgic and peaceful. It's very quiet out there which is extremely relaxing for someone who lives in a city. We got back a few hours ago, and I'm super tired for some reason. I slept almost the whole way home. I hope I'm not this tired tomorrow morning when I have work!

Sunny weekend

Tired and ready for work at 6.30am on Monday morning

My mother and I went out for a terrific dinner at the newly opened restaurant Makeriet on Friday evening. My mum recommended a sublime white Italian wine for my seabream and paella. For dessert I enjoyed a crème brûlée, which is probably the best one I have ever had in my life!

The weather this past weekend was excellent, so I decided I would lay out in the sun and read The Catcher in the Rye (this is my mothers book from the 70s!). I didn't like it. But at least I can tick this book off my book list, as it's on of 'the classics'. I started reading The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain today. My dad also recommended a few books by Hemingway and Steinbeck.

I spent Saturday evening with Natalie, Juno, Ronja, Ewelina and Jenny, driking wine and enjoying fresh fruits and crisps with dip. My mother let me have this bottle of white Chenin Blanc from South Africa, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Ronja and Jenny went out at about 11 or so, and Juno and Ewelina left a little while after that. At around midnight, after Oskar, Robin and Emil arrived, we headed out to Satin where we met up with Juno and Ewelina again and had a beer. We sat there until closing at 2.30am

Everyday photos

This was the view of the sunset the other day from one of my bedroom windows. The clouds were more pink in real life. It's a shame the camera couldn't capture it

I would like to think of myself as quite an avid photographer. The truth is, I hardly ever take photos on a daily basis, lest the sunset is nice as depicted in the photo above. However, I feel I should resurrect my habit of taking photos, to make these update-posts more interesting!

After Helen left to go to Spain after spending a week here in Sweden with me, I suddenly felt very lonely and bored. I usually feel this way when I have spent a lot of time with people, it's a slight separation anxiety I have. I especially get it after getting back from vacation/holiday! Post-holiday-blues, as they say..

But alas, life goes on and after a week of sleeping in until noon and watching Mad Men on Netflix, I started work. I normally work for 7-8 hours a day, starting either at 7 or 8 and finishing at 15.30 or 16.30, depending on what my duties are for the day.
Ideally I would be soaking up the D-vitamin in the sun after work but it has been chucking it down with rain for a fair few days now. It was sunny for the better part of today, before the torrential rain and thunder returned. Due to the ghastly weather conditions this past week, I haven't been able to go strawberry-picking, much to my dismay. But this'll have to wait until the sun decides to stick around for a little longer.

I don't have work tomorrow so I'm assuming I'll be sleeping in and taking it easy. I do have a pair of jeans that need altering, may haps I'll commence that project. If it rains, I'll probably be playing GTA 5 or watching some more Mad Men. I'm not liking the series as much as I thought I was. I find the characters quite odd and distant, and sometimes they get on my nerves. Oskar can't seem to understand why I keep watching it, but at the end of the day I want to know what happens to Don Draper, so I keep watching.
Here's some trivia for you that I learned from my brother: Aaron Staton, the actor who plays Kenneth (Ken) Cosgrove in Mad Men, did the facial and voice acting for the video game L.A. Noire, in which he portrays the protagonist Cole Phelps.