The northern light: Stockholm - Part II

I left Denmark on the one and only rainy morning, thrilled to be in Stockholm for the third time. For me, it's the City of beautiful and stylish People here in Europe. I've never seen as many blondes with a great sense of Fashion as here in Sweden. The ability to Combine clothing, add some male fashion elements and Play with shapes is incredible here!

This is why I was absolutely in to see the exhibition about contemporary swedish fashion (Svenskt MOde 2000-2015, running until August 31st 2014) that takes place in the faboulous Sven-Harry's konstmuseum. The museum is a huge golden building, designed by Anna Höglund, which unites different activities: despite the galleries and Sven Harry's home (a reproduction on it on the roof terrace), there is a restaurant, some apartments and commercial premises. It's just by Vasaparken, where usually people spend time when the sun is shining or have some coffee at the restaurant.

Sven Harrys Konstmuseum 

Terrace

One of my favourites :)

The exhibition itself takes place in all three gallery rooms and shows the creative explosion that happened in the Swedish fashion industry from 2000 on. Young brands like Acne, Cheap Monday, Filippa K, Tiger of Sweden, V Avenue Shoe Repair and Carin Wester invite the visitors through this journey with runway shows sequences, posters of commercials, drafts and outfits from the past 15 years. It was so inspirational and filled of amazing ideas, that my wardrobe (and I have a pretty big one!) is looking beyond boring compared to it.

Sketches

Photo: Courtesy of Svenskt Mode 2000-2015 Exhibition

- Sven-Harrys Konstmuseum, Eastmansvägen 10-12, 116 31 Stockholm. Entrance SEK 99

I had my comfortable stay at the Omena Hotel located close to the Central Station (T-Centralen). It's a self catered hotel, but since I'm not really the room service type, I had absolutely no idea. It's a clean and basic hotel with door codes (watch out, check in time starts from 4 PM!). Rooms have coffee/tea facilities, microvawe oven and fridge. I couldn't complain having two beds for myself ;)

My lovely friend Jessica lives in Stockholm, and she was so sweet to spend her evenings with me, even if she was working all the time those days. She showed me a little hill close to the T-Train station Slussen, where you have a breathtaking view over the city, and, with some luck even a beautiful sunset included. People seem to hang up there every summer evening having a glass of wine and enjoying the long days.

Even if I've been in Stockholm two times already, I missed Södermalm out. So, being there my third time, it was on the top of my to-do list, and I wasn't disappointed. Södermalm seems to be the laid back part of the city, with lots of tiny, cute restaurants and bars, vintage shops and a chilled out vibe. It didn't feel a part of the big city life anymore for me, I had more the sensation to be in a village nearby. And I loved it! I met Jessica there one evening and we went for a thai restaurant called Koh Phangan, where we had amazing noodles and a chat in the outside sitting area, which almost seems to be a garden. I couldn't end my day better in Södermalm with a relaxing walk back to the Slussen station enjoying people having their afterwork beers in the bars nearby.

Södermalm

Restaurant Koh Phangan

Speaking of summer, long Scandinavian nights and aperos: if you are up there during summertime, try to enjoy the most openair bars you can! My last evening took me on a square close to my hotel, to have one last drink in a faboulous place called Family of Supper, where I discovered another tasty drink: the spicy melon, based on chili vodka (yum!). This place is a south american inspired restaurant, for those who maybe wanna have dinner first and then the vodka. :)

Stockholm has a lot of cultural attractions to offer, especially if we continue talking about museums. I couldn't leave Sweden without being a bit kitsch and visit the recently opened AbbA Museum. My mother used to listen to their music and I have to admit: there was almost no song played in there, that I didn't know! The museum entrance may be a bit pricey, but has a lot to offer. Starting from the history of the four band members, going on to their won Eurovision Song Contest in 1974, and so on until the end of the band's history. Original Costumes are everywhere and there are plenty of activities to join like karaoke, video recording and even a disco floor (yes, based on "Dancing Queen", of course).

- The Abba Museum, Djurgardsvägen 68, 115 21 Stockholm. Entrance SEK 195

Unfortunately, I didn't have the time (boooo! Museum closes early!), I was absolutely dying to see a free exhibition about sailor tattoos, held at Sjöhistoriska Maritime Museum. I am a huge fan of oldschool tattooing, I have a couple of artpieces on myself. As I've heard, there's a large variety of art from the 20s and 30s displayed, which expresses the most symbolized feelings from all sailors in that period: Faith, Hope and Love. So romantic!

Photo: Courtesy of Sjöhistoriska

Photo: Courtesy of Sjöhistoriska

- Sjöhistoriska, Djurgardsbrunnsvägen 24, 115 27 Stockholm

Practical Infos:

How to get there: My flight from CPH to ARN was with Norwegian. Flying the first time with them, I was pleasantly surprised. One way starts around 60 Euros. From Arlanda Airport, the cheapest way to get in the city is the coach bus Flygbussarna (45 min to T-Centralen, one way SEK 99). For those who want the journey to be faster, use the Arlanda Express (20 min to T-Centralen, SEK 260 for one way).

How to get around: Buy a public transport pass at any T-Train station. You'll get a card similar to London's oyster, which can be reloaded all the time. I reccomend to take a walk from time to time, it's totally worth it!

When and Why: Summer up in the north is magical. July and August have warm temperatures and there is plenty of light! I wouldn't choose any other season.

Shopping: I. Love. Scandinavian. Fashion! You can find the most stores almost everywhere in the city. For clothes I am a fan of Monki, Weekday, Gina Tricot and Indiska (for Interiors and home decor), just to mention a few. Second hand paradise is Södermalm.

What Else: Stockholm has one of the oldest amusement parks in Europe. Founded in 1883, Gröna Lund has also other attractions to offer like live concerts and entertainment. Located directly on the water, offers a pictoresque view to the other side of the city. Entrance SEK 110.

With my friend Jessica :)

The northern light: Copenhagen - Part I

I have to admit, I am a lucky Girl. Knowing a few People based everywhere on this planet, makes it so much easier for me to travel around! Knowing that I was already going to Barcelona to have some beachy vibes, I was asking myself where else I could go this summer. And, since I am a huge Scandinavia fan, I decided to make an Eurotrip in twelve days, including deep north. Startpoint: Sweet Copenhagen.
I visited this wonderful City two times already, so I wasn't really looking for another Sightseeing tour, more just living the urban life and enjoy what locals do, instead. That was pretty easy for me, because my lovely friend Jiyan hosted me in her comfy Apartment in Norrebro.

Norrebro's blue summer sky

My friend's apartment

Norrebro

Norrebro is a lively district in  Copenhagen City. It's well known for its multi-cultural edge and its hip atmosphere as well. The best way to explore the City is by bike (ha! that was fun!). The danish capital has very good bikelanes, so getting around wasn't even dangerous for me, so don't be scared ;) Norrebro offers a lot of cute Cafés to hang out and some cozy parks to sit in the sun and enjoy the wonderful northern summer (I had better weather than in Zurich, actually!).
I also got the Chance to go out on my first night and have a couple of dark&stormys, a new discover for me,  at Cafeen Kimia: a cute café/bar with live dj and a sitting area outside. Kimia is located on  Blågårdsgade, a Little laid back street with loads of bars and Shops. There are different dj's playing there and a lot is going on.

Café & Brunchplace Nordisk Brodhus

Blågårdsgade

Photo: Courtesy of yelp.com

Norrebro

One of my favourite places ever: tjili pop

tjili pop

Vesterbro

On Saturday my friend took me to Vesterbro for brunch. Vesterbro is also known for one of the most edgiest and liveliest districts in Copenhagen. What I also appreciate everytime when I am in this City, is how colorful it is: you can find Graffitis and urban art almost everywhere. We went for Brunch at Café Mandela, which has a cute buffet with various food for every kind of taste. Here again, the area outside was so inviting, with loads of sunshine and an industrial vibe.

Streetart in Vesterbro

Streetart in Vesterbro

Café Mandela

Café Mandela

Streetart in Norrebro

Practical Infos - Sightseeing

If you've never been to Copenhagen, here some personal reccomandations about what to do or see:

Arken, Museum of Modern Art: Shows the best Pictures and installations of Young and famous artists (current: Hundertwasser). Located in the South of the City, in a beautiful maritime surrounding. Entrance: 95 DKK

Photo: Courtesy of arken.com

Louisiana: Another Modern Art Museum, located outside of the City just by the water. I would absolutely visit it because of the amazing Location and the breathtaking architecture of the 3 buildings. The cafe by the water is a must on sunny days.  They have a large variety of exhibitions during the year. Current: Emil Nolde. Entrance: 110 DKK. Reachable by Train from Copenhagen Central Station in 45 minutes.

Photo: courtesy of louisiana.dk

Photo: courtesy of louisiana.dk

Little Mermaid: based on Hans Christian Andersen's Tale, it's the smallest City Symbol in the world with a height of 125 cm

Christiania: Free City in the City. Founded in 1971, Christiania was one of Copenhagen's places which totally impressed myself. It's full of colorful buildings, some of them are even marked as historic monuments. Don't be surprised if you'll find stands that sell soft drugs, as I said, it's an alternative City ;)

Christiania flag, courtesy of Christiania's facebook page

Practical Infos II - Where to stay

The first time I visted the City, I stayed at Hotel Fox. Unfortunately, this Little gem closed a while ago. I would reccomend an Apartment on Airbnb, so that you can Choose a place that suits you well.

If you wanna do some Sightseeing you should buy the CPH Card. It's avalaible for 24/48/72 and 120 hours. Public Transport, free entrance in 72 Museums and Discounts for attractions and Restaurants are included.

Shopping: you'll find the most stores on Stroget. Step by at Illum. This department store offers a lot of Young scandinavian fashion labels and is extremely well decorated. (I worked in a department store, I know what I'm talking about, trust me :D)

Nyhavn: the cutest spot to enjoy an evening apero or a nice dinner. The former Harbour was refreshed and renovated, it's one of the most charming places I've ever seen.

If I can give you another good advice, then this: visit Copenhagen during the summer months. The days are longer, temperatures are more comfortable and the season invites locals and visitors to go out. I'll be back there soon for sure!

The Girls :)

Rome Sweet Rome - Rock in Roma 2014

Ciao Roma! Oh it was soo great to take a flight to my home country!

It's not a secret that I use to travel around to see a band or a deejay if they're not in my hometown currently. Fact is, if I am warped by a certain beat/lyric/melody I can't help it and I want to see as much as I can live to absorb the energy which that particular kind artist has to offer. For me, there's no more perfect thing to combine concerts and trips together: I have the chance to attend concerts, see different cities (sometimes, Again!) and learn some more on my way.

This time was the turn to go out from my four walls and head to Rome, to attend the summer festival Rock in Roma. Chosen artist: the absolutely very talented Paolo Nutini. I discovered Paolo's music in 2007, where I was passing through less happy days, so I was able to relief my pain by hearing his wonderful voice and discovering other huge artists. Ever since I tried to be there when he played in Switzerland, I think I was able to visit all his Swiss dates actually, wasn't a problem if at the wonderful Montreux Jazz Festival or on a single concert here in Zurich. And: hell yeah, it's totally worth it to hear this soulful babe live! You'll notice that he's a babe by hearing all the chicks around screaming like crazy ;)

I also have to admit, I've missed Mr. Nutini the last two years, even if I really was glad for him taking a break, he really deserved it after months, if not years, of touring around Europe. Since he's back and in an amazing mood, I try to enjoy it as much as I can of course.

I like it most when he plays in small venues, like it was in a club called Backstage, in Munich, early this spring: in my opinion his voice fits in this kind of intimate places. At least, it touched me a lot emotionally to be a part of this kind of concerts.
What I love about Paolo Nutini, is his simplicity into telling stories. His songs have the power to touch me deeply and I can totally feel his lyrics. Other than his first album "These Streets", which has more the acoustic touch, "Caustic Love" seems to be more grown up and has a bit of a Retro and Jazzy touch. Something that I call good old music. For me, it could become one of these studio albums that will be heared in many many years, without losing the charme.

Rock in Roma is held in an old hippodrome a little bit out of the city, which is used for different concerts and also as a farmer market during the week. The event starts in May, and has a headliner per week. As you all can imagine, the dimentions are pretty huge, so even if you are a "front rower", your darling artist will be far far away from you ;).

The concert was very relaxed, Paolo seemed to be really happy to sing in Italy, since he's half Italian. He also sang Lucio Dalla's song "Caruso", a classic in Italy for young and old. The atmosphere was a mid summernight's dream: Rome has very warm temperatures this time of the year, so it was simply magical to have some wine, sit down on the grass and listen to this beautiful voice singing. In the actual tour he re-arranged some older songs so that they fit with the vibe of "Caustic Love" - so even up tempo songs like "Jenny Don't Be Hasty" or "Funky Cigarette" have a laid back mood now. What can I say, the show ended and I didn't recongnize that two hours were gone. I enjoyed every minute of it and would rewind it every day!

Being in Rome gave me the chance to refresh my mind into monumental history. I visited Rome two times already, but it's always nice to stand in front of the Colosseum or in Vatican City, places of big stories and architectonically beautiful. Of course, Rome offers great food too! I wouldn't leave the city without having a plate of Bucatini alla Matriciana or some Meat Balls in fresh tomato sauce. A must: a glass of Sambuca after dinner, then, wander around and make a stop in a gelateria to have some homemade ice for dessert (so good, this is summer for me!).

Lucky me, I was in a good period in Rome for exhibitions. At Palazzo Cipolla, I could experience the Andy Warhol Exibition, that will end on September 28th. It's a great journey through all creative periods that Warhol had. Very interesting for me, because I've been studying art in Italy in my hometown, and Pop Art was, with Picasso's Cubism, one of the things that impressed myself the most.

Photo: Courtesy of amointernet.it

Practical Infos:

- Where to stay: Rome has plenty of hotels, but for my frequent traveller budget a bit too pricey. So we decided to take a room at the Ariana Guest House near Termini station. We had a big room with two beds, just nearby the kitchen where breakfast was served. Bathroom is shared with another room, not really a big deal. Another Plus: the owner Sergio is very friendly, gives you a good city overview and some tips.

- Getting around: Termini station is a strategical position. Every Bus starts it's journey from there and you can take both metro lines, A and B. In my case I bought a 3 days pass for 16 Euros, so I was able to get around with everything without bothering.

- Rock in Roma: Tickets can be purchased on Ticketmaster, they are around 35 Euros. The venue can be reached by metro and bus. For the return journey I would reccomend to buy a ticket for a private bus on Eventi in Bus (website in italian), since every other public bus will be full of people. Price: 5 Euros, goes directly to Termini station.

- Need a Cab?: Download the App Uber. I got lost once (yeah, it happens sometimes...). I ordered a cab in the middle of nowhere and got a driver that was wearing a suit in a chic Mercedes. It's also only worth it for the VIP experience - and they are cheaper than a cab. ;)

- Where to Eat: In the city centre, I tried the Ristorante da Robertino. I was there twice 'cause it's good valued roman cuisine. They have a little cute patio outside, perfect for summer nights. The night of the concert we opted for L'allegra Fattoria: a typical italian restaurant, with a big outside terrace and genuine kitchen. It was in 20 minutes of walking distance from the hippodrome, totally perfect located!

Ristorante da Robertino

Ristorante da Robertino

Ristorante L'allegra Fattoria

Polpette (classic italian meatballs)

Sonar (Off) 3.0

Sónar Off Week

Sónar usually Begins on a Thursday. Since it attracts an international crowd, Barcelona gets to the best promoting spots for different Music Labels. In that week the Party calendar seems to explode, there are plenty of Events everyday, and it's basically impossible to be everywhere. I collected a bit of experience during the past three years of my Barcelona visits, so I would recommend to anyone that wants to get there: inform yourself in advance!

Resident Advisor is the best site to get any Event Information and, most of the time, book directly your own partytickets. Best featured are European cities, which have the biggest density of electronic acts and Clubs. I would recommend a quick line up check and some playlist listening on platforms like Soundcloud are very helpful to discover if the music direction is the perfect one, since there are different kinds of electronic music.

The best Thing to do is starting to check around spring what Kind of Events are upcoming for that busy week. Try to get the best combination between day (mostly openair venues) and night Events. The openair venues usually are thrown on the beach (most of the time for free) or in pool Areas, so it's a nice way to hang out and have a drink with some Quality electronic Music. The night Events take place in Clubs and theatres, sometimes outside like at el Poble Espanyol, a fantastic monastery that Hosts art, activities and Music through the year. El Poble Espanyol has it's own summer Nightclub, La Terrrazza, which Hosts a good bunch of afterparties (Cocoon is one of them).

To get in the mood, I often start my stay in Barcelona by throwing my suitcase in my Apartment and heading to the beach. Barceloneta, the old fisher's district, has a big urban beach that is visited yearly by every tourist and is also the spot where locals hang around on their day off or for a drink after work.

Speaking of Drinks, I discovered another good spot where to have the perfect after beach apero the while being in the city.
This is another reason why I love it so much: I learn and discover new things, spots, Restaurants, just by Walking a lot and trying to avoid the "famous places" that I've seen anyway times before. I am in love with open air bars, oh Boy :)! Maybe it's because we don't have a Long summer in Switzerland, so everytime the sun is out, I try to get a table in a cafe outside in the sun.
Going back to the beach apero, I had the luck to step by at the Beach Garden, located on the Plaça del Mar. You have a big variety of Drinks, can also order Tapas from the Restaurant nearby and they Play electronic Music. So it's the perfect place to get in the Sonar Off mood, watch the People having a blast and sometimes, if you're lucky enough, get some free shots from Spirits Promoters (in my case, Jägerbombs by Jägermeister). This place is decorated like an Hawaiian Tiki Bar, pretty laid back; but for the ones who like it comfy, there are some Lounges to get with bottle Service ;). Definetly worth a visit to start a great Musical experience, I have already added it to my "must go list" while I am in Barcelona.

Photo: Courtesy of Beach Garden Barceloneta

Photo: Courtesy of Beach Garden Barceloneta

Off Sonar 2014 left some impressive memories back in my mind. The best parties I've visited where for sure the two Diynamic Events and the Exploited Showcase.

Diynamic is a Music Label from Hamburg, Germany. They Feature a bunch of the best DJ's I've heard in a while, like Solomun, H.O.S.H., Stimming and Karmon, just to mention a few.
They host different in-Club and open air Events, like the Diynamic Festival in Amsterdam (it happened in May. And I've missed it *sob*) or the Diynamic Neon Nights in Ibiza last year.
Off Sonar by Diynamic was one open air Party in the La Carpa Pool Complex on wednesday (day and night), featuring the all stars of the Label. Since the weather is mostly clear and sunny in Barcelona during this period, it's an absolute must to have a bunch of parties outside - it's an atmosphere I wouldn't miss anymore.
One day later, we were lucky enough to be at the night Event (tickets in advance, ha!), that taked place in a theatre (Teatre Principal) in the middle of La Rambla. There where two floors, an insane crowd in the right mood and a pretty good bar Service.
Good for me, I had a 10 minutes walk home from there, since my Apartment was amazingly located.

Photo: Courtesy of Diynamic.com and Play.fm

Exploited is based in Berlin, also Germany. I started to be interested in it since I heard Claptone (one of his most famous tracks: 'No eyes') for the first time. I am a total fan of deep house combined with singing acts or deep house remixes of Songs. Claptone did a bunch of These things so after him I discovered the Label and its other talented artists like Adana Twins and Doctor Dru, which became a classic on my everyday playlist since the first time I pressed 'play'.
The Exploited Showcase happened in a small Club Almogavers 86, named after its adress. It's a small undergroundish Club, so pretty dark inside. In my opinion the darkness expands the Feeling of being reached by the played music (no, I don't do drugs, I simply feel the music) at the most. Relaxing is the rooftop terrace, illuminated with small lights, where the crowd hangs out and rests from the madness.

For Exploited, I Chose the following two tracks to Show you how great they work:

Flyer: Courtesy of Exploited 

A few tips:

- Don't overload yourself with Party tickets: you might won't be able to attend everything. two to a Maximum of four Events should be enough, unless you want to be awake 5 days in a row. (I was, big mistake :D)

- Try to choose parties based on your taste in electronic music. Don't 'go with the flow' just because there are some famous names playing. If you don't like tech house for example, you won't do it certainly on a Party. The music tends to get 'harder' through a good soundsystem, so you will have the 'eeewww' Moment in your ears for sure, and nothing else. Just sayin' ;)...

- Take cash with you! The most venues have bars with a ticket System. You'll buy tickets based on what you want to drink (Long Drinks, soft Drinks, etc.). They accept mostly only payment by cash and the Drinks aren't that cheap as a beer in a Liquor store (usually approx. 8EUR each).

- Barcelona is pretty international, so you'll find a bunch of People that will answer in English, especially in the Hotel and gastronomy sector. Since I travel to Spain every year, I try to speak as much Spanish as I can, even if I Sound awful. I just exprenienced a lot of appreciation and kindness for trying it, so you should. A few Basic sentences will make your life out there much more easier.

- Have fun :)

Sónar 3.0

The time finally came! Since I started to book it last November, I just had one thought in my mind: "Please let it be June soon, I need to go back!". This is what I actually call a proper Sónar week addiction. In the middle of June, like every year, Barcelona turns into a big Meeting Point for Music Lovers from all over Europe.

I've attended the venue for the third time this year, and trust me, it gets different every time.
Since I had a 3-days pass the last two years, I opted to be at the opening day at Sónar, and then choose a few off parties to go with my ladies Crew.

What is Sónar:

Sónar is the International Festival of Advanced Music and New Media Art taking place in Barcelona during three days every June since 1994. The festival's activities are divided into two main locations: the recently premiered Sónar by Day, located from 2013 in Fira Montjuïc, with concerts and dj's, showcases as well as the new Sónar^+D area, the essence of which is discovering and tracking new talent and enhance professional activities; and the larger shows at Sónar by Night, in Fira Gran Via de L'Hospitalet, where the leading names in the current international music scene are staged.

Sónar^+D presents a program with a common goal: to make the relationship between creativity, technology, mobility, innovation and business more transparent and accessible. The birth of Sónar^+D in 2013 expresses a concrete commitment to Sónar's professional activity, linking creative and technology companies of all kinds.

The festival is a huge platform for musicians, DJs and visual artists to show their work to the public. There is the possibility to touch with your own hands the newest inventions related to making Music, try them out and be amazed. Most of the artists are a good variety of electronic Music acts. On the venue at night you'll get to see bands as well (like Lykke  Li and Massive Attack this year).

Reduced tickets can be already purchased one year in advance (no line up announced yet). A couple of months before you'll find some single day passes. The line up announcement usually happens in the first months of the year around springtime.

Additionally to Barcelona, Sónar takes place in Reykjavik, Tokyo, Bogotà, Mexico City, Santiago de Chile and Cape Town. New Entries are Stockholm and Copenhagen.

To give you an idea, have a look at the "What is Sónar" teaser:

Directions:

- Make sure to have a place to live that makes you both venues as accessible as possible. When I'm there I use to live in the quarter El Poble Sec (day venue: 1 metro stop / night venue: 10 min by foot to the port to the main Sónar shuttle)

- The best way to move is by public transport. There are several day/week passes that you can buy in every subway station in Barcelona