SWEDENS
BIGGEST TRAVEL ART THEATRE FOOD & DRINK
No 4 • 2018
MAGAZINE ON TOURISM & LEISURE
Christmas Supplement
ROLF & CILLA
BÖRJLIND
Magazine Sweden’s Christmas Supplement Good tidings we bring
…
The season of goodwill will soon be upon us, with festivities, celebrations and traditions galore on offer in the coming weeks. Sweden is truly a fantastic place to experience all kinds of genuine Christmas fare, be it the sweet warming glögg & pepparkåkor of the traditional Christmas markets or the age-old tradition of Jämtland’s Sjulsmäss , Sweden has something special to share with you. This year, the ghost of Christmas past will also be making an appearan ce at Stockholm’s Folkopera n, with Pernilla Isedals rendition of ‘A Christmas Carol’ in English! … We wish you a Merry
Christmas and a Happy
New Year!
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Extra: Christmas Supplement!
SWEDISH CRIME FICTION STILL REIGNS Premiers! Film, theatre, dance & musicals
Museums & Art Galleries: Read about the latest exhibitions!
It’s time to visit Skansen! Autumn at Skansen Autumn is the time for harvest and we have been busy harvesting, baking, preserving, putting our gardens in order and of course preparing for the autumn market. Our lovely autumn market is a celebration of food, crafts, goods for sale, dancing and games for the whole family. Autumn Break (week 44) this year we have the theme of Folklore and Magic, where wise old women dish out worldly advice and phantoms lurk in the shadows, popping up when you least expect it. Those who dare can go for a walk with our brave storytellers. The Christmas Season runs from the first of advent until the 6 January. You can enjoy our wonderful old-fashioned Christmas market every weekend before Christmas, Christmas of days-gone-by is celebrated in our houses and farms, plus dancing around the Christmas tree, music and special Christmas food. It’s a genuine old-fashioned Christmas atmosphere that must be experienced in person! New Year's Eve is celebrated in style at Skansen with fireworks lighting up the city, a live-televised concert on the Solliden stage and New Year's Eve dinner at our restaurants. Open every day year-round. Welcome! www.skansen.se
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The Gate to Swedish Lapland – all year round Please contact us for bookings and questions. Phone +46 933 410 00 info@granobeckasin.com
”The Producers + Spamalot + The Book of Mormon. I kvadrat!” New York Magazine
”A big fat hit” New York Post
EUROPEAN PREMIERE in Karlstad The Broadway Hit Musical
Content
Issue No 4 • 2018
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AUTUMN PREMIERE! Theatre, dance, cinema and musicals - we have picked out some of the best bits.
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ROLF & CILLA BÖRJLIND The international bestsellers are back with a new book.
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LISA ELMQVIST
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A DOSE OF CULTURE IN THE AUTUMN Autumn is perfect for a visit to one of the country’s museums and art galleries. Magazinesweden has tips about exciting exhibitions and news stories.
ART IN THE SUBWAY It has been called the world’s longest art exhibition. The decorations in the Stockholm underworld are world famous.
Already in 1926, fisherman Lisa Elmqvist bought her own stand in Östermalms Saluhall. Today, they have customers all over the world.
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KOH KHO KHAO Do you dream of a wonderful Thai sandy beach? At Paradise Villa Resort at Koh Kho Khao, the dream becomes reality.
CHRISTMAS AT SKANSEN Perhaps it feels a bit odd to think of Christmas already, but soon we are there. As usual it will be a month of Christmas spirit and warmth at Skansen.
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Editorial
A farewell to summer There is a cooler wind blowing in as we leave the record-breaking hot summer behind us and what a summer we have had! Just glorious, day after day after day. Now it’s time to pack away the shorts, sandals and sunnies, that have finally earned their keep and dig out the more familiar cold weather gear that we all associate with the climes of Scandinavia. For me, thinking about Sweden usually brings to mind a mental picture of snowy white landscapes dotted with smoking chimneys and frosty pink noses and cheeks poking out from a swathe of woollen knitted hats and scarves. Hot cocoa at the ready. However, there is a lot to be enjoyed as we begin to layer up once again. Skansen is getting into the autumnal and Christmas spirit with their famous markets offering up goods and crafts from this year’s harvest and as the nights draw in you can dare to take one of their Folklore and Magic storytelling walks where phantoms and ghouls are hiding in the shadows. Give those new winter boots an outing and head to Abecita Konstmuseum in Borås to enjoy the works of Natalia Edenmont, Elisabeth Moritz and Christoffer Collin. Both Shania Twain and The Hollies are due to give performances in Sweden this autumn, that should help you keep warm, dancing the night away. Food lovers won’t want to miss out on our 3 delicious recipes curtesy of renowned Stockholm fish specialist Lisa Elmqvist. Read their heart-warming story on page 44.
Jenny Nyström ILLUSTRATOR AND PIONEER 26 OKT 2018 - 17 FEB 2019
Got the itch to write those winter blues away? Then have a look at our article about Ann Ljungberg’s writing courses and you could soon be writing a little bit of summer back into your life. Also, in this edition we take you to glamorous Monte Carlo on the French Riviera and an off-the-beatentrack trip to Koh Kho Khao, Thailand. Enjoy the latest edition of Magazine Sweden, ideally curled up on the sofa with that mug of cocoa!
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Nicola Green
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 Postal/visiting address: Grindsgatan 27, 118 57 Stockholm Web: magazinesweden.com E-mail: info@magazinesweden.com
Editorial redaktionen@magazinesweden.com If you want to reach an individual employee: (respective) fornamn@magazinesweden.com EDITOR & PUBLISHER: Marie Tillman
welcome to sweden's most famous home! CARL LARSSON-GÅRDEN IN SUNDBORN IS AN ICON IN SWEDISH INTERIOR DESIGN AND FAMILY LIFE.
LAYOUT: Tony Manieri / Daniel Sander ADMINISTRATION: Charlotte Lindmark TRANSLATION: Nicola Green CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Tony Manieri (TM), Marie Tillman (MT), Charlotte Lindmark (CL), Anna Ekberg (AE), Terri Herrera, Johannes Nordh, Michaela Faily, Jonny Bothin, Line Jeppson-Varga, Nicola Green COVER: Rolf & Cilla Börjlind PHOTO: Kajsa Göransson
Marketing and sales HEAD OF SALES: Marie Tillman Tel: +46 (0)707 17 30 50 marie@magazinesweden.com PROJEKT MANAGER: Charlotte Lindmark Tel: +46 (0)706 25 71 78 charlotte@magazinesweden.com SALES: Sara Ericsson Tel: +46 (0)766 08 09 07 sara@magazinesweden.com Reidar Tillman Tel: +46 (0)708 19 80 70 reidar@magazinesweden.com Jona Näs Tel: +46 (0)735 63 22 18 jona@magazinesweden.com Magazinesweden is produced and handed out by Lännersta Industrier HB, Stockholm ABOUT MAGAZINESWEDEN: Magazinesweden is a digital entertainment magazine that is published seven times a year and is aimed at foreign tourists.Magazinesweden is not responsible for submitted, unposted material. Prize winners are responsible for any tax on gains in newspaper competitions. Quote us - but please indicate the source, thank you.
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CARLLARSSON.SE MAGAZINESWEDEN
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Noteworthy
Premiering this autumn
Autumn is the traditional time of year for new openings and premieres. This year we have selected a few extra exciting gems for you. A mix of theatre, dance, film and music – something for the absolute connoisseur, something for those who just want some light-hearted entertainment and everything in between. Enjoy!
Photo: shaniatwain.com
Shania Twain is back in Stockholm Shania Twain is out and about on her latest world tour. The country queen, with five Grammys to her name, is making a stop in Sweden with her Shania NOW tour. On 17th October, the superstar takes to the stage at the Ericsson Globe in Stockholm. This latest European tour is her first tour in 13 years. Twain has sold over 85 million records, making her the best-selling female artist in country music history and one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Her success has rendered her several honorary titles, including ”Queen of Country Pop”. Twain’s other album ‘The Woman in Me’ (1995) sold 20 million copies worldwide and contains hits like ”Any Man of Mine” and gained her a Grammy Award. MT
Aquaman
© DC Comics
Premiere: December 2018. Aquaman is an American Superhero movie from DC Comics and Warner Bros Pictures, with Jason Mamoa in the lead role. Aquaman is based on a comic series figure created in the early 1940’s. Aquaman is king of the underwater kingdom of Atlantis and possesses the ability to manipulate the sea’s tides. He can communicate with other aquatic creatures and swims at supersonic speeds. The film is directed by James Wan and is based on a script by Will Beall which in turn, is based on a synopsis by Wan and Geoff Johns. In addition to Jason Momoa as the lead, actors Amber Heard, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Patrick Wilson, Dolph Lundgren, Temuera Morrison, Nicole Kidman and Willem Dafoe all make an appearance. TM
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Noteworthy The Dream Tour, 25 september Intelligent improvisations and engaging stories must mean Gad Elmaleh! France’s biggest stand-up star has become one of the world’s most acclaimed comedians. On Tuesday 25th September, The Dream Tour comes to Södra Teatern in Stockholm for one night only. Gad has over 7 million twitter followers and 5 million followers on Facebook and has a huge impact within the stand-up world. In 2015, he performed 50 sold out gigs at Joe’s Pub in New York City, which led to him undertaking a major US tour that was topped with a sold-out spot at Carnegie Hall in Manhattan in 2017. In his home country, he sold out at the Olympia Theater Hall in Paris seven nights in a row, a feat that nobody else had succeeded in before. RED
Affordable Art Fair in Stockholm
Animals and plants from all around the world
My name is Mr Nilsson
The Affordable Art Fair was launched in London’s Battersea Park in 1999. 10,000 art lovers descended upon the fair to browse and buy thousands of original contemporary paintings, sculptures, photographs and prints in a relaxed and friendly environment. Since then, it’s grown to be the Nordic region’s largest art fair! This year the fair has already been in Milan, London, Brussels, Hong Kong and right now it’s in New York. Next stop, Stockholm! This year, the Affordable Art Fair takes place in Stockholm from 11-14th October at the Nacka Beach Fair. The venue will be transformed into an artistic oasis where both Swedish and international galleries exhibit art from hundreds of artists. It is an inspiring and pleasant atmosphere in which to browse the thousands of original paintings, graphics, sculptures and photographs, across all price groups. Both cheap and cheerful for those who don’t have a fat wallet and amazing, precious works of art for those who can afford to spend big, there is something for everyone, no matter what type of budget you have. A wonderful selection for all art lovers with a large number of galleries exhibiting. Young up-and-coming artists stand side by side well-known names. At the Affordable Art Fair, you will find all the artwork is priced so you can easily see what suits without having to ask. RED
OPENING TIMES Mon-Fri Sat-Sun
Jul-Aug Sep-Apr Maj-jun
10 -17 12-17
10 -17 12 -18
10-18 12-18
Augustendalstorget 6, Nacka www.affordableartfair.com/stockholm MAGAZINESWEDEN
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Noteworthy
A time of wonder is still upon us ... It took 10 months to turn an old worn out and decayed industrial building in Helsingborg into an exciting new attraction for the whole family - Toy World opened up again in early June! The property owner Kire Skoglund and the founders of Toy World Allan and Maria Gutheim, have jointly created a facility that fulfills all the modern-day requirements whilst at the same time maintains part of the industrial feeling of the building. It’s the perfect environment for the magic, imagination and nostalgia
that Toy World is all about. In the exhibition hall you will find a button system that enables visitors themselves to interact with and start all the effects, lights, sounds and music. It is equally fun for the little ones as it is for the big ones to wander around in this world of Playmobil, Star Wars, Barbie, Disney, Smurfs, Lego and much more. Do not miss the ghost room and the playroom. A real kick for the toy lover in us all. MT www.toyworld.se
‘Staying Power’, proving that The Hollie’s new material is as popular as their impressive catalogue of classic hits. Their live performances are performed in the genuine Hollies spirit; well-known harmonies alongside pure musical panache where each song is cleverly staged with an impressive light show. The show culminates with famous ‘The air that I breathe’ and ‘He is not heavy, He’s my brother’, which of course leads to standing ovations. The Hollies were recently entered into the prestigious American
Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame ”For Their Influence, Development and Conservation of Rock’n’roll”.
Photo: Pressbild
From 20-22nd December Konserthuset goes ahead with its annual Christmas concert, a sparkling, glamorous show with many beloved classic Christmas songs and traditional favourites from America. Christoffer Holgersson, who is a choir conductor and conductor in the Adolf Fredriks parish in Stockholm, leads The Royal Philharmonic and the choir. This year three Swedish music stars from different genres are also participating: jazz’s Rigmor Gustafsson, charming musician David Lindgren and Wagner tenor Michael Weinius. The host is the comedian, revue artist and actor Claes Eriksson. AE www.konserthuset.se
Photo: allanmariag
Stockholm’s glamorous Christmas concert
The Hollies
The Hollies had more hits than The Beatles during the 1960’s and 1970’s and a great interest in them still remains today. The Hollies consists of the two original members Tony Hicks and Bobby Elliot as well as Peter Howarth, Ray Stiles, Steve Lauri and Ian Parker. When the band is on tour, they often get requests for songs from their last album
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TM
This autumn The Hollies makes four appearances in Sweden with their show ‘A Highway of Hits’ Stockholm Rival, 4th October 19:30 Karlstad CCC, 5th October 19:30 Göteborg Konserthuset, 6th October 19:30 Malmö Baltiska Hallen, 7th October 18:30
Noteworthy Björn is back!
Photo: Anna-Lena Ahlström
The eternally loved Björn Skifs is on tour in Sweden, with a show named Bitar ur mitt liv starting 1st September at Sollidenscenen at Skansen, the tickets have been so popular that extra concerts are being held in many places around the country. Björn has been an active pop artist since the 1960s and received international success in 1974, with his song ‘Hooked on a Feeling’. Skifs has participated in Melodifestivalen (Sweden’s competition for deciding its Eurovision entry) four times, being the 1978 and 1981 winner. He has entertained the nation in various TV shows and has acted in the theatre, on television and appeared in a number of successful films. AE
Photo: Peter Knutson
Colourful Christmas Show Christmas is coming closer and closer now so why not book a Christmas show today! Stjärnklart is a colourful show that is combined with a food and drink experience. On stage this year will be among others Melodifestival winner Robin Bengtsson, popular Allsång presenter Lasse Berghagen, the singer
Wiktoria, Linda Bengtzing and E-type who always delivers big. The compere for the night is Kenny Mattsson. Being shown in: Helsingborg, Norrköping, Stockholm, Eskilstuna, Karlstad, Jönköping, Lidköping. AE
door and left behind her husband and children, it was forever. Or so she thought. But now 15 years later she is back - she has a mission. Life has been good to Nora. She is an author, using a pseudonym and writes bestsellers about women who, like herself, value freedom very highly. But she has also attracted a few enemies - men.
Now Nora meets with Ann Marie - her old nanny, the one who raised Noras and Torvald’s now adult children. Nora needs help with just one thing - then she will disappear forever. MT www.kulturhusetstadsteatern.se
www.stjarnklart.se
‘Ett Dockhem 2’ by Lucas Hnath has its premiere on 21st September on the big stage at Kulturhuset Stadsteatern, Stockholm. The shows on 19th October 19.00 and 28th October 13.00 have an accompanying English text. Lucas is an award-winning and acclaimed American dramatist who casts his keen eye on the characters of Ibsen’s masterpiece from 1879 and transports them to a time more similar to our own. That keen eye sees both humor and compassion in everything that does not go to plan in life. The two main actors - Helena Bergström and Marie Göranzon come together marvelously in the showdown between Nora and Ann Marie. Synopsis: When Nora Helmer walked out the
Photo: Matilda Rahm, Stadsteatern
Stockholm’s House of Culture & City Theatre
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Noteworthy
Rosemarie Trockel, Cluster III - Death, so adjustable, 2015 © Copyright Rosemarie Trockel. Courtesy Sprüth Magers
Rosemarie Trockel: The Same Different/Det lika olika Moderna Museet Malmö, 29 September 2018-3 March 2019 The exhibition ‘The Same Different/Det lika olika’ at the Moderna Museum in Malmö presents about 40 works from 1988 to present today. The visitor is given the opportunity to discover the breadth of Rosemarie Trockel’s artistry where she transforms ideas, materials and everyday objects and gives them all new significance. Rosemarie Trockel is an artist who takes a stand and has something to say about her experience of modern life. In her exhibition, you can follow her development from early feminist observations in the 1990s to her newer work, where she deals with questions about animal ethics, artistic processes and what art can stand for. The exhibition shows off Rosemarie Trockel’s experimental desires and her richly varied forms of expression - which includes moving images, digital prints, drawings, ceramics and large installations. Rosemarie Trockel has had a substantial number of individual exhibitions at Museum Ludwig in Cologne, Museo Reina Sofia in Madrid, Dia Art Foundation in New York, Kunsthaus Zürich and Wiels in Brussels, to name but a few. She has represented Germany
Rosemarie Trockel, Yellow Mood, 2013 © Copyright Rosemarie Trockel. Courtesy Sprüth Magers
in the Venice Biennale in 1999 and has received many art prizes, including the Wolfgang Hahn Prize and Kaiserring Goslar. To accompany the exhibition, a richly illustrated catalogue will be
released during the autumn, as well as a series of programmes that will focus on Rosemarie Trockel’s artistry. RED www.modernamuseet.se/malmo/sv/utstallningar/
Malmö’s wildest place
Welcome to an exotic tour of a tropical world in the middle of Malmö. Malmö Reptilcenter is 500 square meters of jungle. Animal parks play an important role in today’s society to increase awareness of animals and nature. The Terrarium in the Malmö People’s Park opened in 1983 and has become famous for their good breeding results. It is possible to book guided tours for schools and other events such as hen or stag parties. Malmö Reptilcenter also offers companies and individuals to become pet caregivers in their exhibition. RED www.malmoreptilcenter.se
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GOTHENBURG OPERA PRESENTS
Buy tickets and book a table in GöteborgsOperans Restaurang +46 (0)31-13 13 00. www.opera.se goteborgsoperan GOdanskompani
@goteborgsoperan
@goteborgsoperan
©Disney
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Literature
Cilla & Rolf Börjlind:
”We are not actually that fond of murder and mayhem” 14
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Literature Cilla and Rolf Börjlind have written dozens of scripts for Beck and Arne Dahl. Their latest TV series Spring Tide 2, which is based on the first book about the odd characters Tom Stilton and Olivia Rönning, has just recently been aired and now comes their fifth book Gangrene, from the internationally bestselling authors.
C
illa and Rolf Börjlind have worked together a long time and have a catalogue of screenplays and scripts for both film and TV to their names. Then came their first book. – We had been thinking about it for quite some time and had received some encouragement from the publisher, starts Cilla. – We had been working a lot with Beck, Arne Dahl and our own productions The Grave, Morden and Spring Tide. But suddenly a gap opened up in our schedule when we finished working on all the TV shows. We felt we wanted to take a break from TV and spend time writing a book instead. It felt like the natural next step because we were getting a little tired of writing scripts.
why we put a lot of thought into what kind of characters they would be. We wanted an elderly homeless man with a past in the police force that would contrast with a young woman who had just started at the police academy with dreams of becoming a police officer. – When we shaped the characters, it also felt important that they span different generations, says Cilla. A young woman not yet soiled by the world- but who turns out to be not as innocent to life as it was first thought - and a man who has lived a hard life. A male and a female of different generations that could give rise to describing things from these different perspectives was important to us.
Many authors dream that their book will one day be made into a film. You have managed to do it in reverse. Was it difficult to start developing your own world and your own characters after working with Beck for so many years? – Not really, says Rolf. But when we decided to write the book we were both united in that we were quite tired with the traditional police story. That is, a team of police at a station who get a murder on the table and then go about solving it. We wanted to create characters that were not formal police officers in that sense, although of course they are affiliated to the police. You could say that we bounced away from the typical police world that we had been working with for many years. Cilla continues: – The most interesting thing about the work was creating something that differed from the traditional stereotypes. We wanted complex characters, after all it is people themselves who are most interesting. How did such an odd character like Tom Stilton come about? – When we created the characters, we wanted to make them as dynamic a group as possible, says Rolf. We knew from the very beginning that there would be at least three books, so it was important that the characters became strong enough to have a certain longevity. We wanted characters that were complex and had depth and had the possibility to develop over time. - At the same time, we wanted it to feel fun and be something fresh and new for us. That’s
to if it is good or bad. Especially during the construction phase, as we put a lot of work into preparation before the actual writing begins. Then it’s very good to be two. What happens when you want the killer to have a knife and Rolf insists that the gun is better? – Ha Ha Ha we are constantly fighting about that! laughs Cilla. But then we end up deciding to send in a poisonous snake instead! Rolf chips in. – Seriously though, we have never actually had a problem with our work, we always manage to come up with a solution that we both like. – We have been working together for a very long time especially with scripts and when we write a script there is always a mass of other people involved in what we write. When we write books it’s only Rolf and I, so it’s a much smoother process. But working with scripts have taught us how important it is to listen to other people, even if, in the end you go with what you thought in the beginning! Gangrene is among other things about abuse. How do you write about such difficult things without yourselves being affected adversely?
Rolf continues: – It all really started with our series The Grave and Morden, where we had a similar concept, that is, we had a team of people who were outside of the police world. A collection of odd individuals. – We wanted it to be fun and enjoyable to write, we wanted to come up with characters who are interesting to write about. People that we can laugh at or are maybe fascinated by. Otherwise you quickly get stuck writing in a routine manner and becoming mechanical. Is there an advantage to write as a pair in that respect? – Absolutely! says Cilla. Detective stories are very suitable for joint co-operations. You have a lot of different threads to hold together and I think it would be very difficult to write such a story alone. – Of course, it’s a lot more fun working together too and it’s faster to come up with ideas when you’re two. You constantly bounce ideas back and forth and get immediate feedback as
– We often get asked about how we are able to imagine such awful things says Rolf. Of course, some get upset over the things we write about. – It’s often about the level of detail we go into when describing the violence or abuse. We are not actually that fond of violence, murder and mayhem ourselves. It may sound strange coming from two crime writers, but there is actually very little violence in our books and shows. We also feel that it can put off readers or viewers if there is too much detailed and violent content. It draws the attention away from the actual story and can make it difficult for the viewer or reader to get back into what the film, show or book is really is about, the story. – Perhaps we are in a way, protecting ourselves by not going into too much gory detail. – It’s more likely that it’s the reader’s or the viewer’s own imagination that is much more creative than anything we actually describe Cilla says. We sometimes meet people who ask how we can describe such horrible things in so much detail, but then it often turns out to be something that is not actually in the book or in the script! Such things somehow grow and get exaggerated in their own minds ... Text: Tony Manieri Photo: Kajsa Göransson MAGAZINESWEDEN
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Literature
Photo: Kajsa Göransson
Magazinesweden presents an excerpt from Cilla and Rolf Börjlind’s book Sleep Little Willow in collaboration with Norstedts publishing. Translated by Neil Smith Original title: Sov du lilla videung, 2016 | Rights: Lena Stjernström, Grand Agency Sleep Little Willow is not published in English yet but will soon be. The officer in charge of the operation looked stressed when the microphone was thrust in front of his face. He was standing in front of the main entrance to the Central Station, and wasn’t entirely sure what to say. He would have liked to convey an impression of calm and control, but he couldn’t deny the facts: “Over 800 refugees have arrived in the last half hour alone. The situation is a cause for concern. Many of them are distressed after spending more than a month travelling, many of them families with young children.” “So the situation is chaotic?” “No. But it is a cause for concern.” The difference between being a cause for concern and chaotic was probably mostly an issue of semantics. If you took a look inside the station concourse, chaotic was considerably closer to the truth, and if you looked back towards Vasagatan and saw the armada of police vans lined up in the rain, a cause for concern was clearly something of an understatement. It was late one evening in September, and the torrent of refugees was still pouring into the Central Station. Hungry, tired and lost. They were crowded together on the worn
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stone floor, every corner of the concourse was occupied. Most of the refugees were from Syria and Afghanistan and other war-torn countries. Most of the Swedes were from various aid agencies or the Migration Office – the official body responsible for handling the avalanche of arrivals. On the periphery of the hall the police did their best to prevent any hostilities breaking out. There was very little hope of restoring normality. Here and there in the large concourse families had set up small domed tents, all different colours, where the exhausted refugees could nurse their children or just collapse and sleep for a while. The cries of young children could be heard everywhere, rising above the hubbub of different languages and dialects. A large number of volunteers was moving among the crowd in yellow or orange vests. Their main purpose was to provide the refugees with food and water, and find out if there were any with special requirements. Medical assistance, for instance, or particular drugs. Or simply just reassurance. They offered salads, sandwiches and bottles of water until stocks ran out, as well as
nappies and toiletries, sleeping mats and blankets. Other Swedes were holding their arms up above the crowd waving signs saying REFUGEES WELCOME in English. It was unclear if any of the refugees were able to absorb the message. In the tumult they were presumably most keen to find someone who could tell them where they could spend the night. Other people in the Central Station had different ideas. They slipped through the crowd of refugees, warning them in their own languages about the Swedish authorities, and warning them against all contact with Swedes. They offered other alternatives. But the majority of those who weren’t themselves refugees were there to help. Luna was one of them. She was standing surrounded by a group of Syrian refugees close to the centre of the concourse. Most of them were silent, staring down at the floor, their unfamiliar body odour filling the air around her. A small, skinny boy with a mop of dark hair tugged at her yellow vest with a chapped hand and said “Fadi”. She assumed that was his name. The boy’s mother was standing beside him clutching a wrapped
Literature bundle to her chest. The mother’s lined face was sunken from lack of sleep, her bloodshot eyes surrounded by dark rings. “What’s your name?” Luna asked. A teenage girl translated for the mother. “Hawa.” “How do you feel?” “Tired from the birth.” “When was the baby born?” “A week ago, in a camp in Greece.” Luna looked at the mother, then turned around. “Olivia!” she called. A young woman with long dark hair and an orange volunteer’s vest turned towards Luna. She saw Luna wave, and tried to push her way through to her. She made slow progress, almost tripping over one of the mass of blue IKEA bags containing donated clothes, and called: “What is it?” “Can you get hold of a doctor?” Olivia nodded, pushed forward and looked around for a white coat. A number of young medical students had teamed up to volunteer. They wore white coats to make themselves more visible. Olivia got hold of a doctor and together they managed to push their way through to Luna. She told them about the alarmingly pale mother and new-born baby. The doctor opened his bag. The mother reacted and tried to back away, but Luna explained via the teenage daughter that there was nothing to worry about. The doctor asked the mother’s name, age, and a few other details, mostly in an attempt to calm the woman down. Then he listened to her heart and lungs, took her blood pressure and concluded that there was no immediate danger. He told Luna: “The best thing you can do for her is see that she gets somewhere to rest.” Luna nodded and explained what he had said to the mother. She asked Olivia to stay with the other Syrians while she tried to find a representative of the Migration Office. They had their own section in the station, but it was all but impossible to get to it. The path was blocked by a dense mass of desperate people. Luna pushed through the crowd in the other direction. Suddenly she caught sight of a woman bearing one of the office’s name-badges. An advisor. She reached out for the woman’s shoulder and she turned towards her. Luna quickly explained the Syrian family’s predicament. “What’s the situation out in Sickla?” she said. “Is there any room there?” “No, I’m afraid not.” “Or any of the immigration centres?” “No chance. They’re all bursting at the se-
ams, and we’re starting to run out of space in our emergency facilities.” “So what do we do?” “Could they maybe sleep in a makeshift tent?” Luna walked away from the advisor. She found the idea of offering a makeshift tent to the mother and baby offensive. So she took a decision. “I own a large barge where you can stay, temporarily,” she told the teenage daughter when she got back to the group. “How many of you are there?” “Six in my family, and five in my uncle’s.” Eleven people. Luna mentally evaluated the inside of the barge. “That could work.” She turned to Olivia. “Can you help get everyone to the barge?” Together they helped guide the large group towards the exit onto Vasagatan. None of them noticed the little black girl who was clutching an orange cloth bag, surrounded by teenage boys.
Photo: Kajsa Göransson
When they had almost reached the door Olivia bumped into another volunteer with long Rasta plaits draped over his shoulders. “I’ll be right with you!” she called to Luna. Luna led the group on, and saw Olivia give the guy a big hug over her shoulder. Outside the main entrance to the Central Station Olivia caught up with them again. She and Luna were about to figure out how to transport everyone when a loud voice rose above the general buzz. “Hey, Olivia, hi!”
Olivia recognised the voice all too well. It belonged to a guy who had been at Police academy with her, Ulf Molin. He had been a bit too keen on her back then, but that had settled down over the years. These days she didn’t have a problem bumping into him. “Pretty crazy in there,” he said. “Yes. Same out here, I guess?” “You bet.” Ulf smiled and gestured towards the mass of people in front of the station who seemed to be moving in all directions at the same time. “We’re doing out best to keep the traffic moving.” Suddenly Olivia had an idea. She quickly explained the situation to Ulf: eleven Syrian refugees needed to get to a friend’s barge on Södermalm. Could he help? “Sure, I can take you in one of our vans. Follow me!” Ulf led the way, and Luna and Olivia indicated to the others that they should follow him. A short distance away, under the Klaraberg viaduct, a large number of police vans were parked. Ulf walked over to one of the largest and opened the side-door. When he turned round he saw that the group of Syrians had stopped. Several of them were engaged in animated conversation, pointing at the van. A couple of men began to walk back towards the station. “Wait!” Olivia called, trying to stop them leaving. Luna turned to the teenage daughter, who was biting her bottom lip. “What’s wrong?” she asked. “It’s a police van.” “So?” “Are we going to prison?” “No, not at all! We’re just getting a lift to my barge in the van. Can you try to explain that to your family?” “They’re scared.” “But there’s nothing to be worried about, I promise!” The teenage girl looked at Luna, and seemed to make up her mind to trust her. She ran back to the group. It took a while, with a lot of gesticulating and arguing, but eventually the group started to move towards the van again. Several of them glanced at Ulf suspiciously as they climbed in. Then he drove off. During the drive to Södermalm the teenage girl sat beside Luna and Olivia. She told them her name was Leah, and tried to explain quietly why they were so frightened. They had encountered a number of extremely harsh, unpleasant police officers during their long journey, police officers who had treated them like animals. Their extreme vulnerability had essentially left MAGAZINESWEDEN
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Literature them without any protection. “I heard about a girl who had to have sex with three border guards in Romania before her family was let through.” Luna saw Olivia’s jam clench. She tried to focus on practical matters. Taking the refugees to the barge had been a simple decision, but it brought with it a number of logistical problems, not least of them food. She needed to stock up. And what about toilet paper? Towels? Toothbrushes? Nappies? Halfway along Söder Mälarstrand she asked Ulf to turn up towards Hornsgatan and stop at the supermarket on the corner of Ringvägen. The barge was named Sara la Kali, after a Roman saint. Luna had bought it in France and moved it to Sweden with the help of her father, who was a retired ship’s captain. It had been moored by the quayside for several years now, acting as her home. She had lived there alone at first, then for the past couple of years with Tom Stilton. It was a fair-sized vessel, partially restored by Luna, with a number of cabins of various sizes, and a shabby but attractive living area. She had most modern amenities on board. She and Tom slept in the captain’s cabin in the aft. She wasn’t planning to change that. The eleven Syrians divided themselves among the remaining cabins, and were given a basic guide to the practical arrangements. When that was done and they had all had something to eat, they disappeared into their provisional bedrooms. Luna had said she would contact the council to try to find a more permanent solution. She could do no more for the time being. Everyone seemed happy with that. Now she was sitting in the living area with Olivia in the subdued light of the golden yellow wall lamps. She would have loved a small whisky to help herself relax, but felt she ought to stay as alert as possible. Anything could happen during the night. She assumed that more than one of her guests was likely to be severely traumatised by what they had been through, she had understood that much from what Leah had told her over dinner. So she made some tea instead, which suited Olivia fine. They drank in silence until Luna remembered something she’d forgotten to ask. “Who was that guy you hugged on the way out?” “By the main door?” “Yes.” “An old ex. A Jamaican guy, Jamie. We were together a few years back, not for long, but it was good to see him again. I ended up adopting his cat.” “Oh? The one that was...”
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“Yes.” Olivia looked down into her cup and Olivia dropped the subject. They sat in silence for several minutes. “Have you had a chance to talk to Tom?” Olivia said. “No, he’s out at Rödlöga sorting out the cabin.” The women exchanged a glance and smiled. Living with eleven refugees, one of them a new-born baby, wasn’t likely to be anywhere close to the top of Tom’s wish-list. “He’ll just have to learn how to change nappies,” Olivia said, and looked at the time. She had to drive out to Värnamo the next morning to finish off a murder investigation, so she ought to get a few hours sleep before that. Maybe a quick check on how things were going at the Central Station first. Perhaps Jamie was still there? “I think I’ll get going, if that’s okay?” “Sure. Thanks for all your help!” Olivia nodded and got to her feet, then stood for a moment looking at Luna. “What is it?” “I hope Tom realises how good you are.” Olivia turned and walked towards the steps. Luna watched her as she disappeared up on deck. I hope so too, she thought, stretching out on the built-in sofa. Then the baby started to cry.
Jamie was still there. He smiled when he saw Olivia making her way towards him in her brightly coloured vest. He was busy sharing out blankets to some families that had just arrived. “You came back,” he smiled. “Yes, just for a little while, then I have to go home. Have you spent many nights here?” “Quite a few. It’s crazy in here. Can you get some more blankets?” Olivia nodded and made her way through the crowd, thinking about Jamie. Bumping into him here in an orange vest trying to help a load of desperate people had come of something of a surprise. When they lived together he had a very easy-going attitude to life – when he ran out of money he’d get more by working in bars and nightclubs, sleeping until lunchtime and hanging out with his friends in the evenings. He wasn’t exactly your standard-issue refugee-volunteer, whatever that might look like. Olivia’s little while turned into an hour, then a couple more. When it was almost three o’clock in the morning Jamie sank onto a bench and Olivia sat down beside him. They were both exhausted. “That’ll have to do,” Jamie said.
Olivia nodded. Her feet were sore, and she was longing for a pot of tea. Jamie straightened up and tried to stretch his shoulder-blades. “Do you still live on Skånegatan?” he said. “No, I’ve moved to Högalidsgatan.” “Not far, then.” Jamie smiled, and Olivia thought back to when she first saw his smile. That had been the thing that struck her most when they first met. “I’m knackered,” he said. “Shall we go?” Olivia nodded and stood up, and as Jamie got to his feet she found herself saying something she definitely hadn’t expected to say. “Do you want to come back for a cup of tea?” He did. * The boar was standing on the edge of a clearing. There were gaps here and there in the dense pine forest, openings left by fallen trees, often with large root-balls that caught the moonlight and filtered it across the ground. It was very quiet among the trees, no wind disturbing the branches, but the boar was still cautious. If it moved into the clearing it could be seen. It waited, sniffing the air, there was a smell that was luring it out, and that smell came from the clearing, a short way off by a small rocky outcrop. It would have to step into the open in order to reach the source of the smell. Its big black body took a few steps into the moonlight, its head swinging in all directions, its small eyes scanning the area. A few more cautious steps and it would reach the smell. The boar stopped in the middle of the bluelit clearing. Its big head swung round one last time before bending towards the ground beside the rock. Its strong, sharp jaws began to snout about, its claws scraping the dark earth. It took several minutes for it to dig down far enough to reach the source of the smell. It lowered its head and started to pull something out between its teeth. Whatever it was didn’t want to come loose. The boar grunted and swung its powerful head back and forth to free the object clamped between its teeth. In the end it came loose. The boar turned and took a few paces towards the edge of the clearing. It quickened its pace and disappeared from the moonlight, into the darkness, with part of a naked foot hanging from its jaw. Muriel’s surname was Johansson, and she sometimes supplemented her social security money by selling her body. She was a little over thirty, and rarely reflected over either herself or her situation. That was a dead-end
Literature she’d been into a couple of times before, only to emerge with slashed wrists on her way to a psychiatric ward. So now she did her best to avoid it. She lived day to day, night to night. Occasionally she managed to stay clean for a while, thanks largely to friends who saw her as someone other than the person she saw herself as. Ronny and Benseman, and Tom. But they were the breaks in her nocturnal wanderings, small blue oases where she could pause for breath, before the urge to flee drove her out into the darkness again. “But what are you fleeing from?” Tom had once asked. “What do you have to keep running away from?” “Myself.” She could have said the shame of it, the whole fucking lot, the guilt, any of the mass of things that were bundled up inside her in the form of a faceless monster. The thing at the far end of the dead-end, holding up a mirror made of ice. Forcing her out onto the streets. Like tonight. She had just been dropped off at Brunkebergstorg, and stepped straight into a large puddle. Her trainers were soaked. Fuck. She climbed up onto the pavement and adjusted her unkempt hair. The client had insisted on holding her head during the blow-job. Fucking pig. But he’d paid what she’d said, and now those two five-hundred-kronor notes were burning a hole in her pocket, and it wasn’t far to the dealers at Sergels torg. “Oi, you!” Muriel looked round. A silver-grey BMW was gliding up behind her with its window wound down. “How much for a blow-job?” A man in his twenties was leaning out of the window. He had dark, slicked-back hair, narrow grey eyes and teeth that were far too white. Muriel glanced inside the car and caught a glimpse of several more young men, reeking of aftershave, alcohol and testosterone. The very worst combination. “For fuck’s sake, Micke!” one of the guys in the back seat yelled. “She’s a fucking junkie! Forget it, that’s just nasty!” Muriel reacted instinctively. She spat at the car door and stepped back up onto the pavement. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing, you fucking bitch?!” The car door flew open and the guy whose name was evidently Micke started to get out. His friends tried to stop him. “Leave it, Micke! She’s probably got Aids or something!” Micke leapt out of the car and onto the pavement. Muriel realised she’d made a mistake
and started to run. Her heavy, wet shoes squelched around her feet, she’d never be able to outrun him. Shit! Why had she spat at the car? Why didn’t she just slink away? That was her usual tactic when things went wrong, to make herself small and grey and invisible, not stand up to all the morons she ran into. Hadn’t she learned that by now? “You fucking bitch!” Micke panted behind her. Suddenly Muriel felt him grab her by the hair. She screamed and threw herself forward, trying to pull free. No chance. His grip made her head snap back, and a jolt of pain ran down her spine. She wasn’t going anywhere. Putting up a fight would only make things worse. She hunched up and closed her eyes, and waited for the first blow. It never came. Suddenly everything happened very fast. She heard the BMW pull up beside them, and the guys in the car sounded worried. “Micke! Get in, for fuck’s sake!” “Now! Otherwise we’ll leave you here!” Micke suddenly let go of Muriel’s hair and jumped into the silver-grey car. Muriel opened her eyes and saw it accelerate away. She didn’t understand what had happened, but thanked her lucky stars. Or possibly just Micke’s friends. Until she saw a car approaching with flashing blue lights on its roof. Muriel straightened up and smoothed out her short skirt, and started walking towards Sergels torg as if nothing had happened. The police car slowed down as it drew level with her. She could feel the men in the car scrutinising her, but they didn’t stop, not this time, they just drove on towards Malmskillnadsgatan. Muriel breathed out. That was when she saw her, a short distance away. A skinny little wretch sitting huddled up in the darkness against a concrete wall outside Riksbanken. She saw how the girl tried to make herself invisible while the police car was in sight. She relaxed a bit when it had gone. She didn’t look older than ten, maybe eleven years old, and was dressed in a thin pink T-shirt and a pair of threadbare yellow trousers held up by a piece of string tied round her waist. Around her neck she had a colourful necklace of glass beads and what looked like some sort of seedpods. In one hand she was clutching an orange cloth bag. She was dirty and wet from the rain, but Muriel was struck by the fact that she radiated a sort of elegance in spite of her miserable situation. Even though she was sitting with her knees pulled up to her chest, her back was straight. She looks like a little ballerina, Muriel thought. A ballerina who’s crying so hard she’s
shaking. Muriel went over and crouched down in front of her. “What’s happened? Are you okay?” The girl looked up at her and Muriel was struck instantly. Those sad brown eyes looked considerably older than the girl herself. On one cheek her tears ran down to a broad dark scar, where they stopped briefly. On the other cheek they ran straight down to her chin, past her finely-shaped lips, before dropping onto her pink top. Muriel repeated her question, this time in stilted English, because it occurred to her that the girl might not understand Swedish. She tried to smile without showing her teeth – she was ashamed of them. The girl with the remarkable eyes looked at her, reading her, it felt like. Muriel felt uncomfortable, partly because she didn’t like being looked at, and partly because the usual withdrawal symptoms were starting to kick in. She slowly stood back up. What should I do? she thought, looking around as if trying to find help. “I’m hungry.” The girl said this in clear English, in a high voice, and Muriel looked back at her again. “And thirsty.” Muriel suddenly regretted asking. Why should she care? Did she honestly think she could help this child? She was hardly Florence what’s-her-name? – Nightingale, she had enough troubles of her own to deal with. The itch inside her body was getting worse. She took a few steps away from the girl – she’d just sucked off a client, she had a thousand kronor in her pocket, and Sergels torg wasn’t far away. “I haven’t got anywhere to go,” the girl said. Muriel had time to think “you and me both” before she took a remarkable decision. She had no idea why. Perhaps it was the thought of Vera that suddenly ran through her head. Vera, who had comforted her when her life had been unbearable. Who had made sure she got some food inside her and let her sleep in her caravan when she was frightened. Who had been a second mother to her in the daily hell. Vera, who was dead. Beaten to death. Muriel turned back towards the girl, took a few steps and held out her hand. “Come with me, I will help you,” she said in her primitive English. The girl looked at the outstretched hand without moving. Had she expected it to contain money? Muriel wondered. Or was she doing a risk assessment? She must have seen at least part of the row on the pavement earlier, and it must have been pretty clear what was going on, even if she didn’t understand Swedish. She must know that I’m a whore. Even though I’m MAGAZINESWEDEN
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Literature not. Well, maybe I am. I have sex to get money to shoot crap into myself. But right now I’m trying to be nice. “I’m not dangerous,” Muriel said tentatively. “I have money, I can buy food.” Muriel put her hand in her pocket and pulled out the two five-hundred-kronor notes she’d earned from the blow job, and which she had been fully intending to use for something other than buying food for a sobbing little girl. “There’s a shop down here. Follow me!” The girl finished her evaluation, took hold of Muriel’s hand and got to her feet. She kept a firm grip on the orange cloth bag with the other hand. Muriel smiled again and this time she forgot to hide her terrible teeth. “What lovely... hair you’ve got!” She wanted to say plaits, but didn’t know the word in English. The shop assistant in the 7-Eleven stopped what she was doing for a moment when she saw the woman walk through the door. Heavy make-up, skinny, with squelching trainers and a short black skirt. Muriel saw the suspicious look in her eyes and recognised it all too well, those looks that reduced her to nothing but a junkie, a cheap whore turning tricks for drugs. She lowered her head and looked at the floor. The way she always did. If Vera had been there she would have said: “What the fuck are you staring at? Never seen a celebrity before, or what?!” Then she would have laughed loudly, and gone on laughing until the shop assistant reached for the alarm under the counter. But Muriel wasn’t Vera. She kept her eyes on the floor. This time she also happened to have a little black girl in dirty, soaking wet clothes with her, which didn’t exactly do much to allay any suspicions. She went over to the soft drinks. She raised her head and looked at the girl. She was standing tall right beside her, looked around curiously. She wasn’t allowing herself to be diminished. She pulled a large bottle of Coca-Cola from the chiller cabinet with an air of supreme confidence. Muriel could feel the shop assistant’s stare burning into the back of her neck. The girl held the bottle up to Muriel. “Okay?” “Okay,” Muriel repeated. The girl turned and set about gathering bread, butter and sandwich toppings from the nearby counters. Muriel stood there, at something of a loss. She would just have to deal with the withdrawal pangs this evening. Muriel and the girl sat next to each other on an almost empty bus heading out towards the forests of Lissma. The girl looked out of the
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window. The roads were dark and the houses became more and more spread out. Muriel looked down at her hands and tried to stop them shaking. She was still surprised by her decision to take the girl with her. They were on their way to Rudderless Ronny’s summer cottage, the little house in the forest that the kind-hearted second-hand bookseller was letting her stay in. She was aware that the arrangement was strictly between them, and wasn’t sure how he’d react to her dragging a little refugee girl, a complete stranger, out there. She assumed the girl was a refugee. She had a feeling. “Folami,” the girl suddenly said. “My name is Folami.” Muriel started. It hadn’t occurred to her that they hadn’t actually done the introductions yet. “Folami?” “Yes. You?” “Muriel.” Muriel pronounced her name the way it was spelled. Other people had a tendency to pronounce it the American way, more like Myuriel, but Muriel knew that her mother had had trouble deciding between Ariel and Muriel, and only picked Muriel when she remembered that Ariel was also a brand of washing powder. But she wanted the name to sound almost the same, with a short ‘u’, letter for letter. “Muriel.” Folami repeated the name just as Muriel had pronounced it, and said she thought it was a beautiful name. “So is Folami.” They rode on in silence. Muriel had trouble making conversation at the best of times, and trying to do it in English didn’t make things any easier. Folami didn’t seem bothered. She leaned her head against the window of the bus and looked out at the dark forest rushing past. After a while she closed her eyes and appeared to be asleep. Muriel gazed at her. The girl looked almost tranquil. Muriel felt pleased. She had turned a shit evening into something else. Vera would have been proud of her. When they got off at a dark, deserted busstop out in Lissma, a thin, elderly woman got off at the same stop with a fully-loaded shopping trolley in one hand and a bag of groceries in the other. The woman got off first. She groaned audibly as she stopped immediately after getting out. Muriel and Folami had to squeeze past her. Muriel was convinced the woman had blocked their exit on purpose. The woman looked over at the road. A stocky figure was approaching through the darkness along the verge, accompanied by a large dog. “Is that you?” the woman said in a loud,
shrill voice. “Yes, Mum,” the man said out of the darkness. Muriel took Folami by the arm and started to walk. They passed the man with the dog, he was in his forties. Muriel recognised him. She had seen him on the road when she was walking to catch the bus a few days ago. This time she saw him staring at Folami. Putting her hand on Folami’s shoulder, Muriel turned off onto the narrow forest track that led to Ronny’s little cottage. When she glanced over her shoulder she saw the man and woman standing at the bus-stop, staring after them. “Is it far to the house?” Folami asked. “A bit further.” Muriel quickened her pace.
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Christmas Supplement
Magazine Sweden’s Christmas Supplement Good tidings we bring … The season of goodwill will soon be upon us, with festivities, celebrations and traditions galore on offer in the coming weeks. Sweden is truly a fantastic place to experience all kinds of genuine Christmas fare, be it the sweet warming ’glögg & pepparkakor’ of the traditional Christmas markets or the age-old tradition of Jämtland’s Sjulsmäss, Sweden has something special to share with you. This year, the ghost of Christmas past will also be making an appearance at Stockholm’s Folkoperan, with Pernilla Isedals rendition of ‘A Christmas Carol’ in English! … We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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Christmas Supplement
A Christmas Carol
Director Pernilla Isedal has herself produced the English adaption of the Charles Dickens’ classic work ‘A Christmas Carol’. This summer, she held auditions in London in search of British actors. Now the ghostly performance of the unsympathetic Ebenezer Scrooge is all set to perform at Folkoperan in Stockholm. In English.
T
o put on one of the world’s most classic works at Folkoperan’s stage - in your own English adaption, with a British cast - is not something for the fainthearted. But Pernilla Isedal did not hesitate for one second. MagazineSweden had a chat with the director of this great Christmas classic. – What I love most about Dickens is the language. Therefore, it was clear to me to make the production in his own words. Obviously, it would have also worked with a translation to Swedish, but I felt that you lost some of Dickens’ own language and expression, says Pernilla. Do you ever feel uncertain when working in a foreign language - even if it is English?
- Not really, but I have worked a lot in English. In 1988 I started working as an actress with The English Theater Company in Stockholm, so I am very used to English - both the people and the language! Do British actors raise their eyebrows at having a Swedish director? - Not at all! But it can happen sometimes that someone will have an opinion on the subtleties of my translation and then we will work together to adjust that. - The only actors on the stage that are not British, are our children and adolescents. This is because it was far more complicated to employ British children. Although Swedish children and adolescents speak impressively good English, we have had to work a lot with some pronunciations - just to make the audience’s experience as good as possible. How did you select the British actors? - We had the auditions in London in the
summer. I went over to England and met up with my musical director Tam Neal, who arranged the music and we made the selection. I’ve been doing ‘A Christmas Carol’ in English since 2009, so I’ve got certain habits, even though it’s mostly new actors for each new production. We renew the performance from year to year, both musically and in terms of the manuscript. -Every summer, I sit in the shade somewhere and read through Dickens’ book and after each reread, I find new details and small variations, which mean I can improve the performance a little more with each year that passes. Many in the audience come back every year and see the performance as something of a Christmas tradition. This means that any changes we make are quite small, as it still needs to be the same story. Also, many in the audience have read the book themselves and maybe seen a film version, so it’s not possible to change too much. It should be the traditional Dickens tale, because that’s what the audience wants, contends Pernilla Isedal. Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol in 1843. Is it the case that the story is still relevant? - Absolutely! Although the story is old, the theme is absolutely relevant today. There are still mean, miserly people today, who might benefit from the opportunity to think about their ways a little! Who is the old man Ebenezer Scrooge really? Is he really as nasty as he seems? -He is definitely not a sympathetic person! On the other hand, what we show in the performance, and what Dickens showed in his book, is that it’s possible for everyone to change for the better. One should not give up hope. In the beginning of the performance, Ebenezer Scrooge is a mean, miserly and unfeeling person. But, with the help of three ghosts, he experiences what has happened in past Christmases, present
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Christmas Supplement A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Charles Dickens’ classic from 1843 is about old Ebenezer Scrooge who lives alone in a big gloomy house, once owned by his now dead friend Jacob Marley. He is a sad, miserly and angry man who runs a loan company with the help of the bookkeeper Bob Cratchit. One evening he is visited by Marley’s ghost, who comes to warn him. If Scrooge does not change his greedy behaviour, he will, in the afterlife, be weighed down by heavy chains for eternity, just like his deceased friend. Marley says that Scrooge will be visited by three ghosts who will guide him through the night between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day ... DID YOU KNOW?
Walt Disney’s Scrooge McDuck is named after Dickens’ grumpy miser!
day Christmas and even what will happen in future Christmases if he does not change his ways – with this revelation, he actually changes. - When the ghosts take him back to his own childhood Christmases, both he and the audience get to clearly understand how and why he became like he is. He is indeed an awful man, but everyone can change. Somewhere deep inside there is a heart, even in Scrooge! The music is an important component of the performance. Can you tell us a little about that? - There is a lot of traditional Christmas music in the show, even though it is not a musical or an opera. I usually say that it’s a play with music. We have noticed that there are just as
many who come to see the show for the actual theatre, as come to listen to and enjoy to the atmospheric music. -We use the music to drive forward the story. Everyone in the cast can sing and we perform live music on stage. Is it just ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’ and other Christmas classics, or is there any newly written music? - The newly written material is the work of Tam Neal. Additionally, we have made the performance very cinematic. There is a musician on stage who follows all the action, playing differently depending on what’s happening, maybe it is Scrooge wandering across the stage or another of the characters. In fact, it is not
that different from how music is usually used in film, which feels both exciting and a little new. One can say that the performance has a very musical side too. The music contributes to creating different moods and atmospheres within the performance, that makes for another dimension of the audience’s experience. Somebody who could have played the role of Ebenezer Scrooge with ease, was your father, Tor Isedal, who was of course, himself, a well known Swedish actor. - Yes, indeed! Dad had a face that looked like he had slept outdoors for 17 years! concludes Pernilla Isedal with a hearty laugh. Text: Tony Manieri Photo: Johan Lygrell
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Christmas Supplement
Meet Santa in Gamla Stan The Christmas Market located at Stortorget is Stockholm’s oldest Christmas market and has been running for more than 100 years. Stortorget in Gamla Stan has been used for many different purposes over the centuries but records show that it has been used as a market place as early as the 1300’s.
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Christmas Supplement
I
n the 19th century, Stortorget’s Christmas Market consisted of over a hundred stalls, it covered Slottsbacken and even parts of Skeppsbron. It was a distinguished craft market. Bleachers, book binders, makers of gloves, hats, instruments, combs, brushes and baskets gathered alongside copper and brass workers, wood turners, tin casters and other skilled professionals that have today more or less disappeared. Those who sold ornamental churches made from plaster of paris and other Christmas trinkets were happy to display their goods on tables in the square. The quality of goods gradually fell during the late 19th century and in 1907 trade was banned on Stortorget because of the noise and drunkenness. But not long after, already in 1914, Stockholm’s Gillet was formed with the ambition of rebuilding the then shameful reputation of the market. And in this they have been very successful. Today, the market is overflowing with delights, you can find food products like smoked sausage and fish, Sami crafts from Norrland, ceramics from southern Sweden, many different handicrafts made of wood and metal, sheepskins, jewellery, trinkets, Christmas ornaments, marzipan, honey, cheeses, candy, spices and much more. Additionally, there is hot glögg with gingerbread biscuits, hotdogs, soda, coffee, espresso, candyfloss, waffles and sweets, games and a tombola. We met up with Thomas Johansson, the manager of Stockholm’s Gillet, to answer some of our questions.
Stockholm through the various grants that we award annually.
First, tell us about Stockholm’s Gillet.
- Some years it is something that we would never have bet on! We believe that high quality products and a broad offering is the best for our visitors. What people are interested in buying depends very much on the age of the customer and the day of the week we are talking about. In the middle of the
- Stockholm’s Gillet is a non-profit association that works with Stockholm’s history and development. We have about 500 members who meet three times a year for pleasant get-togethers where we hold lectures and presentations and socialise in a comradely spirit. We have run the Stortorget Christmas Market since 1915 and any surplus profit goes into research on
There must be many people who want a stall in the market each Christmas, however, there is only room for 41 vendors, what is your selection criteria? -Gillet’s policy is that the goods sold must be genuine Swedish products, this applies to both food and handicrafts. Furthermore, we strive to maintain a wide range of products so that as many people as possible can find something that appeals to them. We want all visitors regardless of their age or background to leave the market with quality goods and a positive image of the market. The range of products has developed over the years to what we see today. During these years, we have been investing more and more in genuine Swedish craftsmanship, in order to get us on the map as a high-quality market. It is an honour for us that we appear on The Daily Telegraph’s topten list of Europe’s Christmas markets. - The stall-holders come from all corners of the country, Sami handicrafts from Kiruna, ceramics from Lund and Stockholm, honey from Värmland, Swedish food delicacies from Hälsingland, handmade Christmas elves from Småland, jewellery from Simrishamn, knitted items from Adelsö, cheese from Öland, lights from Dalarna, just to name a few.
week there are many school classes that visit the market and then there is a high demand for a lot of hotdogs, sweets and candyfloss. On Saturdays and Sundays, it is more mature and quality-oriented clientele looking to purchase our fine range of genuine Swedish handicrafts, that can be anything from ceramics and craftworks to delicacies from Sweden’s best. How many visitors do you have each year? -We have no idea really because it is free entry and many people pass through Stortorget in December, but I would guess that it is hundreds of thousands of visitors. As you mentioned, you are a non-profit association. What is the surplus profit used for? - The whole of Stockholm’s Gillet’s Profit from the Christmas market is used for scholarships for research on Stockholm. Our interest is quite broad, but the main focus is architecture, history, culture and community buildings. Scholarship applications that are received are handled by Gillet’s Scholarship Committee, which is compiled of members highly skilled in these specified areas. One final question, has Santa ever been looking around the market stalls? -The fact is that Santa has visited us since the market days of the Middle Ages. He often appears with his little helper elves on the dark winter Christmas nights. Text: Marie Tillman Photo: Stockholms Gillet
What things are people interested in buying?
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Christmas Supplement
Europe’s Christmas Markets It’s not just us here in Sweden that think it’s nice to stroll around Christmas markets with a warming mug of Glögg in hand. All around Europe, Christmas is celebrated with traditional markets and most are within easy reach, perfect for a day trip or weekend away! Text: Marie Tillman Photo: Adobe Stock
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Christmas Supplement
Berlin In Berlin, the variety of Christmas markets is huge and they get going at the end of November. One of the most sought-after Christmas markets in Berlin is at The Charlottenburg Palace. The stall holders and food vendors are all hand-picked and the palace also holds special exhibitions. Food, toys and gifts can be purchased in the market, making it perfect for those who want to start enjoying the Christmassy atmosphere. November 25 - December 31st www.visitberlin.de/en/christmas-markets-berlin www.vdsc.de
Copenhagen Copenhagen has a big selection of Christmas markets, but it is the traditional market at Tivoli that draws the most attention, attracting over a million visitors each year. It is packed full of Christmas elves and ice sculptures, an ice-skating rink, a pantomime theater and activities for children. It is truly spectacular with its many kilometers of fairy lights and over 60 beautifully decorated huts selling old-fashioned toys, Christmas decorations and much more. They serve their glรถgg with raisins and almonds, just like we do in Sweden. The market is open from the beginning of November to the end of December. November 17 - December 31st www.tivoli.dk
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Christmas Supplement
London In central London’s Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland spreads Christmas joy all over London, it is appreciated by both tourists and Londoners alike. The market has grown exponentially since its inception and today houses the city’s largest outdoor ice-skating rink as well as a Christmas circus, a Ferris wheel and over 100 other attractions. Naturally, there are many stalls selling all kinds of treats to help keep your strength up as you wander this huge site. Free entrance. November 23 - January 6th www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
Vienna Austria’s capital is one of the world’s leading cities for celebrating Christmas with a market that has been held annually for over 700 years. Here you can drink glühwein and eat vanillekipferl (a vanilla sugar covered biscuit) and roasted chestnuts. The celebration is very social and there are many meeting places. Every year the City Hall’s windows are painted by local artists with Christmas themes. The cosy markets are tightly packed together in the city: Altweiner Christkindlmarkt is especially cosy and is dominated by local artists and their work, the market next to the City Hall in Rathausplatz sells simple and less sophisticated gifts, while the market at Schönbrunn Palace, in addition its striking setting, offers Christmas items of a more lavish nature. November 15th - December 31st. www.wien.info
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MAGAZINESWEDEN
Christmas Supplement
Lübeck This Christmas Market held on a square next to the Town Hall is very old and was first mentioned more than 350 years ago. Today, it has grown and spread out onto the pedestrian streets surrounding the Town Hall and Koberg. Lübeck’s medieval squares and houses set the perfect stage for Christmas and hundreds of vendors purvey everything from glühwein to old-fashioned wooden toys, gifts and Christmas treats. The Enchanted Forest at St Mary’s Church is a creation inspired by the brothers Grimm’s fairy tales, 20 fairy tale houses depicting favorites such as Hansel & Gretel and Sleeping Beauty make for a charming Christmas atmosphere for all the family. November 26th - December 30th. www.lubeck.nu
Strasbourg One of the oldest Christmas markets not only in France but in the world. Christmas decorations and lights are not spared in this town. It’s peppered with Christmas choirs singing out, Santa and his elves and even a depiction Jesus’s birth. In the area around the Notre Dame Cathedral you will find lots of stalls selling traditional Christmas items, decorations and spices and a huge selection of gourmet foods. To accompany the local version of glögg, try a flammekeuche (a thin pizza with bacon, onions and crème fraiche), goose liver or the traditional Christmas biscuits recettes de bredele. Perhaps the biggest point of pride in the market is the Christmas tree in the middle of the square: At 30 meters high, it’s Europe’s largest naturally growing Christmas tree. November 23rd - December 30th www.noel.strasbourg.eu
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Christmas Supplement BLIXTEN & CO PRESENTS
A GHOST STORY OF CHRISTMAS. A MUSICAL PLAY BASED ON DICKENS’ MAGICAL STORY. PERFORMED IN ENGLISH
GUEST PERFORMANCES
AT FOLKOPERAN RUNS
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13TH-30TH OF DECEMBER Tickets: blixten.se, Folkoperan.se 08-616 07 50
MAGAZINESWEDEN
Christmas Supplement
Christmas Market IN GAMLA STAN
Julmarknad Gamla Stan
Welcome to Stortorget’s traditional Christmas market in Stockholm!
There has been a Christmas Market in Stortorget since the Middle Ages, a time when nearly all trade took place at markets. Stockholms-Gillet has managed the Christmas market for over 100 years, offering a broad selection of handicrafts and treats. Come along with all your family and friends and experience a genuine Christmas atmosphere in the middle of Stockholm!
Open daily between 11 – 18 From 24th November to 23rd December
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Christmas Supplement
I väntan på Sjulsmäss*
In the run up to Christmas, Absolut Jämtland is giving a concert in every municipality in Jämtland. Kjell-Erik Eriksson is the artistic director for this year’s concert program called ‘I väntan på Sjulsmäss’ (Waiting for Sjulsmäss). This year’s line-up includes Hoven Droven, Triakel, Ellen Sundberg and Merit Hemmingson. Text: Tony Manieri Photo: Marlene Nilsén
*Sjulsmäss is a celebration in Jämtland that takes place on 23rd December. Sjulsmäss is a very old local Catholic tradition celebrated in Tröndelagen and the area to the north, Jämtland and Härjedalen. The name Sjul is derived from the name Sigurd, but who Sigurd was exactly is not known for certain. He was possibly a local bishop who was declared a saint after his death. The celebration was banned after the Reformation and the name Sjul was then used by Protestant priests to mean the devil. However, the tradition has lived on and the word is still used in the local dialect for 23rd December and signifies the preparation and cleansing rituals before Christmas. How they celebrated in the past is not known. Source: Wikipedia.
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Christmas Supplement
A
bsolut Jämtland is Eshtrad Norr’s new venture, an ensemble of folk and world music. The constellation of performers will vary from year to year, but will always consist of musicians either living in Jämtland or having roots in the county. -This first year we want to give the audience a unique opportunity to meet nine established and much valued Jämtland musicians representing folk and world music, says Monica Bergander, producer of music and theatre at Estrad Norr. -There are many people involved in folk and world music in Jämtland, so we want to make a big effort for them. We asked Kjell-Erik Eriksson to become the artistic director, Kjell-Erik is also a member of Hoven Droven and Triakel. So, he got the role of putting together this year’s Christmas performance of Absolut Jämtland. The tour has the subtitle “Awaiting Sjulsmäss”. What does it mean? -Sjulsmäss is the day before Christmas Eve and traditionally the day when you cleansed yourself and got ready for Christmas Eve. And we thought it was an exciting, fun name with clear local connotations, laughs Monica Bergander. This year’s show has a large number of artists; everything from newcomers to the stage to popular old favourites. - That’s right and of course that makes for extra excitement. When it became clear that Merit Hemmingson wanted to take part, it felt like we had scored a big goal. The blend of Hoven Droven’s bold folk music and Merit’s more delicate tones will create an amazing dynamic in the performance. And that’s something the audience will surely appreciate! Is it all newly composed music or will the audience get to hear some old Christmas favourites? - It will be a mix of old and new. It’s hard to imagine a real Christmas concert without some of our old favourites ...
On the stage: HOVEN DROVEN
Founded in 1989, they are today, considered one of Sweden’s biggest folk-rock bands. By combining folk music with modern rock music, they have made their very own sound. They have won several awards over the years and have toured the world over. TRIAKEL
Triakel have been around since the mid 1990’s and have toured the length and breadth of Sweden. Triakel plays everything from old revue hits to hymns. Their ballads often have roots in Jämtland or Hälsingland. The music is low-key but engaging with the arrangements built around Emma Harlem’s singing, which is at the core of their sound. ELLEN SUNDBERG
Ellen got her breakthrough in 2013. In a short time, it has been a very eventful journey for her with tours both nationally and internationally. She has often been described as a female Neil Young, a female Bob Dylan and a female The Tallest Man on Earth. MERIT HEMMINGSON
Tour dates 2018: Thursday 29th November at 19:00 Duved Church Friday 30th November at 19:00 Hackås Föreningshus Sunday 2nd December at 18:00 Bräcke Folkets Hus Wednesday 5th December at 19.00 Storsjöteatern, Östersund Thursday 6th December at 19.00 Svegs Church Friday 7th December at 19.00 Centrumlokalen, Hammarstrand Saturday 8th December at 19.00 Strömsund Church Sunday December 9th at 18:00 Offerdal Church
In the mid 1950’s, Merit played piano in various jazz-influenced orchestras in Jämtland. Then in the mid-1960’s, she moved on to the Hammond organ. In total, she has released nineteen separate albums since 1967. The most famous being Huvva! - svensk folkmusik på beat (1971), Trollskog – mer svensk folkmusik på beat (1972) and Bergtagen (1974), all three of which became gold discs. Merit’s most famous single recording is probably Jämtlandsk brudmarsch from the album Bergtagen, which at that time, was a groundbreaking new version of the Jämtland song. In 2012 Merit Hemmingson was awarded the Jan Johansson scholarship and last year she was selected for the Swedish Music Hall of Fame. MEDVERKANDE MUSIKER
Kjell-Erik Eriksson Jens Comén Bo Lindberg Pedro Blom Björn Höglund Emma Härdelin Jan Strömstedt Ellen Sundberg Merit Hemmingson MAGAZINESWEDEN
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Christmas Supplement
welcome to sweden's most famous home! CARL LARSSON-Gร RDEN IN SUNDBORN IS AN ICON IN SWEDISH INTERIOR DESIGN AND FAMILY LIFE.
Jenny Nystrรถm ILLUSTRATOR AND PIONEER 26 OKT 2018 - 17 FEB 2019
CARLLARSSON.SE
Christmas Supplement
This year’s craziest game – guaranteed! Take a deep breath, get ready and challenge friends, family and yourself with this game of unbeatable records. 20 incredible challenges and 600 world record questions help you collect points in this exciting board game. Did we say ‘unbeatable’? Nothing is unbeatable in the Guinness World of Records. World records are made to be broken. So get ready, set the timer and GO!
Available to buy online and in selected toy shops and book shops! www.algaspel.se
Upplev UpplevSveriges Sverigesstörsta störstakonstglassamling. konstglassamling.
Experience the largest collection of art glass in Sweden. Spännande utställningar. Familjeaktiviteter. Spännande utställningar. Familjeaktiviteter. Exciting exhibitions. Family activities.
Glasblåsning Fika. Glasblåsningi hyttan. i hyttan.Shopping. Shopping. Fika.
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Storgatan , 360 6565Boda Storgatan , 360 Bodaglasbruk glasbruk Storgatan 5, 3605565 Boda Glassworks 0471-249360, 0471-249360, www.theglassfactory.se, +46 471–24 93 60, www.theglassfactory.se, www.theglassfactory.se, info@theglassfactory.se info@theglassfactory.se info@theglassfactory.se
Gustafsberg’s Porcelain Factory Made in Sweden since 1825
Gustafsberg’s Porcelain Factory is the Nordic region’s only fine bone china manufacturer. Our finest products are sold through resellers across the country and online. In Gustavsberg we have our own shop for sale of seconds and many other kitchen and tableware goods. We also have a guided tour of the factory at least once a month.
Chamottevägen 2, Gustavsberg, Stockholm (by the wheel in the harbour) info@gustavsbergsporslinsfabrik.se www.gustavsbergsporslinsfabrik.se
Tel Shop: 08-570 369 00 Open Mon-Fri 10-18, Sat-Sun 11-17 Tel Factory: 08-570 356 63 Mon-Fri 9-15
Culture
Disney’s Musical ”The hunchback of Notre Dame” Martin Redhe Nord as Quasimodo - Photo: Mats Bäcker
A dizzying story about good and evil. The most high-tech set that GöteborgsOperan has ever seen. Martin Redhe Nord and Marsha Songcome debut in their first lead roles in Sweden, in Disney’s Musical ‘The hunchback of Notre Dame’. They will have their hearts crushed every night.
T
he word ‘dream-role’ is such a cliché these days that it should probably not be used, but for Martin Redhe Nord and Marsha Songcome, taking the lead roles in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, it is far more than that. Quasimodo the hunch backed bell ringer in Notre Dame’s bell tower and Esmeralda a Roma woman fighting for good are not just roles in a musical that they have longed to be part of. It is also their first leading roles working in Swedish and their debut in Gothenburg. When they were studying in Gothenburg - Martin at the Ballet Academy and Marsha at Performing Arts School – the idea of performing on GöteborgsOperan’s main stage seemed almost unachievable. Now they are working together for the first time and they come with a whole bag of professional acting experience from dozens of shows. Despite this, I find two people, who maybe need to pinch themselves to fully comprehend that it’s soon time for curtain up, sitting in one of the opera house’s coffee-break rooms, after a day of rehearsals.
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– The director said: ”You will have your hearts crushed on stage every night. And you will love it ”. If I have to describe the performance with one word, it would be ‘empathy’ says Martin Redhe Nord. An epic story about good and evil! New and unique on-stage LED screen technology! Masterful and powerful music! It is possible to describe the award-winning musical The Hunchback of Notre Dame with so many sensational headlines. But the most important thing for Martin and Marsha is the story of exclusion and alienation that both characters represent and their courage to see beyond prejudice and hatred. Especially in times when groups of people are set against each other and there is a lot of polarisation. Victor Hugo’s classic novel about outcasted groups, like the Roma and the disabled, is a story that needs to be told over and over again, Marsha and Martin say. – This is no sugar sweet story with Esmeralda as a princess. Darkness and sorrow are at the fore and the question ”Who of us, can truly call another a beast?” is posed. Esmeralda is the one who sees Quasimodo as a human being, says Marsha - who wants to go beyond the idea of Esmeralda as a poor, beautiful woman who
dances for money, - after all what choice does Esmeralda have in the world in which she lives, one where she is not seen as a citizen like other people? The physical deformity, the hunched back of the bell ringer Quasimodo and his inward life - the statues of Notre Dame being his only friends - can be interpreted in many ways,
Marsha Songcome as Esmeralda - Photo: Mats Bäcker
MAGAZINESWEDEN
Culture Martin says: – When Quasimodo is alone with his imaginary friends, he is free. His ragged voice clears and his spine straightens and he becomes himself when not being confronted at by the prejudice of other people. I think that everybody, with or without any form of disability, have a room inside their minds where they can be free, a room that is not visible to the outside world, says Martin Redhe Nord, who has many years of experience working as one of the regular actors in Glada Hudikteatern. We all know what it feels like to be excluded. A kind of invisible hunch, if you will. Martin grew up in Borlänge, which can be a tough city for a musical-loving boy in touch with his female side and a penchant for Disney’s musical films. The city gave him many cultural opportunities, with many theatre groups and projects, but not all his peers thought it was ”something you should get involved in” as a guy. It took some time for him to realise that the first few years of his working life had been driven by revenge. A force that has now long been silenced. If Martin has been a musical fanatic since he was knee-high then Marsha is at the opposite end of the spectrum: she hardly knew what the genre was. She did participate in a children’s theatre group in Nybro, but went down the science path and thought she would eventually become a doctor. She loved to sing, but did not really have any dancing or singing lessons until she entered the Performing Arts School in Gothenburg - where of course, everybody else had been dancing and singing semi-professional for a long time. She caught up very quickly and got a job directly after finishing her education. After just a couple of years she achieved what many Swedish musical performers can only dream about: she took to the stage in London’s West End. She progressed and developed well, but they were also extremely tough years. – Eight performances a week, all year-round. Everything revolves around work, says Marsha Songcome, who looks forward to performing with a big orchestra and operatic choir and finally to be singing in Swedish. To be performing at GöteborgsOperan for the next year feels like a luxury, the opera house is well known in the industry as both welcoming and professional. – They have an amazing professional competence: prompters, props, tailors, lights and sounds - everyone working well together! And I almost fell to the ground when I realised they were rehearsing Madame Butterfly in the theatre next door and a new dance production in another part of the opera house, says Martin Redhe Nord, who wants audiences this autumn and spring, to leave the show feeling moved but
Martin Redhe Nord as Quasimodo and Marsha Songcome as Esmeralda - Photo: Mats Bäcker
also filled with courage. – Love feeds courage and strength in times of darkness. Above all, this performance has a big, warm, beating heart. Marsha Songcome Occupation: Musicial Performer Currently: Esmeralda in Disney’s Musical: The Hunchback of Notre Dame Background: Grew up in Nybro in Kalmar. Educated at The Performing Arts School in Gothenburg. Contributed to Disney’s Aladdin at the Fredericia Teater in Denmark and Miss Saigon at Malmö Opera. Worked on different scenes in the West End in Miss Saigon, Aladdin and Hamilton Family: Boyfriend, Mum, Dad and Little sister And: Her very musical surname Songcome comes from her mother’s Thai family Martin on Marsha: “She’s unafraid and assertive. There is a scene in the musical where we are all supposed to be completely captivated by her - and that’s no problem! She has a strong stage presence, is easy going in rehearsals and laughs easily. I can totally understand the casting and just why Marsha was picked for the role. ” Martin Redhe Nord Occupation: Musicial Performer Current: Quasimodo in Disney’s Musical: The Hunchback of Notre Dame Background: Born in Borlänge. Educated at Balettakademien in Gothenburg. Has participated in a wide range of musicals, such as Mamma Mia, Cats, West Side Story and most recently
The Book of Mormon. For many years he has been one of the regular actors in the Glada Hudikteatern Family: Boyfriend, Mum, Two Sisters and Three Nieces & Nephews And: Belonged to the house choir and danced on Melodifestivalen, releases songs under the name Drillpojken on Spotify Marsha on Martin: ”He’s so music savvy and intelligent. He sings amazingly and has the ability to really touch his audience. There are moments when we are rehearsing together when everything just stops, he turns Quasimodo from a beast into a human. Martin is super professional whilst at the same time, a wonderful person behind the scenes too.” Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame: The musical is based on Victor Hugo’s novel (1831) and Disney’s animation (1996) and is created by an Oscar-award winning team: Alan Menken, composer for Disney’s Aladdin, Little Mermaid and Beauty and Beast. Stephen Schwartz, lyricist of the Prince of Egypt and Disney’s Pocahontas. The musical contains music from Disney’s animation and some new songs. The Hunchback of Notre Dame is working in collaboration with Fredericia Teater in Denmark, where the Scandinavia premier was held in October 2016. It has been a huge success with audiences and is critically acclaimed. It was even awarded Denmark’s top stage show prize. It is showing at GöteborgsOperan between 22nd September 2018 and 6th April 2019. Text: Marie Branner / GöteborgsOperan MAGAZINESWEDEN
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Museums & Art Galleries
Cool Culture, this autumn! Autumn, with its cooling winds is the perfect season for a visit to one of the country’s many museums and art galleries. The following pages contain a small sample of what is going on!
Gotland Museum Henrik Ramberg
Which of your exhibitions do you most look forward to this autumn? Winners and losers in Swedish nature. A beautiful and thought-provoking photo exhibition about various animal species in the Swedish nature that have become winners or losers for varying different reasons. It gives such a wonderful picture of how fragile nature is. The slightest change can have a huge effect on an entire ecosystem.
What exhibition during your time at the museum, has gotten the most response from your visitors? Codw. An exhibition about violence, with a focus on male violence against women. This was a topic that caught people’s attention and created much debate and that is exactly how we want the museum’s exhibitions to be. We want to become a platform where we can raise difficult and of-the-moment questions for conversation, debate and discussion! Strandgatan 14, Visby www.gotlandsmuseum.se
Klara Berggren, museum educator and program manager at the Dansmuseet. Photo: Lesley Leslie-Spinks
Dance Museum Klara Berggren
Which of your exhibitions do you most look forward to this autumn? This autumn at Dansmuseet, I am looking forward to the exhibition ‘Vindhäxor- a living entity’. The exhibition is a storyboard of photography and projections about the dance company Vindhäxor and Eva Lundqvist, a dancer and choreographer. Eva has created over 40 dance works for Vindhäxor. The photographs in the exhibition have been taken by Lesley Leslie-Spinks who has, for several decades photographed Vindhäxor’s work.
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What exhibition during your time at the museum, has gotten the most response from your visitors? In the summer of 2016 we showed the exhibition ”Everything You Can Imagine Is Real” with costumes from Bea Szenfeld, it became a real hit with audiences! With scissors, a little tape, string and thousands of ordinary A4 sheets of paper, BEA SZENFELD created fantastically impractical creations that together formed ”Haute Papier” - the white collection. Drottninggatan 17, Stockholm www.dansmuseet.se
Henrik Ramberg, exhibition manager and educator at Gotland’s Museum. Photo: Ninni Gahnström
Museums & Art Galleries
Andreas Brändström, museum director at Kristinehamns Art Museum has good memories of the exhibition Queen Kristina. Photo: Kristinehamns Konsthall
Art in Kristinehamn
Andreas Brändström
Which of your exhibitions do you most look forward to this autumn? I look forward to our exhibition with Annica von Hausswolff and Caisa von Zeipel two really cool ladies who work with strong and important questions about female identity, vulnerability, strength, independence, sex and violence. One works with photography and the other with sculpture.
What exhibition during your time at the museum, has gotten the most response from your visitors? Our exhibition ‘Queen Kristina’ which was an exhibition celebrating the city of Kristinehamn, when we had the 375-year anniversary of the city receiving its rights from the Queen. Around 20 people and highly acclaimed artists, fashion designers, architects, directors, historians participated. It was a great show! Dr Enwalls väg 13, Kristinehamn www.kristinehamn.se
The Gothenburg Museum of Art Which of your exhibitions do you most look forward to this autumn? Mloda Polska. Turn of the century art from Poland, which includes many national treasures from the golden age of Polish art. It will be both beautiful and surprising! But also, you should not miss Chiharu Shiota’s magnificent installations of thread (Until Sep 30th).
Philippa Nanfeldt, Head of Public Meetings, Göteborgs konstmuseum. Foto:
Philippa Nanfeldt
What exhibition during your time at the museum, has gotten the most response from your visitors? In 2017, ‘Tove Jansson - The desire to create and live’ was the exhibition that most visitors took to their hearts. It attracted a large audience, many of whom stayed for a long time and discovered new sides of artistry and took part in workshops. But Klara Kristalova (2012) is probably the exhibit that touched visitors the deepest. Her sculptures led to many really nice conversations with the public. Götaplatsen, Göteborg www.goteborgskonstmuseum.se MAGAZINESWEDEN
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Museums & Art Galleries
Marinmuseum Susanne Ekblad
Which of your exhibitions do you most look forward to this autumn? The light that shines into Galjonshallen when we have the open evenings is magical! The whole experience of the space and the figures takes the breath away of many of our visitors, including mine. It’s a place where you can stand and reflect for a while, often in silence. I can’t help wondering what those huge figures have seen
and experienced out on the high seas all that long time ago. What exhibition during your time at the museum, has gotten the most response from your visitors? The submarine hall is a unique experience. Visitors continue to be incredibly fascinated by the opportunity to see a real submarine and to get a glimpse of what it may have been like to work aboard one. Stumholmen, Karlskrona www.marinmuseum.se
Allan and Maria Gutheim, founders of Toy World in Helsingborg. Photo: allanmariag
Toy World
Galjonshallen. Photo: Mattias Billemyr
Allan och Maria Gutheim
Which of your exhibitions do you most look forward to this autumn? In our Star Wars Miniland, we have built scenes from episodes 1 to 6 of the saga. During the autumn, we have a big challenge on our hands, to further build scenes from episode 7 says Allan. Just in time for Hallowe’en and the autumn school break, The Ghost Room’s current theme of ‘The Dungeon’ is going to be redesigned with a new theme… but that is secret at the moment… smiles Maria.
What exhibition during your time at the museum, has gotten the most response from your visitors? Many people are very impressed by our exhibition of the Swedish Happy Meal toys from McDonald’s. It is Sweden’s largest public collection according to Allan. There is a lot of nostalgia especially for the adults, because it tells a story from 1986 right up until today, Maria says. Hävertgatan 21, Helsingborg www.toyworld.se
Susanne Ekblad, Museum Head at Marin Museum. Photo: Marinmuseum
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Naval City of Karlskrona
World Heritage Site 20th anniversary
Please join us in the celebrations 24-28 October! This year the city of Karlskrona celebrates the 20th anniversary as an Unesco World Heritage Site. The upcoming celebrations will be a showcase of events and activities for the public to take part in and enjoy. This will be a celebration of our historical heritage for all the senses. Together we will have so much fun while at the same time gaining new knowledge about our fantastic city! Karlskrona warmly welcomes you! For more information see:
Meet the Vikings for real! The Vikings and their lives have fascinated us for a long time. In both books and films, they have long been portrayed as domineering conquerors and beer swilling brutes. We now have the opportunity to get a unique insight into how they actually lived. At the Vikingaliv Museum in Stockholm you can even meet a thousand-year-old real-life Viking. Well, almost... Text: Tony Manieri Photo: Vikingaliv Photo large image: Peter Knutson
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Experience
T
he idea for the Vikingaliv Museum came about because there is a growing interest in the Viking era and Stockholm was simply missing a museum that solely focused on the life in Sweden of
1000 years ago. – First and foremost is that we naturally want to convey knowledge about this fascinating part of our history, but at the same time we get the chance to create a fantastic tourist attraction, says Tora Larsdotter Andersson, archaeologist and guide at the museum. And is archaeology closely linked to the museum? – Yes, it would have been difficult to create a museum about the Viking era without archaeology having a central role to play. It is where we find all the information about the Vikings and their lives, then we present our findings to the public in the museum. – We need to focus heavily on archaeology otherwise there are only runestones available to give us information. It also means that our exhibition is constantly evolving as new discoveries are constantly being made. For example, just now in Uppåkra in Skåne, we are working on a very large excavation that is already showing clear signs that Uppåkra was a very big settlement in southern Sweden – it could turn out to be even more important than Birka. Obviously, this is something that will force us to revise current theories about how the country was built-up. The Vikings are often portrayed as being conquerors and brutes, but presumably the
majority of their lives was very different? – Absolutely, this is actually one of the most important elements of our exhibition. Something not everyone is aware of is how strong the women were during the Viking era. There is often much focus on the men and their conquests but in a lot of cases it was the women who were the strongest in society. – What is the most fascinating with the Vikings era, is that it was during this time that Scandinavians first started appearing in other countries and were described by other cultures. Previously we lived pretty isolated lives up here in the north. But the Vikings undertook many trips south across Europe, not just to conquer and brutalise, but also to trade. The Vikings are often depicted in their classic helmets, so what is the actual story behind these helmets? – This is quite interesting because during all the excavations that have been made, we have only ever found three helmets. Most were actually made of leather and the notion of the classic helmet is more something that was created by popular culture in the 19th century. Someone who had a major role in creating this myth of the classic Viking helmet was Richard Wagner, he made the helmet synonymous with Vikings and the people of the North with his operas! What are you most proud of at the museum?
– Our new model, Estrid, is also created from genuine DNA. We have managed to map almost all of her life. We can even see from her skeleton that she fell in her seventy’s and broke her arm. – Our train ride is another thing that makes our museum unique. First you walk around in our modern interactive exhibition section and then you continue through the Viking era on our special story train! Do you have any special events or activities going on just now? – During the autumn school break we will have a dramatized show with actors dressed up as Vikings. It will be about the much-feared Viking Egil Skallagrimsson’s life and the children will need to try and help him get back to the Viking era! – In our restaurant you will have the chance to try tasting real mead. Every day the Vikings drank beer or non-alcoholic drinks, but for special occasions they brewed mead. It tastes something like a honey wine, so it is not at all the same thing as beer! On the exciting Viking train, find out about Ragnfrid’s story. Tora Larsdotter Anderson, Archaeologist and guide at Vikingaliv. Estrid Sigfastdotter, a powerful woman who lived a long and full life. Estrid is made from DNA from archaeological excavations and is up to 94% a true likeness.
– There are many gems, but one thing I would especially like to mention is our DNA man. This is a model created using genuine Viking era DNA. So, you can actually meet a real Viking eye to eye! MAGAZINESWEDEN
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Museums & Art Galleries
Even More Exciting Experience Await! ABBA The Museum Monogram by Robert Rauschenberg. Picture: Moderna Museet. © Robert Rauschenberg / Untitled Press Inc.
The Modern Museum
Welcome to one of the world’s leading museums of modern and contemporary art! See paintings, sculptures and photography by artists like Bourgeois, Dalí, Hjertén, Matisse, Picasso, Sherman, Warhol and many others. The Moderna Museet has one of the world’s foremost collections of modern and contemporary art dating from the beginning of the twentieth century through to today. In addition to the collection there are also temporary exhibitions. Since 12th May you can now see the celebrated Monogram by Robert Rauschenberg, which is back in the museum after a two-year world tour. Exercisplan 2, Stockholm www.modernamuseet.se
The Abba Museum is a permanent exhibition about the Swedish music sensation Abba. It is located in the district of Konsthallen in Djurgården. The exhibition depicts many of the places and environments associated with the group, along with many original items from the group’s career. Interactive features allow visitors to truly take part, there is the possibility to perform in the group on stage, sing in the recording studio and enter quizzes. Djurgårdsvägen 68, Stockholm www.abbathemuseum.se
Modern Photography Chocolate in Malmö Fotografiska is one of the world’s largest venues showing modern photography, it features four unique major exhibitions and around 20 smaller exhibitions each year. Currently on show is Evelyn Bencicova, whose work often consist of eerie compositions where models are placed in mysterious environments surrounded by distinctive cold colours. Stadsgårdshamnen 22, Stockholm www.fotografiska.com
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For those who love chocolate, a visit to the chocolate factory’s museum in Malmö is an absolute must. Dive deep into 120 years of chocolate history with old chocolate moulds, labels and many other curiosities of chocolate making. Möllevångsgatan 36B, Malmö www.malmochokladfabrik.se
Museums & Art Galleries
Malmö Art Museum is one of Sweden’s largest art museum and has both permanent and temporary exhibitions. The collection comprises of mainly Nordic but also European art, handicrafts and artistic objects from the 16th century up until modern day. The collection of Nordic art is constantly updated so you can always see something new. Malmöhusvägen 6, Malmö www.malmo.se/konstmuseum
Photo: Maria Klang
Malmö Art Museum
The Sami Culture Here you can learn about Swedish culture and the nature of the high mountains. Ajtte is the main museum presenting the Sami culture in Sweden. It also serves as an information center for mountain tourists. The current exhibitions at the museum consist of Getting By, Life of the Settlers, Costume and Silver, Laponia, Drum Time, On the Move and The River. Kyrkogatan 3, Jokkmokk www.ajtte.com
Aeroseum This aviation museum is housed in a former secret defense facility. Aeroseum is a museum with an ambition to fully present the development of the aviation industry, both civilian and military as well as national and international. Find out everything from the days of Ikarus through to modern day space travel.
Guitars – the Museum
Holmvägen 100, Gothenburg www.aeroseum.se
See a one of a kind guitar collection dating from the 1950’s through to today. You can even join a guided tour that will teach more about the finest guitar collection the world has ever seen. The stories are many and truly captivating. A must for all music geeks.
Vasagatan 18-20, Umeå www.guitarsthemuseum.com
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Welcome to Tylebäck
The natural meeting place Meetings • Hotels • Wellness • Relax • Restaurant • Lunch • Party • Events
ExpEriEncE onE of history’s most Epic timEs
THE VIKING AGE Vikingaliv is based on historical facts combined with the very latest academic research into the history of the Vikings. facts that are presented to you in an instructive, fun and interactive way. Vikingaliv offers illusions, fantasy and exciting tales. Get to know our Vikings and learn about ragnfrid’s saga.
open daily 10am - 5pm www.vikingaliv.se
Loos Cobalt Mine, Beyond Åa and Hamra National Park Take an exciting trip and discover three treasures in Hälsingland's deepest forests. • Walk underground in Loos Cobalt Mine. Get an impression of the hard and risky work of the past in the untouched mining environment from the 18th century. • Step over the threshold of Beyond Åa in Fågelsjö - a temple of a folk art scene dating from the Finnish immigration in the 17th century. An unusually well-preserved farm with an exciting history and as 2012 was chosen as the World Heritage Site for its rich paintings. • Visit one of the country's first national parks! Hamra National Park, which is accessible via hilly trails, is best known for its forest. In the oldest part there is one of the few untouched forests in central Sweden. Los, Fågelsjö and Hamra: www.loosgrufvan.se www.fagelsjo.nu www.sverigesnationalparker.se/ park/hamra-nationalpark
Art
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Art
Stockholm’s Underground Art Gallery The art of Stockholm’s subway system is well known and has attracted a big following internationally. Art can be found at 94 of the 100 subway stations, several commuter and cross-country train stations as well as some bus terminals. The ambition is that art will contribute to the overall well-being of travelers in addition to improving the aesthetic environment of public transportation. The artistic installations make taking a journey so much more than just being about taking transport between two places. Photos: Hans Ekestang. All the artwork is free to view at any SL subway station and SL commuter train stations at Stockholm City and Stockholm Odenplan. No pre-registration required, you only need a valid ticket to travel. For more information see: slkonst.se. Stockholm City Artist: Mikael Pauli MAGAZINESWEDEN
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Art
Thorildsplan Artist: Lars Arrhenius
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Alby Artist: Olle Ängkvist
Art
Solna Centrum Artist: Anders Åberg, Karl-Olov Björk Kungsträdgården Artist: Ulrik Samuelson
Stockholm Odenplan Artist: Mari Rantanen
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Art
Stockholm Odenplan Artist: David Svensson
Stockholm City Artist: Juri Markkula
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Art
Kungsträdgården Artist: Ulrik Samuelson
Högdalen Artist: Birgitta Muhr
Stockholm City Artist: Peter Svedberg
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Experience 1,300 km of inland Sweden by train. Pass the Arctic Circle. Selected package tours or adventurous hop on/hop off.
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Take a fishing tour with one of our experienced fishermen and bring home your own catch of the day. Then let our chefs take care of the rest while you prepare for the party at Gullmarstrand. Fresh shellfish with traditional accompaniments and selected drinks, it’s not to be missed! BOOK TODAY.
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Food & Drink
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Food & Drink
Riches of the sea at Östermalmshallen
It started early in the 1920s. Where, at a market square in Strömmen stood the fisherman’s daughter, Lisa Elmqvist, she was surrounded by a rapidly growing number of customers. Her vast knowledge of shellfish, seafood and her cooking skills led her forward to Östermalm’s Saluhall. Today, more than 90 years later, the fourth generation of the Elmqvist family continue the tradition in exactly the same spot. It’s absolutely the best fresh fish and seafood available for purchase, or why not eat-in here at their restaurant in Östermalmshallen. CONTINUES OVERLEAF
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Food & Drink
A
s a young lady, Lisa Elmqvist had already opened her own fish stall at Munkbron in Stockholm. Over the next few years, customers became more and more plentiful and her success was soon a fact. Nordiska Kompaniet (NK) had a sharp eye on the young girl and soon employed her in her their well-known fish department. But Lisa wanted more than that. In 1926, she bought her own stall in Östermalm’s Saluhall and quickly established herself as a favorite of the city’s fisher lovers. Soon she opened another three stores around the capital and then replaced the classic pull carts with the modernity of the automobile, in order service her ever-growing customer base better. Lisa Elmqvist built a wide network of contacts among the archipelago’s fishermen and thus gained access to the best catches. Mainly because the fishermen knew that Lisa was not content with anything but the best! Both Lisa and her customers were mindful of quality and if a fisherman tried to deliver any substandard fish they were quickly rejected - often with a jolly good rollicking. If local suppliers could not meet the demand, fish had to be purchased instead from the west coast something that still happens today. GOOD KNOWLEDGE IS PASSED DOWN
Ulf Elmqvist, todays CEO, is the fourth-generation of fish retailer in the family. Just like his siblings, he began to work his way up from the ground, everything from the kitchen to the shop. This has naturally provided a broad knowledge and huge insight into the whole concept of Lisa Elmqvist’s business idea. Today Lisagruppen, in addition to the flagship store in Östermalm’s Saluhall, comprises of Husmans Deli, Lisapåväg and Mat Online. All these various enterprises have in common a few things: a high quality of standards, the constant pursuit of good service and a rich and varied range of goods for sale. At Husmans Deli you will always find a rich assortment of daily homemade dishes, that are complemented with a hand-picked selection of tempting delicacies. These are further complemented with a fine selection of meat, charcuterie and cheese from the market’s best suppliers. Their own sauces, marinades, dressings and aromatic oils ensure that nothing is missing. CUSTOMERS NEAR AND FAR
It is not only the residents of Östermalm who enjoy the good food and drink of Lisa Elmqvist. Customers come from far and wide and because staff turnover is very low, many close rela-
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tionships between staff and customers have arisen over the years - something appreciated on both sides. Lisa Elmqvist also ships their delights abroad and can boast of many celebrities and royalty on their customer list. There are plenty of food-loving celebrities who are very used to and appreciate the high quality and the choice on offer. Pickled herring, smoked salmon and cured salmon are just some examples of favorites sent to customers all across of the world. A bit of an exotic example is the Japanese Embassy in Moscow, who for many years has been a major customer. In 2014, Lisa Elmqvist opened an online shop to make it easier for customers around the world. Delivery time is in most cases less than 48 hours from shop to door. On the website you can also download recipes and order the ingredients needed to impress your guests with amazing food at home. The recipes also come with wine recommendations that perfectly compliment the whole meal. No order is too large or too small. Whether you are planning a big dinner party or just want something extra nice to put in the picnic basket, Lisa Elmqvist is at your service. Naturally, you can order fish and seafood, but also soups, sauces and pies, bread and cheeses and other dishes to make any meal truly memorable! SUPPLIER TO THE ROYAL COURT AND PRESTIGIOUS ACCOLADES
supplier to the Royal court - an equally classic and sought-after accolade. RENOVATION AND NEW HORIZONS
Since the spring 2016, Lisa Elmqvist has been in temporary premises at Östermalmstorg. Saluhallen which was built in 1888, is undergoing a major renovation that is expected to be completed in the autumn of 2019. At the same time, a corridor between Saluhallen and the new Hotel Dagmar next door is being built. When it’s all finished, Hotel Dagmar’s guests won’t even have to leave the comforts of the hotel to get to the all, new Östermalm’s Saluhallen. PASSING THE BATTON
Ulf Elmqvist is very proud of the achievements he and his family have made over the last 90 years. The fifth generation is already making its way into the business. Ulf ’s niece sometimes works part time in the restaurant, learning as much as possible about what makes Lisa Elmqvist so unique: an unrivaled high level of quality of service throughout the chain. From the careful selection of suppliers to the firstclass cooking in the kitchen and the service to the consistently growing numbers of satisfied customers.
LISA
Food lovers have learned to appreciate everything that the name Lisa Elmqvist stands for.
Lisa Elmqvist has received many mentions and accolades in The Guide Michelin over the past 11 years. In addition, the company has also received a distinction from the internationally renowned Luxury Travel Guide in London and the restaurant has a consistently high ranking on TripAdvisor. This is a feather in the cap for the chefs and serving staff, who constantly strive to maintain quality and service to the highest level. There is no doubt that they are succeeding in this, Lisa Elmqvist has for many years, been the
Text: Tony Manieri
FÄRSK FISKElgquist OCH MAT ONLINE Photo: Magnus
Hur mycket vi än ser att du besöker oss i Östermalmshallen THEräcker NEXT till. PAGE så förstår vi också CONTINUES att din tid inteON alltid Det är därför Lisa Elmqvists e-handel finns. Med fantastiska färska råvaror, färdiglagat, fisk, kött, menyer, matkassar, presenter, recept, förslag med mera så kan du
Food & Drink
Peter Elmqvist shows fine fish.
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Food & Drink
Enjoy Lisa’s tempting recipes Lisa Elmqvist invites you to try 3 of their best loved dishes. You can find even more recipes to tempt you in their popular cookbook, available to buy at their stall at Östermalms Saluhallen.
ANDALUSIAN FISH SOUP WITH AIOLI
ANDALUSISK FISKSOPPA
PER PERSON:
HOW TO MAKE:
100gr salmon/monkfish/cod 1/2 cooked lobster circa 60gr 3 cooked blue mussels 20gr prawns 300ml fish soup A little dill 100ml aioli 1/5 baguette
1. Warm up the soup and dice up the fish. Fry the prawns lightly in a pan. 2. Warm through the fish and mussels in the soup adding the lobster last. 3. Garnish the soup with prawns, dill and serve with aioli and bread.
STEAMED COD WITH EGG, PRAWNS AND HORSERADISH
RECEPT
PER PERSON:
HOW TO MAKE:
Andalusisk fisksoppa med aioli.
200gr Cod 2 boiled eggs 30gr prawns 20gr butter 20gr fresh horseradish A little dill 6 potatoes
1. Boil the potatoes. Place the cod in a pan with water and gently simmer for 7-10 minutes. 2. Chop the egg and grate the horseradish and melt the butter in a pan. 3. Plate up the steamed cod and garnish with prawns, horseradish, dill and drizzle over with melted butter. Serve with potatoes.
Per person: 100 gr lax/marulk/torsk 1/2 havskräfta, kokt, ca 60 gr 1 scampi 3 st blåmusslor, kokta 20 gr räkor 3 dl fisksoppa 1 st knippe dill 1 dl aioli 1/5 baguette Så här gör du:
1. Värm upp soppan och tärna fisken. Stek scampin i panna. 2. Värm fisken och blåmusslorna i soppan avsluta med havskräftan. 3. Garnera soppan med räkor, dill tillsammans med aioli. TORSK
Vinrekommendationer:
M de Minuty, artikelnummer 2590. RECEPT Pazo Barrantés Albarino, artikelnummer 71143. Ångad torsk med ägg, räkor och pepparrot. Per person: 200 gr torsk 2 st kokta ägg 30 gr räkor 20 gr smör 20 gr pepparrot 1 st knippe dill 6 potatisar Så här gör du: 1. 2. 3.
Koka potatisen. Lägg torsken i kastrull med vatten, koka upp vattnet, låt torsken sjuda i 7-10 minuter. Hacka äggen, riv pepparroten och värm smöret tills det blir skirat. Lägg upp den ångade torsken, garnera med räkor, pepparrot, dill och häll på skirat smör.
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Vinrekommendationer:
POACHED HALIBUT WITH HOLLANDAISE SAUCE AND FRESH ASPARAGUS PER PERSON:
HOW TO MAKE:
200gr halibut 200ml hollandaise sauce 4 asparagus A little dill 1/4 lemon 6 potatoes
1. Boil the potatoes. Place the halibut in a pan with water and gently simmer for 7-10 minutes. 2. Boil the asparagus in lightly salted water 3. Plate up the halibut and garnish with asparagus, lemon, sauce and dill. Serve with potatoes.
Business or pleasure? BUSINESS AND PLEASURE!
Villa Källhagen is perfectly suited for well-traveled people with high expectations. You sleep well in comfortable beds, eat well in the classic restaurant or the vivid lobby bar. Staffed around the clock, and food served all days of the week. Villa Källhagen will leave you well rested and rejuvenated for the challenges of tomorrow.
Villa Källhagen, som på landet fast ändå inte.
Easy to get to with walking distance from down town Stockholm, bus right outside the door, easy to get a taxi, and excellent parking possibilities.
Villa Källhagen, unique countryside feel in the city of Stockholm.
Djurgårdsbrunnsvägen 10, 115 27 Stockholm villa@kallhagen.se • +46 (0)8-665 03 00 • kallhagen.se
Rosaleda
FA S T I GH E TE R
Invest in you Invest in your family Invest in Life Are you ready? We are! www.rosaledafastigheter.se info@rosaledafastigheter.se TORREVIEJA - Calle Dr Waksman 28A swedish no: +46(0)18 701 18 11 ORIHUELA COSTA - C.C. San Antonio/ IBC - Calle Nazaries 12 spanish no: +34 965 70 90 34
Play
Lekoseum - a museum with a playroom Lekoseum is a toy museum centrally located near the railway station in Osby. The museum first opened in 1984 as BRIOs official toy museum, 1984 was also the year the Brothers Ivarsson (BRIO) celebrated 100 years! Today the toy museum is run as an independent foundation created by BRIO veterans, BRIO AB, Osby council and the family Ivarsson.
L
ekoseum’s vision is that a proper toy museum should be an adventure, it doesn’t matter if you are a toy history buff or just love to play. There are many fun and exciting play opportunities for our younger visitors, we have playing areas for building, dolls and games and of course a big play area for our BRIO trains. PA whole area of Lekoseum is dedicated to Santa’s world and is open all year round to visitors. Hardworking elves work all year round with tools and machinery that once upon a time made real toys.
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In “Ivar Säls Alley” you can wander through the years of local toy history. The company has provided educational toys to nurseries all over the world for over 100 years. During the main part of the 1900s The Brothers Ivarsson / BRIO was a toy distributor to the Nordic markets. The company acted as a distributor for big toy companies such as Steiff, Mattel and Märklin. As a result you can also see these products amongst Lekoseums exhibitions. Barbie (from Mattel) was one of the products the company introduced to the Nordic market in 1964. So of course Barbie has her own corner of Lekoseum along with a dedicated play area. Lekoseum has a small and fairly priced cafe. Osby also has a varied selection of restaurants
and food outlets, most of which are within walking distance from the museum. After a break for food you are more than welcome to return to the museum. Right across the street from the museum is Lekoseum’s well stocked store. The store sells BRIO products and other brands that were once sold by the Brothers Ivarsson. Lekoseum offer several types of historical guided tours for visitors. Companies, senior groups as well as pre-schools and schools are welcome to book a private visit outside of normal opening hours. Text: Johannes Nordh Photo: Johannes Nordh, Pär Andersson (big photo)
of
LifeLife Moments Moments of
designs unique and special especially for Christenings. Sweden designar dopkläder utöver garments det vanliga. Grace Sweden designar dopkläder utöver det vanliga. Vi har SVERIGES STÖRSTA och mest varierade utbud av dopkläder ochgowns tillbehör. LARGEST and most varied range of Christening and accessories. It’s EUROPE´S Vi har SVERIGES STÖRSTA och mest varierade utbud av dopkläder och tillbehör. VÄLKOMMEN TILL VÅR WEBBSHOP och komponera din egen högtidsdräkt. WELCOME TO OUR WEBSHOP and choose the perfect outfit for your special day. VÄLKOMMEN TILL VÅR WEBBSHOP och komponera din egen högtidsdräkt. Vi vill bidra till att göra ert dop till EN MINNESVÄRD DAG i era liv! your Make Vi your vill Christening bidra till attONE göraOF ertTHE dopMOST till ENMEMORABLE MINNESVÄRD DAYS DAG i of era liv! life! Grace
w w w. g r a c e o f s w e d e n . c o m w w w. g r a c e o f s w e d e n . c o m
History
Karlskrona celebrates its 20th anniversary as a
T
he Naval Port and City of Karlskrona was designated an Unesco World Heritage Site in December 1998 and is one of 15 such sites in Sweden. Karlskrona was considered to be of particular interest as the original layout of the town, with its roots in the architectural ideals of the Baroque and the remarkable dockyard and its system of fortification, are all exceptionally well-preserved. The town was founded in 1680 when Karl XI decided to establish the country’s new naval base here. More than 300 years later the naval base is still here in Karlskrona – it’s a town where old meets new and tradition meets innovation. Karlskrona and its surrounding areas are like a beautiful home without a roof. We have furnished it with beautiful beaches and cliffs, walking trails, nature reserves and the ever-present backdrop of water. Visit the archipelago with a picnic basket, take a dip at Stumholmen in the middle of the city or fish from a boat in the early dawn mist. It will be an experience you will never forget. Yes! We know we are very spoiled here in Karlskrona but we are happy to share. Starting on the United Nations Day, the 24th October, Karlskrona will celebrate the first 20 years as an Unesco World Heritage Site with an abundance of events, new openings and special attractions for the public to enjoy. Exhibitions, music, guided tours, a pumpkin-festival, ama-
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zing food and much more will fill the town for five days and nights. This will be a celebration of our historical heritage for all the senses. Together we will have so much fun while at the same time gaining new knowledge about our fantastic city!
Karlskrona warmly welcomes you!
History
s a World Heritage Site There are 1,073 World Heritage Sites in 169 countries. Of these, 832 fall into the culture category, 206 are natural objects and 35 are of both natural and cultural heritage. In Sweden there are 15 world heritage sites.
“Karlskrona is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a European planned naval town which incorporates elements from earlier establishments in other countries and which was in its turn, to serve as a model for subsequent towns with similar functions. Naval bases played an important role in the centuries during which naval power was a determining factor in European Realpolitik and Karlskrona is the best preserved and most complete of those that survive.� The world Heritage Sites Committee, 1998 MAGAZINESWEDEN
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Travel
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Travel
Monte Carlo Imagine James Bond in an immaculate tuxedo at the Casino, Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier flashing brilliant white smiles on an elegant yacht, Red Ferraris racing through the streets at the Formula 1 Grand Prix. The Mediterranean’s crown jewel, Monte Carlo has always been in the spotlight. It’s a highly sought-after destination for those looking experience a hint of the good life and rub shoulders with those seeking out all that Monte Carlo has to offer. Text: Tony Manieri Foto: Adobe Stock
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Travel
Monte Carlo has one of the most beautiful casinos in the world, Casino de Monte Carlo, opened in 1878. Several classic scenes from James Bond films were recorded here. The Belle-Époque style building boasts beautiful gardens dotted with ponds and spectacular fountains. The citizens of Monte Carlo are themselves not allowed to gamble at the casinos, not even the Prince. However, the thousands of gambling enthusiasts who visit the casinos each year are very welcome ...
The Heart of the Riviera
M
onaco is located on the French Riviera, near the French-Italian border. Aside from getting a taste of jet set lifestyle and gawping at all the luxury cars that roll by, Monaco offers amazing culture and wonderful scenery. Casino de Monte Carlo is set in a beautiful location with stunning views out over the Mediterranean Sea. The casino’s gardens are very beautiful with a wonderful variety of plants, trees, fountains and ponds. The casino which was inaugurated in 1878, is well worth a visit, whether you want to play your luck or not. The casino is open every day of the week
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and is as outstandingly beautiful inside as it is outside.
leave for Monaco and the surrounding Riviera area.
A LOT TO SEE AND EXPERIENCE
CULTURAL MONACO
What most characterizes Monaco is primarily the jet set lifestyle, the yachts and the casinos. But Monaco also attracts many visitors each year because of the climate, food and culture. Monaco’s oldest area is Monaco-Ville, which is a must-see when visiting this small city state. This district has roots dating as far back as 600 BC. Among other things is the royal palace which is open to visitors. There is also ”Musée des Souveniers Napoléoniens” an interesting museum housing documents and objects from Napoleon’s time. Between Monte Carlo and Monaco-Ville lies the district of La Condamine. Here you will find Port Hercule, where guided boat tours
In the same building which houses Casino de Monte Carlo, you will find in the Salle Garnier Opera House. This fantastic opera house stages world-class operatic productions. Every year the Monte Carlo Jazz Festival takes place with performances from many famous artists. If you want to experience more of Monaco’s cultural scene, Grimaldi Forum is worth a visit. In this modern and elegant cultural center, you can experience musicals, theatrical performances and art exhibitions. A visit to the Japanese Garden is also recommended, where you can enjoy a moment of peace and quiet away from all the action. The
Travel garden is a rainbow of colour and exotic flowers. The harbor which has berths for 500 boats is at the heart of Monaco and there seems to be an endless amount of fantastic luxury yachts vying for position. Take a pleasant walk along the quayside and you will get an unprecedented insight into just how luxurious some boats can be. SMALL BUT FASCINATING
Monaco may be a small state but it has a lot to offer its visitors, especially in the area around the Monte Carlo Casino. The narrow streets are crowded and buzzing with restaurants and upmarket boutiques. If you want to enjoy a coffee at a beautiful café, the classic Café de Paris, located in front of the casino, is highly recommended. Another point of great interest in this area is the Prince’s collection of classic cars. The exhibition is located in a building at Fontvieille port and is open to the public. There are over 100 classic and unique car models to appreciate and car enthusiasts especially, will be thrilled by the collection.
Prince Albert keeps a watchful eye over his subjects from his palace high up on the cliffside in Monaco-Ville. Parts of the palace are open to the public.
GRAND PRIX STREET RACE
Finally, Monaco’s Grand Prix is something that one should experience at least once in life. The Formula One race is the most classic in the world and is driven entirely around the streets of the city. It can be said that Monte Carlo is full and bustling with life every day of the year, but it is the Grand Prix weekend that tops them all. Everything in the city becomes all about cars and motoring. If there’s ever a good time to celebrity spot, then this is it. Be sure to experience this fantastic and dramatic motor race from the front row.
Sebastian Vettel in his red Ferrari racing through the Tabac curve during the Monaco F1 Grand Prix 2018. The jet set follow the race from their tightly packed luxury yachts.
If you cho e to live in Monte Carlo expect to have your neighbours close-by ...
Eze-Village - A pearl in the mountains For those who prefer to breathe the mountain air and view the Riviera more at arm’s length, Eze Village, high up on the mountain side is an excellent choice. The fabulously picturesque village clings to the cliffside with its winding alleys and cosy cafes. The view is breathtaking and for garden enthusiasts there is a stunning botanical garden with hundreds of varieties of cactus. Stay at one of the most prestigious hotels in the Riviera, Château de la Chèvre d’Or, right here in the village. Adorned on bronze plaques along the cliff top is a description of the passage taken by the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche when he wrote the novel Also Sprach Zarathustra. Historical landscapes and magical experiences abound - even for those who are not so impressed by old existentialists. MAGAZINESWEDEN
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Industry & Development
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Industry & Development
Scanwaste compresses waste products, cardboard packaging and boxes, plastic, wood and glass. Haven’t we all had those experiences with that bulky packaging that just won’t fit into the dustbin?
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nergy efficiency within companies is growing and not just in big industries such as restaurants and catering, but also in smaller companies that are prepared to think one step ahead. Waste compression is good for the environment because it requires less transportation. Scanwaste brings the latest design and technology to retailers and transporters throughout Sweden. As a result, the requirements for transport vehicles needed for removing waste can now be reduced to one tenth of the original load, something that saves time and energy as well as improving safety and working conditions. We spoke to Lasse Flygt, Marketing Manager and Head of Sales at Scanwaste for the last 10 years. – Solar-powered rubbish bins that automatically compress the rubbish and glass-chewing machines. It sounds like something out of a Hogwart’s mystery, but it’s for real says Lasse Flygt. – Today we are seeing an increasing number of rubbish bins with solar cells on the lid. The reason is simple, the bin uses the solar energy to power a sensor that calculates when the container is full and thus optimises the collection logistics for those responsible for emptying the bin. With our PEL solar bin, it can even compress the waste so that 2-3 times more waste will fit into the container. The fact that it’s a great design and has a foot pedal so that you don’t even have to get your hands dirty, is just a bonus! You are working with compression alongside recycling. Explain what that means? – Everything transported around the world needs to be packed in a way that best optimises the available space on the vehicle. Our machines compress waste products so that the air is removed, this reduces the volume of the load considerably, making transportation of waste products more effective. When you put the
waste into a compactor, it is squeezed into the container at high pressure. Consequently, the container can take more waste than without this compressing force. We sell Bergmann compression equipment that is well known for its high quality and fewer breakdowns. Only Bergmann has a self-cleaning function that allows the press plate to automatically clean the throw-over blade, so that all the material gets into the container. If you need to dispose of your waste at the production stage or want the compressor indoors, we recommend a Nättraby baler or a Bergmann Rotopack. Nättraby balers are manufactured by a Swedish family-run company of several generations in Ronneby. These machines are much more superior to other products on the market! A Nättraby baler is driven electromechanically instead of hydraulically or pneumatically. It does not require oil and therefore it does not leak and it is largely insensitive to heat or cold. You can place a Nättraby anywhere, even as an example, close to a floor drain. A Nättraby will not contaminate the wastewater! The fact that the machine is really quiet and can be close at hand to staff are additional benefits. An electric motor operates almost noisily, so all that you hear are the cartons are being pressed together, instead of a noisy pump and hydraulic cylinder. Tell us a little about the needs of your customers? – Our customer’s needs vary widely. They may have problems with organic waste which can range from food or slaughter waste to production overspill. If the waste contains water, higher demands are placed on the machine and container to be watertight and this is when the quality of the machine becomes important. In this instance you want the machine to keep tight year after year. Otherwise there will be sanitary problems with odours and spillage. – No restaurant or business wants its customers to come into contact with nasty odours or birds and rats. In Industries and businesses where the goods are delivered on wooden pallets, we have a different set of problems. It is partly that they are bulky and take up a lot of
space and also you are rarely allowed to stack them near the property due to a risk of fire. In this situation we suggest the original Bergmann Roll-Packer which is the best machine for wood but equally good for cardboard, brushwood, packaging and scrap wood etc. If you have ever visited a state-run recycling centre to dispose of your waste, you have probably already seen our machines. There is nothing better! What kind of customers do you have? – Our customers are Bauhaus, Ica, Volvo, Coop, SJ and others. We have our machines all over Sweden ranging from small businesses and large shopping centres, for example the Mall of Scandinavia in Stockholm. We have about 5000 machines in operation in Sweden and many are over 20 years old and still working. How does servicing and support work on your products? – We have been in the industry for nearly 20 years and have a network of skilled technicians. We do not require service and repair be done internally, but we often use a team of trustworthy technicians who are close by to our customers. This is better and cheaper for our customers. We don’t want any unsafe diagnoses and repairs. Recently Scanwaste signed Byggmax to provide service in Sweden, Norway and Finland. Which is the most popular product? – The unique Bergmann APB 607 self-cleaning compactor, but in terms of volume it’s Nättraby balers. Bergmann sells its machines World-wide as does Nättraby. Text: Editor Photo: Scanways För mer information: www.bergmann-online.com/en/products/ps-8100 www.nattrabypressen.com/ www.bergmann-online.com/en/products/rp-7700
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Out of sight, out of mind
FYRKLÖVERNS STUGBY live in wonderful nature overlooking Siljan 80 cottages, 3-6 beds, 21-46m2. Walking distance to Siljan and Rättvik city center - with shops, restaurants, bowling alley and swimming pool. Golf course 3 km. Many events and activities.
Contact our advertising department on telephone +46 707-17 30 50 or Email: annons@magasingruppen.se
Sverige magasinet Sveriges STÖRSTA tidning
Low season rates untill W.24.
Open all year. Onlinebooking
www.stugby.se 0248-107 65
om turism och nöjen
It is we who have the equipments! Repair of windscreens
Polish scratches in glas without optical refraction
Headlights restoration
054-530 227 | www.glasweld.se
We need your help! SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST PROSTATE CANCER SWISH US TO DA Y AT 90 01 017
Christmas Market Gamla Linköping Open-Air Museum
1-2 & 8-9 December 11.00-16.00 Experience genuine Swedish Christmas traditions and preparations, buy handicraft and quality food, listen to choirs, dance around the Christmas tree, and meet our own Santa Claus!
+46(0)13-12 11 10 • www.gamlalinkoping.info • www.facebook.com/gamlalinkoping
Health
It’s important to keep an eye on your sight Does it feel a bit blurry sometimes? Difficult to distinguish contours and shadows in the dark? Then maybe it’s time for an eye check-up. Over 120,000 people in Sweden are treated every year for cataracts, the most common eye disease in Sweden.
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ataracts are widespread in the Sweden and the rest of the world. Internationally over 20 million people have undergone surgery to correct this problem.
For most of us, our vision gradually deteriorates over time, as we age. Some may notice changes over just a few months and for others it may take a considerably longer time. Most people would not be able to notice that they are suffering specifically from cataracts. It takes a routine examination at the opticians to find out. If it feels like it was just yesterday that you replaced your glasses or lenses or if your eyesight suddenly deteriorates significantly, then it may be time to make an appointment for that check-up. A consultation with the ophthalmologist can determine if surgery is the best option for you.
Having a cataract means that the lens of the eye becomes cloudy instead of being clear. One can compare the sensation to trying to look through a misted window. Seeing in the darkness deteriorates, colours may fade and you can become more sensitive to bright light. Not everyone who has a cataract needs an operation, but sometimes it may be the best solution to return to good eye sight. AN OPERATION WITH LOCAL ANAESETHISIA
In most cases cataract surgery takes no more than about 20 minutes and is performed with a local anesthesia. During surgery the damaged lens is replaced with an artificial lens, which allows the patient to improve vision both at a distance and up close (long and short sight). At the same time the procedure corrects the eyesight problem called presbyopia that occurs naturally as we age. This is a natural loss of the elasticity in the lens that affects many people in their forties.
CATARACTS AND ASTIGMATISM
If you have both cataracts and astigmatism (refractive error) you can treat both complaints simultaneously. The surgeon in this situation replaces the damaged cloudy lens with an intraocular lens. The result is that the patient will not need to use glasses at all anymore which is a big bonus. REGULAR CHECK-UPS
Unfortunately, it is not possible to prevent cataracts, so it is important to visit your opticians regularly to detect possible changes in your vision. A simple operation can suddenly allow you to see the world with new eyes! Text: Editorial This article is published in collaboration with Alcon. Read more at www.dinsyndittval.se Photo Adobe Stock
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Travel
Koh Kho Khao Dreaming of your own private Thai beach? A place where you can relax on white sands for a whole day without seeing another soul. Just you, the sand and the sea. At Koh Kho Khao’s Paradis Villa Resort the dream becomes reality. Text: Jonny Bothin Photo: Gerry Langer och Paradis Villa
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Travel
CONTINUES OVERLEAF
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Travel
Thailand is the dream paradise for many. The beaches, hotels, warm weather, friendly people, food and the magnificent scenery continue to attract Scandinavians to return. Year after year. All year round.
The dream paradise
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t takes about two hours by car (including a short ferry ride) from Phuket International Airport to get to the island, which may not be suitable for those who just want to fly and flop. But it’s a true paradise so worth the extra effort and a perfect holiday destination for families with children. Along the west coast of the island is an 18-kilometer-long stretch of beach with soft, fine sand and marine blue waters. Koh Kho Khao is a quiet island but there are about twelve restaurants serving great Thai food along with a number of small shops and a tailor. Paradis Villa’s own restaurant also serves European dishes. The resort can also arrange excursions for sightseeing around the island, to other islands and to the mainland. My tip is to rent a longtail boat and visit James Bond Island where part of the movie ”The Man with the Golden Gun” was filmed. Visit Koh Pratong (Buddha Island) or Koh Pha for snorkeling and swimming with the colorful fish and coral reefs. Fancy going shopping, trying elephant riding, or visiting the National Park? Then rent a taxi and travel to Khao Lak on the mainland
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or take a day trip to Phuket. It takes about 20 minutes by taxi / minibus and ferry to Khao Lak. When it comes to nature and particularly the underwater environment - Similan Island is the pride of Thailand! Here you can experience
nature totally unspoiled, pure white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and fish in all the colors of the rainbow. If you are lucky you can also get to see turtles.
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Travel
Paradis Villa Resort
P
aradis Villa Resort welcomes you with its warm smiles, white sands, delicious food, beach massages, colorful orchids and turquoise seas. It’s as close to paradise as you can come. On the stunning exotic island of Koh Kho Khao in Thailand, Paradis Villa Resort is located in all its splendor directly on the beach on the island’s sunny west coast. There are 30 lovely villas which were built in 2008, mainly hosting Swedish and Norwegian families. It is the stillness and calm here that everyone is looking for, to make that perfect relaxing holiday experience. The villas can be rented for both short stays and even longer time periods. Paradis Villa Resort has a pleasant restaurant serving delicious Thai food alongside European cuisine. Set amongst the villas is a children’s pool and at one end of the villas is a large and deep swimming pool
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with a pool slide for those who love to swim. The island is a beautiful and lush tropical paradise, with an 18km-long white sand beach on its west side, not to mention the most amazing sunsets. On the main road that runs from north to south you will find many cosy, simple restaurants and shops. Koh Kho Khao is the southernmost island of a chain of three islands. The island stretches from the beautiful beaches of Andaman Sea to the jungles, rainforests and high mountains 30 km inland. Koh Phra Thong is the middle island which remains relatively isolated from the outside world. Like Koh Kho Khao this island also consists of long beaches, savannah and rainforest. The northernmost island is Koh Ra, it boasts a rich and varied wildlife. This small island consists of mountains covered with dense rainforest that makes the terrain is difficult to access. Read more at: www.paradisvilla.com
Travel
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Annons Svarta Bergen 1/1 Book your bus trip to Svarta Bergen - The mecca of the black diabase and the world’s largest open-pit mines. Museum of Natural and Stone Workers Take the raft • Book guided tour Stay, hike and experience the unique environment or have a good meal and snack in the dining room Welcome!
Book accommodation with us In our village or in the cottages built into the mountain. Or in our tastefully decorated lodge. You can do this via booking.com search on Hjärtasjön
Svarta Bergen • Hägghult 280 70 Lönsboda • www.svartabergen.se Info@svartabergen.se • For group booking, call 0479–215 20
Your ad here?
Welcome to our newly built guesthouse with 8 double rooms in an idyllic and relaxing rural setting 500 meters from Högbo Bruk GPS co-ordinates: N60. 66803 E16.80144.
Call us and book your ad at +46 707-17 30 50
skommarsgarden.se Tel 070-555 83 01
Helena & Lennart await you with warm welcome!
There is only one Roll-Packer ®
25-27 SEPTEMBER 2 018
Meet us at booth A07:43 Bergmann has both invented and developed Roll-Pack and, thanks to more than 40 years of experience, we have learned the weaknesses. If you buy an original Bergmann Roll-Packer, you know that it lasts! Nothing is better for bulky waste or materials for recycling.
+46 31 150050 • www.scanwaste.se
Creativity
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Creativity
Those who travel have a story to tell You are surely aware of the fact that when you arrive someplace new, you are hit with such an array of new sights, sounds and smells and new flavours to taste – that you can be suddenly awakened in a whole new way! Most of us take this for granted, it’s all part of a journey and it’s what makes it both enjoyable and at times a little scary. But if you are looking to make your trip leave a more creative impression, then you can make use of all these new sights and sounds by writing, photographing or painting!
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his is what the writing coach Ann Ljungberg, who has helped thousands of writers to find their voices and publish their book ideas, has to say: - It doesn’t matter if you make a trip to the other side of the world or just choose to take a new route to work, new places allow us to open up our minds and show us details that we might not have discovered otherwise. When you choose to see the world with an open mind it’s easier to see new details in your everyday environment as well. I once went on a guided walk in London and the guide told me things that the people who lived in the neighbourhood had never noticed themselves. In fact, these local residents were the most excited of the whole group and it allowed us all to see things with new eyes. Ann has some tips for those who want to appreciate their surroundings in a more creative way: - Take a walk in your immediate vicinity and look only at things at knee height. - Choose a particular colour to focus on throughout the day. - Watch someone talking to another person from a distance and fantasize about what they are saying to each other. Anne’s writing courses, which are usually held in different places around the world, including Sweden, always contain an exercise linked with the location you are visiting. One such fun exercise is to look at a map of the city and let all participants choose an area on the map and a number between 3 and 100. The area being
where they will spend day and the number being the age they will imagine to be. How does a 10-year-old react to the manic traffic at Piccadilly Circus or what would 99-year-old notice in The Royal Gardens Changing one’s perspective is an effective way to see the world in a new way. Perspective can be assuming a new role as human or even seeing things from totally different angle – a bird or frog’s perspective for example! Ann is passionate about writing and helping other people write better stories. She has a large team of literary consultants who all love watching writers grow and improve their writing skills. They can help with everything from finding the perfect book idea to publishing the finished book. -It’s not easy to get a book published, but we’ll help you to fine-tune your manuscript. We have readers, manuscript developers, editors and proof-readers who can look at your work with a professional eye if you harbour ambitions to get published, Ann says. Writing does not necessarily have to result in a big publishing deal and being interviewed on morning TV! It could be about a 65-year-old writing stories for their grandchildren or the farmer who writes for a farmer’s association. Maybe just writing down a personal history can help that person to get to know their own feelings and to recover from a life trauma. Even then it is good to have some constructive criticism and learn how to move your reader with the help a good structure and sense of theatre. Physically publishing a book on your own is simple these days. The hard part is reaching out to the readers and Ann has many tips to help. - Self-publishers are rarely interesting for
bookshops so it’s about finding other channels. Here we can help you find your target audience and advise on what you need to do to reach them. Marketing is also a way to tell your story, to take your book on a journey! Just now Litterära Konsultanter are offering an online writing course for those who want to open their minds and make their next trip a creative adventure - see the advertisement from Litterära Konsultanter contained in the magazine for details. Text: Staff Photo: Private
ANN LJUNGBERG is a digital nomad, she lives on a sailboat and holds writing and content marketing courses worldwide and online. She leads a group of literary consultants and works as a writing coach and web mentor. Ann has helped thousands of people who love to write and she has contributed to the publication of more than 300 books with various publishers. MAGAZINESWEDEN
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Experience
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Experience
Christmas at Skansen 2018 – it’ll soon be here! It is difficult to imagine thinking about Christmas while this hot and sunny summer continues, but that is exactly what we are doing. Come December there will be the usual Christmas cheer, Christmas markets and festive fun at Skansen.
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e will be celebrating Christmas at Skansen from 24 November to 6 January. Christmas will be celebrated in our houses and farms, the table will be set for Christmas dinner and festive treats will be baking in our kitchens. Experience how Christmas was celebrated in Swedish towns and in the countryside from the 1840s onwards. Christmas will be celebrated in the Printer’s Home as it was in the 1840s and in the Ironmonger’s Apartment as it was in the 1930s. There will also be traditional Christmas celebrations at the Delsbo Farmstead from Hälsingland (1850), the Oktorp Farmstead from Halland (1870), the Post Office from Småland (1910), the simple Farm Labourer’s Cottage (1920s) and Väla School (around 1900).
market you can dance around the Christmas tree on the dance floor. There will be a Christmas market on 24-25 November, 1-2 December, 8-9 December and 1516 December between 10.00 and 16.00. CHRISTMAS CRAFTS
With colourful paper, straw, scissors, glue and their imagination to hand, children of all ages can make traditional paper heart decorations, cones for the sweets, and other decorative items. Up until 21 December you can also try your hand at candle-making. The craft workshops are open on the same weekends as the Christmas market and during the holidays from 22 December to 7 January. LUCIA
Lucia is celebrated both on St. Lucia’s Day, 13 December and during the weekend of 15-16 December. On 13, 15 and 16 December, Lucia will be celebrated as it was in the 1940s at the
Brage Hall and with a traditional Lucia concert at Seglora Church. Also, on the weekend of 1516 December there will be a 1920s-inspired Lucia celebration at the Temperance Hall and on Saturday 15 December Skansen’s very own Lucia will make an atmospheric appearance on the Solliden stage. CHRISTMAS EVE
Christmas peace will reign over Skansen on Christmas Eve. Seglora Church will be open from 10.00 until 14.00, as will Restauration Gubbhyllan, Café Nyloftet, various food stalls and the Smokehouse. The shops in the Lodge and at Lill-Skansen will be open from 10.00 to 14.00. Skansen Aquarium will be open (separate entry) from 10.00 to 15.00, and pony rides will be available at Bredablick between 11.00 and 13.00. CONTINUES OVERLEAF
CHRISTMAS MARKET
Skansen’s Christmas market is an unbroken tradition dating back to 1903. The Town Quarter, en route to the Christmas market, comes into its own during the Christmas market weekends. Here Skansen’s craftsmen and women are hard at work in their workshops. The market itself exudes a wonderful Christmas atmosphere, with Christmas decorations, straw ornaments and other classic handicraft for sale. The Christmas market is made up of over 70 different market stalls, all selling high-quality products. There are also stalls selling freshly prepared food to enjoy, including traditional pork pancakes, venison burgers, doughnuts and other delicious treats. Wandering choirs bring music and song to Skansen and next to the Christmas Kerstin tomtenissa. Photo: Marie Andersson/Skansen
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Gingerbread baking in Väla school. Photo: Marie Andersson/Skansen
Christmas table in Delsbogården. Photo: Marie Andersson/Skansen
Christmas market shed. Photo: Maria Johansson/Skansen CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE
Christmas Day at Skansen begins at 07.00 with an early morning service. The path to Seglora Church will be lit by hundreds of outdoor candles and the church itself will be filled with warm Christmas spirit. Christmas coffee will be served after the service at Restauration Gubbhyllan. NYÅR PÅ SKANSEN
The stroke of midnight will be greeted with music and performances on the Solliden stage and with a recital of the classic Lord Tennyson poem ’Ring Out, Wild Bells’. Since 2015 the poem has been recited by a different per-
Goldsmith workshop. Photo: Anna Yu/Skansen
son each year. In 2015 it was Malena Ernman, in 2016 the actress Pernilla August and in 2017 Krister Henriksson. 31 December from 12.10 to 00.10. CHRISTMAS FAREWELLS
Christmas comes to an end at Skansen on 6 January. The Christmas orchestra Julorkester and Ayla Kabaca invite you to join them for music and dancing around the Christmas tree. At Bollnäs Square there will be a lucky dip fish pond, candy floss, candied almonds and other festive fun. The open fire will be lit for cooking hot dogs and the Tavern and the Waffle Stand on Market Street (Marknadsgatan) will
be open, selling hot dogs, pies, mulled wine and other hot drinks as well as waffles, of course. This is also the final day for traditional Christmas celebrations in our houses and farms and for Christmas crafts at the Forestry Centre. We say farewell to Christmas with dancing on 6 January 2019. Text: Skansen
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Meetingpoints
Above: Illustration of the building. Below left: there is a lot to see and experience in Mariestad. Visiting the guest harbour in Mariestad and settling down with a locally produced ice cream is one of the highlights. To the right: Andreas and Georg Häselbarth visit the place of Dinners in Mariestad.
Dinners expands and opens in Mariestad
Dinners establish in Mariestad and plans for a new kind of meeting point with several activities in the same local area. The location is strategically located at the southern entrance to the city centre and it is easy to stay on the way to or from Mariestad.
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inners have decided to settle at Sydport Mariestad at the strategic junction E20 and highway 26 in Mariestad. Besides that, the company has operations in four locations in Sweden; Enköping, Arboga, Ödeshög and Gävlebro. - We are establishing ourselves in more locations around Sweden, starting in Mariestad,” says Andreas Häselbarth, CEO of Dinners. Dinners work with leading companies around Europe, embracing the latest trends from those countries that have extensive experience in developing the tourism industry. It will be a new kind of meeting point with more activities in the same room. In addition to the restaurant, there will be a modern coffeeshop with a Deli shop, a solarium
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shop and a modern low-cost hotel and a gas station. The concept also includes the installation of charging posts, which is part of tomorrow’s new service station. It happens a lot at Mariestad’s southern entrance, Sydport says the municipality’s business executive Mats Widhage. In addition to well-known fast food chains, there is one of Sweden’s five first hydrogen gas tank stations. In addition to the gas station, a solar cell park has been built. The solar energy generated will be used to produce hydrogen for refueling fuel cell cars and store solar energy. Mariestad becomes the first in the world with this unique solution. MARIESTAD - THE TOURIST CITY
Mariestad is the small town that battles in nature experiences and quality of life. Sweden’s blue band Götakanal meets northern Europe’s largest lake Vänern here - and beyond the
14-mile coast, the archipelago islands count in tens of thousands. Staying in Mariestad is to pause life at its best. Here you stroll around the hilly cobbled streets of the Old Town, enjoy local-made ice cream and participate in the hilarious hamlet life. Or relax with a quality beer from one of the neighbourhood’s microbreweries. Mariestad’s beer tradition continues today in a row of shady brews in the town’s restaurants. With the magnificent nature in front of the feet, the area is ideal for outdoor activities both on foot and by boat, and for the active one expects a variety of experiences to choose from. Here you will find good paddling and fishing waters, adventurous hiking trails and paths that provide experiences beyond the usual - not least along the Götakanal. Text: Redaktionen Photo: Tuana
Glass packaging Compression Reduces volume to weight
"With a Bottle Crusher, the staff can reduce the volume of bottles directly into bar. Perfect for pubs, restaurants and hotels. Jaws" in Jaws ” i baren. Perfekt för pubar, restauranger och Install hotell."Baby Installera ”Baby bars. No more vingling with bottles to storage space through crowded bars. Bar staff are behind the counter all night. barer. Barpersonalen är bakom disken hela natten. We make sure you earn more money and save the environment at the same Vi gör så att Ni tjänar mer pengar och sparar samtidigt på miljön! time!
Under the bar PEL BB01 On the loadingdock/storage PEL BB06 See link https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=byMGJYhRCFU https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PEuCku6eHXo
Scanwaste
+46 31 150050 • www.scanwaste.se Komprimering för återvinning www.scanwaste.se
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Indulgence
A Pocketful of treats
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Indulgence Countryside Hotels was founded in 1983 and is made up of about 40 hotels spanning from Skåne in the south of Sweden to Dalarna in the north. The hotels are a fascinating collection of ancient castles, magnificent mansions, charming inns, stylish design hotels and cosy guesthouses. The common thread that binds all these hotels together is the desire to create an experience that is far beyond the everyday. There is treat in store for you all.
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ountryside Hotels is a group owned by an affiliated partnership of members and together they actively work to keep the countryside alive and well. The hotels are often important employers within their communities and most of the products served at their restaurants are locally produced by small local suppliers. Magazine Sweden meets Anna Madsen, Marketing Manager for Countryside Hotels, for a chat about what is like to spend quality time in these wonderful locations. What is the main reason for guests choosing to stay at a Countryside Hotel? – The first thing is that you get an experience that is something quite out the ordinary. You will be looked after by fantastic people who truly care. The people who run these hotels are real powerhouses and their drive shines through during the whole experience, from the way the pillows are placed on your bed through to which wine is served with dinner. Many of our hotel owners are themselves chefs and they place great importance on the dining experience being as unique as possible. When people take time out for a weekend away, the food and drink are often a very important part of the experience. Many of our hotels have three, four or five-course menus included in their packages and several also offer wine tastings, gourmet packages or champagne weekends, says Anna Madsen. Anna continues:
– Another thing that is pervasive throughout all of our hotels is the need for attention to detail and a very personable atmosphere. Something you may not be able to get at a larger hotel chain. As an example, all our hotel rooms are individual and look different - there are no two that look the same. Today, about 40 hotels are affiliated to Countryside Hotels. How do choose the hotels? – We regularly visit hotels that have contacted us for membership. We have some basic requirements such as Wi-fi facilities, at least three stars and other similar things but this is usually a formality. For us, the most important question is how we feel when we enter the hotel and does it have that special quality and character. Is this a hotel that touches its guests with something unique? Is there is a great drive and commitment from the owners? Is the dining experience top notch? These things matter to us more than all the bathrooms being fully tiled or that there is a TV with lots of channels in every room, says Anna Madsen. You also have a range of exciting packages, which are bound to attract many visitors to try a stay with you? – Absolutely! We primarily sell packages built around a particular theme, something that is a little different from other hotels. We always offer that something extra. It may be a bottle of champagne on arrival, or a spa treatment included, or something else special to enhance the experience. Additionally, many of our hotels are located close to the waterside, which makes for beaut-
iful surroundings and an inviting nature ideal for walks and other outdoor activities. You can try canoeing, kayaking or rent a mountain bike,something which many of our hotels offer. – Our mission is to inject a touch of firstclass finery into people’s lives. As a guest at one of our hotels we want you to experience moments that will never be forgotten with the ones that are closest to you. What would you say is the main reason why a hotel chooses to join your group? – Many of our hotels are very small and do not have large numbers of staff and resources. They put all their energy into ensuring that the hotels themselves, the rooms and food are of the highest quality and service. There is not so much time or opportunity to focus on marketing and administration. Therefore, it is of great advantage to work together with the other Countryside Hotels where we have a common booking system and have the opportunity to discuss and share thoughts and ideas about exciting new packages for guests and other such things. – We are one big family where everyone is striving for the same common goal: That Countryside Hotels is the leading choice for the independent traveller who wishes to book selected and characterful hotels in the countryside that focus on food, environment and big experiences. – Countryside Hotels are like a pocketful of treats - there is something sweet for everyone! Anna Madsen concludes with a smile. Txt: Tony Manieri Photo: Countryside Hotels
3 Cosy weekend break suggestions The Romantic - just the two of you
Spa-time - go on, pamper yourself
The Gourmet - taste the good life
It is sometimes said that we only need three things in life: something to look forward to, something to do and someone to love. The romantic weekend away with your loved one gives you all three! A romantic weekend for just the two of you at one of Sweden’s most romantic hotels, sounds wonderful doesn’t it? It’s time to leave your everyday life behind and check-in for a weekend at one of our selected romantic hotels, where you only need worry about each other.
At our hotels that have their own spa and relaxation facilities, we offer a wide variety of relaxation and spa weekends. There is a big variety of beneficial treatments for mind, body and soul at our diverse range of properties. Booking a spa weekend or a spa package is one of the best ways to relax and forget the everyday stress and all those ‘must dos’ at home. Bring your best friend, partner, the whole family or just come alone for some essential me-time.
A gourmet weekend at one of our hotels is an invitation to all the senses, once experienced, it will leave your taste buds longing for more. Perhaps you’re looking to celebrate a birthday or a wedding or simply just want a gastronomic experience. Countryside Hotel’s kitchens have won many awards, from amongst others, The White Guide, Chaine des Rôtisseurs and Sweden’s Best Table - which speaks volumes. Come and sample a dining experience that is anything but ordinary! MAGAZINESWEDEN
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Experiences
Scenic lakeside experiences at Toftasjön
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oftastrand is a family owned property hotel and pastry shop ,which started in 1993. The business began in small scale with garden café, room rental and catering to for example weddings and party’s. From the beginning there were 9 rooms in the main building ,as well as 2 cottages right on the seafront. In 2014 the hotel was expanded with 12 double rooms, with its own terrace, and several with lake views. -We want to offer our guests a peaceful and quiet relaxing environment, where we work for great food, made of ingrediencies from the region. -All cooked and baked from scratch, says Inger Svensson. VILLA VIKS DINERS
When the neighboring house Villa Vik was for sale, came the possibility of expanding, and the majority of the restaurant business was moved to the beautifully located villa. CHRISTINAS NILSSON’S VILLA VIK
The branches are cracking when the horse’s skate, rolls forward on the gravel-road up towards the house. A woman rises, goes up the stairs and slowly opens the heavy oak doors of Villa Vik. The woman is our greatest opera singer ever, and it is here she retires after her amazing career. Christina Nilsson or Countess Casa de Miranda, as she was also called, was the poor girl from Snugge who conquered the world with her talented voice. Now, a hundred years later, the family welcomes you to Villa Vik´s Dining Rooms, which they have carefully renovated and restored to a top-class restaurant and conference facility at scenic Toftasjön. Text: Jonny Bothin Photo: FB, Nina Johansson
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