Lidkoping ~ Sweden

At the moment you’ll find me in a charming , little village called Lidkoping in Sweden. People from here might think it can be a boring place for someone used to living in the big city, but in contrast I find it peaceful, authentic and cute. That’s what I love about having a touristic mindset as you are viewing a place with new eyes of excitement. I encourage everyone to implement this perspective and being an explorer in their hometown. However, there must be balance. I truly believe as well that people evolve when they change environment and get the opportunity to step outside of their known territory by traveling away to achieve new insightful experiences.

Yet, let’s dive into this place and have a look at their treasure spots. Even though it’s small, it’s cozy and has lots to offer. You only need some awareness, an eye for detail, a sense of curiosity and unfold your creativity.

First up, we have their religious center piece, a stunning church named St. Nicolai. It’s outer exterior decorated with rose gold details and a beautiful tower to look up at. You can visit it during the opening hours from 9-13.

The view of the town’s beautiful church ~ ps notice the extraordinary rose gold details! It’s first time I’ve seen this, is it for you as well?!

The entrance

Stepping into holy presence

Let’s move on, next up the square, a five minute walk from the church if you stop on the way like I did and photographed the old historic buildings.

On your stroll, you’ll see an old library with columns, and other old houses in cute pastel colors. Like this beautiful door I spotted.

The town hall at the main square of Lidkoping

And this is where you will find the tourist information office as well as the best bakery in town called “Rådhuskonditoriet”. I must say it’s the perfect place to get the Christmas vibes as you can feel the spirit of the community. They offer lots of activities and events as Christmas is just around the corner. And although it’s not yet December, that won’t stop them from serving already saffron traditional pastries and being in Christmas mood.

So if you’re here during this season I recommend buying their “safran lyxbulla” as it’s one of a kind. If not, there’s no wrong in eating a traditional Swedish cinnamon bun, that’s actually a must!

Make sure to come to the square on Wednesdays and Saturdays, because then you will see the market! Oh and then forget to spot the second hand shops, a very typical Swedish activity to do. Remember the word “loppis” and you might get lucky at finding good bargains on antique pieces or souvenirs to remember this place.

Antique pieces for such a good bargain!

If you continue inwards from the square and into the narrower streets, you will find more bakeries, charming interior shops and a favorite shop I found which sold the most beautiful flowers on display. That totally made me forget about Christmas btw and I daydreamed of a warm, sunny summer’s day.

Aren’t they enchanting?

I hope you’ve found bliss and inspiration when you travel or just wanting to explore and unfold your creativity where you are. It’s a powerful self care practice, to feel recharged, open minded, motivated and inspired. Let’s not forget that it’s an important part of enjoying life cause the world has so much to offer us if we just open our eyes!

With love & care, Melanie x

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Svartskog Kolonial ~ Norway

I’m back and have been absent due to lack of motivation to write, because I’m not sure if somebody out there is reading my blog posts. If you are, I’m hoping the content is something for you and that you like my blog.

I was on a quick visit home, and it felt like “there’s no place like home”. It’s an attachment to memories, places, family and friends. It reconnects me, makes me centered again and refuels my soul with a fresh spirit, ready again to take on the world.

While home, I visited this beautiful, charming café in Svartskog, about 20/30 minutes outside Oslo city. It’s definitely an escape from all the buzz, noice and stress a city life can cause you. Here it feels like you are taking a small road trip to the mountains, surrounded by nature and quietness. There are people who live here, their houses in traditional Norwegian housebuilding style of wood, looking similar to cabins, and others in white color, Victorian style. It’s a nice walk through the neighborhood and into the woods, leading the way to the water side.

The café is a golden spot. It’s original, real and true to its personality. It has a charm inside and out, with an old, but cool sofa inviting you to relax outside the café’s door, you get it, very inviting right? And so when you step inside, it’s like coming inside a home, it’s so cozy. You get a feeling of being taken good care of, and that they define by the food, interior and spirit. It’s small, but that makes it more personal, you feel more connected through the place and the food they serve.

They serve Norwegian pastries and baking goods at mastery level, and I dare to say they make the world’s best waffel the Norwegian way. Order it with the famous brown cheese called “brunost”. Other pastries to make sure you get your hands over is the cinnamon roll and “skolebolle”; it’s a baked sweet dough with powdered sugar icing, coconut flakes topped and in the middle of it egg cream! I’m already getting water in my mouth by writing all these deliciousness this café serves.

It’s a place for everyone, for those who want to escape from the city life in Oslo or for the tourists who wants to experience the Norwegian woods and real, authentic Norwegian baking.