Sunday sightseeing

Michael, a friend of Philip, was in town yesterday so most of the day was spent walking around and looking at the sights. Something one usually rarely does, but it is fun to be a tourist in your own city.

After some coffee we walked (or really climbed about 100 steps) up the Stigberget hill and reached the Masthuggs church where you have more or less a 360-degree panorama of the whole city. The weather was lovely, even though a bit windy, so the view was a usual magnificent. Every time I’m up there I know exactly why I love this city so much. The ocean, the ships, the hills, the green parks and of course its people. A rare and unusual breed originating from Holland and Scotland in the 17th century.

Coming down the hill we walked along the harbour for a while before heading towards downtown and the moats/canals that are left. There we jumped on the tour boat Paddan (the toad) for an hour of waterside sightseeing. The weather decided to change the minute we got out in the harbour. Cloudy, windy and freezing cold. Going against the current we also got a feel and taste of the salt water.

Defrosting over some coffee at Ljunggrens Café, which has been around since 1889, we decided that the next stop would be the amusement park Liseberg and the wood rollercoaster Balder that opened a couple of years ago. Being one of very few people above the age of 20 we buckled up for a bit of a ride. A couple of minutes later the ride is over and your heart is beating like a steam hammer from excitement and fear at the same time.

Slowly getting our bodies and minds back to normal it was time to get some dinner. We ended up at La Gondola, an old favourite Italian restaurant of mine. The place has been around since the early 1970’s and going there you know exactly what to expect. Good food and good service for a decent price. A homey place where you can always go without getting disappointed. And while the sun set Michael and I had a delicious three main course meal along with some excellent Sicilian wine. An excellent way to end a very nice and fun sightseeing Sunday.