Showing posts with label Tradition. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tradition. Show all posts

Café & Bakery Vete-Katten

Crowds gathering in the morning, waiting for the café to open.
As Sweden is one of the top 10 coffee consuming nations per capita in the world and "fika" (to socialize over coffee and pastries) is a national pastime, you can correctly assume that there are cafés all over Stockholm. Södermalm, the area where the Hotel Rival is located, is especially rich in cafés with one on almost every corner... including our own Café Rival.
Some cafés are well-known because of the quality of their coffee (roasting their own beans) or because their atmosphere is especially conducive to meeting friends for a fika. Other cafés have just  become famous through time and tradition; meeting places for generations of Swedes. One of Stockholm's most famous cafés is Vete-Katten. It is famous enough that I get asked by hotel guests about it, even though it is located in the downtown area and not in our neighborhood.
Freshly baked cinamon buns
In fact, this past weekend I was there to pick up a cake that a guest had specially ordered for a birthday celebration, which made me think that the café would make a good blog article.  They do indeed have a wide variety of cakes as well as cinnamon and cardamom buns (Swedish delicacies), biscuits, bread, cookies and much more, all baked on the premises. They do have gluten/lactose free and diabetes-friendly options as well! If you want something more substantial than a fika, then they also have simpler lunch options (salads, soups, baked potatoes, etc.).
The name "Vete-Katten" has a fun background story. Back in 1928, someone asked the proprietress, Ester Nordhammar, what she was going to call her soon-to-be-opened café and she answered "det vete katten". This is old-timey Swedish that translates to "only the cat knows", similar to the English saying "God only knows". As vete also mean wheat in Swedish, it became a play on words and stuck as a good name for a café/bakery.
Its popularity has allowed Vete-Katten to open cafés (with the same name) in several new locations, including the Central Train Station, Åhlens department store and Östermalms Saluhall (food market). But the original Vete-Katten, on Kungsgatan, remains the most popular... especially for visitors and traditionalists. The easiest way to get there from the Hotel Rival is by subway, three stations away to the Hötorget on the green line from nearby Slussen. Otherwise, it is just a 10 minute taxi ride.

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Restaurant Kvarnen

Yesterday I was invited, along with my colleagues at Les Clefs d'Or Sweden, to a dinner at the historic restaurant Kvarnen. The restaurant is located just a stone's throw from the square Medborgarplatsen on Södermalm... just about a 10-12 minute walk from Hotel Rival. Otherwise, the closest subway station is Medborgarplatsen (green line). The restaurant is steeped in history and is a great place to try traditional Swedish cuisine and feel some authentic "Söder" ambiance.
Part of main dining room.
Kvarnen means "the mill" in Swedish and the restaurant's name (originally Gråkvarn- "grey mill") was inspired by a mill which stood nearby until 1863. Södermalm is the largest of the 14 islands which make up Stockholm and, up until modern times, Södermalm was known as the working class district of the city. Gentrification during the last century turned the area into a more trendy, bohemian neighborhood... popular with artists and hipsters. Opened in 1908, the restaurant has kept to the working class history of the area with its beer hall atmosphere and hearty cuisine.
Bakfickan
Kvarnen has lovingly kept the historical details of the interior and it looks much like it did back over a hundred years ago. The main dining room features features beautiful high windows, black & white checkered tiled floor and lots of interesting details and artwork. In the back, behind the main dining room, they have a great, rustic kafetaria ("bakfickan") with Swedish and Czech microbreweries on tap. Kvarnen also has a chambre separée downstairs for private dining and events (up to 25 persons). 
4 types of herring
As I mentioned, Kvarnen serves traditional Swedish cuisine. About half of the sajian is filled with traditional dishes and the other half is more modern dishes using seasonal Swedish ingredients. We were served 4 types of pickled herring for our starter and Swedish meatballs for the main course... all washed down with Swedish beer and traditional snaps. Hearty and delicious! Other classic dishes on their sajian include fried herring, toast skagen, renskav (reindeer stew), grilled trout and cured salmon. Click here to find more restaurants in Stockholm which serve traditional Swedish cuisine and click here for other restaurant recommendations. 
Swedish meatballs.
A few interesting bits of trivia... Kvarnen attracts readers/fans of the Millenium book & film series as it is mentioned a few times as being the character Lisbeth Salander's favorite restaurant and bar. Another guest demographic is the fans of the local football club Hammarby and they can often be found here before and after matches, dressed in green & white. Finally, Kvarnen shares a history with another historic restaurant, Källaren Hamburg, which was once located close by (Kvarnen took over their liquor license when Hamburg closed in 1908). Källaren Hamburg was around as far back as the 1640's and was where criminals, sentenced to death, were infamously allowed one last shot of snaps as they were taken to the gallows nearby. 





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Easter In Stockholm 2019

Easter Lunch!
Photo by Marie Andersson/Skansen
Easter is upon us, a bit later in the calendar this year. If you are visiting Stockholm this weekend, it is good to know how we celebrate the holiday. To start off with... the Swedish word for Easter is Påsk (good to know when visiting the city on Easter weekend). While Sweden is one of the least religious countries in the world, it has loads of bank holidays that are religious in origin. On Easter weekend (April 19th to 22nd this year) we have two bank holidays, besides the obvious Easter Sunday, or Påskdagen: Good Friday (Långfredag) and Easter Monday (Annandag Påsk). Even Thursday (Skärtorsdag) is somewhat special as many office workers take a half day off ahead of their 4 day holiday. Once upon a time this meant that the city came to a standstill for 4 days... but these days it isn't that bad. Banks, liquor stores, cafés and smaller shops will be closed or have changed opening hours. Many restaurants, most larger department stores and shopping centers will be open as normal. Though perhaps with shortened opening hours.
The Hotel Rival's Bistro, Bar and Café are all open all weekend long! Our Bistro will be serving our popular brunch on both Saturday and Sunday.
Children dressed up as Easter witches (påskkärringar)
Photo by Marie Andersson/Skansen
As for the museums, the big ones, like Vasa, Fotografiska, ABBA, Skansen, National and Moderna, are open as normal (though keep in mind that Moderna and National are closed on Mondays). The History Museum (Historiska) is closed on both Friday and Saturday, open on Sunday and Monday. Though it is mostly good news for museums... Monday is a day in Sweden when many museums are closed, however some of these museums are staying open on Monday, April 22nd, as it is a holiday. They include the Royal Palace, Medieval, Millesgården and Natural History.  Keep in mind that I haven't checked ALL the museums in Stockholm... just the top 20 or so of the 85 museums in the city. Talk to me directly, if you are staying at the Hotel Rival, or check the individual websites if you are interested in other, smaller museums. Sightseeing tours operate as normal!

Scene from Skansen. Photo by me!

If you want to experience Swedish Easter traditions then you should definitely visit Skansen (open-air museum, park and zoo). Don't be surprised if you see little children dressed up as cute witches (påskkärringar)! Here you can learn about, watch, listen to or partake in traditional Easter activities. These are all of special interest if you have children with you. They also have an Easter Market, open (11am to 4pm) from Thursday to Monday, where you can purchase traditional Easter handicraft, decorations, toys and food. For a full calendar of activities at Skansen... click here. I did mention that Sweden isn't a very religious country, but that doesn't mean that it is devoid of religion! There are, of course, many churches (mainly Lutheran and Catholic) that have special Easter services and masses. Contact me directly, if you are staying at the Hotel Rival, for service/mass times at different churches. Several churches offer services in languages other than Swedish. Click here for more Easter tips from Visit Stockholm.
Glad Påsk (Happy Easter)!

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A Sure Sign Of Spring In Stockholm

Every spring, for a few weeks, Stockholmers make a pilgrimage to the square Kungsträdgården to look at (and, of course, photograph) the cherry blossom trees. Our personal social media accounts are filled with pictures of these pink trees with text stating "spring is here" or something else of that nature. It really is like clockwork.
As I am a slave to tradition and the trees are really quite spectacular, I made my pilgrimage yesterday with some friends to enjoy the beautiful trees... and we weren't alone! It was a bank holiday and a gorgeous day, so Stockholmers were out in the thousands, all vying for the perfect selfie shot with the blossoms in the background. If you are in Stockholm during the next few weeks, head down to the square, located in the downtown area, to have a stroll under the pink blossoms.
To get there from the Gamla Stan (the old town), a 15 minute bus ride or take the subway. For the subway, you can just take it three stations to T-centralen, exit to Sergels torg, and walk two blocks or switch from the red line to blue line at T-Centralen and continue one station to Kungsträdgården. Of special note, this subway station is one of Stockholm's most beautiful and worth a visit on its own.

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Ramayana Ballet At Prambanan Temple

The Ramayana Ballet is basically a dramatic performance that beautifully tells the story of Ramayana and mainly about Rama who was legendary Hindu king or can also be said as incarnation of god. The dramatic performances tell the story of Rama’s courage.





This popular dramatic performance is organized in Prambanan, which is one of the largest compounds of Hindu temple in entire Indonesia. This temple is situated in central java, which is around 18 kilometer to the east of Yogyakarta. Ramayana Ballet in Prambanan Temple is usually organized on full moon days for its visitors.

Ramayana Ballet in Prambanan Temple is organized on various dates during a period of about six-month. In this popular Ramayana Ballet many reputed dancers. They perform their dances to the audiences in the most traditional clothes. The performances are organized in outdoor setting within the Prambanan temple complex of Indonesia.


Ramayana ballet is one of the best examples of story telling in Indonesia. The Ramayana Ballet in Prambanan Temple differs from the original Indian epic and it beautifully reflects the adaptation to Javanese sensitivities over the years. The Ramayana ballet uses performing arts for story telling. The Ramayana Ballet is a beautiful combination of art, drama and dance. The artists perform rigorous pembinaan to perform best during the course of the event. The Ramayana Ballet performed in Prambanan Temple is basically a folklore version of the Rama .in this drama different cycle of the life of Rama is shown beautifully.


Almost 100 dancers take part in these shows with full enthusiasm. The ballet consists of numerous group scenes and also slow moving dance. Gamelan orchestra is also played to make the show even more entertaining. Moreover, on the course of the event sometimes fire scenes are also performed .the Ramayana ballet usually ends up with Rama and his followers wining back Sita from the clutches of Ravana, King of Lanka.


The Ramayana ballet generally comprises of four episodes. During each night one episode is presented before its visitors public .this shows takes place from 07.30 to 09.30 p.m. The full of Ramayana is organized at popular Trimurti Theater on every Tuesday, Wednesday and on Thursday.
The Ramayana Ballet in Prambanan Temple is one best ballet in Indonesia.

Ramayana Ballet Performances Schedule 


(R) This blog contains various information about tourist destinations in Indonesia, from the very low-cost to expensive. hotel information, lodging, transportation, and accommodation support can also be found here.

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Karapan Sapi [Bull Race]


Karapan is a traditional cow racing from Madura, East Java. Most people Madura assume that karapan not just an annual traditional party. But for them, karapan is a symbol of prestige that can raise the dignity of the people of Madura, because the cows are used to match the games has very good quality and special.

In celebration of this karapan, the owners pride at stake. If they win the game, in addition to prize money from the organizers, they also get money from betting they do. If they lose this game, the owner will fell out of much money, because the treatment before the game was very expensive. Usually they hired a shaman to help keep the cows safe from attacks their enemies shaman.

Karapan celebration is held once a year, but to get to the finals, participants must meet the first few stages. There are two kinds of celebrations karapan dimadura cow, the first is the President Cup and the Regent Cup. Regent cup is usually held twice a year, the winners of this cup regents will continue the game normally to the President of the cup. The event was held in the city of Bangkalan and celebrations between September or October.

In the event karapan, the audience not only intertained with race and agility of the jockey, but before the race starts, they will be intertained by the ritual procession held by the cows owner around the the race track. Accompanied by Soronen, traditional musical instruments of Madura, making this event more festive .

The length of the route path karapan between is 180 to 200 meters, which can be completed within 14 sd 18 seconds. The speed of these cows, but because of shrewdness jockey, sometimes makes the bamboo used to tread the jockey flying in the air because these cows running speed.

Karapan dimadura is a very unique performances, but has inherited a tradition to the next is also waking up to now. This event was used as a tourism event in Indonesia, and not only local tourists, foreign tourists were many who witnessed this karapan.

(R) This blog contains various information about tourist destinations in Indonesia, from the very low-cost to expensive. hotel information, lodging, transportation, and accommodation support can also be found here.

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Peresean (Stick Fighting), Lombok

Peresean is an ancient martial art that recreates the legend of Princess Mandalika who, rather than see two suitors fight to the death in order to win her hand in marriage, chose to take her own life. Armed with rattan sticks, the fighters attack each other, defending their opponent's blows with a cowhide shield. As well as its historic associations, the fight also serves to ask God for rain for the imminent planting season with the ancient belief being that the more blood spilled, the more rain would follow.













(R) This blog contains various information about tourist destinations in Indonesia, from the very low-cost to expensive. hotel information, lodging, transportation, and accommodation support can also be found here.

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Saung Angklung Udjo, Bandung

Saung Angklung Udjo (SAU) is a piece of the story of how local cultural assets can still survive the pressure of globalization. Founded in 1966 by Udjo Ngalagena and his wife as an art studio and production center Angklung. SAU has now evolved into a cultural tourist attraction in West Java.
Located on the basis of the spirit Udjo Ngalagena to preserve Sundanese culture, SAU is an art studio as a venue for arts, culture lab, and a place to practice the art of Sunda. SAU is an evidence of how cultural values preserved, and can produce a variety of benefit to society.

SAU is a style of world wealth that continues to give color and meaning to human life. Located in the eastern city of Bandung, Saung Angklung Udjo (SAU) is a place where we can still feel the freshness of nature, birds singing and the joy of children.

Galleries


Bird Dance
Children Playing Angklung at SAU

Miss Universe 2009 Playing Angklung





Videos


Download E-brochure (Click Links Bellow):
About Saung Angklung Udjo (pdf document, 1.7 MB)
Art Performance (pdf document, 1.9 MB)
Bamboo Music & Craft Production (pdf document, 2.1 MB)

Click Here for More Information About Saung Angklung Udjo.
or contact SAU at:
Saung Angklung Udjo
Jln. Padasuka 118, Bandung 40192 West Java – INDONESIA
Phone. +62 22 727 1714, +62 22 710 1736
Fax. +62 22 720 1587
E-mail : info@angklung-udjo.co.id

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Midsummer Weekend 2019

Picture I took two years ago at the pole raising ceremony at Skansen on Midsummer's Eve. 
Well, it is almost that time of the year again: Midsummer (June 21st to 23rd)! With the exception of perhaps Christmas, Midsummer is the biggest holiday in the Swedish calendar. It is also the weekend when confused tourists and visitors wander the streets of Stockholm and wonder why many parts resemble a ghost town. Generally, they either have no clue it is Midsummer (or even what it is) or they expected a more festive holiday atmosphere with parades and block parties, like a Catholic festival. But this is a sacred holiday, much like Christmas, which Swedes spend with family and friends, preferably in a summer home outside of the city. It is a very old holiday, celebrating the summer solstice, dating back to Sweden's pagan past. But as long as you are aware of the holiday and what it entails, you should be fine. Most places geared for tourists tend to be open or partially open. Here are some tips on what is open/closed, what to expect and where to celebrate:

Museums-


If you are travelling with children (or are young at heart) both the amusement park Gröna Lund and Junibacken, the home of Pippi Longstocking and her friends, are open all weekend.
Pippi Longstocking moves into Junibacken
Photo by Ulf Huett - Junibacken

Restaurants-

Here is where you can get into a little trouble. Many restaurants are closed for the whole weekend, while others will be closed at least on Friday. Higher-end, Michelin star restaurants are almost all closed Friday through Monday. Most hotel restaurants are open to the general public (like the Rival Bistro) all weekend. There are also some other restaurants that are open during Midsummer... your best luck will be with hotel restaurants, places in Gamla Stan as well as restaurants like Hard Rock Café. If you are staying at the Hotel Rival, contact me as soon as possible for help booking a table, as they will probably fill up and last minute reservations might be tough! 

Shopping-

Also a little tough. Many smaller boutiques will be closed for the whole weekend. Even large shopping centers, like Mood and Sturegallerian, will close on both Friday and Saturday (Sturegallerian is closed on Sunday as well). The two largest department stores, NK and Åhlens City, will close early on Friday (NK at 2pm and Åhlens at 5pm) and stay closed on Saturday. The Mall of Scandinavia will close on Friday at 4pm and be mostly closed on Saturday. Officially, it is only Saturday which is a bank holiday... but Friday is about as close as you can come "unofficially", so expect many pharmacies, banks and liquor stores to be closed that day as well.

Sightseeing-

Large sightseeing companies like Strömma run as normal with bus, boat and combination tours available all weekend. Smaller, independant sightseeing companies may be closed. If you are planning on visiting the archipelago this weekend, expect long lines at the ferries with people heading to and from their summer homes for the holiday, especially going out on Friday and coming back on Sunday. Public transportation runs as normal, though on a more limited "holiday" schedule, all weekend.
Midsummer
Photo by Clive Tompsett/imagebank.sweden.se

Experience Midsummer-

After all of this negativity, you may be wondering "but where do we experience the Midsummer celebrations?". Well, the best place to see how Swedes traditionally celebrate this holiday is at Skansen. Raising of the maypole, dancing the little frog dance, etc. Check their calendar for a program of what is going on all weekend long! You can also check this funny video to get a crash course in how to celebrate like a Swede, While many Swedes do leave the city, the few that are left will celebrate with picnics and games in the different parks throughout the city. So, when in doubt, just head outdoors to celebrate. If you are staying at the Hotel Rival and need further information... contact us directly at the hotel!
Midnight sun... 

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