Hi all,

Well, I must be settling in to things as I have just missed my first train! When I should be on the 9.27 from Gothenbourg (or as the local and I like to call it, Göteborg) to Copenhagen I am sat in the train station waiting for the 11.32! Luckily for you that means I can update the blog! Still no pictures though Im afraid.

Monday 13/9/10 (PM)
Gothenbourg

Arrived at hostel after energy sapping up hill walk as per last posting. I am sure my bag has got heavier but Im not sure how!

Decided to have a bit of a relaxing afternoon, did a bit of washing and put my fet up. This hostel was the nicest I have stayed at with nice large common areas, free PCs, roomy showers and TVs in the bedrooms. Unfortunately there was b***** all going on there!

Tuesday 14/9/10
Gothenbourg

My decision to take monday off backfired as, when I got up on Tuesday ready for some sightseeing, I found it was pouring with rain. Not to be put off I put on my Mac (thanks Graeme) and headed off into the city. Although the mac worked perfectly and I was perfectly dry from the waste up, my lower half became rapidly drenched. I eventually made it to the cultural centre and sought refuge in the art museum. This allowed me to dry off and I actually enjoyed having a look around.

'The Göteborg Museum of Art at Götaplatsen, Gothenburg, is renowned for its collection of Nordic art from around the close of the 19th century. A must see is the lavishly decorated Fürstenberg Gallery, named after a leading Gothenburg art donor, Pontus Fürstenberg and his wife Göthilda. Among the artists showcased one can mention Carl Larsson, Anders Zorn, and P.S. Kröyer.

The museum also houses older and contemporary art, both Nordic and international. The Museum has been awarded three stars in the Michelin Guide (Green Guide Scandinavia).

The museum building was created for the international exhibition in Gothenburg 1923 by architect Sigfrid Ericson, celebrating the city's 300th anniversary, and represents the monumental Neo-Classical style in Nordic architecture. It is built of a yellow brick called ”Gothenburg brick” because of the materials frequent use in the city. The museums forms the imposing end of the main street of the city, Kungsportsavenyn.'

I am surprised that Wikipedia failed to mention that they also have some paintings by Monet (including 'the water lillies'), and a few other impressionists who I had heard of but cant remeber now, Van Gogh, Kandinsky, Picasso and some beautiful little sculptures by Rodin.

When I came out the rain had stopped so I had a little walk around the city centre. In all honesty although its a pleasant place, there wasnt a massive amount to see. Therefore I decided to check out the football ground! Little did I know but Gothenbourg have actually got two right next to each other. Bonus. They have quite a nice little ground (15-20,000 or so) called Gamla Ullevi which appears to be the home of IFK and the other team whose name I have forgotten. They are both mid table in the Swedish league at the moment. Right next door is the Ullevi, venue for the 1958 World Cup final and the 1992 European Championship Final and home to the national team a lot of the time. I also have memories of Man United playing here quite a few times in the early days of the Champions league when IFK were a decent side. Suffice to say that, although groundbreaking in 1958, the ground has seen better days but i got a peek inside and it was still quite impressive.

I walked back to the hostel through the university area which was quite nice then cooked myself some dinner before heading out to the pub to watch Spurs.

Things have been interesting but quiet in Scandinavia, I have tomorrow in Copenhagen then I head to Hamburg. Im hoping things will liven up a bit there, Ive heard the Reeperbahn is interesting ;-)

Nick