First Journey Day 62: Fika Fantasy
Date: October 25, 2023
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
On a wet autumn day in Stockholm, Sweden, I leaned into the city’s beloved ritual—fika—finding warmth in coffee, cinnamon, and conversation as rain stitched silver threads across the old town.
Rainlight over Gamla Stan
Today, the rain in Stockholm added a certain charm to the city. The streets of Gamla Stan glistened, reflecting the old buildings in their wet cobblestones.
A Ritual Called Fika
I decided to embrace the local culture and indulge in a traditional Swedish fika. Found this quaint café, nestled between historic buildings. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mixed with the scent of cinnamon buns was simply irresistible.
Watching the City, Unhurried
As I sipped my coffee, I watched the Swedes go about their day, seemingly unfazed by the rain. Some hurried by with their umbrellas, while others took a moment to chat with friends. It's fascinating how weather, something so universal, can be experienced so differently across cultures.
Pastries Worth the Pause
The café's interior was a blend of modern Scandinavian design and rustic charm—wooden tables, soft lighting, and an array of pastries on display. I tried the kanelbullar (cinnamon bun) and the kladdkaka (chocolate cake). Both were delightful, but the kanelbullar, with its perfect swirls and sprinkling of pearl sugar, was the star.
Choosing Stillness Over Sketching
I spent a good part of the afternoon there, sketching a bit, reading, and simply soaking in the ambiance. The rain, the coffee, the pastries, and the gentle hum of conversations around made for a perfect day. It's these simple moments, I believe, that truly define a journey. Stockholm, with its rain and its warmth, has etched a special place in my heart.
Travel Notes
- Weather: Light rain showers, about 8 °C; slick stone streets, soft reflections pooling in the cobbles, a cool breath through café doors.
- Scents: Freshly brewed coffee, warm cinnamon, a whisper of butter and sugar from the pastry case.
- Sounds: The patter of drizzle, muffled footsteps, low conversations, cups clinking against saucers.
- Reflection: Rain slowed the day to a gentle pace, making room for small, anchoring pleasures—fika as a pause within the journey.
Continue the Journey
You may also enjoy reading about yesterday’s quiet reflections in Tampere or another rainy-day companion from the same country: Day 63 in Gothenburg.
