Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Pick the Right Spot
Where is the best place to meet a friend or client for drinks in Stockholm? Not an easy question to answer considering that Swedes tend to love drinks and we can therefore continuously find new fun places to explore. Sometimes though, going for an old favorite is the best option. The other night I was coming off a day with back to back meetings and a glass of wine with a good friend was just what I needed. She suggested Lydmar. Great I thought. I know that place. Like it a great deal even but once I found myself outside the door of what I thought was its location I realize that it had moved. Luckily not far and I must admit that the new location, across the water from the royal palace is fantatically much better.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
High Heels
Lesson to self: Skip high heels when in Stockholm or Helsinki.. To many cobble stoned streets. At one point today I almost fell down.
A Fantastic Lunch
This morning I had a challening meeting. The discussion was a bit challenging. Finland has, just as most countries in Europe, been hit by the current recession and this fact was much present in this mornings discussion. Luckily my lunch meeting was quite different: This time I was treated to an inspiring discussion and a fantastic lunch. Ruccola and melon salad for starters, searing cod fish with a salty crayfish sauce for main and a lingonberry sorbet for desert was just a nice surprise when eating at the in company restaurant.
Thank god for the great food at lunch! I had to spend a few hours to many at the Helsinki Vantaa airport later this afternoon before boarding a place for Stockholm. There is just not that many good options for eating there. And after half of a Fazer (local brand) chocolate bar and some salty liquorice I was feeling full and a bit sick at the same time. I walked around a bit to take a look at what the airport stores had to offer.
To end on a positive note I can say that wireless access is 100 percent free at this airport which is convenient. Definately not the case in Stockholm for example.
Thank god for the great food at lunch! I had to spend a few hours to many at the Helsinki Vantaa airport later this afternoon before boarding a place for Stockholm. There is just not that many good options for eating there. And after half of a Fazer (local brand) chocolate bar and some salty liquorice I was feeling full and a bit sick at the same time. I walked around a bit to take a look at what the airport stores had to offer.
To end on a positive note I can say that wireless access is 100 percent free at this airport which is convenient. Definately not the case in Stockholm for example.
Experience the Beuty Around You
It is interesting how much cooler it is in Scandinavia this time of year compared to other parts of Europe. While most of my peers back home are still are on vacation with their kids somewhere along the cost of the Mediterranean people in the north are full throttle back to business are usual. Kids are in school and people are already talking about what pieces from the fall fashion lines to add to their wardrobe. (Personally I would not mind to add a grey suit from Tiger of Sweden to mine).
Weather is just one of those things that influence things dramatically. The other day when I was going to Helsinki for a few days, I left my home in France at 6 am in the morning. The sun was just rising, sky was bright blue and one could just tell that it would be another beutiful 35 degree day. Arriving in Helsinki a few hours later I was welcomed by rain and 16 degrees. Wearing a well cut black jacket and a matching skirt I could not help but feel grateful that I had chosen a pink scarf as an accent that particular day.
Still, despite the crummy weather the trip was a hit. Not only did my meetings go well but Helsinki also happens to be one of those cities that has a great deal more to offer than one might think.
.
After my first meeting I headed over to a small and very local coffee shop by one of the largest squares in Helsinki. And before entering I could not help but snap this photo of the fantastically grand church across the street. Resembling Milano’s Droumo or Barcelona’s la familja in size it was a fantastic sight. The square in itself has an interesting story as it is a memory from the Russian occupation of Finland
Later, as I was walking up Alexander Katu in the direction of my next meeting, I realized I had exactly one extra hour to spare. As I am still quite new to visiting Finland I decided to stop by the national museum of aft for a quick visit. Centrally located it features a permanent exhibit that showcases all of Finland’s most prominent painters.
Two more meetings and then it was time to head back to the Hotel. Personally I always prefer to stay at the SAS Radisson hotels when in Scandinavia. The design, the food and the predictable good service is I guess what draws me in. In Helsinki there are four choices of which I always opt for the SAS Radisson Plaza hotel. Its location, with walking distance to many interesting restaurants and shopping adds to the experience.
This particular night I had the energy to visit the gym and spending 30 minutes in the sauna I was ready to retire to my room.
The next morning I could not help but regret two things: First booking an 8 a clock meeting, second staying up late to do emails. The thing is that in Finland everything is one hour earlier due to the time difference. However, after two cups of coffee, granola and a berry smoothly everything felt a great deal better. Good hotel breakfast can simply be a lifesaver.
Weather is just one of those things that influence things dramatically. The other day when I was going to Helsinki for a few days, I left my home in France at 6 am in the morning. The sun was just rising, sky was bright blue and one could just tell that it would be another beutiful 35 degree day. Arriving in Helsinki a few hours later I was welcomed by rain and 16 degrees. Wearing a well cut black jacket and a matching skirt I could not help but feel grateful that I had chosen a pink scarf as an accent that particular day.
Still, despite the crummy weather the trip was a hit. Not only did my meetings go well but Helsinki also happens to be one of those cities that has a great deal more to offer than one might think.
.
After my first meeting I headed over to a small and very local coffee shop by one of the largest squares in Helsinki. And before entering I could not help but snap this photo of the fantastically grand church across the street. Resembling Milano’s Droumo or Barcelona’s la familja in size it was a fantastic sight. The square in itself has an interesting story as it is a memory from the Russian occupation of Finland
Later, as I was walking up Alexander Katu in the direction of my next meeting, I realized I had exactly one extra hour to spare. As I am still quite new to visiting Finland I decided to stop by the national museum of aft for a quick visit. Centrally located it features a permanent exhibit that showcases all of Finland’s most prominent painters.
Two more meetings and then it was time to head back to the Hotel. Personally I always prefer to stay at the SAS Radisson hotels when in Scandinavia. The design, the food and the predictable good service is I guess what draws me in. In Helsinki there are four choices of which I always opt for the SAS Radisson Plaza hotel. Its location, with walking distance to many interesting restaurants and shopping adds to the experience.
This particular night I had the energy to visit the gym and spending 30 minutes in the sauna I was ready to retire to my room.
The next morning I could not help but regret two things: First booking an 8 a clock meeting, second staying up late to do emails. The thing is that in Finland everything is one hour earlier due to the time difference. However, after two cups of coffee, granola and a berry smoothly everything felt a great deal better. Good hotel breakfast can simply be a lifesaver.
Lesson Learned
Today is a good day. I just arrived in Stockholm, Sweden. It is just one of those in and out trips but still. Took the speed train to the central station to meet up with an old friend for coffee. Had a few hours to kill as my 1.30 meeting just had sent me an SMS to cancel due to the flu. Thank god she cancelled!
Had the best scrimp salad for lunch at the Danish smörebröd spot. And as they had open and free internet I was able to send off a few notes to my assistant before walking across the street to meet my friend.
It was great to connect. Had not seen the guy in years and in many ways our lives had turned out very similar. Both had spent long stints abroad for example. I felt underdressed though, showing up in my travel clothes (jeans, blue canvas jacket and tan heals). In the end it turned out that our business interests were overlapping and I would have been more comfortable in more traditional attire. Lesson learned!
Had the best scrimp salad for lunch at the Danish smörebröd spot. And as they had open and free internet I was able to send off a few notes to my assistant before walking across the street to meet my friend.
It was great to connect. Had not seen the guy in years and in many ways our lives had turned out very similar. Both had spent long stints abroad for example. I felt underdressed though, showing up in my travel clothes (jeans, blue canvas jacket and tan heals). In the end it turned out that our business interests were overlapping and I would have been more comfortable in more traditional attire. Lesson learned!
How to do Dinner Twice in One Night
On the flight back from spending two days in Oslo I was able to fly with Norwegian.no while I am now travelling with SAS. Though the experience with SAS is fantastic I vote for a direct flight (which is always the case with low cost options) rather than having to stop in Copenhagen or Zurich.
When in Oslo I often stay at the Radisson SAS Scandinavia hotel up by the castle but this time I opted for its sister hotel right by the central station. Though the neighbourhood is not as nice, the convenience of being able to jump on the train to go just everywhere was priceless.
Last night I met a colourful local entrepreneur for drinks at around 5. He had suggested Theater Grillen and when he said “why don’t we have a “smörebröd with scrimp with our drink” I could not resist. This despite I was due for a dinner only a about an hour later. It was for sure worth it. Dinner was only a few blocks away up Henrik Ibsen’s street. And at a swank fish restaurant I enjoyed a fantastic fish soup and an interesting conversation.
The next morning started early with a meeting about 30 minutes outside the city. Once again I was able to take the train. You have to love public transportation in Norway.
When in Oslo I often stay at the Radisson SAS Scandinavia hotel up by the castle but this time I opted for its sister hotel right by the central station. Though the neighbourhood is not as nice, the convenience of being able to jump on the train to go just everywhere was priceless.
Last night I met a colourful local entrepreneur for drinks at around 5. He had suggested Theater Grillen and when he said “why don’t we have a “smörebröd with scrimp with our drink” I could not resist. This despite I was due for a dinner only a about an hour later. It was for sure worth it. Dinner was only a few blocks away up Henrik Ibsen’s street. And at a swank fish restaurant I enjoyed a fantastic fish soup and an interesting conversation.
The next morning started early with a meeting about 30 minutes outside the city. Once again I was able to take the train. You have to love public transportation in Norway.
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