In the middle of the city of Gothenburg, which was once a fortress, you’ll find the quiet waters of the old harbour, casting a scenic glow through the city.

Almost every year, the local Swedish newspapers report how Swedes feel absolutely stressed during the year-end festive season. But for someone who’s just back from the all too humid bustle of Southeast-Asia, I couldn’t help but feel an inner serenity when looking at the dim twilight glow of the Gothenburg sky coupled with the chilly breeze of the winter air in the northern hemisphere.

Christmas decoration and lights found at Kungstorget, Gothenburg.

The crowds here are of a different momentum, the people often smiling and polite, making way for others. The decoration is understated and altogether calm; a calm that is reflected in the old harbour waters that is a much appreciated mirror of water in the middle of the city.

At 1 deg C outdoors, the Christmas carol by Sammy Cahn I’m humming along to is:

Oh the weather outside is frightful,
But the fire is so delightful,
And since we’ve no place to go,
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

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