"A Way of Life" Exhibition at Moderna

Yesterday evening I attended the opening the Moderna's (modern art museum) new fall exhibition "A Way of Life (Swedish Photography from Christer Strömholm until Today)". The exhibition is based on the museum's own collection and features over 300 photographs by 29 different Swedish photographers. The photographs have a real documentary feel... looking at day to day life. The photographers have not only captured life here in Sweden, but have also documented their travels abroad.

The works represent a time span from the 1940's to today. As the secondary title explains... the exhibit starts with the work of Christer Strömholm, considered one of Scandinavia's leading photographers (and one of my favorites). Fotografiska (the photography museum) recently had a retrospective of his work, which I really enjoyed. So it is nice to see his work again along with some of his contemporaries. In fact, the exhibition's title is taken from a quote where Strömholm described his work in the medium of photography.

One of my favorite photographs by Christer Strömholm.

Strömholm inspired generations of Swedish photographers, including his immediate contemporaries like Walter Hirsch and Agneta Ekman (both a part of the exhibit). Modern Swedish photography is well represented with works by Anna Clarén, Martin Bogren and more. Besides the photography itself, I really enjoyed that the exhibit has such a wide range of photographers instead of the work of just one artist.

This exhibition will be running until February 15th, 2015. If you are in town this week, you still have time to see their great Nils Dardel exhibition (last day is Sept 14th!).  The Moderna Muséet is located on the island of Skeppsholmen. To get there from the Rival Hotel, it is easiest by ferry from nearby Slussen. As we move towards "low" season, make sure you inform them at the ferry that you wish to make a stop at Skeppsholmen... otherwise they may not stop there on their way to Djurgården. One good tip: On Fridays, between 6pm and 8pm, admission is free for the Collection on floor 4 and the Exhibition on floor 2. More visitor information.

"A Way of Life" Exhibition at Moderna

Posted by zlatin

Yesterday evening I attended the opening the Moderna's (modern art museum) new fall exhibition "A Way of Life (Swedish Photography from Christer Strömholm until Today)". The exhibition is based on the museum's own collection and features over 300 photographs by 29 different Swedish photographers. The photographs have a real documentary feel... looking at day to day life. The photographers have not only captured life here in Sweden, but have also documented their travels abroad.

The works represent a time span from the 1940's to today. As the secondary title explains... the exhibit starts with the work of Christer Strömholm, considered one of Scandinavia's leading photographers (and one of my favorites). Fotografiska (the photography museum) recently had a retrospective of his work, which I really enjoyed. So it is nice to see his work again along with some of his contemporaries. In fact, the exhibition's title is taken from a quote where Strömholm described his work in the medium of photography.

One of my favorite photographs by Christer Strömholm.

Strömholm inspired generations of Swedish photographers, including his immediate contemporaries like Walter Hirsch and Agneta Ekman (both a part of the exhibit). Modern Swedish photography is well represented with works by Anna Clarén, Martin Bogren and more. Besides the photography itself, I really enjoyed that the exhibit has such a wide range of photographers instead of the work of just one artist.

This exhibition will be running until February 15th, 2015. If you are in town this week, you still have time to see their great Nils Dardel exhibition (last day is Sept 14th!).  The Moderna Muséet is located on the island of Skeppsholmen. To get there from the Rival Hotel, it is easiest by ferry from nearby Slussen. As we move towards "low" season, make sure you inform them at the ferry that you wish to make a stop at Skeppsholmen... otherwise they may not stop there on their way to Djurgården. One good tip: On Fridays, between 6pm and 8pm, admission is free for the Collection on floor 4 and the Exhibition on floor 2. More visitor information.

Tax Free Shopping in Stockholm with Global Blue

Tax Free shopping, not to be confused with Duty Free shopping, is a great way for visitors to save some money when shopping in Stockholm. I often get questions about this as it is a little confusing with the rules. Let's see if I can break it down for you. To start with, tax free shopping is basically where you can get the sales tax refunded for goods purchased in the country upon departing from said country. Sounds easy? Well, here come the rules...

Tax free shopping in Sweden is only for non-EU citizens (or if you have a 1 year residence permit in a non-EU country) and is for goods purchased at certain stores (look for the Global Blue sign in the store window or at the counter). Some stores might not have the sign visible, so ask the cashier to make sure. Remember, goods not services. For example, you cannot get a tax refund for a hotel or restaurant bill. At the store, when making your purchase, you need to ask for a Tax Free Form from the cashier. The goods purchased must remain unused (in original package) until you have departed the EU. Keep your receipts! Tax refund only for purchases more than 200 SEK.

Some examples of Global Blue signs displayed at stores.

To get your tax refund, present your goods (in original package), filled out tax free form, passport and receipts at the Global Blue counter in the departure hall at the airport. If Sweden isn't your last EU departure point, you need to go to Customs for your stamp. You then visit the Global Blue counter at the airport from which you depart the EU from (Paris, London, etc;) for stamp and refund. It perhaps goes without saying that you shouldn't pack your goods in your check-in luggage. After you get your tax free form stamped, check in for your flight and go through security... your refund is obtained at the Global Blue office on the other side of security (cash or credit). At Arlanda airport, the Global Blue offices are in the main international terminal (#5). If you are departing from the smaller international terminal (#2), you need to first visit terminal 5 for stamp and refund (in this case you get your refund credited to your credit card, not cash). Arlanda map.

Global Blue counter at Arlanda terminal 5.

Confusing? These are just the basics. There are other small print rules so make sure you read the full rules and regulations for Sweden and check the answers to the most common tax shopping questions. Don't be discouraged though... it is easier than it seems, just some follow the rules and you are good to go. If you are staying at the Rival Hotel and have any questions, come talk directly with me!

Tax Free Shopping in Stockholm with Global Blue

Posted by zlatin

Tax Free shopping, not to be confused with Duty Free shopping, is a great way for visitors to save some money when shopping in Stockholm. I often get questions about this as it is a little confusing with the rules. Let's see if I can break it down for you. To start with, tax free shopping is basically where you can get the sales tax refunded for goods purchased in the country upon departing from said country. Sounds easy? Well, here come the rules...

Tax free shopping in Sweden is only for non-EU citizens (or if you have a 1 year residence permit in a non-EU country) and is for goods purchased at certain stores (look for the Global Blue sign in the store window or at the counter). Some stores might not have the sign visible, so ask the cashier to make sure. Remember, goods not services. For example, you cannot get a tax refund for a hotel or restaurant bill. At the store, when making your purchase, you need to ask for a Tax Free Form from the cashier. The goods purchased must remain unused (in original package) until you have departed the EU. Keep your receipts! Tax refund only for purchases more than 200 SEK.

Some examples of Global Blue signs displayed at stores.

To get your tax refund, present your goods (in original package), filled out tax free form, passport and receipts at the Global Blue counter in the departure hall at the airport. If Sweden isn't your last EU departure point, you need to go to Customs for your stamp. You then visit the Global Blue counter at the airport from which you depart the EU from (Paris, London, etc;) for stamp and refund. It perhaps goes without saying that you shouldn't pack your goods in your check-in luggage. After you get your tax free form stamped, check in for your flight and go through security... your refund is obtained at the Global Blue office on the other side of security (cash or credit). At Arlanda airport, the Global Blue offices are in the main international terminal (#5). If you are departing from the smaller international terminal (#2), you need to first visit terminal 5 for stamp and refund (in this case you get your refund credited to your credit card, not cash). Arlanda map.

Global Blue counter at Arlanda terminal 5.

Confusing? These are just the basics. There are other small print rules so make sure you read the full rules and regulations for Sweden and check the answers to the most common tax shopping questions. Don't be discouraged though... it is easier than it seems, just some follow the rules and you are good to go. If you are staying at the Rival Hotel and have any questions, come talk directly with me!

Restaurant Ramblas at Mariatorget

A group of friends and I went out for dinner last night and we decided to try the relatively new restaurant Ramblas (Mariatorget), right around the corner from the Rival Hotel. While this restaurant has only been open for less than a year, it is actually the second location for the restaurant. The original Ramblas (Hornstull) proved to be such a popular concept that they opened at a second location. Speaking of the concept... as the name suggests, they serve Spanish cuisine at Ramblas. More specifically, they serve tapas. Tapas, in case you are unfamiliar with them, are small dishes (hot or cold) that either work as appetizers or, when put togther, as a meal. It is a very civilized way to dine. You order a few tapas and if you are still hungry you order a few more. Great for sharing when you are several people at the table.

Paella, patatas, calamares and esparragos...

Many of the popular tapas dishes are found on their menu... dishes that people recognize like tortilla española, patatas con aioli, gambas picantes, calamares a la romana and more. They even have larger dishes like paella valenciana (which we ordered to share with our tapas). Each tapas costs around 40 to 60 SEK and a full dinner is actually quite inexpensive by Swedish standards. Spanish wines, cava, beer and sangria are also on the menu in case you want the full Spanish experience. Click here for the menu (Spanish/Swedish).

Olé!

As I mentioned, the restaurant is located just around the corner from the Rival and the other Ramblas is located in Hornstull. Both are on the island of Södermalm. Keep in mind that both of these restaurants are very popular with the locals, so booking a table in advance is a good idea. I would say that the popularity is the only downside as the wait staff can seem a bit overwhelmed at times. Click here for more restaurant recommendations.

Restaurant Ramblas at Mariatorget

Posted by zlatin

A group of friends and I went out for dinner last night and we decided to try the relatively new restaurant Ramblas (Mariatorget), right around the corner from the Rival Hotel. While this restaurant has only been open for less than a year, it is actually the second location for the restaurant. The original Ramblas (Hornstull) proved to be such a popular concept that they opened at a second location. Speaking of the concept... as the name suggests, they serve Spanish cuisine at Ramblas. More specifically, they serve tapas. Tapas, in case you are unfamiliar with them, are small dishes (hot or cold) that either work as appetizers or, when put togther, as a meal. It is a very civilized way to dine. You order a few tapas and if you are still hungry you order a few more. Great for sharing when you are several people at the table.

Paella, patatas, calamares and esparragos...

Many of the popular tapas dishes are found on their menu... dishes that people recognize like tortilla española, patatas con aioli, gambas picantes, calamares a la romana and more. They even have larger dishes like paella valenciana (which we ordered to share with our tapas). Each tapas costs around 40 to 60 SEK and a full dinner is actually quite inexpensive by Swedish standards. Spanish wines, cava, beer and sangria are also on the menu in case you want the full Spanish experience. Click here for the menu (Spanish/Swedish).

Olé!

As I mentioned, the restaurant is located just around the corner from the Rival and the other Ramblas is located in Hornstull. Both are on the island of Södermalm. Keep in mind that both of these restaurants are very popular with the locals, so booking a table in advance is a good idea. I would say that the popularity is the only downside as the wait staff can seem a bit overwhelmed at times. Click here for more restaurant recommendations.

Fashion Night on Thursday!

Shopping in fashionable Bibliotekstan.

Stockholm's Fashion Week kick's off today and the city is filled with editors, buyers, models and other fashionistas! Many of this week's events are for people in the fashion industry, however the main exception to this rule happens on the evening of Thursday, August 28th... Fashion Night! This is an evening dedicated to fashion with music, fashion shows, book signings, contests, food & drink with around 300 stores open until 10pm.

Shopping at NK. Photo by Jeppe Wikström,
Stockholm Visitors Board

The stores that are participating in Fashion Night are all located in the high-end fashion district in downtown Stockholm. Specifically, they can be found at the NK department store (closes at 9pm), H&M, Mood and Sturegallerian shopping centers as well as the Bibliotekstan neighborhood. (Map of area). Here you will find international brands but, more importantly, you will also find exciting Swedish brands such as Whyred, Acne, J. Lindeberg, WeSC, Filippa K and much, much more. What makes it all that more exciting is that all of the participating stores are having sales or offering special deals this evening! Extra special discounts and offers when you make your purchase using your American Express credit card.

Mood Stockholm is participating in Fashion Night!

Fashion Night on Thursday!

Posted by zlatin

Shopping in fashionable Bibliotekstan.

Stockholm's Fashion Week kick's off today and the city is filled with editors, buyers, models and other fashionistas! Many of this week's events are for people in the fashion industry, however the main exception to this rule happens on the evening of Thursday, August 28th... Fashion Night! This is an evening dedicated to fashion with music, fashion shows, book signings, contests, food & drink with around 300 stores open until 10pm.

Shopping at NK. Photo by Jeppe Wikström,
Stockholm Visitors Board

The stores that are participating in Fashion Night are all located in the high-end fashion district in downtown Stockholm. Specifically, they can be found at the NK department store (closes at 9pm), H&M, Mood and Sturegallerian shopping centers as well as the Bibliotekstan neighborhood. (Map of area). Here you will find international brands but, more importantly, you will also find exciting Swedish brands such as Whyred, Acne, J. Lindeberg, WeSC, Filippa K and much, much more. What makes it all that more exciting is that all of the participating stores are having sales or offering special deals this evening! Extra special discounts and offers when you make your purchase using your American Express credit card.

Mood Stockholm is participating in Fashion Night!

Restaurant Oxelblom

Oxelblom has been a favorite place of mine for the past year or so to have a glass of wine with friends and enjoy the atmosphere. Last night a colleague and I had the opportunity to have dinner there for the first time and we weren't disappointed!

Oxelblom is a relatively small restaurant with a cosy atmosphere. The dining room resembles a living room (or salon) of yesteryear with mismatched, vintage furniture and quirky design details. Candlelight and classic jazz music (Swedish and international favorites) add to the at-home feeling. They have two small sofa groups as well, which are perfect if you just want to stop by for a drink. Maybe over a game of chess (set provided)?

3 types of "home made" herring with classic accoutrements.

I also really like their unique menu concept. It is all about tastes from around Sweden... from Skåne in the south to Norrbotten in the north! Two of Sweden's 25 counties or provinces are always represented on the menu with the dishes created using the county's local produce. The menu does change every few months as they switch counties. Sweden is a large country with varied landscapes and climates, so local produce can be quite different depending on the county. When we visited the restaurant last night, Bohuslän and Södermanland/Uppland were the counties on the menu.

"pork, appples, beans, red wine"

The dishes on the menu aren't named or described; instead each dish is represented by a list of ingredients. For example, "pork, apples, beans, red wine" or "shrimps, mussels, garlic, parsley". Anticipating what dish the chef will create with the ingredients adds to the dining experience. Each dish (whether cold, hot or sweet) is medium in size and you choose either a 3 or 5 course menu from among the different dishes. We both opted for the 3 course menu last night and I would say that it was comparable in size to having a main course and dessert at another restaurant. Click here for the current menu in English.

Romantic nook...

Another positive note is the service, which is warm and personable. They are great at taking the time to explain their concept and pair wine and beer with the dishes. Oxelblom is located in the popular SoFo district on the island of Södermalm and is only a 15 minute walk from the Rival Hotel. Otherwise it is located in between the subway stations Medborgarplats and Skanstull (green line).

Assorted cheeses, all Swedish!

Restaurant Oxelblom

Posted by zlatin

Oxelblom has been a favorite place of mine for the past year or so to have a glass of wine with friends and enjoy the atmosphere. Last night a colleague and I had the opportunity to have dinner there for the first time and we weren't disappointed!

Oxelblom is a relatively small restaurant with a cosy atmosphere. The dining room resembles a living room (or salon) of yesteryear with mismatched, vintage furniture and quirky design details. Candlelight and classic jazz music (Swedish and international favorites) add to the at-home feeling. They have two small sofa groups as well, which are perfect if you just want to stop by for a drink. Maybe over a game of chess (set provided)?

3 types of "home made" herring with classic accoutrements.

I also really like their unique menu concept. It is all about tastes from around Sweden... from Skåne in the south to Norrbotten in the north! Two of Sweden's 25 counties or provinces are always represented on the menu with the dishes created using the county's local produce. The menu does change every few months as they switch counties. Sweden is a large country with varied landscapes and climates, so local produce can be quite different depending on the county. When we visited the restaurant last night, Bohuslän and Södermanland/Uppland were the counties on the menu.

"pork, appples, beans, red wine"

The dishes on the menu aren't named or described; instead each dish is represented by a list of ingredients. For example, "pork, apples, beans, red wine" or "shrimps, mussels, garlic, parsley". Anticipating what dish the chef will create with the ingredients adds to the dining experience. Each dish (whether cold, hot or sweet) is medium in size and you choose either a 3 or 5 course menu from among the different dishes. We both opted for the 3 course menu last night and I would say that it was comparable in size to having a main course and dessert at another restaurant. Click here for the current menu in English.

Romantic nook...

Another positive note is the service, which is warm and personable. They are great at taking the time to explain their concept and pair wine and beer with the dishes. Oxelblom is located in the popular SoFo district on the island of Södermalm and is only a 15 minute walk from the Rival Hotel. Otherwise it is located in between the subway stations Medborgarplats and Skanstull (green line).

Assorted cheeses, all Swedish!