My first trip to Sweden started back in March 2017, right after my last Erasmus experience ended. It was probably the most special and symbolic trip I ever had, mostly because it was my first ever solo trip and it was in a country that I always dreamed of visiting, Sweden!
Sadly, back then my blog was hosted, funnily enough, on a Swedish platform (nouw.com) and after migrating to a self-hosted platform, I kinda lost many precious photos that I’ve taken during my trips in 2016 and 2017, including my first ever trip to Sweden.
Since I’ve embarked on a new international experience, it was the perfect moment to go back to the place where everything started. This time of course with even a better purpose which was…Melodifestivalen!
Melodifestivalen is the most important song contest competition right after Eurovision. Yes, it is intended to be a show only for Swedes but MANY international fans follow it either way. Why? Because the show is unique, music has an amazing quality and you will never be disappointed because you will always find at least three songs to replay all year.
This year I was super lucky because I got to attend not only the rehearsals but also the main show which was the second semifinal. To make it even better, it was the best semifinal this year even though my favorite song didn’t qualify in the final or Andra Chansen.
Everything was magical, I never thought I will get the chance to watch the show in the Arena and it felt so different from what I’ve seen on my TV in the past ten years. All those raw emotions, screams, lights….it was perfect!
Gothenburg didn’t change since my last visit. It’s still that charming city that you dream of moving to. I loved getting lost again in the Haga streets, climbing the Skansen Kronan hill and having the best Fika in a cozy Swedish-style restaurant. So far, at least before Corona Crisis started, this trip was the highlight of 2020 for me. A dream that finally came true.
I want to thank everyone that made this experience possible. I’m grateful for every single moment that I got to spend there. A very cozy accommodation provided by Central Hotel Gothenburg. Tusen Tack, Sverige! Learn more about things to do in Gothenburg here.
Live Performances:
I love Sweden and Melodifestivalen looks like a super fun event! So happy that you had a “magical” experience, and I especially appreciate you sharing it with all of us!
I am so glad that you got to Melodifestivalen. It looks like a blast. I haven’t been to Sweden yet, but it is definitely on my list of places to visit.
Its so great when the hopes we have for something play out in real life. So glad you were able to experience this with everything going on!
Thanks, Pam. It was a great experience! 🙂
So sorry to hear that you lost your photos from your previous visits! That’s so sad! But, sounds like you were redeemed with a fantastic chance to visit again! Thanks for sharing.
I’m glad to got to enjoy Melodifestivalen with everything going on. It looks like fun.
Wow looks like it was an amazing experience! I can’t wait to visit Sweden one day 🙂 So glad you had a great time!
I’m so pleased that you could make it to Melodifestivalen. Like you said, the experience at the arena is always different from watching it on TV especially if you are passionate about music. I could feel the raw emotions, the screams and the lights from the video and from the way you explained it.
Thanks, Bolupe. It was by far, one of the best experiences I had this year. 🙂
Beautiful photos! I had a trip to Europe planned, can’t wait until we can travel freely again!