Tips for Hiking with Kids

During our recent Staycation in Sweden, we stayed in a summer cabin in the mountains of Värmland at Långbergets Sportshotell. This meant some well needed peace and quiet. It also meant that there were many hiking trails and outdoor areas for walks with the kids. 

One trail, the Green trail, even had a Multiple Choice Quiz along the way. Each board would show pictures of birds and asking which kind it was. Along the trail were painted wooden animals hung up on trees that made this trail more interesting for the kids. It was about an hour long and we stopped a few times along the way.

Here are some tips when hiking with kids:

• Bring the toddler in a carrier - if the older one is too big for a carrier, try to let them walk infront of you, as 'The Leader'. If they want to be behind, you need to stop a few times to wait for them.
• Point out different things for them to keep an eye out for. We actually saw a snake during one of our hikes. It slithered away so fast when it heard us though. So after that, we all tried looking out for snakes.
• Bring water for kids and for yourself
• Bring a few snacks
• Bring a backpack to carry the snacks.
• Make sure they wear some good closed toe shoes in case of rocks or sharp plants.
• Bring a hat if it's a really sunny day.
• Pick up a walking stick along the way, it can also help keep them interested.

Enjoy your Summer and family hikes and remember, don't forget your snacks!

Långbergets Sportshotell

Check out their website for more information 

We stayed in one of the private cabins, but there is also a Hotel with Hotel rooms.

*Stay tuned for another Blog post about the Hotel.

Forida's Bubble Tea on Linnégatan

There are a couple of Bubble tea or "Boba" places that I know exist in Gothenburg, Sweden. When we first moved here, I would go to Saigon Food Bubble Tea. But recently, since we don't go indoors, we have tried the Bubble tea place located in an Asian shop on Linnégatan, called Forida's. 

Forida's has become quite popular especially now that it's summertime. Ordering is done with a ticket system. When you arrive, you print your ticket out and wait until your number is called.

There are many different flavors available and different types of Tapioca pearls or Boba that you can select. You can even choose to have your Bubble tea with or without milk.  Lactose free milk is available for those who can't have Lactose. All the toppings and drinks without milk are Vegan.

The shop sells different Asian trinkets like fans and 'Lucky Cats', and even some clothing.

If you're in Gothenburg, or plan to visit (post-Pandemic) and get a craving for Bubble Tea, be sure to visit the Linnegatan shop!

Forida's

Linnégatan 1 41304, Gothenburg, Sweden

For more information checkout their website

Villa Belparc restaurant in Slottsskogen

We have been lucky to live within walking distance of the city park, Slottsskogen, in Gothenburg, Sweden. It's a great place for us to spend the day while the kids have been off during the Pandemic. We like to go for walks (especially evening summer stroller walks), outdoor play and learn about animals (there's a small zoo that's free with Seals, Penguins, even Moose), fika and picnics. 

The Natural History Museum is also located at the park and it has recently reopened with limited numbers each day during the Pandemic. We still try to stay outdoors so we haven't visited it since before the Pandemic started.

There are a few cafes at the park where we can stop for lunch or a drink. The 3 cafes we are most familiar with are Björnvillan Cafe, Azalea cafe and Villa Belparc. We recently had lunch at Villa Belparc and they've updated their outdoor area. 

There are a couple of different areas at Villa Belparc. You can sit in the main restaurant area, or just outside of it in the Garden. You can order fika or ice cream (from Lejonet & Björnen) at the little Cafe in the Garden. We have also ordered Lunch items there as well, and they bring out the food to you.

If you want to eat in the main restaurant, you follow the path through the Garden and then wait to be seated. Once you get to the table they can explain how ordering food works. 

First, you scan the QR code at the table to see the menu. Then you place your order and even pay for everything through Swish (a Swedish app that allows you to pay by entering the person or business phone number). We have been using Swish for a few years now and it's all over Sweden. We have even seen it used to pay for things at a Flea Market or Loppis, you can use Swish to pay from your phone. 

We were quite impressed by the ordering system. And it didn't the long to get our water and ice - which is a huge crowd pleaser for our table since kids love to play with and eat ice (especially if it's so hot out). With this type of ordering system, the food arrives when it's  ready so we got one dish right away and the rest followed.

I ordered the shrimp sandwich or "räkmacka" which is a great Summer dish. Sprinkle with lemon for a little zest.

There's a kids menu at the restaurant and both kids were happy with their dishes (Hot dog and Fish & Chips). Once we were done enjoying the meal, we could just leave without worrying about paying since we pre-paid using the App.

It was a pleasant experience overall. We have only started eating out at restaurants outdoors with the kids. So they are also just getting used to sitting and eating in a restaurant and have been pretty good. I also make sure to bring some toys and books to keep them entertained.

When you're sitting in Villa Belparc, it really feels like you're in a fancy restaurant by a pond, you forget you're in the park. Villa Belparc is kid friendly but if you're with small kids, I'd opt to sit on the terrace and not next to the water. Afterwards, you can continue exploring the park or go for a stroll to see the seals.  I would definitely recommend Villa Belparc with or without kids for a great lunch option while at Slottsskogen. 

Enjoy your summer and remember, don't forget your snacks. 

Villa Belparc
A O Elliots Väg 10, 413 11 Gothenburg, Sweden

Slottsskogen
Check out their website for opening hours and events (they are starting to host summer concerts this month)

Pizza Hut Buffet in Sweden

One of my favorite college memories is going to lunch with my older brother at a North American Pizza Hut. My brother was just a year older and we were attending the same college. After lunch, he'd drop me off back on campus and he would head to work. He definitely needed a good meal before his work shift. The Pizza Hut buffet I remember going to, had several types of pizza including a dessert pizza. Mmm that dessert pizza was good - cinnamon, sugar on dough. 

The Swedish Pizza Hut Buffet experience is similar with several different types of pizza each day (buffet only available on weekdays). No dessert pizza unfortunately, but depending on the lunch selection, soft serve ice cream may be included. The small lunch option is 99kr. 

At Pizza Hut in Sweden, you pay a little extra for choosing unlimited drinks and ice cream.

But like most Swedish lunches, coffee is included with the lunch. The majority end the meal with a coffee in Sweden. And we've picked up that habit as well. 

Note: The Kid's lunch includes ice cream.

Kids are also given something to draw with.

The kids loved the pens! 

Pizza Hut buffet comes with salad too. Lots to choose from,including my favourites 

Olives and cherry tomatoes. 

The types of pizza that day were: cheese pizza, sausage & onion pizza, pepperoni and mushroom & onion pizza. There was hand sanitizer right by the pizza area and when it got busy, they brought out more pizzas. We opted to sit outside on the patio tables. It was nice to be in the fresh air. But do be warned that Seagulls started to appear. So watch your plates and don't leave your table empty if you have food.

First time trying Vegan personal pan pizza. My little allergic one, loved it! It tasted better than I expected. 

Soft serve ice cream or "mjukglass" in Swedish. 

Unfortunately, only one kid was able to enjoy this. The other can't have dairy.

Although I don't eat Pizza Hut as often these days, I really enjoy the soft doughy pizza they offer. Takeaway is available as well, you get a box and can fill it up with 6 slices! It used to be only 4 slices so that's an upgrade. 

Pizza Hut was one of my birthday treats during last month (birthday month). And I'm so glad we decided to go since kids and parents enjoyed the Pizza Hut lunch !

Pizza Hut Kungsgatan

Kungsgatan 25, 411 19 Göteborg
More information on types of pizza offered, check their website
Pizza Hut is also available for delivery of course, but can't get LunchBuffet that way.

Enjoy your Friday and remember don't forget your snacks! 

Saying Goodbye to a pet is never easy

"Hazel died. They tried to wake him up but he didn't want to wake up. And he had germs."

My daughter repeated this everyday for weeks, sometimes multiple times. This was after, she heard the sad news from one of her Aunties, one of the two guinea pigs her cousins had adopted had died. We've never met their guinea pigs, except through video calls. Like many others they adopted their Guinea Pig pets during the Pandemic. Sadly, death is a part of life and part of having a pet or even getting to know a cousin's pet (even just through video).

The news of the guinea pigs wasn't her first exposure to death. She saw Disney's Lion King a couple of years ago and for those who haven't seen it, the Dad Lion dies. After watching that movie, she started having bad dreams for weeks. She worried that her own Dad would be gone.

We don't have our own pets yet but she has been wanting one. We plan to wait a little longer before we think she will be ready to take on that new responsibility and be gentle enough with them.

I, myself, have had quite a few experiences with pets dying in my lifetime (most of them got sick) and looking back on them, it's never easy. Kids are really sensitive but kids are also very resilient!

I'm not sure whether my daughter really grasps the entire concept of death. I do know that she knows that they are "gone" and it's sad. She currently expresses her emotions by saying something makes her feel sad or mad, and repeating the incident over and over (which she did with the news of the guinea pig). Just listening to her and really paying attention to what she is thinking about helped more than we realized.

Her cousins recently adopted 2 more guinea pigs and she has met them through video and enjoys watching them running on the grass. 

Thanks for reading, and remember, don't forget your snacks! 

My Top 5 Swedish Treats

My co-pilot loves to mention to people that after I moved to Sweden, I started going a little overboard on the delicious European Breads and Cheeses that are available in Sweden. After all, while job-hunting and taking Swedish language classes (SFI), I had a lot of free time to explore the city and sample the food and desserts. And there are so many desserts here in Sweden. From pastries to chocolate covered nuts, it's nice to have such a broad selection when you're looking for a treat. 

Here are my top 5 Swedish treats. Some of them are even available at a Swedish 7Eleven! 

Chokladbiskvi

This treat is a similar to a cookie but filled with chocolate mousse. When you bite into it, you get the soft, almond bottom and the chocolate mousse. It's quite delicious.

Hallongrotta

A crumbly, short bread cookie with Raspberry jam (this we can get back home in some pre-made cookie boxes and I always loved the jam part). These can also be made Vegan using milk-free butter.

Cafe Husaren in Haga has some great fika treats!

Kanelmandel

Chocolate covered almonds with cinnamon. These are so delicious but can get pricey because it's almonds. We have also tried a version of chocolate covered almonds with cardamom instead of cinnamon. Kanelmandel (or the other versions) make great gifts to take abroad when visiting friends or family. 

Snickerskaka 

Snickerskaka or "Carpentry cakes" in English are Vegan and pretty delish. I only started to enjoy these once I was Dairy and Egg free. I was always on the lookout for Vegan treats. This treat can be found at a few different cafes around town and each have their own version.

Weinerbröd 

Weinerbröd is what everyone outside Scandinavia refers to as a 'Danish'. I first tried a Weinerbröd in Sweden during my Swedish lanugage class breaks. There was a factory bakery next to the school that sold bread and pastries fresh and cheap. I love the flavor and the flaky crust. 

You may have noticed that I didn't mention the Swedish Cinnamon bun. I do enjoy a Kanelbulle or Swedish Cinnamon Bun, once in awhile (the ones at 7Eleven are Vegan), but it's not my favorite. I actually prefer the American Gooey Cinnamon buns and miss those so much. We have made a Vegan version a couple of times.

If you're in Sweden and have yet to try the treats I've mentioned at a cafe or bakery near you, add it to your "snacks to try" list. Who knows, you just might find a new favorite! Each of them make a great addition to Fika (or a coffee break) too. 

Don't forget your snacks.

Dalsland Moose Ranch in Sweden

Midsummer in Sweden means we had a long weekend a couple of weekends ago now. We decided to do a staycation in Dalsland, Sweden. This area is about a couple of hours drive Northeast from Gothenburg,

On our very last day in Dalsland, we visited the Dalsland Moose Ranch. Note: We visited in June 2021, during the Pandemic. So we booked tickets as they take limited numbers. 

We made sure to be there for the feeding time, where as we found out, you could feed the moose if you wanted to.

The guide who was in charge of telling us about the moose and the ranch was friendly and receptive to questions. 

We asked about working with animals and how he got involved in the ranch.

He said that he had grown up there, as it's his father's business. One of the moose was about 15years old, so he had known that moose all his life.

Feeding the Moose some potato!

We also asked how the Pandemic affected the moose ranch. There was, as could be expected, very little business over the last year. Now they open all days of the week not just weekends. It's still advisable to book tickets to secure a spot. 

Their Antlers take about 9 months to regrow. 

At the moose ranch there was also a Mama moose and her 2 week old baby, but they were in their own area and we didn't see them. Visitors can walk around the grounds on a trail past the feeding area. We only walked a bit down the trail since kids were getting tired. 

As soon as the guide announced feeding time, our little ones needed a feeding time of their own so we sat on bench eating snacks while the moose ate their snacks haha... but that gave others a chance to feed the moose first. They eat a lot and were still hungry when it was our turn to feed them. 

If you're in Sweden and traveling around that area in the Summer or nearby, visit the Dalsland Moose Ranch. Learn about Moose, Support local businesses (especially during this time) and even feed a moose!! A little scary at first to get so up close to a moose, but exciting too :)

Have a great Summer weekend and remember don't forget your snacks! 

Dalsland Moose Ranch

668 92, Ed Högankas 2, 668 92 Ed, Sweden

Check out their website for more information on visiting!

The Swedish Ice Cream Truck Hemglass

It seems like the season for Ice Cream trucks is all year in Sweden! The blue truck labeled "Hemglass", plays a little tune and then waits to see if anyone is running out from their homes or from the playground to buy some ice cream. Sounds pretty similar to what happens in North America, right?

The Ice Cream Truck in Sweden doesn't have a window that the driver stands by to hand you the Ice Cream. Instead, the driver gets out and meets everyone at the back of the ice cream truck. During Covid, the line needs to be spaced out, so it can take long. 

I remember our first time visiting the Ice Cream truck, we always heard the song, but we were usually indoors and already had our treats for the day. I wasn't sure what to expect.

When I asked if you could buy single ice creams, he said no, only in boxes!! One of the other Swedish moms told me later that when she was a child, they used to sell single Ice creams but now it's only by boxes. We said maybe next time we can buy a box together. 

The ice cream we chose, Smarties, 8 pack, came in two boxes! Haha.. 

Everyone got a little ice cream menu with their purchase. It shows what's available and what's new for during the period mentioned on the front.

I've always wondered what the Ice Cream truck experience was in Sweden, so I'm glad we tried it! There are some ice cream box combos we haven't seen before so that'll be interesting to try sometime too. And like most places in Sweden, you pay with card not cash. 

Ice cream isn't the only thing available from a Hemglass truck! You can buy frozen pizza, and other frozen food items too! We have only tried the ice cream so far.

Kids often get a little toy (Keychain or temporary tattoo) when we order ice cream. They have also given out ice cream coins, which are good for 1 single ice cream (that's the only single item I've seen kids get).

The ice cream truck in Sweden never fails to arrive, even when it is freezing cold and snow. You can always count on getting your ice cream restocked!

During the festive season, you can get a Hemglass Christmas Calendar or "JulKalendar". There are also Saffron ice cream sandwiches! Saffron is a spice used a lot during Christmas for pastries and desserts!

The ice cream truck in Sweden is always a fun activity for the kids! Who isn't excited for Ice cream? Vegan, dairy-free options are available and even a few low carb, low sugar options too. 

Don't forget your snacks!

Hemglass

Check out their website for their products! 

Sashimi in Sweden does exist and it makes a great lunch!

We are lucky to live by an Asian restaurant called Geisha Sushi & Wok. They offer a beautiful Sashimi platter. Choose either 10 or 20 pieces (but I think they always seem to be really generous with the number of sashimi). We usually order only Salmon and have enjoyed it. They can do salmon sashimi in two ways - one is regular salmon sashimi, the other is 'flamed' or 'grilled' salmon sashimi. Both types of salmon are really delicious.

When you order a Sashimi platter there is usually salmon, tuna, squid and a few other types of fish/seafood. And as you can see from the photo of the platter, they always add wasabi, ginger and a few veggies like soy beans, seaweed or cabbage salad.

It's a great lunch or dinner option when you're craving fish and it's also perfect to get take out to sit outdoors. The 20 piece option can be shared by 2-3 people depending on how hungry you are.

Or you can sit outdoors at the restaurant, even in the rain (there's an awning they can open for a little shelter while you eat. There's also some space to park a stroller if you bring kids.

Sashimi and sushi does exist in Sweden, if you've ever wondered. And similar to North America, some restaurants are better than others. You just need to try it out to see if it's to your liking. I'm glad we have this option in our city and it's nice to support local restaurants during this time too.

Enjoy your weekend and remember, don't forget your snacks!

Geisha Sushi & Wok

Nordenskiöldsgatan 1, 413 09 Göteborg
Geisha Sushi &  Wok website for the menu

The Thule Bike Trailer means Family Bike Rides!

A couple of weekends ago, we went on our first family bike ride! Parents on bikes and kids in trailer. 

We recently bought a Thule Chariot Cheetah XT 2 trailer as a Father's Day gift for my co-pilot. We have been thinking about getting one since last year. Now that both kids can sit upright on their own, we thought it would be great to get one in time for Summer. 

The trailer can be used as a Stroller or Bike Trailer, so it's quite versatile. We already tried it out as a Stroller for an evening walk and the kids didn't mind sitting next to each other!

The Thule trailer was actually on sale online at Sports store XXL.se and arrived within a few days. The only thing is it doesn't fit through the door. You need to take one wheel off so it can get through. We prefer not parking it in the Stroller room downstairs in case of theft. 

Just a 50min bike ride away is a pretty nice, sandy beach with a pier and we made it the destination for our first family ride. We used to ride to this beach pre-kids but always in the wrong season. It was the first time we visited on a warm Summer day and it was crowded!

I haven't ridden my bike in years and it felt a bit awkward at first, but I quickly got used to it. My legs were sore afterwards but overall it was wonderful to get back into cycling! 

As for the trailer, it's pretty smooth (as a bike trailer or stroller/jogger) but no suspension so not much cushioning for bumps. They include a flag and reflectors as well as are a few covers to protect against bugs, wind, or rain or you can just leave it uncovered There is enough space in there for 2 kids and even some pockets for them to put their water bottles or toys. It's pretty nice!

Pulling the trailer on your bike is a workout though. The extra weight of the trailer itself and the kids mean you will be biking a bit slower than your usual. My co-pilot attached the trailer to his bike so I didn't have to pull them. 

Of course, we packed enough snacks for everyone - some fruit, sandwiches, seaweed, nuts - extra clothes and something to sit on.We had a really great time! And it's nice to have the option to bike ride somewhere instead of just walking (since we don't have a car and have been avoiding public transit during the Pandemic). I'm really looking forward to more family bike rides this Summer! Enjoy your Summer days and remember, don't forget your snacks!