June 20, 2016- Exploring Gothenburg On My Own

Today was my day to explore on my own. I stopped by the front desk before heading out to ask for a map and suggestions. It seems like we are in the middle of the shopping district and that it really doesn't matter which way I go. Map in my pocket and phone for pictures and off I go...

My first stop is an Espresso House, which appears to be Sweden's version of Starbucks.  With Latte in hand, I continue walking up and down streets. 

Enjoying my latte on a bench in a church yard. The church is the next picture. 

I find my way to a park and take another selfie with the shopping district in the background. I realize I'm not very good at taking selfies. 

I'm off again. This time I stumble upon the Market Hall, which totally fascinates me. 

Yes, those are pigs' feet in that case. In other cases there were pigs' ears, beef tongue, heart, etc. I think I can stop now, yeah?  

I decide to stop for lunch at this booth. 

It's super busy, a sure sign it's good. I grab the last open stool on the end and order the #1 plate...

Ahhh!  Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam. You can't come to Sweden and not eat Swedish meatballs!  This was the perfect lunch-so delicious!  Did I say I loved them?!

When I get back to the hotel for a little break, Mike is in the room. He's on break for another half hour so we get to catch up on each other's day. It's pretty clear I'm the lucky one today. He's super jealous of my meatball lunch. As a compromise I promise to buy him something sweet at a bakery that we can share at his break from 6-7 before dinner. 

On my second trip out exploring I was trying to find "Old Town".  No surprise here, but I made a wrong turn, got lost.  Turns out I went in the opposite direction than I was supposed to. I did, however, find a beautiful garden!  I had fun walking the paths and taking pictures, so I guess no harm done. 

As I walked back to the hotel, I began scouting out places I might want to come back to for dinner. In the same block as the hotel, I found a place called The Wrapped Burrito. Basically it's a Chipolte or Qdoba. I looked it up on Yelp and it got rave reviews, so I guess I found my dinner for later. Once back at the hotel, I found a nice quiet spot in a lobby area to journal and read. 

It was pretty cozy.