Boston | schwingeninswitzerland

In Charlotte, North Carolina we bemoaned Tuesday night concerts. In Geneva, we just want someone, anyone to come play nearby. When we saw that the Dropkick Murphys on the bill at the Caribana Festival in nearby Crans-Sur-Nyon, we immediately bought tickets. We see them every chance we get and they always put on a great show. It was nice not to have to hop a plane to see some good ol’ punk rock-n-roll like we did for Groezrock.

We weren’t the only ones who were pumped. This guy was really cool. So were his friends.

He left work (gasp) at five and we got there early. It took awhile for the punks to arrive and we were able to get in the first row. Although a lot of people came specifically to see the Dropkick Murphys, the Caribana Festival has a diverse selection of artists (Lou Reed, Kasabian, Pony Pony Run Run, The Specials, Beth Ditto, Marina & the Diamonds, Gossip, Haight Ashbury, Stephen Marley).

Our view was amazing and I was cursing that I didn’t bring my real camera. We did so much jumping and fist pumping that it wouldn’t have been a good idea anyway. It wasn’t too crowded up front. He even felt good enough to leave me up there and mix it up in the mosh pit. He reported that it was a little tamer than in the US.

Al Barr had tons of energy. We couldn’t believe James Lynch was right in front of us!

Stephanie Dougherty did a great job. We saw her walking around before the show. I got a picture of the back of her head in front of the tour busses. I should have asked her to pose for a photo. She was watching from backstage and looked toward us. I mouthed “you rock” and she smiled. It’s nice to know that I can make someone besides the Queen of Sweden smile.

Ken Casey was amazing. We’d seen this guy in a wheelchair crowd surfing earlier in the concert. Ken got out into the crowd and passed him the mike to sing “Kiss Me, I’m S***faced.” When he was back on solid land, Ken went out into the middle of the circle pit where he was mixing it up to sing next to him. That guy was impressive. Heck, they both were.

Our new friend holding a setlist. We got one too. Score.

We like to eat and who doesn’t love drooling over food while on vacation. As a result, we’ve been to some famous food halls (London’s Harrod’s, Boston’s Faneuil Hall, New York’s Fulton Fish Market, Madrid’s Mercado de San Miguel). Saluhallen, is a historic indoor food market in the heart of Stockholm’s old Ostermalm neighborhood. Saluhall has around 17 small businesses, most have been run by the same family for generations. Here are some of the things we liked about it:

It is located in a magnificent building that dates from 1888. The exterior is neo-gothic. It looks a bit like a medieval castle and it’s iron framework give allow it the inside to have a high ceiling and enormous windows.
The stallholders are very nice and happy to share their extensive knowledge and experience. They are a wealth of information about the food, how to cook it, etc.

The incredible displays of wonderful food are a treat for the eyes.
It is a market for locals. They seem to want both nice quality Swedish food and more exotic foods from other countries. Therefore, it has a nice variety of foods.

It is a great place to grab a wonderful, but reasonably priced bite.
Great people watching.
Something about it seems to put people in a good mood. It has a warm, cheery atmosphere. Maybe it’s the moose heads…

Don’t take our word for it, Bon Appétit Magazine named it the world’s seventh best food market.

We stopped there for coffee and smoked salmon smørrobrød (an open face sandwich). I would probably have chosen something less smelly if I had known that I would be speaking with royalty. Never mind, it was so good that I stand by my choice.