Running to the bus stop

The temperature has suddenly dropped by more than ten degrees. It’s only twelve degrees now, and the wind is picking up. Wind force 6. Fortunately, the predicted day of continuous rain isn’t entirely coming true. Between the showers, I run in sandals to the bus stop. Right through the puddles. This morning, deep in my warm sleeping bag, I suddenly had an inspiration. I’m going to use this day differently. Hiking isn’t going to be enjoyable in this weather, and it’s precisely in moments like these that the best ideas seem to arise.

From salt to sweet

As beautiful as the Swedish west coast is and how much I would have liked to walk further, I miss the forests and lakes further inland that I got to know in 2024. There’s almost always sweet water to swim in, to wash with, or to filter, and the wild camping options are much greater there. Here at the coast, it’s just a lot harder. So I take the bus to Göteborg. From Bovallstrand, it’s less than a two-hour drive. I book a bunk bed. On to a new chapter. Farewell Västra Götaland. Hello Halland. But first, a quick stop in Göteborg, the capital of Västra Götaland and the second city of Sweden.

Where are the backpackers?

At the hostel, there’s a surprise. Not large dorms full of backpackers, but small rooms with at most two or three bunk beds. Because of that, it turns out there are surprisingly many families staying here. I did not expect that at all. I had prepared for a busy football evening with loud backpackers due to the World Cup final.

Emotionless World Cup final

In the evening, about fifteen people gather in the common area to watch the match between Spain and Argentina. I particularly enjoy watching the spectators. In Spain, where I lived for many years, emotions fly in all directions, people shout loudly, and often get up. Here, everyone is neatly seated. Barely a reaction. It feels more like a cinema than a football night.

I’ll check who won later.

After the first half, I’m calling it quits. I’m tired and long for the soft and pleasantly scented sheets waiting for me. Tomorrow, I’ll see who won. Of course, I’m rooting for Spain!

Accommodation: Gothenburg