Chapter 1: A Childhood Memory

I vividly recall the first time I experienced culture shock. It was at a friend's home in Auckland, New Zealand, when I was around nine or ten years old. His mother, originally from Sweden, took us all to a Swedish cultural gathering, where at least fifty people from the Swedish community in New Zealand had congregated.

Upon entering the venue, I noticed a raffle taking place, inviting attendees to pick a number between 1 and 100 for a chance to win a prize—likely something alcoholic, if memory serves me right. As I stepped into the hall, I felt conspicuously out of place, the only child among a sea of blondes.

After selecting the number 90, I spent the evening anxiously hoping it wouldn't be called, fearing the embarrassment of having to stand on stage. Thankfully, my wishes were granted.

Reflecting back, I realize there was likely nothing to fear. Still, the sensation of being so visibly different and feeling the gaze of countless eyes was quite intense, a memory that lingers with me even now. I mention this because it resurfaced in my mind recently after returning from a trip to Sweden.

Chapter 2: A Long-Awaited Journey

I had dreamt of visiting Scandinavia since relocating to France in 2022, but various obstacles postponed my plans for the first two years. Finally, on my third attempt, I was able to make the journey.

Admittedly, I am not a fan of summer heat; high temperatures often leave me feeling sluggish. After enduring two years of heatwaves, I was eager to escape to cooler northern climates—only to find that summer in the north means even stronger sunshine.

After spending time in Copenhagen, I hopped on a train across the water to Lund and then another to Stockholm. Before my arrival, my knowledge of the city was limited, largely shaped by my IKEA-furnished apartment. My culinary experiences at my friend's home introduced me to Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, and gingerbread houses, but that was the extent of my understanding.

With no concrete plans upon reaching Stockholm, I was eager to explore. One destination I had in mind was Djurgården, an island known for its recreational spaces. On my last day, I trekked from my lodging in the old town to Östermalm, crossing the bridge to Djurgården.

Though the island is famous for its museums, including one dedicated to ABBA, my aim was simply to wander and enjoy the natural beauty around me.

Description: A heartfelt song celebrating the essence of summer, capturing the spirit of youthful joy and nostalgia.

Chapter 3: Nature and Photography

Equipped with my Ricoh GRiii and a custom film simulation recipe called Reggie's Color Negative, I was prepared to document my journey. Initially, I planned to use a Portra-inspired recipe, but the results from the Reggie recipe were more vibrant and true to life.

While I could have opted for a more neutral color palette to allow flexibility in post-processing, I enjoyed the challenge of working within the constraints of a film simulation, akin to shooting with a finite roll of film.

After a delightful lunch of salmon on toast at the Nordiska Museet, I continued along the shore with views toward Södermalm. Walking through Stockholm's islands, I finally grasped the dreamy atmosphere that the city is known for—an unexpected tranquility that permeates the capital.

This serene vibe isn't merely a reflection of politeness; it embodies a laid-back energy that I hadn't encountered elsewhere. Combined with the lush greenery, deep blue waters, and charming wooden houses, Stockholm exudes an enchanting, almost Studio Ghibli-like charm that I found utterly captivating.

Though I was thousands of kilometers from New Zealand, I felt a strange sense of familiarity. Djurgården's landscape reminded me of home, even as the historical architecture from the 1800s and earlier told a different story.

Description: A captivating exploration of the enchanting landscapes and vibrant culture of Sweden, showcasing the beauty of summer.

Chapter 4: Capturing Memories

Despite being on holiday—what some might call vacation—I was cautious about taking too many photos. I believe excessive photography can detract from the unique headspace that a getaway provides. However, the stunning scenery around me was too tempting to resist, prompting me to capture moments on the go.

The sun's intensity was greater than I anticipated, which I perhaps should have considered. Being farther north meant experiencing bright, long days that extended into the evening, with colors appearing more vivid than ever.

As I strolled past museums and admired the majestic mansions nestled in the woods, I couldn't help but feel the Ghibli-esque ambiance of the houses surrounded by nature.

After exploring the garden of the Prins Eugene Waldermarsudde museum, I continued along the coastline, encountering various red-painted wooden houses. Outside of New Zealand and the US, I had rarely seen such homes, which evoked a sense of nostalgia for my childhood.

My camera battery eventually ran low, forcing me to rely on my phone while it charged. A battery that lasts for 300 photos can deplete rapidly in a picturesque setting.

I eventually reached a small inlet separating Djurgården from the mainland—so close that it felt like a river. After recharging my camera, I was able to capture more stunning sights before making my way back to Östermalm.

As I returned to the old town, the sun had begun to set, but I was grateful that Fotografiska, known as "the world's most open museum," remained open until 11 PM.

Upon arrival, the attendant asked about my impressions of Sweden. "I love it," I replied. "It's so calm." To my surprise, he noted that the weather tends to be dreary for most of the year, and I had simply visited at a fortuitous time.

Reflecting on my travels, I realized I had taken more photos than anticipated, each serving as potential postcards reminding me of my journey.

Chapter 5: A Sense of Belonging

While surrounded by a sea of blondes, I surprisingly felt at ease. Perhaps I have grown accustomed to being different, or maybe it was the warmth of the friendly locals that put me at ease.

Returning to Paris, I found myself contrasting Nordic hospitality with the often apathetic demeanor of Île-de-France.

Though my camera captured countless images during my stay, each one serves as a cherished memento, preserving the memories of my time in Sweden.