Fika Love

White chocolate muffin and cafe latte at the Muffin Bakery

Personal files 

We had a long touristy day - a river cruise around the Stockholm archipelago, wandering the cobbled stone streets of Gamla Stan, and soaking up monarchical history at the Royal Palace - all on a rainy day. We had a few hours to kill before our evening plans so I took a solitary walk around Drottninggatan where our hostel was located. Walking plus fatigue called for a break.

A few days before the trip, I read about fika as social construct in Swedish culture. Both a verb and a noun, it refers to a break with friends, colleagues or anyone without any romantic connotation. Fika is having coffee with something sweet, bread or anything dunkable to a cup of coffee. 

So fika was in order. I have always been in search of that quaint cafe in Stockholm but there were just too many to choose from! Too many tiny, narrow cafes and restaurants with warm lights, big windows, small tables, full of happy people seemingly enjoying hanging out together over a meal and drinks. But I was alone. My friends were resting. So I walked, and walked until I stumbled upon the Muffin Bakery.

I know, it's in English and it struck me more like a New York-style cafe than a Swedish one. But it was so inviting my solitude was so comfortable inside. Upon entry, I was immediately welcomed by the barista  who spoke perfect English. He guided me through the chiller, showcasing what was still available. I said I wanted something sweet, something between a cake and a cookie - he suggested I have a molten white chocolate muffin with my coffee. 

And there as he heated and served the muffin and prepared my coffee, he chatted me up and introduced me to another Swede (both of them non-blondes). We swapped stories about Sweden, Germany, and the Philippines. I expressed how my Euro was practically worthless against the Swedish Crown -- everything is so expensive. They thought otherwise. But everyone agreed the Philippines seemed like paradise. After a few more minutes and telling me the coolest clubs and neighborhoods in Stockholm, we parted ways. I went to my bar stool, the lady left, and the barista back to his job. 

Ever since, I've been smitten by the concept of fika, adopting it whenever possible -- like those who vacation in America coming back with a bit of an American accent. You go somewhere and you take something back with you. For me, it's fika. We've had a long coffee culture in the Philippines and I have taken it with me everywhere. I'm just so glad now I know, it's not just coffee/tea and cake. It's fika! 

Muffin Bakery

Drottningatan 73

Stockholm

http://www.muffinbakery.se/index.html

Sweden-infused Berlin

Berlin has always been one of my favorite cities in Germany - hip, cool, funky, adventurous, alternative, and creative. It's the only place in Germany I do not expect to be traditional yet it is very historic. As much as I love Berlin though, it is not my favorite city in Europe. Prague will always be a favorite but I have been smitten with Brussels and Antwerp. Antwerp is a port city with the vibrancy of creativity. Brussels is this old and new European seat of power. Lots of grand old buildings. 

Then last weekend, I went to Stockholm, and everything changed. 

It's like a seamless blend of Brussels and Antwerp without the shabbiness of Berlin. It's just love. My adoration of Stockholm deserves an entire post altogether but for this post, I want to note my delight about discovering a Swedish blogger based in Berlin. You see, I was both in  Berlin and Stockholm this month so I am still clinging on the inspiring vibe that these cities imparted on me. 

The blog is by Ms. Sandra Juto. She mainly posts about everyday things on the street, interesting interiors, and her food. Yes. The things she eats. The coffee she drinks -- Fika or non-fika. And yes, I was so excited to read the words 'Fika' and 'Gatan' again. But more on those later. The things she posts about are often the ones I'd like to do myself but never found the time. My daytime occupation consumes me so much, I opt not to document the beauty of my surroundings. 

Thanks to Ms. Juto, now I can have a regular glimpse of two places I loved. Her posts just lives up to my mantra of "when the ordinary has been extraordinary all along"  topped with her witty comments too. Although I haven't encountered Stockholm-related posts, the Swedish aesthetic applied to Berlin everyday life is enough to pique my interest, and keep me glued to her blog. One big YAY!

 Just look at this spread of olives, cheese, bread, and mint drink.