Subtopia is a production hub for art and creativity in Alby, Botkyrka, run by the local muncipality. Housed in the former production facilities of LM Ericsson’s dairy farm in Alby, it’s a place with high ceiling and space for experimentation. LM Ericsson (1846-1926) was the entrepreneur that brought phones into the lives of people in … Continue reading Subtopia: Street art and DIY veggies
One theme I posted about when I visited Singapore two years ago was Trees of Singapore. In just a few days I had taken lots of pictures of trees that I found interesting. Trees come in many different sizes and shapes and when you travel to a new climate you notice that trees are not … Continue reading Trees of Botkyrka
I invited the family for an early morning hike to listen to birds and to take in spring. I picked a trail near Bornsjön close to where we live. I wanted to get there early to have the hours of first light. My dad used to take me on bird watching trips when I was … Continue reading Bornsjön in May
I passed by the Slagsta Rock Carvings on my way to work yesterday. It was mid afternoon and the sun shone from a clear sky. Leaves on the surrounding trees only starting to sprout, trees casting little shadow. The sun was at a perfect angle that made the carvings pop. I stopped to take the … Continue reading The Slagsta Rock Carvings
After New Year came snow. The cold grip of Winter got hold of my local neighbourhood with temperatures sometimes dropping to minus 20 Celsius. Even the dog agreed to sometimes wait until after 8 am for the morning walk. Lakes freezing over. Most days overcast and grey but every now and then we are blessed … Continue reading Winter
I live in Alby, Botkyrka, Sweden. If you have been here, you probably live here or used to live here. It’s a suburb south west of Stockholm near the end of the red line. Together with Norsborg, Hallunda and Fittja, Alby is part of the Million City project from the sixties. Concrete high rises. If … Continue reading Botvid: The first Swede
One sunny Friday in September, I picked up two hiking enthusiasts at a nearby train station and drove to Lida, an outdoor sport and wilderness area in Botkyrka south of Stockholm. I had invited them to join me on the 9 km Adventure Trail that circuits Lake Getaren and offers scenic views and time away … Continue reading Weekday adventure in Lida
South of Stockholm lies Tullinge, and just north of Tullinge lies Skansberget, a hill overlooking Tullinge Lake. 1500 years ago the water level was higher and the fresh water lakes of Alby and Tullinge were likely a brackish inlet of the Baltic Sea. Remains of Iron Age fortifications are scattered around Tullinge Lake and when … Continue reading Skansberget
Next time you find that you have done something stupid, take comfort in the following story that I found in a book about my local area. Smart people also do stupid things. You can still win the Nobel Prize. Swedish inventor Gustaf Dalén lived 1869-1937. He revolutionised shipping by automating lighthouses. His system of automatic regulators and … Continue reading Even smart people do stupid things
The 12th century Church of Saint Botvid lies prominently next to the freeway leading southwest from Stockholm. It’s the oldest church in the region and has been under restoration for quite some time. Work has now finished on the outside while still ongoing inside. One sunny morning after dropping kids off to school I stopped … Continue reading Church of Saint Botvid
