Why is everyone so annoying once they enter a bus?

I love to go to different places, but I have a problem getting there.
I am scared of flying, water takes me nowhere (from here), train takes too long, I get car sick very easily, and I hate the bus because the ones sitting next to me are always chewing cum, laughing too much, or otherwise being annoying.

RECAP OF MY LAST BUS RIDE

Got in line first to be able to sit at the front; to avoid people in front of me (this way I only had the possibility to end up with people beside and behind me).
It wasn’t a success. The man + woman that decided to grab the seats behind me started off with useless-extremely-boring-chit-chat about how their weekend had been very meaningful even though it hadn’t been long. They felt like they had done “so” much. Really, how much can you do in one weekend? Apparently they had been drinking; a great long weekend filled with alcohol. That does sound meaningful…

I didn’t care for the topic, and I hated their accents. At first it sounded like they were only friends because of the random, awkward, and senseless small talk. Plus she was laughing all the time of all the video clips he was showing her on his phone; but they were either together or got together during this ride.

I don’t mind it if people are happy (or maybe I do), but I don’t like it when people giggle. I respect a hearty laugh because it shows me you think something is hilarious (and I don’t care if it’s hilarious or not, that’s your opinion). If it’s only ‘giggle-worthy’ then you should just smile IMO. Constantly unheart-felt laughing is just annoying. I tried to protect myself with my headphones, but they are not that great. I could hear the giggling (four hours of giggling)…,

AND THE CHEWING GUM! I hate that chewing gum is not forbidden by law in Europe. I know I sound crazy, but I actually don’t like smelling other peoples’ breath or hearing their spit circulating.

The problem is not only the people, but the bus itself; there’s usually nowhere to go (hide). The bus was full and I just had to sit there in my agony, listening to Devin Degraw (or whatever) over and over again because my mood was so high-voltage I couldn’t even focus enough to change artist.

The last (but not smallest) problem: the driver. He had several cell phones and he was using them all; while he was looking at a list of names while driving. He might as well have been reading a book. He only lost his phone on the floor once… I guess he didn’t see those commercials and documentaries about how most car accidents happen.
His driving was OK, but his bus-function-skills were crap. At one point the windows got so foggy I thought we were in a Twilight movie. The bus driver started using the wipers, and after about 5 minutes he still didn’t get that they were not doing any good in this situation. So he just used his hands to wipe off a tiny area on the window right in front of him.

My rating: 2/6
…A bus ride for more than 1,5 hours is OK if you’re desperate, or poor, or left with no other alternatives (meaning you’re desperate), but it’s not worth it when you feel your face turning green.

Burgerlicious diet-deal-breaker.

This is the story of the delicious-like-Angus-burger-I-once-ate-atRestaurang-Babar-in-Gothenburg; and I almost went to heaven.  In 2010 it was so good I went back to the restaurant two years later and ordered the same dish (at least I think so; last time the check only stated ‘burger’, this time it was called ‘Babar Cajun burger’).

Last time around it nearly killed me; I was bedridden for several hours after eating it, but it was totally worth it.
The same didn’t happen this time, but there was no room for desert.
The presentation was not all that, but the flavors in my mouth can only be described as YUMYUMYUM!!! Burger; juicy, pickles; great choice, fries; perfectly fried for my picky-fry-tastebuds, dressing; dressing-licious, salad; fresh, dip; the best part.

So if in Gothenburg and you crave for a juicy tasteful burger or a perfectly fried fry (IMO very hard to find); go to Restaurang Babar (located @ Avenyn; opposite Scandic Rubinen hotel). From the looks of it it the restaurant doesn’t look like it has one of the best burgers known to mankind; but let it surprise you.

My rating: 5/6
…I would go back next time as well if in mood for a burger, because I know this one doesn’t disappoint. Although I probably won’t go back next time, because by then  it will be time to move on.

Shopping in Gothenburg! – R:5/6

Like I wrote in my previous blog post; I travelled to Gothenburg this past weekend! It takes less than four hours by bus (but when you travel coach it always feels like more).

The goal was to spend money, because I don’t like the idea of my money turning old. We’ve both been to Gothenburg before, so we knew where to shop for what. Like you need a map or something… (in case you do there’s one at the bottom of this post!) The city is compact and easy to navigate (at least if you bring someone with a sense of direction or possess one yourself).

The shopping in this town suits both small and medium wallets. The cost is lower than in Norway, AND a lot of the stores are open on sundays.

Shopping main areas

Nordstan is fine if you like the typical chain stores you find anywhere else. Over 180 shops. I don’t have any favorites here, but occasionally I find something at Saint Tropez, and it’s always possible to find something at Åhlens City.
My rating: 3/6
…Why go here if you have the same at home?!

Around Östre Hamngatan you find more exclusive shops, with clothes from Swedish designers, and more. The shopping center NK is located in Fredsgatan and offers the best shopping in town. Mango, Tara (Current/Elliott and more), and Zara are found at #1. Other more wallet-friendly shopping centres around the area include Citypassagen, Kompassen, and Arkaden.
My rating: 5/6
…A lot of different designers and cool stores located next to another.

Kungsgatan offers the store Brands which sells Replay and Twenty8Twelve, but not much more. This store was better one year ago; at least for female clothing. Other stores in this street include common ones like H&M + Carlings.
My rating: 3/6
…Not much to see here that you haven’t already seen before, on everyone else.

One of my favorite Swedish stores for classy, yet fun basics is Twist & Tango; found at Vallgatan, and the outlet (not visited!) at Haga Östergatan.
My rating: 4/6
…This is the place to find some of the cooler unique-to-Sweden clothing stores.

Avenyn is better for food and drinks than its shopping. It’s basically the same shops (only less), except for maybe Fred Perry which I don’t think you’ll find anywhere else in Gothenburg. My favorite restaurant in Gothenburg; Babar is located here. It’s a sportsbar, but it will suprise you if you let it.
My rating: 3/6
…If it’s coffee, atmosphere, and one pair of shoes that you want.

What else is good about Gothenburg?
The people, the food, the structure of the town; when you’re in the shopping streets expect shopping. The coffee’s and beers are enjoyed on seperate squares.

Expect cobblestone roads, varied shopping, friendly and trendy people, tasteful and fresh food, average drinks, and lots of tempting delicious candy!

Safe to say my goal was accomplished, but not to the nines. I left Gothenburg happier, more content, and with less money.

My colored shopping map

Weekend getaway

On my way to Gøteborg!

The weather is wet in Oslo so I’m happy to get away. Thomas has arranged the trip; which makes me worry about our accommodation. If it’s any worse than the last time he booked a room for us in Gøteborg we’ll be sleeping in a park. I am ready for some Shopping!!!

Yotel Gatwick – great if you want to be close to the terminal – R: 5/6

Stayed at Yotel Gatwick @ Gatwick Aiport one night in late 2011.
The bad: There is absolutely no privacy. And no space to move.
The good: Totally awesome not having to plan for hours when to get up in order to catch bus/tram/taxi to the airport.

My rating: 5/6
…Cozy, and fully useful. I would go back! I am in general sickly worried about not waking up early enough to work, appointments, and other engagements, so this on-set-hotel is perfect for a wreck like me.

Preferred breakfast @ Subway – R: 5/6

If I could I would have the Italian B.M.T. for breakfast every day, but instead I have it on every other saturday. If I’m hungover this is a lifesaver. Already looking forward to next saturday! Where: Subway, Grønland

My rating: 5/6
…I go back again and again. I really want to give this particular Subway a 6 (it’s that good!), but it’s against my own standards to give a fast-food chain a rating that high. 😐

Beer prices in Oslo – R: 5/6

Beer in Oslo is not cheap; Oslopuls.no just published an unofficial ‘beer-barometer’ presenting prices from over 60 beer-serving-places in Oslo. Not suprisingly; Lekter’n is topping the list. My impression is that if you’re from out of town visiting you very likely could end up here; Aker Brygge has a great view; fully exposed to the sun; and there’s a lot of space on the boat. If you don’t want to hang around forever to find a place to sit on the nearby places then Lekter’n is a good choice.

Photo is from a cheaper pub on the other side of town: Oslo Mekaniske Verksted

My rating of this list: 5/6
… An informative, up-to-date, and extensive list that I in theory could have a lot of use for. In reality I usually buy apple martini’s and cosmo’s when I’m out; while I enjoy Pale-Ale’s at home.

 

 

Kjøkken Og Bar – R: 4/6

Seems like all I’m doing these days is eat and eat and eat when I look at my blog. 😐
I’ve been to Kjøkken og Bar @ Møllergata/Youngstorget in Oslo before and had some average meals, so was (a bit) surprised to find their chicken burger so good (meaning better than average I guess). Me ad my feta-craving-friend-Inga asked for feta and it was a successful combination!

My rating: 4/6
…What I wanted when I ordered it. The feta was a nice touch, and should be implemented on the menu by the chef. The spot is great for a day out in the sun, so maybe that added to my rating. The draw-back was one “chewy” part of the chicken, and no flavor in the chicken.

Birthday party in Norway

Mandatory marzipan cake.

Breakfast/lunch @ Dattera til Hagen

The plan was to try the avocado bacon sandwich, but the club sandwich won. I’m not sure about what the fried egg was doing there, but it was OK as I love to smear the running plum over bread (dark and tasteful)…

Chicken tasted like chicken, onion like onion, but mustard-aioli was more like plain aioli with too much mayo. Potatoes not too exciting. All in all a good and powerful combination.

My rating: 4/6

The ice coffee was delicious today (as it was yesterday!)

Setting: very colorful backyard diner in Grønland with combination of table+chairs or couch+table.
Will go back.