Malmo, Sweden

Feeling a bit rough from the previous night out in Copenhagen, I arrived in rainy Malmo not long after mid-day on my 32nd birthday. Desperate for a coffee, I stumbled into the first café I could find. Recharged and feeling more human I decided to find my hostel, drop my bag and then explore the city. Walking through the city towards the main train station, I was surprised at how quiet the streets were. He main shopping parades and squares were almost abandoned, making it feel like I was free to enjoy the architecture without the risk of walking into people. Having some falafel (there are loads of falafel places in Malmo, good for me because I love falafel), soaked from the fine rain, crashing from the lack of caffeine, I decided to head back to my hostel and take advantage of the WiFi to find something relaxing to do that night. Passing the main square in the dark, the Christmas lights were on, perfect time to sit and relax with some warm Gluhwein for 10 minutes. That night I decided to head to the Malmo Brewing Company for a couple of beers before going for some falafel and heading to see some local bands at a punk bar. However, while at the Malmo Brewing Company I enjoyed some fantastic beer, a great veggie burger and some live, chilled, hipster music, which made me decide to stay there for the rest of the night. Realising that I’d chose good beer and responsibly loud music over cheap beer and punk meant I really was getting old. It also occurred to me that being in Malmo meant that I had reached 12 countries in 2015. 12 countries, in 12 months, finishing on my Birthday, you can imagine I stayed in the Malmo Brewing Company until much later than I intended. I don’t know how many beers they have on tap, and I don’t have a clue how many I managed to try, but it was a great night.