Summer Thursdays in My Town (Borås, Sweden) differ a bit from the usual everyday routine, but have become a yearly tradition, to draw people into the city even in the heat of summer (when many prefer the beach or the countryside). The attraction is free concerts in the main square on Thursday evenings in/around July, and the shops then also staying open late (until 9 pm instead of closing at 6 pm). The main concert starts at 9 pm, and before that there are some less well-known bands etc playing. There is also dance music (different band) and an outdoor dance floor in the town park.
I never actually attended any of the late night concerts – not quite “my thing”, too loud and crowded. But we have had exceptionally warm and sunny weather this week. So after a few days of that, I tried a routine more associated with southern European traditions - taking a “siesta” during the heat of the afternoon, and then a walk into town towards evening, checking out the early part of the Thursday Night events.
Me and my shadow!
The rose garden in the Town Park in full bloom.
“Pre-concert” band playing in the Main Square (photo taken around 6:30 pm). That early there aren’t yet all that many people standing still to listen to the whole show. (I might have stayed a bit longer if they had not been quite so LOUD…)
Many like myself seemed to prefer to wander about, popping in and out of shops etc.
The police were on patrol to make their presence known.
… and an ambulance waiting around the corner…
I don’t know if that’s routine too!!
Pretty much summer-idyllic so far, but…
Wait a minute…
What’s that up on the roof?
An inflatable sculpture copy of Edward Munch’s famous painting The Scream. (Part of the ongoing sculpture biennial.)
Yes. There’s certainly a lot of anxiety lurking in the heat of summer as well. And one can feel very lonely in a noisy crowd - especially if one is there on one’s own rather than with someone in particular.
So after strolling around for a bit, I turned back home before it (presumably) got even livelier in town.
Seeking the most shadowy way on a hot day like this, I walked across the old graveyard both ways. (The first picture of me under the tree was also taken there.) On my way home, I spent some time watching the bunny rabbits living there (quite a big colony of them) – disturbing them in their supper (consisting of delicious green grass). They are very camera shy, but I managed to zoom in this one with the evening light shining through his ears.
20 comments:
That's a great last shot! And your town looks so inviting during the summer. I love the rose garden. It's really nice to see it in full bloom. Have a great weekend!
Mersad
Mersad Donko Photography
Monica, all these pictures are just oozing "summer" from all corners! They are lovely, and I almost feel as if I was there with you on that summer evening in a Swedish town, strolling along, seeing all those people enjoying the summer's evening and the music.
You look very nice in that red dress! And the picture of your shadow... hmm... reminds me of something :-)
The ambulance probably has to be there. I imagine Sweden has pretty similar regulations about publich health and safety as Germany, when it comes to outdoor events such as the concerts in town centre.
If i could walk to the evening concerts and other things they have here at night, i might go, but the traffic getting there and home is a nightmare. those green vest are very visible, great color to let people know they are there... inflatable scream is a hoot.. until i colored the scream on line i did not even know the scream existed.. LOVE the bunny
DT, hi it is Peggy under a different blog name. Your shots are great. I love the flowers the best. I would love to visit Sweden. I look for movies made in that part of Europe.
That's what I love about your town, you never know what you'll see! The Scream is brilliant! Kind of casting a shivery pall over the town in an anticipatory kind of way. You are looking very pretty today, and I love your nap/walk summer schedule.
In London one weekend when I was in my early 20s I was on my own after a required dining at Grays Inn and went to a late night play at a theatre in Piccadilly. When I came out the crowds around midnight on a Saturday night were incredible. I don't think I've ever felt so lonely before or since.
It seems to me that never a week goes by without something exciting happening in your town. It's wonderful.
I'd go for the pre-concert - not so many people. The older I get the less I want to be in large crowds.
I know the feeling of not wanting to join in this kind of event. You've evoked the whole thing really well. I might have felt the same as you. Funny, isn't it- when everyone's supposed to be having fun.... :)
Yes the rose garden is nice. Had I turned around and taken a photo in the other direction, the view is not so attractive at the moment, as there is a building project going on - supposed to be a kind of orangery with an all-year-round café. Hopefully when it's finished it will attract more visitors to the park even when the weather is not so sunny!
Thanks Meike. It's a new dress - the very warm weather last week inspired some more shopping!
My impression is that The Scream must be one of the world's most famous paintings. But then there are probably lots of world famous paintings I still know nothing about!
Thanks Peggy. If you ever go, I'd say summer is the best time - unless you want snow. And if you do want snow, you should go as far north as possible, even in winter :)
Thanks Ginny. Yes, hot weather can be rather exhausting in its own way!
I think I recall you mentioning that experience before, Graham. Fascinating how some moments like that can get burned into our minds and we never forget them.
How very odd. I've just spent some time answering individual comments here but now none of my answers show up. For now I'll just try a simple "Thanks everyone for your comments"...
... and as I published that, the other comments showed up as well ...
They are certainly doing their best to entertain these days. (I'm not exactly sure who "they" are but I think it's the town and the local businesses cooperating.)
I'm not one for the large crowds either, Ruth. I'm ok if I'm free to move about on the outskirts with my camera... But I don't like being stuck in the middle and not able to get out when I want!
I never really feel comfortable with being out alone late at night, nor in a really big crowd. The kind of events I prefer are the daytime kind where one is free to stroll around but can leave at any time. Occasionally I like going to a play or a church concert or something; but really huge arena events aren't really "my thing".
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