Walking into town on Monday afternoon, via the city park, I happened to see this very tall crane at work, lifting something onto the roof of the hotel with the big mural. I found it better to stop and wait until the crane had safely finished turning to the side, rather than having to pass right under it while it was still moving...
Continuing straight forward past the hotel, my eyes fell on this old brick building, which in "style" reminds a lot of some of the bigger old industrial buildings in my previous post.
Because of big city fires back in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, there are very few wooden buildings still standing in our city centre; but in the background in the photo above you see one or two of them. The statue at the entrance to this pedestrian shopping street is called Knallen, an old local dialect word here meaning "The Pedlar" (i.e. "a person who goes from place to place selling small items"). So what he is holding is a sack with rolls of fabric in it. Pedlars were very common in this part of Sweden in the past, and Borås was and is still known as a textile city.
However, my errand in town on this Monday was to a small "health" store situated in one of those old wooden buildings behind the Pedlar. Primarily they sell things like dietary supplements and other non-prescription "alternative medicine" stuff; but what I was after was a new pair of comfortable indoor sandals to replace my old Birkenstocks (which served me well for many years but are now almost starting to fall apart).
I was lucky, as the second pair I tried on immediately felt very similar to my old ones, although they're of a different (Swedish) brand - Embla. So I bought them. And so far no regrets - they're very comfortable indeed, and I hope they'll continue serve me well for another number of years ahead.
(When it comes to buying shoes, my experience is that quality and comfort is usually worth the money, rather than just looking for the cheapest price tag...)
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| New shoes |
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| Old shoes |
"A good pair of shoes is like a best friend,
That's an enormous crane! Yes, best avoided... like walking under ladders. I have Birkenstocks too - so comfortable.
ReplyDeleteJenny, I think it's the highest one I've ever seen - at least up close...
DeleteI like the neutral color, it will go with anything. Now I wonder what is going up on the roof.
ReplyDeleteGinny, I'm wondering too. Some kind of repairs/maintenance, I suppose.
DeleteEmbla seems like a solid choice, especially since they felt right straight away. And I completely agree—when it comes to shoes, quality and comfort are definitely worth the investment
ReplyDeleteRo, I was happy that I so quickly found a pair that I felt were perfect.
DeleteI very much doubt that Marilyn ever wore shoes like these, ha ha.. I agree with you that quality is better than price in shoes. I have 2$ shoes and 30$ shoes, and the more expensive last longer and is more comfortable. I wear the cheap ones in the yard, have a pair at front door and back door for yard wear only... I don't wear shoes in the house but if I ever have to, would choose your Berkenstock. the new ones look great and glad they are comfy... my favorite today is the wooden buildings with the golden doors. I do love old frame buildings above all else
ReplyDeleteSandra, I too doubt that Marilyn and I had quite the same idea about the "right" pair of shoes... ;-) For me, these will be for indoors use only. For walking outdoors, I need shoes with heels or at least a strap at the back. (Not high heels, just not all open at the back...)
DeleteI was trying very hard to work out what the crane was lifting, but couldn't. Anyway, I guess I would have avoided walking right underneath it, too.
ReplyDeleteYou are like me in that you keep what you are comfortable with until it nearly falls apart. Some of the items in my wardrobe are 20+ years old, but as long as they still fit me (and are not full of holes), I still wear them every now and then. And when a favourite pair of jeans has to go, it is always difficult to find a replacement.
Meike, it looked to me like they're doing some renovations up there, so probably building material of some kind. - I'm guessing I've been more up and down (and up again) in sizes over the years than you have. I don't think I have more than one or two items in my wardrobe older than around 10-12 years or so. I do still have one item bought as far back as 40-50 years ago, though: a thin, black, knee-length, open vest (just one button at the top).
DeleteVery wise of you to avoid the crane. Comfortable shoes are essential. I've found Ecco shoes suit me.
ReplyDeleteJanice, I have had several pairs of Eccos over the years, but in later years more Riekers.
DeleteLovely shoes. I have a similar pair that are coming to the end of their days and I must make buying a new pair top of my shopping list too.
ReplyDeleteHope you'll be as lucky as me in finding new ones, Addy.
DeleteI'm wearing a very similar pair of indoor shoes to yours as I type this! The local market has several good shoe stalls and I often buy my indoor shoes there. I like Ecco shoes and have several pairs as well as summer sandals. Lately I've changed to wearing Skechers, and have a pair of Slip-ins and a pair with memory foam.
ReplyDeleteHave tried to see what the crane is doing, using a magnifying glass, but it's not clear.
Carol, the crane was lifting a package of something, probably building material (like planks wrapped in plastic). Over the years I have had several pairs of Ecco shoes as well (of varying kind) but in later years more Rieker.
DeleteI like the old brick building, it's very Victorian by the look of it in age. Your shoes are very popular here, most stores sell them.
ReplyDeleteAmy, I think you're probably right about the Victorian era.
DeleteI really like that there is a statue in honor of a peddler, someone selling cloth. Comfortable shoes are important. For me, I find I must have a very strong support. Flat shoes but the soles must be fairly thick, no sweet little ballerina slippers for me anymore! And high heels? No way! LOL
ReplyDeleteKay, I could never manage high heels, and have long since given up trying... ;-)
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