Weekend Reflections - Raft Race

 

Today was 'Water Day' in the city centre (of Borås, on Viskan River, in Sweden), with various activities going on throughout the day. I went for a walk into town after lunch and brought my camera. And as it happened, there was a 'raft race' starting just as I was passing by, so of course I stopped to snap some photos!

There were only two rafts competing, each with a team from a different local business.

The red team was way ahead of the blue one, already from start...

Both teams made it back to the bridge without capsizing, though! :)

Down the Road

A week ago, last Saturday, there was an event in town in connection with the grand re-opening of a street that has been more or less dug up and in general disarray for a year or more, in connection with laying down new water pipes and whatnot.

*Västerlånggatan, January 2017

Now the job has been finished at last, and besides new pipes under ground, we have a new visible water feature on the surface, in the shape of a narrow canal with running water and little basins with splashing fountains. The project has been much discussed along the way (couldn't the money have been spent on something more useful etc) – but whatever our opinions may be, it’s here now. And last weekend the Spring Sun joined in the opening celebrations and made it all look rather pleasant and cheerful and relaxing.

There were also peace offerings of free ice cream, festive brass music, balloons for the children, and (for some mysterious reason) a group of marching soldiers (or actors) dressed in 17th century uniforms.

(The expression “bread and circuses” comes to mind…)

 

The main square is just a block away.

Guess which drummer became everyone’s favourite?

*Västerlånggatan: “West Long Street”.
We also have an East Long Street (Österlånggatan).

Linking to: Friday My Town: Down the Road

Spring, Jump, Climb and Run

One of the modern signs of spring around here is when you innocently walk into town on a Saturday and find the city centre turned into, for example, a giant obstacle course for an ActionRun.

Aren’t there any normal people around??

I made my escape while there was still a chance to sneak out of the crazy maze without climbing, jumping, running or swimming.

(This last one obviously not mine, but snapped from the local newspaper.)