Only in Sweden can I feel like a king – Sydsvenskan

I am on my annual trip to Skåne, biking in Malmö’s parks, swimming in the sea and taking in all the smells I crave this time of year. The salty water of the Øresund, the sweet floral scents of the castle gardens and the earthy morning dew on the lawns of Thorgenfrie. I am thoroughly enjoying the Scanian summer. August is a time for rest, good mood and time for socializing.

This year I managed to time my visit to coincide with the annual Malmö Festival. I ate the world at Gustav Adolf Square, packed with Scanian natives who had come to the town from the countryside. I was equally delighted when I met them, although many were not used to being huddled together with others. They lacked the agility of the city dwellers but had a confidence that I envied.

One thing I noticed My trip to Sadad was more than just to satisfy my craving for Swedish smells and flavors. My annual staycation was also an ego trip. In Rio de Janeiro, it was rare that someone stopped me on the street to take a photo. Sure, it had happened. Especially after my robbery video went viral. But it wasn’t common. In São Paulo, it happened more often because I often watched one of the TV channels in this metropolis.

When I’m in Malmö, people stop me on the street every day to take photos. It felt uncomfortable at first, but now I’m used to it. It happens when I’m at Ica Maxi, Malmö Stadium, in bars or walking around the city. People ask friendly questions, shake hands and thank them for the text they read. I’m happiest when someone likes my latest book, which is about the feeling of saudade.

Last Sunday I sat On the outdoor terrace of my friend’s Czech bar in Frisgatan, a man who lived on the same street approached me with my copy of Saudade in his hand.

– My girlfriend saw you sitting here. Do you want an autograph?

I felt like a king when I wrote the dedication in his book that he received as a gift from his partner.

I don’t have any books. It has been published in Brazil. No one in Rio de Janeiro ever wants to sign a book. In Brazil, I am an anonymous author. The only book that has been translated into Portuguese is Where the Sun Never Sets, and it has only been published in Portugal. It is not available in Brazil. My writer ego is only satisfied when I visit Sweden. Maybe that’s why I visit so often?

The most fun My saudade trips are still to see old friends. Earlier this week, I traveled between Helsingborg and Helsingør with a childhood friend. After one lap, we got off the bus in Denmark and visited the Valdemar Café. We wouldn’t do that. This legendary beer café has changed owners and furniture.

One of the few things left in the smoky bar is the classic Waldemar mirror on the wall. When I took a picture of it, one of the regulars freaked out. “If there were any Bandidos in the room, if they were in the picture, they would kill me,” he said.

– Get out, you Swedish idiot! He yelled, pointing at the door.

Somehow, the Danish paranoia was still charming. He temporarily satisfied my yearning for Denmark.