Discover What's on Uppsala City

Hello there! How's your day?

Last Saturday, my little sister-in-law just got married with his man. But sadly, we're unable to return home yet and missed out to celebrate it with our families in Malaysia. Anyway, congratulations to both bride and groom. May Allah bless their marriage and last long till Jannah. Ameen.

What to do? Due to some circumstances, we extending our stay in Sweden until end of this year... hopefully everything will be settled successfully soon. So as today, we have about three months more to live in Uppsala before pack up our luggage and set off to Malaysia. 

After almost two years living in Uppsala,Sweden, I couldn't help myself from falling in love with the place and the people. Uppsala is the fourth largest city of Sweden, after Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö. It is close to everything and a perfect destination for even a short visit to experience the genuine rustic culture of the Uppland region. Uppsala just located 38 minutes away from the capital Stockholm and 18 minutes from Stockholm Arlanda airport. It is easy and convenient to travel to and from Uppsala, either by direct train (depart twice an hour) or bus. 

Where is Uppsala located on the map? Rather in the center or in the west?

Uppsala Centralstation
 Näckens polska. A masterpiece by sculptor Bror Hjorth.

Uppsala is a town of cyclists.
Bikes are everywhere in bike friendly Sweden.

Well, Uppsala is known as Sweden's most exciting student city and it has received thousands of students each year. Uppsala is home to the Nordic regions's oldest university, Uppsala University which was the first university in Sweden, founded in 1477. In the last number of years, Uppsala University has been in a list of best universities in the world.

Many famous people have lived in Uppsala like Carl Von Linneè ~ a botanisk, physician and zoologist who established the binomial [two-name] system of describing living things and gave the first organization to ecology , Anders Celcius ~ an astronomer, physicist and mathematician who invented the Celcius temperature scale and Niklas Zennström ~ an entrepreneur best known for founding several high-profile online ventures with Janus Friis including Skype and Kazaa.

If you are planning a flying visit to Uppsala city, I have hand picked some of best Uppsala's must-see attractions. Most of the places is within walking distance of the city centre, which makes it easy to explore Uppsala on foot. 

Let's go explore the city!

Uppsala Domkryka

(13th century Uppsala Cathedral)

Uppsala Domkryka is the largest and tallest (at a height of 118.7 metres) cathedral in Scandinavia. The cathedral was built between 1270 and 1435. It contains the shine of Eric IX of Sweden (Eric the Holy) and a Baroque pulpit.

Opening hours: Daily from 8 a.m - 6 p.m.
                         On 30 April and on Midsummer's eve 20 June, the cathedral open from 8 a.m - 12 noon.

Admission fee: FREE.

Museum Gustavianum

Museum Gustavianum is one of Uppsala University's oldest preserved building dating back to the beginning of the 17th century. The museum was opened in 1997, and houses treasures from Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquity as well as from Swedish history. The Augsburg Art Cabinet, with its 1000 objects, miniatures and rich decorations, is an astonishing work of art and one of the most remarkable collections in the world. At the very top of the building is the Anatomical Theater, built in 1660s. The Anatomical Theater was used for public dissections between mid-17th and mid -18th centuries. The archaeological exhibition displays the Vikings and their ancestors.

Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday from 11 a.m - 4 p.m.
                          On Summer (June - Aug), from 10 a.m - 4 p.m.

Admission fee: SEK 50 (adult), SEK 40 (student/seniors), 
                        FREE for children under 19 years, staffs and students at Uppsala University. 

Uppsala Slott 
(Uppsala Castle)

The construction of the royal castle was begun by King Gustav Vasa in the 1540s, and has a dramatic events in Swedish history. Many key events in Swedish history have been played out here such as the coronation of King Erik XIV in 1561, the murder of members of the Sture family and Queen Kristina abdicated in 1654 in the Hall of State.

The castle now houses three museums which all of them well worth a visit.

- Vasaborgen Uppsala Slott
Vasaborgen are the ruins of the original castle, which Gustav Vasa began building 1549. Here terrible things happened, including the terrible Sture murders in May 1567. In the summer the museum is open daily and you can also visit the grass courtyard with views of the courtyard and the Botanical Garden.

Opening hours: On summer open daily from 10 a.m - 6 p.m 
                          (11 June - 14 August, 20-21 August, and 27-28 August).

                         

Admission: SEK 50 (adult),
                   SEK 20 for children, students and pensioner.

- Uppsala konstmuseum (Uppsala Art Museum)
The museum - Swedish and international contemporary art, ceramics from the renowned factory Upsala-Ekeby, works of art from the Uppsala Art Museum collection and the art-study collection of Uppsala University.

Opening hours: Tuesday from 12 p.m - 4 p.m
                          Wednesday from 12 p.m - 4 p.m
                          Thursday from 12 p.m - 8 p.m
                          Friday - Sunday from 12 p.m - 4 p.m.

                         
Admission: FREE 

- Fredens Hus (Uppsala Peace Museum)
At the House of Peace you will find exhibitions on human rights issues and challenges that encourage reflection, dialogue and action. The current exhibition that held at Fredens hus is about Prejudice in Sweden.

Opening hours: Wednesday - Friday from 3 p.m - 6 p.m
                         Saturday - Sunday from 12 p.m - 4 p.m.

Admission: FREE 

Carolina Rediviva

Carolina Rediviva is Uppsala University library, and the oldest library in Sweden. Today, the collections hold more than five million books. The exhibition hall displays include the 6th century Silver Bible which is now on UNESCO's Memory of the World Register, and some of Mozart's original scores.

Opening hours: Monday - Friday from 8.30 a.m - 9 p.m, 
                         Saturday - Sunday from 9 a.m - 6 p.m.

Admission fee: FREE.

Botaniska trädgården 

(Botanical Gardens)

Botaniska trädgården is one of Uppsala's most popular destinations where you can enjoy the grandiose Baroque Garden and visit over two centuries old Orangery with its beautiful grand halls. There are plants from around the world, and the Garden is open all year round.

Opening hours:
The Park : Daily from 7 a.m - 9 p.m (May - Sept), 7 a.m - 7 p.m (Oct - Apr).
Orangery : Tuesday - Friday from 9 a.m - 3 p.m (Sept - May),
                    Monday - Friday from 9 a.m - 3 p.m (June - Aug).

Admission fee: FREE.

Opening hours:
Tropical Greenhouse :
            Tuesday - Friday from 9 a.m - 3 p.m, Saturday - Sunday from 12 p.m - 3 p.m (Sept - May),
            Monday - Friday from 9 a.m - 3 p.m, Saturday - Sunday from 11 a.m - 4 p.m (June - Aug).

Admission fee: SEK 50

Evolutionsmuseet
(Museum of Evolution)

Uppsala's natural history museum displays Uppsala University's unique collections of minerals, fossils, dinosaur skeletons, plants and animals from around the world. Evolutionsmuseet holds the largest collection of dinosaurs in the Nordic countries.

Opening hours: Tuesday - Thursday from 12 p.m - 4 p.m.
                          Closed on 24 and 25 June.

Admission fee: SEK 50 (adult),                      
                        FREE for children under 18 years, staffs and students at Uppsala University. 

Bror Hjorths Hus

Bror Hjorths Hus is a colourful artist's museum which home and studio of Bror Hjorths, one of Sweden's most important 20th century artists. The museum has filled with sculptures, paintings and drawings from the artist's entire career. The museum presents temporary exhibitions.

Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday from 12 - 4 p.m (14 June - 14 August),

                          Thursday - Sunday from 12 - 4 p.m (from 11 August).

Admission fee: FREE.

Biotopia - Biologiska Museet

(The Biological Musuem)

Biotopia is an exciting interactive museum where you can discover and experience a county full of wild and beautiful nature. In the diorama exhibits you can see and hear moose, pool frog, black grouse.

Opening hours: Tuesday - Friday from 9 a.m - 5 p.m,

                          Saturday - Sunday from 11 a.m - 5 p.m.

Admission fee: FREE entry.

Linnemuseet/Linneträdgården

(Linnaeus Garden)

Linnaeus Garden is the first botanical garden in Sweden, and was laid out in about 1655. Approximately 1300 species are grown here today. The beds are arranged according to Linnaeus' sexual system.

Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday from 11 a.m - 5 p.m,

                          and the gates to Garden close at 8 p.m (May - Sept).

Admission fee (garden and museum) : SEK 80 (adult), 

                                                              FREE for children under 18 years.

Admission to the Garden:  FREE after 5 p.m - 8 p.m.

Fyrisån
(The Fyris River)

The Fyris river runs through Uppsala and has been the city's flowing heart since time immemorial. The Fyris river banks are lined with charming riverside paths, benches and bridges. It would be nice to walk or sit (eating lunch/picnic) along the river and enjoy the sunshine during warmth spring and in summer days

Upplandmuseet
(Museum of Uppland)

County museum specializing in cultural history, showing Uppland past and present. The Upplandmuseet is housed in the old Academy mill, dating from the 1760s. The museum spreads out over four floors with a mix of permanent and temporary exhibitions. There are also have an exciting corner for children.

Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday from 12 p.m - 5 p.m.

Admission fee: FREE.

Stadsträdgården
(City Garden)

Stadsträdgården is Uppsala residents' green living room, and a natural destination throughout the year. The Uppsala's city park is situated beside the Fyris river. This green retreat in Uppsala is a favorite spot for picnics among locals and visitors. There is also a great playground for young kids here.

Gamla Uppsala
(Old Uppsala)

Old Uppsala (Gamla Uppsala) is one of Scandinavian's most important historic areas, with three mythical kings' burial moun dating from the 6th century. During the Viking era, Swedes gathered here for pagan sacrificial ceremonies. 


Gamla Uppsala museum offers a fascinating journey through time. From 6th century pagan kingdoms to the introduction of Christianity. This marked the end of the Viking Age, and the start of construction of the old cathedral in the 12th century.

Opening hours: Daily from 10 a.m - 4 p.m.

Admission fee: SEK 80 (adult), SEK 60 (student),
                         FREE for children under 19 years,
                         SEK 70 per person (group minimum 10 person).


Disgården is an open-air museum showing rural culture in Uppland. Houses and farmyards give a true notion of peasant life in the latter part of the 19th century. The open-air museum is located just behind the royal mounds and the church.

Opening hours: Daily from 10 a.m - 5 p.m (June - August).

Admission fee: FREE 

Uppsala Konsert & Kongress

The building was designed by Henning Larsen Architects of Copenhagen. It has concert and conference facilities, a cafe and a restaurant. There is a magnificent view across Uppsala from the sixth floor.

Fyrishov Water Park

Fyrishov is the largest arena for swimming, sports and events in Uppsala and is Sweden's fourth most visited site. In a tropical setting with a poolside cafe, there are water slides, heated jacuzzis, water toys, jet streams, water canons and waterfalls. Fyrishov is only take 20 minutes walk from the city centre, or a 5 minutes bus ride. The water park is open every day throughout the year 

Opening hours: Monday - Friday from 6.15 a.m - 9.30 p.m,

                         Saturday - Sunday from 7.30 a.m -l 9 p.m.

Admission fee: Check website at fyrishov.se.

For more information and guide, feel free to visit Uppsala Tourist Center which centrally located close to Uppsala resecentrum.

The friendly staffs can offer you helpful tips, advice and aspiration. You can pick up free brochures and maps. Okay guys.. when are you coming to Uppsala?

See you soon!

NOTE: Residence Permits 

If you intend to reside or temporarily stay in Sweden for more than 90 days, you must apply for and be granted a residence permit before entering Sweden. The application must be submit to Visa Chancellery of a Swedish Embassy or a Swedish Consulate in your country or Swedish Embassy close to you.

The Migration Board will decide whether you receive the residence permit. Residence permits may be granted for the purpose of a visit or a permanent stay based on family ties in Sweden, a work or study, or self-employment.

You may refer to Migrationsverket.se for more information

Kuih Bakar Pandan ~ (Baked Pandan Cake)

Suddenly, I found myself craving for traditional Malay kuih. I was looking for a simple recipe using pandan leaves (daun pandan), which I found at Asian store. Screwpine leaves or pandan leaves are commonly used in Malaysian cooking especially in Malay desserts. The leaves has a very unique flavor that helps enhance your baked goods and sweets.

Ultimately, I decided to bake Kuih Bakar Pandan. Kuih Bakar Pandan is a fragrant custard cake. This soft, dense and chewy cake also known as Kuih Kemboja, traditionally baked in a flower shaped mould. It is one of our family's favorite and can be eaten throughout the day. I have never attempted to make this Malay kuih as I can easily bought it from warung makcik tepi jalan at belakang UNITEN back in Malaysia. But since living in Sweden now, there is no way I can have them without baked it myself. Teringin nak makan, kena la pandai-pandai Google cari resepi dan cuba buat sendiri.

The recipe adapted from Azie Kitchen. It is very easy and fast. I loved the smell of the house after this kuih baked. It was so-oooooo damn good! The aroma from combination of pandan leaves and coconut milk is hard to describe.. sweet, floral, but earthy. 

KUIH BAKAR PANDAN (BAKED PANDAN CAKE)

INGREDIENTS / BAHAN-BAHAN

2 cup all-purpose flour                                                                                        

1 cup sugar                                                               
1 cup Pandan juice (4-5 pandan leaves and water blended and strained)                               
2 cup coconut milk                                                    

3 eggs
1/2 tsp salt                                                                       

4-5 drops of green food coloring                              

For dressing: 
White sesame seeds                        
                          
....................................................................................................................................................................

INSTRUCTIONS / CARA MEMBUAT

1. Combine all the ingredients, whisk or blend in a food processor until well mixed, except sesame seeds.
    (Masukkan semua bahan (kecuali bijan) ke dalam blender. Blender sehingga sebati)

2. Grease the bake pan with oil and put into the preheated oven at 180°C for 5 minutes before pouring the mixture.
  (Sapu loyang dengan sedikit minyak dan masukkan ke dalam oven yang telah dipanaskan pada suhu 180°C selama     5 minit sebelum dituang adunan tadi)

3. Add the mixture into the pan and bake it in oven.
    (Tuang adunan ke dalam loyang dan bakar)

4. Sprinkle the sesame seeds on top of the cake after baking for 15 minutes.
    (Tabur bijan di atas adunan selepas adunan dibakar selama 15 minit)

5. Continued bake for 1 hour 30 minutes, or more if you want the top and edges to be more burnt.
    (Sambung bakar selama 1 jam 30 minit atau sehingga masak)

6. Cool it down before cutting.
    (Sejukkan dulu sebelum potong)



If you love sweet cake or dessert, you should try this easy and amazing recipe. Enjoy!

Our Last Raya at Perantauan

Salam and Hello everyone! How's your Raya? 

Before my Raya mood gone far far away, I wanna share our Hari Raya celebration in here although it is not so cool like yours. Deep inside me, I really missed celebrating Hari Raya in Malaysia. In Sweden, we only have 'Raya Pertama' term. There's no Raya kedua, ketiga, ketujuh or Raya sebulan and 'open house'. Sobs..sobs..sobs..

It is so nice to see everyone posted (I'm still scrolling and likes your Raya photos through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter..) family photos, #OOTD on 1st day of Syawal...Day 2 Raya..3rd day Aidilfitri..and so on.. visiting relatives and friends, and those delicious Raya foodiessss. Seriously, you guys making me jealous and craving for one.

By the way, it is our second year and perhaps the last time celebrating Eid al-Fitr abroad. Nothing much about our Raya stories this year because we're celebrated it in Uppsala... again. On the other story, Stockholm have celebrated Raya one day earlier (Tuesday, 5 July, 2016) from us in Uppsala (Wednesday, 6 July, 2016). This is something new for me, as in one country can have two different date of Raya celebration. Konpius kejap...

Anyway, excuse me for spamming with our last Raya photos taken in Uppsala..... Enjoy!

Family photo.. Five of us..still..

(masih belum ada unsur-unsur penambahan ahli ye..hehe)

Raya theme for 2016 was Orange & Raspberry Pink

Doakan perjuangan tahun akhir kami di sini. InshaAllah we are going back home end of the year.

Anak bujang dah mula pandai ber'posing.

Wore Aleefa Jubah by Bella Ammara. Simple, perfect cutting and length. Loved it. 
Besides, it is wudhuk friendly and nursing friendly.

And Auni wore Poplook Suraya Mermaid Maxi dress.

Terlebih labuh pulak dress ni untuk Auni, so maybe later we sent it for alteration.

No baju kurung this year, girl. 

I got Alya a Scallop Jubah Dress from Poplook.

We're lucky because our parcel from Malaysia arrived here before Raya.

Shahar and Adel wore baju Raya recycled from two years ago. 

Nasib baik muat lagi tapi sudah menunjukkan tanda-tanda bakal senteng tidak lama lagi.

Mini ME!

Do you think this mommy and daughter look alike?

This year we're celebrated Hari Raya together with another three families at Mat and Mimi's new house at Smålandvägen. Tahun ni Raya agak kurang meriah macam last year sebab ramai yang balik beraya di Malaysia..selain takde geng orang Patani beraya sekali dan orang Stockholm pulak dah beraya satu hari sebelum kami...so, tinggal kami empat family je la di Uppsala. 

On the first day of Hari Raya, we took a bus and went to Mat and Mimi's house. We arrived around 9 in the morning and had our Raya prayer lead by Mat. The khutbah Raya was about the quality of our worship (Ibadah) and some advice on how to increase the mercy (belas kasihan) and forgiveness from Allah SWT upon us. We should build a good relationship with people..(menghormat orang, bercakap dengan menggunakan perkataan yang baik-baik, banyakkan sedekah). He also reminded us that this world will be end soon, so we should not prioritize dunya over akhirah. Keep praying sincerely to Allah SWT, give the best, make zikr, selawat and du'a.

After done with our prayer, it is time to enjoy the foods. We already planned to have Raya potluck, where each of family will contributes a dish of food that to be shared. Thank God I still have one last big pack of six cubes nasi impit to cook and served with kuah kacang and my very first trial of making rendang daging. *winks*

Lemang ada OKAY, walaupun tak bakar dalam buluh

Kids' favorite made by Auntie Siti.

Kuih raya takde..okay..

Makan time! *thumbs up*

Girl's team..

Hanya kami bertiga (tak termasuk tuan rumah) beraya di Uppsala tahun ni.

Boy's team..
Tahun depan tiga-tiga mungkin tak beraya di Uppsala lagi.

Raya photo with Mrs. Ambassador, family and staffs Embassy of Malaysia in Stockholm.

We'olls tak dapat nak join beraya di Rumah Malaysia pada hari Selasa (5 Julai), sebab we'olls sambut lambat sehari dan masih berpuasa pada hari tu. 

And that's the end of our Eid al-Fitr for this year in Uppsala, Sweden........ (lepas ni nak beraya ala-ala perantauan di negara mana pulak..hihi..)



So with this opportunity, I would like to wish all Muslims around the world Happy Eid Mubarak! I hope u'olls have a very happy and blessed Raya with your loved ones. May these Raya memories will be the precious ones for you. 

To those who start six days fasting of Syawal, Happy Fasting guys!

Abu Ayyub (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

       "Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days of Syawal, it will be as if he fasted for a                       lifetime."

                     ~ Narrated by Muslim, Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidhi, And-Nasa'i and Ibn Majah