hermanson and åström

 I mentioned visiting both Hermanson's and Åström's at the end of last year, and finally here's some more pictures from back then. A little mixture of mid-century Sweden and 19th century Finland. Although Haparanda (where Hermanson's is) and Tornio (where Åsröm's is) are basically the same city that just happens to be divided into two countries. I feel like I say this every time I write about this part of the world but you truly don't even notice you're abroad.

houses and horses

While I was at my mum's we visited Taavola again and it's still my favourite little café/historical house/boutique/flea market. Not that I know of many places that are all those four things rolled into one! The cakes were still just as good (and gluten-free since that's who I am now), the place just as charming and full of interesting details. I especially like the sign that forbids one from spitting on the floor.

two seasons in taavolagården

Taavolagården is such an idyllic new little place we've discovered and have visited it for a few times since the summer now. It has a café in a building from the early 19th century (1834, I think, since all the signs say so?) complete with interiors fit to that era, as well as a boutique/gift shop and a flea market. In the summer I've also seen people selling handmade goods outside. It is all so cute! So here's some contrasting pictures from this charming wee place in winter and in summer.