I am attending with company at the annual reception hosted by the Governor of West Sweden at Torstenson Palace, the official residence in Gothenburg.
The Governor, known as the ‘Landshövding,’ is the head of the county administrative board in Västra Götaland County. Torstenson Palace, also referred to as ‘Kungshuset’ or ‘the King’s House,’ was formerly the residence of the Swedish king in Gothenburg.
Now it’s time to prepare a classic Singapore Sling in a highball glass. The retro glass, dating from the 1940s/1950s, features telling engravings. It belonged to my maternal grandfather—a true working-class hero and loyal GAIS supporter (the local team in Gothenburg, dating back to 1894).
He was also the neighborhood hero. Amidst the turmoil of World War Two, he served in his own resistance, attempting to prevent military forces from external powers from using our railway to wage a war of aggression against our neighboring country.
It’s time for me to reboot my business and convene in Gothenburg to foster new business collaborations between us. As per our tradition, I’ll bring along a thoughtfully chosen bottle of wine, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions, setting the stage for discussions on how we can synergize for business advancement. The upcoming gathering will highlight Riesling as we engage in productive dialogues. Just send a message to join – it’s an open invitation.
Ordinarily, wine isn’t a matter of chance; it’s crafted deliberately. We make our wine choices thoughtfully, yet occasionally, convenience trumps curiosity, and we settle for the nearest option without further investigation.
This takes me to the Mosel Valley, an enchanting expanse where exquisite wines and breathtaking landscapes converge. The paramount white grape, Riesling, originates here. After a day tracing the meandering river, we pause to switch drivers, unexpectedly stumbling upon a quaint wine cellar. A German lady, who resides above, extends her hospitality, showcasing her family’s meticulously curated collection spanning three generations.
With her knowledgeable guidance, making a selection becomes effortless. I firmly believe that Riesling is the quintessential white grape. Although I’ve explored diverse German regions, the allure of Mosel remains unparalleled.
Especially on Fridays like this, when I’m granted an hour by the sea, reflections of Mosel inundate my thoughts. A classic Riesling bottle awaits beside the shoreline—an tangible emblem of the captivating journey undertaken as a cultural wine enthusiast.
At the residence in Gothenburg for dinner with the Governor of Västra Götaland. On the way up to the dining room, we pass the former governors. This well-coiffed gentleman was the Governor (1719-1723) and former Commandant of Gothenburg after service in Courland (western Latvia).
This post it’s not necessarily based on real-time. It can, on some occasions, occur at a particular time after the assignment or just at a near-random time – depending on various factors and integrity.
Invited to the Indonesian Cultural Night in Gothenburg by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Sweden.
