Moab

There is a place in the south east of Utah state in the US that is quite incredible. It is a national park full of amazing natural arches, balancing pillars of rocks and a horizon line to die for. 

It seems to be heaven for rock climbers, bikers and other outdoor lovers. 

For me it was other worldly magical. 

The red rocks against the blue sky. 

The thousands of stars that covered the black sky at night, the warm powder-like sand, and the fact that thousands and thousands of miles from home you can get Swedish pancakes with Lingonberry in the middle of no-where.

I believe the Scandinavians has influenced the world in the same way McDonald's has. In the most surprising God forgotten places on the planet, scandinavian food, Viking helmets or pictures of beautiful swedish girls pop up in the same way the golden arches does.

 Luckily there was no sign of a McDonald´s in Moab, only the swedish pancakes.  So while taking in the beauty of this place, and planning  your next hike, bike-ride or climb, fill up the food tank on this little cafe on main street.

Jailhouse Cafe

101 North Main Street

Moab, Utah 84532

Majestic Mountain

Leave it to Leo Tolstoy and Robert Redford for guidance when in doubt.

There are very few places in the world that offer a sense of peace. 

Robert Redford´s Sundance in the state of Utah in the US offers just that.

He bought the peaceful land in this hidden valley in the late 60´s and today it is a beautiful retreat for heart and mind just 45 min from busy Salt Lake city.

Secluded ponds and log homes, crystal clear streams, art shacks, gourmet restaurants, spa and monthly author series that will boost your intellect, is all hidden behind the majestic Timpenogues Mountain.

The mountain towers over 4000m and overlooks a pretty dry desert landscape on the other side of the mountain. 

But on Robert Redfords side of the mountain you easily forget about the world, bills that are due and broken hearts. 

It used to be a prayer ground for the Indians, today however the sound of uhmmmmm.... can be heard from a grey yurt just beside a birch tree. Not from the Indians, but from the early morning yoga class that sets the tone for just how fast your heart will beat while here in Sundance.

I visited this place the first time with my older and wiser brother André

I fell in love instantly.

This place offers a peace one only reads about in the bible when talking about paradise on earth.

 That place we all dream of retreating too when the waves of life crushes you ever so slightly, but who knew that the bible referred to a place in the USA with a deli to die for, gastronomic restaurants like the ones in France, chic ski resort and free screenings of independent films.

So when in doubt seek out this place and let this piece of paradise mend your broken heart... 

Leo Tolstoy under a tree in Sundance.

http://www.sundanceresort.com/

Tastebud heaven in Orem

Pizzeria 712

There is a reasonably new pearl or rather a gastronomic feast of a restaurant in a very insignificant little part of the world called Orem, Utah. But I can promise you that Pizzeria 712 has the power to put it on the map, and it has.

It´s all in the ingredients. they are fresh, locally grown and handpicked. 

The kitchen is out in the open displaying master hands at work to satisfy every taste-bud, educated or not.

The aroma of their cooking fills the small restaurant like a fine perfume and makes it impossible not to smile, and that my friends is even before the food is at hands reach.

May I just say that Orem became my favorite town just because of Pizzeria 712. If you have not yet paid it a visit do yourself a favor and just hop in the car and go. 

It is simply one of those experiences that makes you happy. Makes you smile on a rainy day and cause your mind to travel off to small villages in Italy with narrow streets and old men sitting in front of the local church offering you a "Ciao bella!" as you pass by.... who would have thought that you could have all that in Orem, Utah?

A heavenly store in Provo

If you ever happen to be in the Provo, under one hour from Salt Lake City in the state of Utah in the US, be sure to take a break at The Flower Basket.
It is a heavenly store full of books, carefully selected clothes and shoes, to perfectly arranged fresh flowers.
It is a must to lounge around the boutique. It´s decor is light and inviting, I would call it Scandinavian minimalism with a dash of french boudoir.
It´s just one of those stores that makes you feel uplifted even if you did not end up buying anything!