NärCon Winter 2023 | Geeks and Nerds and Cosplay Three Star Vagabond 2026-09-18 | NärCon Winter 2023 | Geeks and Nerds and Cosplay
10 WORST Attractions in Sweden | A Guide Where NOT to Go Three Star Vagabond 2025-10-12 | Sweden has a lot of amazing things to see and do. The Vasa Museum, the Stockholm Archipelago, national parks, Liseberg amusement park, viking runestones, and a lot more. But there are also some...less than amazing tourist attractions. This video lists the 10 WORST tourist attractions in Sweden.For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Also, join the Three Star Vagabond Facebook group to discuss upcoming videos: facebook.com/groups/threestarvagabondWhat exactly is a bad tourist attraction? Well, in my view, that's somehting pretty famous that's either overhyped, or that simply doesn't warrant an extra detour to experience. And this is my list of the 10 worst attractions.The attractions are:10. Jupiter in the Sweden Solar System9. The Blue Lagoon on Gotland8. The Great Lake Monster in Storsjön7. The statue of Saint Bridget of Sweden6. The Globe Arena in Stockholm5. The town of Borlänge - the ugliest city in Sweden4. The High Coast Art Valley3. The Museum of Laundry2. Årjängstrollet - the Årjäng troll1. Treriksröset - the Three Country CairnFeel free to comment if I missed some really bad ones! But yeah, I think that these are some attractions that you might as well skip when visiting Sweden.
Japans DARK Side | Host Clubs, Racism and MORE Three Star Vagabond 2025-10-05 | Japan is one of the most amazing places I've visited. It's a beautiful country with a fascinating culture. But that doesn't mean that it's a perfect place. Pretty far from it.For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Also, join the Three Star Vagabond Facebook group to discuss upcoming videos: facebook.com/groups/threestarvagabondThis is a pretty intense video, so I hope that you're not too easily offended by discussing topics like racism, war crimes, prostitution and living outside of society. All of these things are covered in this video, one way or another, and I explain how I believe that Japan has an issue with a lot of these discussion points.In other words: this is a very negative video. But at the same time I want to counter that by mentioning that Japan is a wonderful travel destination, and just about everyone who lives there says that the positives far outweigh the negatives. So, don't let all of these bad things discourage you from experiencing more of the country.Still, I felt like this was an interesting video to do because SO many other people cover only the positive sides of Japan. I hope you'll agree that it's interesting to take a closer look at all sides.
Polands City of Sea and Dreams...and Warships Three Star Vagabond 2025-09-28 | Use this link to get 20 days premium access, a 6-skill-point commander, and the Japanese cruiser Tenryu for FREE in World of Warships: wo.ws/3HHL7kMGdynia in Poland is often overshadowed by its big brother Gdansk, also known as Danzig. And many people in the area also visit the nearby spa town of Sopot. But they're missing out on something in that case, because Gdynia is a lovely city all by itself.For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Also, join the Three Star Vagabond Facebook group to discuss upcoming videos: facebook.com/groups/threestarvagabondGdynia is a small city, and up until the early 20th century it was just a small fishing village with a few dozen houses. But it saw an explosive groth in the 1920s and 30s, and the city center is a prime example of modernist architecture. The city center is actually on the UNESCO World Heritage Site tentative list.But there's also a lot of history in Gdynia. The area saw a lot of battles during the German invasion in World War II, and Gdynia's port was made into a central naval hub for the Germans. These days you can visit old ships like ORP Błyskawica, or the Naval Museum, to learn more about Polish naval traditions and the city's role during WW2.Aside from exploring the city and its history, I was also invited to Gdynia to take part of Wargaming's 10 year anniversary. Wargaming is the company behind the free-to-play online multiplayer game World of Warships - so that makes it perfect for this video that's centering around ships and their history in Gdynia.I hope you enjoy this deep dive into one of the lesser known tourist destinations in Poland!
Stockholm is EXPANDING! New Subway, E4 Bypass, and New Suburbs Three Star Vagabond 2025-09-21 | Stockholm is growing every year. And that means that even more people need to have somewhere to live. The infrastructure in the city also needs to accommodate all of these new people. This video is all about how Stockholm is growing - and what will change in the future.For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Also, join the Three Star Vagabond Facebook group to discuss upcoming videos: facebook.com/groups/threestarvagabondThe topics covered in this video include the Stockholm E4 Bypass - the second biggest city road tunnel in the world, after the Yamate Tunnel in Tokyo. It's a massive project that will cost more than 4 billion EUR. But given Sweden's track record of huge projects, the bill will likely end up at double that.I'm also talking a lot about the new subway lines that are coming. These include an extension of the blue line to Barkarby that will be finished in 2027, a green line extension to Arenastaden scheduled for completion in 2028, and also a completely new yellow line to Älvsjö that will see the light of day in 2034.Aside from that there's also a blue line that will go to Nacka in 2030, and along with that there will be a shuffling of the blue and green lines, as well as new subway station on the island of Södermalm.But there's more! New suburbs will pop up at Norra Djurgårdsstaden, Järva, Hagastaden and Årstafältet. But you never know what will happen with huge projects like this. Kymlinge was a new suburb that was intended to open in the 1970s, but it was abandoned - and these days all that remains is a haunted ghost station along the blue subway line.
Swedens Unsinkable Aircraft Carrier Three Star Vagabond 2025-09-14 | Use this link to get 20 days premium access, a 6-skill-point commander, and the Japanese cruiser Tenryu for FREE in World of Warships: wo.ws/3HHL7kMWhat exactly is Sweden's unsinkable aircraft carrier? Is it a new superweapon? Is it the follow-up to the JAS 39 Gripen, but at sea? Not quite... It refers to Sweden's biggest island, Gotland, and its strategic location in the middle of the Baltic Sea.For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Also, join the Three Star Vagabond Facebook group to discuss upcoming videos: facebook.com/groups/threestarvagabondGotland has been extremely important for Northern Europe for hundreds of years. First as an economic centre for commerce, and later as a naval base. But times change, and these days it's valuable as a permanent base in the Baltic Sea, from which you can launch fighters and submarines, and coastal artillery.In this video I dive into the history of Gotland, as well as its potential future. I discuss what might happen in case of war, and I'm also talking about what Sweden is doing to protect this very significant strategic location.Join me as I visit Gotland, Sweden's biggest island - or, as some call it, Sweden's unsinkable aircraft carrier!
Viking Myths and Misinformation DEBUNKED Three Star Vagabond 2025-09-07 | Vikings are extremely popular in pop culture, and everyone knows about these fierce warriors from the north. Or at least they think they do. I decided to talk about some more or less popular viking myths.For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Also, join the Three Star Vagabond Facebook group to discuss upcoming videos: facebook.com/groups/threestarvagabondThis video covers a wide range of topics, from the most obvious ones (such as the fact that vikings didn't have horned helmets), to some more obscure things relating to modern beliefs. But I also dive into viking fashion, viking hairstyles, and viking cleanliness.Aside from that I also cover viking raids and viking mercenaries, as well as the whole concept of what a viking is. It wasn't an ethnic group. It was what they did - not who they were. And that's something that many modern depictions get mixed up.But there's a lot more to cover! Shieldmaidens and viking berserkers, the blood eagle and runes. And what about Christian vikings and Norse Mythology overall? I try to cover a bit of that too. And not to forget viking tattoos (or the possible lack thereof), and a lot of other myths and misconceptions.I hope you enjoy this dive into Nordic culture!
I Visited the Arctic FAR NORTH - Midnight Sun in Lapland Three Star Vagabond 2025-08-31 | Above the Arctic Circle you can experience midnight sun, or polar day, during summer. I decided to travel to a small village 400 km north of the Arctic Circle to experience midnight sun during its peak in July.For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Also, join the Three Star Vagabond Facebook group to discuss upcoming videos: facebook.com/groups/threestarvagabondMidnight sun is pretty self-explanatory. There's bright daylight all day, and even in the middle of the night the sky is bright. It's a strange and fascinating experience, and the days seem to never end...because they literally never end.This natural phenomenon occurs because of the tilt of the Earth's axis, and it behaves differently at different locations. At the north pole there's literally never any night, but the further south you go the polar day only lasts for a few months.The opposite of polar day is of course polar night, where you don't get any sun at all during winter. Where I visited, in the village of Kilpisjärvi in Finnish Lapland, the polar day goes on through December and January. So it's a place filled with harsh contrasts.Aside from showing views from Kilpisjärvi I also added a lot of other information in this video - practical information about how to get to the far north of Finland, and information about how you can visit the Three Country Cairn, Treriksröset, a point where Sweden, Finland and Norway meet. It's also the most northern point of Sweden.I hope you enjoy this trip to the far north, to the land where the sun never sets! ...At least it doesn't in summer.
How to Visit the Stockholm Archipelago Trail on Grinda Three Star Vagabond 2025-08-24 | In 2024 the Stockholm Archipelago Foundation opened a unique 270 km hiking trail across 20 islands, called the Stockholm Archipelago Trail. I decided to visit the island of Grinda, and explore this trail.For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Also, join the Three Star Vagabond Facebook group to discuss upcoming videos: facebook.com/groups/threestarvagabondThis video tells you how to get to the island of Grinda, and what to expect from a trip to the archipelago. Along the way I also explore the island and the hiking trail, and I tell you about the history of the island - and the archipelago as a whole.There Stockholm archipelago is a beloved part of the city, and rightfully so. Millions of people visit it every year - and thousands of people live here among these islands. But it's also filled with summer cottages for the wealtyh...or the lucky.Sites that I mention in this video that you might want to visit include:Information about the archipelago: visitstockholm.com/see-do/excursions/discover-stockholm-archipelagoThe Stockholm Archipelago Trail: stockholmarchipelagotrail.comWaxholmsbolaget boats: https://waxholmsbolaget.se/Cinderella boats: stromma.com/en-se/stockholm/excursions/the-archipelago-on-your-ownGrinda lantbruk: facebook.com/grindalantbruk
Europes Last Great Wilderness - Sarek National Park Three Star Vagabond 2025-08-17 | In the far north of Sweden you find Sarek National Park, a place that some call Europe's last great wilderness. I decided to travel there to find the most beautiful view in all of Sweden.For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Also, join the Three Star Vagabond Facebook group to discuss upcoming videos: facebook.com/groups/threestarvagabondMany national parks are easy to get to. You can simply park your car and wander around to see the sights. That's not the case with Sarek.You can get to Sarek from the north, south, or the east - but each direction requires you to walk for miles and miles. There's no way to drive to Sarek, and aside from some cabins in the outskirts of the national park, there's no accommodation either. And of cours e no electricity, no running water, no proper toilets, and no stores or restaurants. This is raw nature.Sarek is also a dangerous place for the unprepared. In 2024 two hikers were reported lost, and despite searching for days there was no trace of them in this vast area. That story ended happily though when they returned a couple of days later - but there have been more unlucky cases than that.During my trip I'm not venturing far into Sarek unfortunately. It would take days and weeks to traverse the whole national park, and I'm satisfied with climbing to the top of Skierfe, a cliff in the south-eastern corner of Sarek. Why? Because that's where you can look out over the Rapa Valley and the Rapa Delta - and see the most beautiful nature in all of Sweden.This video shows you how you can get to Sarek, it tells you a bit about the cabins at Aktse, and it tells you what you need to know if you want to see the same views. I hope you'll enjoy following me on this trip!
Swedens Forgotten Indigenous People - The Sami People Three Star Vagabond 2025-08-10 | I've previously made a video about the conflict between the Sami people and the Swedes, but as I was visiting the town of Jokkmokk far north in Swedish Lapland, I decided to dive deeper into Sami culture.For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Also, join the Three Star Vagabond Facebook group to discuss upcoming videos: facebook.com/groups/threestarvagabondThis video covers both the Sami people, including a bit of their history, and Sapmi - the Sami cultural and geographic area that covers parts of Sweden, Norway, Finland and Russia. The Sami are the indigenous people of the artic regions of Europe, and Sapmi is the area where they primarily reside.The topics I cover also include reindeer and reindeer herding, information about the Lapland region itself, and discussions around the Sami people's past...and their future.I also dive into the topic of Duodji, traditional Sami handicraft. Or Duodje as it's also called. And that also brings me to the Sami language...or languages I should say. Depending on how you count there's either one language with a few different dialects - or nine different languages. Even though one dialect is only spoken by two people these days.And fewer and fewer people are speaking the Sami language, because the Sami numbers are dwindling each year.There's a lot more to cover about Sweden's indigenous people, but I hope that this will be a nice introduction and overview at least!
Medieval bands know how to rock! Koenix at Medeltidsveckan 2025 #koenix #medeltidsveckan #medieval Three Star Vagabond 2025-08-04 | ...
How to Travel Sweden on a Budget Three Star Vagabond 2025-08-03 | I like to travel around Sweden, but it can get pretty expensive at times. Fear not - I've put together a video with tips for how you can make your Sweden trip into a budget Sweden trip instead!For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Also, join the Three Star Vagabond Facebook group to discuss upcoming videos: facebook.com/groups/threestarvagabondThis video covers a wide range of topics - everything from when to travel to Sweden, to where to go. If you want to avoid the most expensive places your best bet is to avoid the big cities and the super popular tourist destinations, like the island of Gotland in summer.I'm also talking about various accommodation options. Not hotels, because those are already in the upper ranges of the budget. Instead, I'm focusing on hostels, and a specific type of hostel in Sweden called "vandrarhem".But if that's not cheap enough I'm also covering camping and car camping, and where you're allowed to wild camp in Sweden. ...And where you're not allowed.Aside from that, I also discuss train travel, bus travel, where to rent a car cheapest, and how to eat and drink without having to sell a kidney to afford it. All in all, this video is filled with small tips for how you can save a couple of kronor.
Stockholm Pride Parade 2025 starting up! #pride #stockholmpride #prideparade Three Star Vagabond 2025-08-02 | ...
Swedens High Coast | The BEST Nature in Sweden? Three Star Vagabond 2025-07-27 | The High Coast, Höga kusten, is an 80 km stretch of coastal area in Sweden. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it features some pretty unique geography. And some say that it's the place with the most beautiful nature in Sweden.For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Also, join the Three Star Vagabond Facebook group to discuss upcoming videos: facebook.com/groups/threestarvagabondThe High Coast starts at the High Coast Bridge and continues north to the town of Örnsköldsvik. It's a place that's seen a massive post-glacial rebound after the last ice age, which has created amazing hills and valleys, and unusual rock formations.In this video I take you on a ride through some of the most famous and interesting spots in the High Coast - from Högakustenbron (the High Coast Bridge), to Mannaminne, a sort of living art village filled with museums and exhibits of all kinds.The trip then continues to the town of Docksta with the Skule Mountain (Skuleberget) towering over it. And of course, I have to talk about various ways to get to the top of the mountain - from hiking, to doing a via ferrata, to simply taking the cable car up.At the top of the Skule Mountain you're greeted with a magnificent view of the High Coast, and you can see the Skule Forest National Park, as well as an old cave that used to house robbers. But I also discuss various other things you can do in the High Coast, and other things that the area is famous for.Finally, I talk about a famous gap, Slåttdalsskrevan, and I also show you the view from another mountain - Getsvedjeberget. This one has a very nice spot called Pulpit Rock, Prediksstolen - which is a copy of a place in Norway with a similar rock formation.Can the Swedish Pulpit Rock compare with Norway's? And can Sweden's High Coast views compare with the vistas of Norway? I leave that up to you to decide!
Swedens Great Lake Monster - Storsjöodjuret Three Star Vagabond 2025-07-20 | I bet you've heard about the Loch Ness Monster. But did you know that Sweden actually has its own cryptid? The Great Lake Monster has been terrorizing people for hundreds of years.For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Also, join the Three Star Vagabond Facebook group to discuss upcoming videos: facebook.com/groups/threestarvagabondLake Storsjön (the Great Lake) is Sweden's fifth biggest lake, and it sprawls through a large area around the town of Östersund. In 1635 a vicar wrote down the tale of the Great Lake Monster, Storsjöodjuret, and there have been hundreds of testimonies of beast sightings since then.But this isn't just an ancient tale - people have reported seeing the beast in the 1800, in the 1900s and even in modern times. And in fact, in 1986 a law was introduced that protected the beast so that you weren't allowed to hunt it, to kill it, or to retrieve its eggs or roe. Both eggs and roe were mentioned because no one actually knows what type of beast it is.The beast has also featured in songs, books, and even in a crime novel from 2014 - so it's very much a live part of Swedish pop culture.In this video I tell you about its ancient origins, beast sightings, and speculations about just what exactly the beast is. All while I show you some sights around the town of Östersund, and Lake Storsjön.
Journey Across Sweden | 3000 KM From North to South Three Star Vagabond 2025-07-13 | Sometimes you get an idea that seems insane at first, but turns into an amazing experience. That's what happened when I got the idea to make a road trip from the southern point of Sweden to the northern point.For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Also, join the Three Star Vagabond Facebook group to discuss upcoming videos: facebook.com/groups/threestarvagabondSweden is 1600 km long, but unless you're a bird that doesn't help you very much when trying to go from the south to the north. And if you're a curious vagabond who wants to explore lots of fascinating places along the way, the route is going to get even longer. In the end, my journey was more than 3000 km long as I traveled from Smygehuk in the south of Sweden, to Treriksröset in the north.The route I took was:- Smygehuk, Sweden's most southern point.- Båstad, for some car camping.- Hovs hallar Nature Preserve, filled with dramatic rock formations.- Marstrand and Carlsten Fortress north of Gothenburg.- Smögen, a sailing boat paradise on the west coast.- 3000 year old rock carvings at Tanumshede.- Grums, a small town not known for much good.- Torsby, for a quick hostel stay.- Mora, a town famous for the annual ski race Vasaloppet.- Storstupet, a gorgeous canyon outside the town of Orsa.- Ytterhogdal, the geographical center of Sweden...depending on how you count.- Östersund, famous for ski resorts and the Great Lake Monster.- Höga kusten, the High Coast, that may or may not contain Sweden's most beautiful nature.- Mosjön, for even more car camping.- Umeå, the town of birches.- Treehotel in Harads, world famous for their completely unique hotel room designs.- Jokkmokk, the center for Sami culture in Swedish Lapland.- Sarek National Park, with the majestic view from Skierfe mountain.- Gällivare, one of many mining towns up north.- Malmberget, a ghost town that's moved to make room for a new mine.- A model of the Termination Shock outside the Swedish Institute of Space Physics.- Kiruna, one of the biggest towns in the far north.- Karesuando, Sweden's most northern "town", with the most northern restaurant.- Kilpisjärvi in Finland, because to reach Sweden's northern point I had to travel through Finland for the last bit.- And finally, Treriksröset, the Three Country Cairn, where the countries of Sweden, Finland and Norway meet - and this is also Sweden's most northern point.This was quite a long trip - but I hope that you'll enjoy coming along with me to see all of Sweden!
They Said WHAT About Sweden? More Sweden on TikTok Three Star Vagabond 2025-07-06 | I decided to have a look at TikTok and see what people are saying about Sweden. I should never have done that - there are way too many weird and strange things there!For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Also, join the Three Star Vagabond Facebook group to discuss upcoming videos: facebook.com/groups/threestarvagabondIn this video I cover a lot of different topics and opinions about Sweden, and I try to add cultural context and additional information to each point. And there's definitely a lot of different things that's brought up - everything from how to make a Swede upset, to why Sweden has so much personal information publicly available.But there's more! Swedish kebab. Swedish football. Swedish love words. And Swedish pronunciation. And of course a look at Swedish midsummer, introverted Swedes...and the town of Jönköping.And of course there's even more. Swedish afterworks, full of drunkedness and trauma dumping, for example. And it wouldn't be a proper video if I didn't include making fun of the Danish.Either way, I hope that this will be insightful for you! Or at the very least, a bit funny.
What if the Nordic Countries United? Three Star Vagabond 2025-06-29 | The Nordic countries are wealthy and have a lot of natural resources. They're also among the happiest and least corrupt countries in the world. What would happen if they united into a single Nordic Federation?For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Also, join the Three Star Vagabond Facebook group to discuss upcoming videos: facebook.com/groups/threestarvagabondThis thought experiment is nothing new - hundreds of people have talked about unifying the Nordic countries. And it's even been tested between 1397 and 1523 as the Kalmar Union. That union ended in disaster though, so would it be possible to make a better union today?In this video I examine the population and the size of a potential Nordic Federation, and I also dive into the economics and the military power. Just how big would the United Nordics be? And could the economics of such a union compare against the biggest countries in the world?I also examine some other questions like what it would be called, and where the capital would be located. And, maybe most importantly: could it ever happen? Would the member countries actually want to unite and give up their sovereignty - or are there deep-rooted concerns and rivalries that means that a Nordic Federation will never happen?This isn't a deep investigation into the topic - there's a lot more to cover. And there are already close cooperations between the Nordic countries. But I hope that this video will still be interesting and provide some nice thought experiments!
Rotten Herring and Mosquito Day? Sweden Has a Day for EVERYTHING! Three Star Vagabond 2025-06-22 | Sweden has a lot of strange holidays and themed days. In this video I'm listing dozens of weird and sometimes wonderful days - everything from Wolf Day to Waffle Day, with Rotten Herring Day mix in between.For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Also, join the Three Star Vagabond Facebook group to discuss upcoming videos: facebook.com/groups/threestarvagabondThe list of holidays and themed days in this video range from traditional holidays to local unofficial days that are only celebrated in certain parts of the country. For example, Fössta tossdan i mass - The First Thursday of March, the unofficial day for the Småland province dialect. I also cover more obscure days like the Pilsner Movie Day, or the Wife Freedom Day. And let's not forget Flea Market Day or Moomin Day as well.Some of the traditions I mention are quite old, from the 1500s or even older. Like Sten Stures Leg Day. Which is celebrated by throwing snowballs and eating chocolate balls, to simulate the cannon ball that took the regent Sten Sture's Leg. And Lucia may be an Italian saint, but she's been celebrated in Sweden for a long time on December 13.And there's of course tons of different food related days. Cinnamon Bun Day, Meatball Day, Milk in School Day, Whey Cheese Day, Herring Day, and Fermented Herring Day. And of course also Crayfish Premiere Day, Pilsner Sausage Day, Swedish National Beer Day, and tons more.Sweden really has a special day for just about everything...including mosquitoes. For some reason.
Will Sweden TAKE AWAY Your Children? Three Star Vagabond Q&A #2 Three Star Vagabond 2025-06-15 | It's time for another Q&A about Sweden, this channel - and myself. I asked people on YouTube and Facebook to submit any question they have...and they sure took me up on it.For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Also, join the Three Star Vagabond Facebook group to discuss upcoming videos: facebook.com/groups/threestarvagabondThe questions in this video cover a wide range of topics. Everything from my scariest travel memory, to if it's true that there are no free public restrooms in Sweden. There were also questions about gifts for Scandinavians, where to swim in Sweden, pros and cons about Jantelagen, and of course whether or not it's true that Swedish authorities can take away your children.But there's more! Weird Swedish food, Swedish tongue-twisters, Swedish apartment rentals...and also a question about underwear. And slippers. There sure was a lot of variety in these questions.The questions also concerned if I've considered moving away from Sweden, what my happiest travel memories are, and what I think about Australia. And a lot more!So, check out the video for the second edition of the Three Star Vagabond Q&A.
WHY Does Sweden Have a National Day? | A Guide to June 6 Celebrations Three Star Vagabond 2025-06-08 | The National Day of Sweden is June 6, and it's a day celebrated with music and song and enjoying the Swedish pre-summer. But why does Sweden celebrate on June 6?For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Also, join the Three Star Vagabond Facebook group to discuss upcoming videos: facebook.com/groups/threestarvagabondSweden's National Day celebrations are just finished for 2025, and I decided to dig into the why and the how of the National Day. Why is June 6 celebrated? And what historical events led to this day being selected?This is a video that dives into events in 1916, when Sweden's Flag Day was established. Before 1983 Sweden didn't have a National Day - it just had an innoficial day called the Swedish Flag Day. And that all got started because of a wholesaler's petition to the king. But the rabbit hole goes deeper than that.Ever since 1893 there's been a celebration at Skansen on June 6, honoring the 1809 constitution that was signed by King Karl XII on June 6. But that's just one of the reasons - the other is that King Gustav Vasa was coronated on June 6, 1523, after liberating Sweden from the tyrannical rule of the Danes during the Kalmar Union.Or... Is that actually what happened? There's a lot of debate what exactly took place in the years between 1520 and 1523, and just how much truth there is to the historical stories about Gustav Eriksson, who later became Gustav Vasa.But in the end, he's still the hero we primarily celebrate on June 6. He was a bit of a despot, and a bit of a bastard - but he was OUR bastard-hero of a king!
The Moonhouse - Swedens Red Cottage on the Moon Three Star Vagabond 2025-06-01 | The Moonhouse is a pretty insane project by the Swedish artist Mikael Genberg. In 1999 he got the idea to put a traditional Swedish house on the moon - and this year it's actually happening.For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Also, join the Three Star Vagabond Facebook group to discuss upcoming videos: facebook.com/groups/threestarvagabondOn January 15, 2025, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida, carrying the moonlander Resilience. On board Resilience is a small lunar rover called Tenacious. And on board Tenacious is a small red and white Swedish house that will be placed on the moon - where it will remain for millions of years.Mikael Genberg has a history of making fascinating art projects, such as Hotell Hackspett, a hotel 13 meters up in the air in the middle of a park, and Ooops Hotel, a house that appears to have sunk. He's also made Hotel Utter Inn and the Manta Underwater Room - both are underwater hotels, but one is in Sweden and one in Tanzania. But nothing can compare with the scope of the Moonhouse.The Moonhouse has seen a lot of publicity stunts throughout the year. Art exhibitions, support by Swedish aerospace engineers and politicians, and a red house that was put on top of the Globe Arena in Stockholm. Financing the project has been difficult, however, and it's been a long road before the launch could actually take place.Thanks to Ispace Inc, a Japanese company, the Moonhouse is finally happening in 2025 though! The landing is scheduled for June 5, and everyone is waiting anxiously to see if Sweden will manage to be the first country to put a house on the moon.
HIMEJI and KOBE in ONE Day | Guide to Castles and Gardens and Beef Three Star Vagabond 2025-05-25 | Himeji is famous for its magnificent castle, and Kobe is famous for its amazing beef. But there's a lot more to see in both cities. What can you do in Himeji and Kobe in one day?For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Also, join the Three Star Vagabond Facebook group to discuss upcoming videos: facebook.com/groups/threestarvagabondThis video covers a full day of sightseeng, starting from Osaka in the morning, and I cover everything from transportation and how to get around, to what the best things to see and do are. But of course, this is all personal preference - there's a lot more to do in each city than what I show, so I tried to list a lot of alternative things you can do as well.My trip starts with Himeji in the morning, mostly focusing on Himeji Castle - the famous White Heron Castle with one of the most recognizable designs in Japan. It's a must-see if you're planning on going anywhere close to Himeji.Then just before lunch I move on to Kobe, where I explore the Nunobiki Herb Gardens (and Ropeway), the Nunobiki Falls, and I have a long relaxing hike through Japanese nature on the way down from the mountain.After that, I have a look at the Sannomiya area of Kobe, which of course includes finding some proper Kobe beef to try at a teppanyaki restaurant. I've had wagyu before but this was quite a different experience. Was it worth the cost? Well... I guess you'll have to watch the video to find out.To round off the evening I also visit the Kobe Harborland district to see everything from a ferris wheel to an Elvis statue. And of course, the gaslight street. But after that, it was time to go back to the train station after a full day of sightseeing. But I managed to see the most interesting parts of Kobe and Himeji in one day!
Sweden and Japan: How Similar Are They REALLY? Three Star Vagabond 2025-05-18 | People often talk about how similar Japan is to Sweden, or to the Nordics in general. But how similar are these countries really? I traveled all the way to Japan to find out!For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Also, join the Three Star Vagabond Facebook group to discuss upcoming videos: facebook.com/groups/threestarvagabondAt first glance you might think that Sweden and Japan has nothing at all in common. One is a country filled with introverts, gorgeous nature, and people obsessed with recycling - and the other is...wait a second, it's exactly the same!There ARE many similarities between Sweden and Japan, and some go deep in a shared set of cultural values while others are only skin deep. In this video I decided to explore both differences and similarities between the countries.In the video I discuss everything from how quiet and reserved both peoples are, how they give space on public transport, to how they strive to care about the environment and keeping their country clean. But I also talk about alcohol consumption, making friends, and how to really get to know both a Swede and a Japanese.I also dive into some speculations about why both countries have a monoculture (or at least used to have, in Sweden's case), and small subtle differences in behaviour between our people.If you have any interest in Japan...or in Sweden...then this will certainly be eye-opening for you in some ways!
Let’s Get HOT and SWEATY! Why Is Sweden Sending BARA BADA BASTU to Eurovision? Three Star Vagabond 2025-05-11 | Sweden's Eurovision Song Contest entry for 2025 is a fan favorite, and Kaj's song Bara bada bastu has struck a chord with people all over Europe. But why has Sweden chosen to send a comedy song performed by a Finnish group? Let's dive into the history of Sweden in Eurovision!For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Also, join the Three Star Vagabond Facebook group to discuss upcoming videos: facebook.com/groups/threestarvagabondBara bada bastu is an unusual song. It's funny, it's catchy, and it doesn't take itself too seriously. Which is quite uncommon for a Swedish entry to the Eurovision Song Contest. In this video I explore some of the questions that people have had about the 2025 contest. Such as, why did this song become so popular in Sweden? And why is a Finnish band performing for Sweden? And, if they're from Finland, why are they singing in Sweden?Aside from that I'm also exploring the history of Sweden's Eurovision entries, and especially the winning songs. Because Sweden is actually the country that's won ESC the most times - seven times, a shared record with Ireland.So let's grab a glass of something sparkly while we talk about Sweden's past (and possibly future) glory days, with winners such as Loreen with Tattoo and Euphoria, Måns Zelmerlöw with Heroes, Charlotte Nilsson with Take Me to Your Heaven, Carola with Caught by a Storm Wind, Herreys with Diggiloo-diggiley, and of course ABBA with Waterloo.Cheers! And good luck to Kaj and Sweden in the ESC 2025 final.
Japan Through Swedish Eyes: Lost, Amazed and Slightly Drunk Three Star Vagabond 2025-05-04 | I've dreamed of visiting Japan for many years, and I finally decided to make a 3 week journey through the land of the rising sun. But was it as amazing as I thought it was going to be?For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Also, join the Three Star Vagabond Facebook group to discuss upcoming videos: facebook.com/groups/threestarvagabondMy journey starts in Shinjuku, Tokyo, and it continues to Hiroshima, Osaka, Himeji, Kobe, Kyoto, Nara, Kawaguchiko and back to Tokyo, to explore all the other areas of the city. Along the way I see a dazzling variety of landscapes and experiences - from immense ancient castles, to cherry blossom covered paths, to seedy bars and live houses. And much more.I've always heard that Scandinavia and Japan has a lot of similarities, but is that really true? That's one thing that I wanted to explore during this trip. But most of all, I wanted to engulf myself in Japanese culture and see what all of these places are really like. And this video might be useful for you if you're planning a Japan itinerary, or if you want to know what to do in Japan.I did feel a bit lost at times during this journey. And I was slightly drunk quite often. But I think that my main feeling throughout this journey was to be amazed!Another side of Japanese culture that I wanted to explore was the geek side, with everything from manga and anime, to collab cafes and amusement parks and a lot more. I'm covering a bit of that in this video, but if you want deeper dives into the areas of Ikebukuro, Akihabara and Nakano Broadway in Tokyo, and DenDenTown and Namba in Osaka, then you should check out my geek channel as well: youtube.com/@thisisgeeky
The Kingdom of Crystal - Swedens Glass Empire Three Star Vagabond 2025-04-27 | Ever since the year 1742 there's been a glass industry in the south of Sweden. It's transitioned from making common household glassware, into world-famous glass studios. Let's explore the Kingdom of Crystal in Sweden!For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Also, join the Three Star Vagabond Facebook group to discuss upcoming videos: facebook.com/groups/threestarvagabondIn this video I visit the famous glass studios of Bergdala, Målerås, Skruv and Boda. I also visit Kosta, where you can find the oldest glassworks in Småland. In 1742 Kosta was founded, and that was the birth of the Swedish Glass Realm - Glasriket.Or was it really? The history of glassmaking in the south of Sweden is fascinating, but no one called it the Kingdom of Crystal back in those days. It's a marketing term that wasn't used until the 1900s, when art glass became popular instead of common glassware.While visiting these glassworks I learn more about how to make glass, and I also try to blow a beer glass for myself in Kosta. I also explain what Hyttsill is (furnace herring? hot shop herring?), and the history behind it. And I visit both glass makers and glass stores to look at magnificent examples of what's been produced in Småland.And let's not forget The Glass Factory, a glass museum with 40 000 pieces of glass, and an active glass producer as well.There's a lot to see and explore in the Kingdom of Crystal in Sweden!
When a Million Swedes Left for America Three Star Vagabond 2025-04-20 | In the late 1800s around a million people emigrated from Sweden to America. In this video I explore the reasons why so many people left Sweden, and what the impact was on the country.For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Also, join the Three Star Vagabond Facebook group to discuss upcoming videos: facebook.com/groups/threestarvagabondWhile visiting the provice of Småland in Sweden I decided to visit famous landmarks and museums concerning the Emigration. The Emigration was a period between the late 1800s and the early 1900s, when more than a million Swedes left their country. Not as refugees - but in a conscious decision to find new fortunes in the west.I visit the historical village of Ljuder, Åkerby vägskäl, Korpamoen, and lots of other important places in Småland. And I also explore Villhelm Moberg's legacy - the man who wrote four very significant books about the Emigration.In the video I also dive into what the impact was on Sweden as a country and as a society, and what the legacy of the Emigration is on both Swedend and the US. There's a lot of Swedish heritage over in the west as a consequence of this - and the number of Swedish descendants in America will soon overtake the number of Swedes in Sweden. If the self-reporting numbers are to be believed.And I of course visit the village of Duvemåla as well, made famous from the musical made by members of ABBA. All this and more in this video about the Swedish Emigration to America!
A Geeky Swede’s Guide to FREE Things to Do in Las Vegas Three Star Vagabond 2025-04-13 | The City of Sin has a lot of activities that cost half a fortune, but this video focuses on completely free things you can do. I'm not saying that you might need this after you spend all your money on Las Vegas casinos... But I'm not saying that you won't!For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Also, join the Three Star Vagabond Facebook group to discuss upcoming videos: facebook.com/groups/threestarvagabondThe activities covered in this video include:- The Pinball Hall of Fame, an amazing collection of games of all kinds.- The Bellagio Conservatory, a garden full of plants as well as engineering.- Fremont Street Experience. Suprisingly fun, despite being so touristy.- Downtown Container Park, a lovely collection of stores and activities.... And it features a fire breathing mantis as well.- Looking at all the wedding chapels in Las Vegas always makes for a fun time.- The Aquarium at Silverton is really cool. It's not the best free activitiy in Vegas (like they claim) but it's well worth a visit because of the mermaids.- Would you like to take a wee against the Berlin Wall? You can do that at the Main Street Station Hotel and Casino- The Flamingo has a lot of flamingoes. Surprising eh! But quite lovely either way.- Visiting Ethel M's chocolate factory is quite fun, and you can look around at the lovely cactus garden afterwards.- And of course, you mustn't miss out on all the weird and wonderful Area 51 merch that can be found just outside of Las Vegas.Aside from this you can also do things like visit the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, and look at exhibitions outside the casinos. There's a ton of free experiences and actiities in Vegas, if you just look around a bit!
Swedens BIGGEST Superstore - Gekås Ullared Three Star Vagabond 2025-04-06 | Stop leaving yourself vulnerable to data breaches and brokers. Go to my sponsor aura.com/threestarvagabond to get a 14-day free trial and see if any of your data has been exposedSweden's (and Europe's) biggest superstore is biggest than the biggest IKEA in the world. And it's bigger than the biggest Walmart. I decided to pay a visit to Gekås Ullared - an absolutely gigantic superstore in the south of Sweden.For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Also, join the Three Star Vagabond Facebook group to discuss upcoming videos: facebook.com/groups/threestarvagabondGekås Ullared lies in the small town of Ullared, which is not really famous for anything else. But this place is still visited by millions of people every year. According to their website, Gekås is also Europe's biggest supermarket - and it can be found in an unassuming little town in Sweden.You can find basically everything at this store. Shoes and clothes, groceries and toiletries, hunting and fishing gear, everything for your pets, household items, electronics, toys... And so much more!And on top of that there's also a hotel and a motel by the store, many restaurants and other shops, a gym, a hairdresser, a campsite, a high rope course, events and activities, and a lot of other things. It's not just a store - it's a Swedish phenomenon.Of course, in this video I also need to mention the Ullared TV show that ran for 10 seasons up until 2021. Every episode was watched by more than a million Swedes - and it was also a show filled with controversy.Follow me as I expore the past and the future of Gekås Ullared!
Growing Up in Lessebo - A Rural Town in Sweden Three Star Vagabond 2025-03-30 | Lessebo is a town with less than 3000 inhabitants, and it lies in the south of Sweden, in the province of Småland. It's a pretty unremarkable town, with few things to make it special. In this video I want to show a typical rural town in Sweden - and give some personal stories of what it was like growing up there.For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Also, join the Three Star Vagabond Facebook group to discuss upcoming videos: facebook.com/groups/threestarvagabondLessebo lies between the cities of Växjö and Kalmar, and it lies in the heart of the Kingdom of Crystal in Sweden. But Lessebo itself doesn't have a glassworks, and it's just a small town that's getting by - but not much more. The most famous feature of Lessebo is its 300 years old hand paper mill - but that one has struggled financially for a long time.Aside from that there are some stores, some pizzerias (that double up as pubs), some schools, and a lot of nature. Two lakes (Läen and Öjen) lie to the west and the east of the town center, and there are nice sections of forest to walk around in. But is that enough for people who live there? And for kids growing up?I also dive into the darker side of Lessebo in this video. Murders, racism, small-mindedness - there's a lot to complain about in this community, and it's not exactly as picturesque as you might first imagine when you see images from this little town.
Astonishing Things People Say About Sweden on TikTok Three Star Vagabond 2025-03-23 | Stop leaving yourself vulnerable to data breaches and brokers. Go to my sponsor aura.com/threestarvagabond to get a 14-day free trial and see if any of your data has been exposedSweden has a pretty varied reputation around the world. Some people praise the Swedish nature, and some people hate the Swedish coldness. And some people just talk about Swedish girls. In this video I decided to have a look at TikTok to see what people actually say about Stockholm and Sweden.For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Also, join the Three Star Vagabond Facebook group to discuss upcoming videos: facebook.com/groups/threestarvagabondThings covered in this video range from first impressions of Stockholm, to discussions around free or cheap things to do in the city. I also look at what people have to say about the Stockholm nightlife and the Swedish weather.There's also a lot of talk about Swedish style and looks, especially among the women. So of course I have to discuss the topic of Swedish girls - and many foreigners' obsession with them.But there's more! Japanese people talking smack about Stockholm, Danish people spouting ridiculous nonsense, comparing the suburbs of Stockholm to the inner city, and also a look at the violent crimes that have plagued the country lately.There's a lot of opinions about Sweden online, and these are just a few of the things I could find!
What Can $100 Get in SRI LANKA? | Sri Lanka Travel Budget Three Star Vagabond 2025-03-16 | Sri Lanka isn't as well-known as a tourist destination as Thailand or Vietnam, but it's an absolutely gorgeous island with thousands of years of history. I decided to explore Sri Lanka - and to see what more...or less...typical touristy things cost.For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Also, join the Three Star Vagabond Facebook group to discuss upcoming videos: facebook.com/groups/threestarvagabondIn this video I show what things cost in Sri Lanka, from Colombo to Dambulla, Kandy, Ella, Unawatuna, Yala National Park and Galle. I show the hotels and hostels I stayed at, what food I ate, and - maybe most importantly - how much the beer costs in every location.I also took the opportunity to explore temples and noteworthy sights. Pidurangala and Sigiriya for example, but also the Dambulla Cave Temple, The Temple of the Tooth Relic, Yala National Park, the train between Kandy and Ella, Galle Fort, and many other popular sites. And I'm also showing what all of this costs.On top of that I also discuss the transportation options in Sri Lanka, including my personal recommendations. And I mention what touristy areas to skip. All in all I tried to include a lot of information that might be useful for you, if you have any interest in exploring Sri Lanka.And you definitely should explore Sri Lanka, because it's an unforgettable experience!
Getting Around in Stockholm - A Complete Travel Guide Three Star Vagabond 2025-03-09 | Stop leaving yourself vulnerable to data breaches and brokers. Go to my sponsor aura.com/threestarvagabond to get a 14-day free trial and see if any of your data has been exposedStockholm is a gorgeous city spread out over many different islands, and it attracts millions of visitors every year. And all of these visitors need to get around somehow. This is a complete guide to how to get around in the capital of Sweden!For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Also, join the Three Star Vagabond Facebook group to discuss upcoming videos: facebook.com/groups/threestarvagabondThis video covers everything from subways to buses to trams, commuter trains, and ferries. And I also discuss a bit about the history and the geography of Stockholm, as well as what you can expect from different areas of the city - and how to travel between them.I also talk about whether or not to rent a car when visiting Stockholm, how to get to and from the airport, and where to go in the archipelago.But that's not all! I also talk about day trips to Uppsala, Sigtuna, Birka, or other nearby places, and areas of Stockholm that are a bit off the beaten track. If you want to know where the locals live and hang out, then this is a covered as well.All in all, this is a complete travel guide to how to get around in Stockholm!
The Örebro School Shooting - Swedens Deadliest Mass Shooting Three Star Vagabond 2025-03-02 | A tragedy happened in Sweden on February 4th, 2025. 10 people lost their lives in an attack at Campus Risbergska in the town of Örebro. This video is a collection of thoughts, including some controversies surrounding the whole incident.For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Also, join the Three Star Vagabond Facebook group to discuss upcoming videos: facebook.com/groups/threestarvagabondThe Örebro school shooting is the deadliest mass shooting ever in Sweden. The previous worst shooting was in Falun in 1997 when seven people lost their lives. The country was shocked and stunned by the attack - and that's even after the crime wave that Sweden has seen these last years.The whole incident is plagued with controversies. The shooter likely had racist motives, which of course only spurs on the conflict between immigrants and Swedes. There's a voice clip that's stirred up a lot of controversies as well. And a charity collection that seems to be fraudulent. And there's also a debate concerning hunting rifles and semi-automatic weapons in Sweden. But that's not all - far from it.Aftonbladet, a newspaper in Sweden, published an extremely unethical interview with the shooter's father just hours after the deed. That was before the father had even been informed that his son was dead - and had murdered 10 people.And the citizens of Örebro express extreme anxiousness and fear these days - rightfully so. All in all: the shooting itself was a terrible deed, but there's a lot more surrounding the whole incident to discuss - and that's what this video is intending to do.
Snowy Misery or Just Right? A Complete Guide to Swedish Weather Three Star Vagabond 2025-02-23 | Stop leaving yourself vulnerable to data breaches and brokers. Go to my sponsor aura.com/threestarvagabond to get a 14-day free trial and see if any of your data has been exposedI decided to make a complete guide to everything you can expect from Swedish weather, and also how the weather changes between seasons - and between areas of Sweden.For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Also, join the Three Star Vagabond Facebook group to discuss upcoming videos: facebook.com/groups/threestarvagabondThere's more to Sweden than snow and ice. There can be quite lovely summers, and a very pleasant spring and autumn too. But the weather is unpredictable which makes it difficult to know how to dress properly. And the weather also changes a lot between the north and the south, and the west and the east coast. In this video I discuss these differences, and what you can expect from different regions of Sweden.I also dive into the four seasons in Sweden - how they are characterized, and how people typically react to them. Swedish winter isn't just all snow, and summer isn't always as wonderful as you might be led to believe. And while many people love the autumn colors, there's also a bitterness to Swedish autumn, because the darkness is coming.To learn more about this, and everything else you might want to know about the weather in Sweden, make sure you check out the video!
The City That Doesnt Want You | Barcelona Overtourism Three Star Vagabond 2025-02-16 | Stop leaving yourself vulnerable to data breaches and brokers. Go to my sponsor aura.com/threestarvagabond to get a 14-day free trial and see if any of your data has been exposedIn this video I explore the overtourism problem in Barcelona, and why the city made headlines all over the world in 2024 with protesters chanting "tourists go home". Is it really true that Barcelona doesn't want you to visit?For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Also, join the Three Star Vagabond Facebook group to discuss upcoming videos: facebook.com/groups/threestarvagabondThere are many concerns when it comes to overtourism. It hollows out the city center and drives away local businesses. It makes the city crowded and impossible to enjoy. And most importantly, it drives up the housing costs so that local people can't afford to live in the city any longer.I decided to go back in time to the ancient year of 1990 to try to determine when the overtourism of Barcelona started, and how it's progressed since then. And while speculating about all of these things I of course wanted to show off the lovely city itself, so along the way you'll see famous places like La Rambla, Casa Mila, Casa Batllo, The Face, the Barcelona Cathedral, and much more.I also dive into the question of what's being done about all of this, aside from squirting tourists with water guns and shouting at them. There are actually actions being taken that might have an effect - such as banning all airbnb rentals by 2028. And also introducing a pretty massive tax on non-EU property owners.Follow me as I explore Barcelona in winter, and examine the problems and the potentials solutions that the city faces!
This Made Me Angry in Sweden | Regarding Salwan Momika Three Star Vagabond 2025-02-09 | The controversial protester Salwan Momika was shot in Sweden on January 29, 2025. He made headlines all over the world in 2023 when he held anti-Muslim demonstrations and burned the Quran. In this video I explore the online responses to what happened to Salwan Momika.For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1This is a bit of a sensitive video, but I'm trying to not make people upset. That's of course going to fail miserably, regardless of what one says about this whole incident. There's a lot of concerns that I (so far) haven't seen many people raise online, so I thought I'd put together this video about the situation.I dive into the background of Salwan Momika's life and the different political parties that he was involved with in Iraq, and then I cover his time as a refugee in Sweden. But most importantly I discuss the events of 2023, when he made his infamous protests that shook the world.There's a lot of bad things to say about Salwan Momika, and if you listen to comments online people seem to either see him as a devil...or as a saint. The truth is, most likely, somewhere in the middle - like for most of us. But the question I want to bring up in this video is that being a prick doesn't mean that he deserves to die. And most importantly, it's appalling to see people cheer on this deed. That's what really made me angry about this whole situation.But for the full reasoning, check out the video!
Buying an Apartment in Stockholm - Everything You Need to Know Three Star Vagabond 2025-02-02 | I decided to sell my old apartment in Stockholm and look for a new one. And it turns out that there's a lot to think about when buying an apartment in the capital of Sweden! Join me as I explore the housing market in Stockholm and eventually find a new place to live.For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Also, join the Three Star Vagabond Facebook group to discuss upcoming videos: facebook.com/groups/threestarvagabondThe housing prices in Stockholm are pretty insane, from a Swedish point of view. But that's because the housing market in Sweden in general is pretty insane. There's a lot of pitfalls and a lot of risks, so I decided to make a comprehensive guide of how to buy a new apartment in the city.In this video I discuss the different areas of Stockholm, and the different price ranges. And I also talk about where you can search for apartments in Stockholm, and in Sweden in general. And I also show lots and lots of different apartments, of course, since I'm searching for a new one myself.Aside from that I also go into what you need to think about when inspecting an apartment, things you need to consider about the housing cooperative, handy tips for your move, and details about the bidding and the purchasing process.And let's not forget about loans and mortgages too. That's of course something I also discuss in this video, with details about how different loan amounts will affect your mortgage rate.And in the end, I actually did find a new apartment for myself, so you get to see what the end result is after all of these months of selling and searching!
How and WHY to Dive the Maldives | Princess Haleema Liveaboard Three Star Vagabond 2025-01-26 | The Maldives is many people's dream destination. Many visitors only want to relax at luxury resorts and take photos for Instagram. I decide to do something slightly different - I decided to see what it's like to go on a SCUBA diving liveaboard in the Maldives!For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Also, join the Three Star Vagabond Facebook group to discuss upcoming videos: facebook.com/groups/threestarvagabondThis video shows you everything you need to know about the liveaboard Princess Haleema in the Maldives. I discuss travel preparations and getting to the Maldives, but primarily I focus on the experience you get at the boat Princess Haleema during Christmas.Princess Haleema isn't the most expensive liveaboard in the Maldives, but the quality is top notch - excellent staff, brilliant food, and great excursions. There's island beach visits, exploring a town on one of the islands, and also a guided tour of Male City. And you can also do various activities like fishing. But the main focus is of course on the diving.The dive sites I cover (and show footage from) are the following:- Fish Tank- Shark Tank- Rasdhoo Madivaru- Fish Head- Hoholha Thila- Moofushi Kandu- Emboodhoo Thila- Machafushi Wreck- 5 Rocks- SAMPA (South Ari)- Kwda-Rah Thila- Miyaru Kandu- Dhevan Kandu-Kandooma ThilaAnd what can you see at these sites? Wall dives, coral gardens, turtles, snappers, octopus, mantis shrimp, macro, stingrays, eagle rays,, a whaleshark, and a lot more. But if there's one thing that I need to mention in particular, and that's sharks. A LOT of sharks. Black and white tipped reef sharks, silver tipped reef sharks, tiger sharks, guitar fish, and probably lots more that I didn't recognize. The Maldives definitely has world-class diving!But for a full review of the liveaboard experience, make sure you check out the video.
Sri Lanka - EVERYTHING You Need to Know Before Visiting Three Star Vagabond 2025-01-19 | Sri Lanka isn't as well-known as a tourist destination as, for example, Thailand or Vietnam. It offers a different type of experience, and in many ways it's not as over-exploited as other Asian destinations. I decided to explore Sri Lanka and tell you everything you need to know before visiting!For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Also, join the Three Star Vagabond Facebook group to discuss upcoming videos: facebook.com/groups/threestarvagabondThis video covers travel preperations for Sri Lanka, how to get around, and what to expect from the visit. This includes how to behave, and cultural concerns that you should keep in mind. It also discusses different aspects of safety when traveling in Sri Lanka.My trip took me from Colombo to Dambulla, Sigiriya, Kandy and onwards to Ella. From there I visited Yala National Park, Unawatuna, Galle, and then back to Colombo.Aside from that I also show various places that you might want to visit. These include:- Dambulla Cave Temple- Pidurangala Rock- Sigiriya, on top of Lion Rock- The Temple of the Tooth in Kandy- The train between Kandy and Ella- Little Adam's Peak in Ella- Nine Arches Bridge- Many of the sights at Yala National Park- The Unawatuna beach- Galle Fort, including the town and the lighthouse- Final thoughts when I reached Colombo once moreAnd there's of course a lot more covered in this video. How to deal with money, where to find a driver, negotiating tuktuk prices, the economic situation in Sri Lanka, and a lot more. Check out the video for a guide to everything you might want to know before your trip!
Istanbul for Free...in ONE Day Three Star Vagabond 2025-01-12 | I had one day to spend in Istanbul, and since I'm a cheap bastard I decided to see what I can do in the city that costs nothing at all. This is a guide to how you can see the best of Istanbul in one day, for free.For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Also, join the Three Star Vagabond Facebook group to discuss upcoming videos: facebook.com/groups/threestarvagabondIstanbul is a huge city. Incredibly big compared to anything that can be found in Sweden. So there's no way that I could cover everything that the city has to offer in just one day. But these are the things I decided to explore:- How you can get a hotel night for free from Turkish Airlines. I'm not sponsored - this just happened to be the cheapest flight I could find, and it was a great offer on top of that.- The Grand Bazaar is a must-see in Istanbul, and it's even considered one of the best tourist attractions in the world. I especially liked Minyatûr's Nautical Instruments there.- Sultanahmet Square has a rich history, and you can see the Serpent Column as well as the Obelisk of Theodosius at this square.- The Blue Mosque is a marvel to look at, even if it happened to be closed just when I was visiting.- Lale Restaurant, also called the Pudding Shop, is a place filled with history. It used to be a place where people shared information before going on the Hippie Trail back in the 60s. They still have an old bulletin board from that time.- Hagia Sophia used to be free to enter, but as of 2024 they're charging 25 EUR for it. It's still well worth a look at from the outside.- I was expecting Gûlhane Park to be quite lovely...but maybe it's better in spring or summer.- The famous Orient Express had its starting (or ending) point at the Sirkeci Station. It's quite a gorgeous train station too.- The Spice Bazaar is another famous bazaar in Istanbul. It used to be the center for all spice trade in the city, and you can still see lots of spices being sold here.- And finally, I explored the Galata Bridge, with its many restaurants and shops, and the magnificent view over the Bosphorous Strait.This is not all that Istanbul has to offer, of course - but all of these things are completely free, and I was extremely happy with my short but intensive visit.
Completely INSANE Things That Americans Think Are Normal Three Star Vagabond 2025-01-05 | I was on a three week road trip in the US, and I saw lots of amazing things. But I also saw many things that are completely insane to someone coming from Sweden. Let's talk about some things that Americans think are normal.For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Things I'm covering in this video include, but are not limited to:- Waving American flags everywhere and going "'Murica, 'Murica!". European countries aren't less patriotic - but we show it in more reasonable ways.- Huge soda cup sizes, free refills, carrying around water bottles everywhere, and having chlorine tasting water in the tap.- Homeless people. So many homeless people, everywhere!- Huge Walmarts filled with weird items. Spray cheese in a can? An isle full of just cereal? Gallons of milk? Sugary bread?- Taxes not included. Anywhere!- So-called "unlimited PTO" and the lack of vacation days in general. And the lack of parental leave for that matter. And the lack of work-life balance as a whole.- Toilets that leave huge gaps between the door and the floor.- Using Farenheit and Imperial measurements. And let's not even talk about the date format.- Driving everywhere. Why doesn't anyone walk? Or bike? Or ride public transport?- Drunk driving! How can you have such high acceptable alcohol tolerance levels?- Age limits that make no sense at all.- Tips. I don't need to say more than that.- Worshipping athletes and politicians to an unhealthy level.- And a lot more!
The BEST and the WORST of Sweden in 2024 Three Star Vagabond 2024-12-29 | 2024 is coming to an end, and a lot has happened in Sweden in the last year. Some good, some bad, and some...just plain weird. This is a year in review video for what's happened in Sweden in 2024.For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1So what's happened in Sweden this last year? Sweden joined NATO, for one thing. And there's been snowstorms and traffic chaos. And we almost started a new pandemic (sorry!)Crime has been a hot topic lately, as has been immigration. But corruption might have been even more talked about - especially since we've had politicians who hired friends for high-paying government jobs and tried their best to deny responsibility for it all. Oh, and speaking of things happening in politics, our Minister of Gender Equality has also come out as a banana phobic.But there was even more! A cow was stuck in a tree, for one thing. And we lost a truckfull of precious beer in November. And speaking of my favorite topic (the weather), we've had an unusually warm year. Maybe I need to retire my jokes about the cold and miserable Sweden?Or maybe not, since we had a snowstorm in November and then rain and a warm December. So the weather is still weird and pretty miserable.Most importantly though, Sweden is still a happy and pleasant country. It was actually deemed the second nicest country to live in, according to an article in 2024. The problem is that we were beaten by Denmark - which makes it all tainted and quite annoying.
A Rambling Christmas Walk in Stockholm | Lights and Decorations ...And a Bit of Ball Fondling Three Star Vagabond 2024-12-22 | I decided to take a stroll through Stockholm to see all the Christmas lights and the Christmas decorations. Come on, let's see what the capital of Sweden has to offer!For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1This is an unusual video for me, because I usually have a story I want to tell and I've done research on a particular topic. Well, that's not the case today. I just put on my "I'm-not-compensating-for-anything" Santa hat and went for a walk through the streets of Stockholm to see what I could find.This Christmas journey starts in Haymarket Square (Hötorget), and continues along Drottninggatan to Sergels torg. From there I continue to Brunkebergstorg, through the mall Gallerian, past the NK (Nordiska Kompaniet) shopping centre, and onwards to Kungsträdgården. In Kungsträdgården I tell you some anecdotes about how Apple wanted to build an Apple Store there but were rejected, while I watch ice skaters fall on their asses.The journey continues to Skeppsbron, but not before I have a look at some light exhibitions for the Nobel Light Week that happened right now. Then we walk past Parliament and the Royal Palace, to have a look at the King Gustav III statue and a pretty neat Christmas tree, before we continue to Gamla stan, Stockholm Old Town.This is a place that some people call a tourist trap - but I like it personally. And this is where we find Stortorget, where the Stockholm Bloodbath took place in the 1500s. And this is also where we find the Old Town Christmas market, which is a fitting place to stop this walk through Stockholm. And just as a bit of icing on the cake, we're awarded with some lovely Christmas hymns at the very end as well, from a window above.Merry Christmas to you all!
A Swede Rates the WORST Tourist Attractions in California Three Star Vagabond 2024-12-15 | I went to California and I had a horrible time! No, not really - there were tons of amazing things to see and do, but some of these attractions turned out to be less amazing than others.For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1In this video I'm listing the 10 worst or most overrated tourist attractions in California, as judged by a Swede on a road trip through the state. These attractions include:- Seaport Village in San Diego- Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco- The Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles- SeaWorld San Diego- Venice Beach in Los Angeles- Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco- Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles- San Diego Old Town- Six Flags Magic Mountain- ...and Yosemite National ParkNah, just kidding! The last one is of course not Yosemite. But you'll have to check out the video to see which is the actual worst tourist attraction in California.
The Tesla Strike in Sweden - Whats Happened in the Last Year? Three Star Vagabond 2024-12-08 | More than a year ago the Swedish union IF Metall went on strike against Tesla. What's happened in this last year, and when will the strike be resolved? Well... It's a bit complicated.For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Last year I made a video about the Tesla strike in Sweden, where I talked about the background to the strike and what Swedish unions hope to achieve: youtu.be/E0PnOS-vrqAWell, it's now more than a year since the strike started, and there's still no resolution in sight. How has this affected Tesla? And what effect has the strike had on other companies? What's happened with lawsuits and negotiations since then? In this video I give a summary of the most important points that's happened during the end of 2023 and in 2024.Let's just say that it's been an interesting ride with everything from layoffs to lawsuits, in District Courts, to the Court of Appeal, and all the way up to the Swedish Supreme Court. There's also been exposes about strike breakers and sneaky ways to circumvent blockades, and a lot more.But all is not well within the Swedish union ranks. There's miscontent against the actions that the unions are taking against Tesla, and opinions in Sweden are divided. And that might lead to changes in the Swedish Model - and maybe Swedish unions as a whole.Check out the video for all of this and even more of the nitty gritty details in this nasty conflict.
Dont Think That Youre Special | Jantelagen, The Law of Jante - Scandinavias Hidden Law Three Star Vagabond 2024-12-01 | Sweden, and Scandinavia in general, has a phenomenom called Jantelagen, the Law of Jante. It's a code of conduct for how to behave in the Scandinavian countries, and it can be summed up in one sentence: don't think that you're anything special.For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1In this video I dive into the history of Jantelagen, from its roots in 1933 when a Norwegian author called Aksel Sandemose took inspiration from a Danish town to create the fictional village of Jante. This village had a set of rules that you had to abide to - and they were presented in a sarcastic and exaggerated manner. But there was still a kernel of truth hidden there.Jantelagen became extremely popular in Scandinavia, and it describes how you're supposed to behave. You're expected to be humble and to not criticize your peers. You're expected to fit in and to follow the rest of society. And it's something that's been ridiculed by many - while others nod in agreement and say that this does describe Scandinavia perfectly.I also explore how Jantelagen fits in with impostor syndrome, and how Sweden has a strange duality of individualism and wanting to fit in. The country produces a large number of ambitious and creative people - while it still encourages everyone to know their place and never grow too big.All of this is filmed at DreamHack, one of the biggest gaming conventions in the world. Why? There's a reason - but you'll have to watch the video to find out!
CHEAPEST Beer in Stockholm - With Under40kr.se Three Star Vagabond 2024-11-24 | I decided to explore the bars of Stockholm to see where I could find the cheapest beer in the capital of Sweden. But this was such a monumental task that I needed to get some experts to help me out - so Martin and Tobias from the website under40kr.se graciously decided to go along with me on this quest!For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1https://under40kr.se is a site where you can find the cheapest beer all over Sweden, and we made good use of it when trying to find the cheapest beer all over Stockholm. We started out in Medborgarplatsen on Södermalm, and then continued to Götgatan, Fridhemsplan, Sveavägen and Hornstull. And we definitely found some cheap beers along the way. And some questionable bars.The pubs and bars that we explored and/or drank beer at include:- The Central Bar- Kelly's Bar- Hirschenkeller- Baras Backe- Teodoras och D.pub- Nivå 22- Lion Bar- Crazy Horse- ÄlgenAnd aside from that we also discussed the raggar culture on Sveavägen, what Swedish snus is, and many other...more or less relevant things. After this video you'll know a lot more about Stockholm, about Sweden, and about where to find the cheapest beer!
Why Does Swedish Food Have a Bad Reputation? | Lets Visit Sthlm Food & Wine Three Star Vagabond 2024-11-17 | I visited the Sthlm Food & Wine exhibition to explore lots of amazing food as well as chocolate and desserts. And I also decided to dive into the question of why Swedish food has such a bad reputation abroad.For more videos every week, subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/threestarvagabond?sub_confirmation=1Everyone knows about Swedish meatballs, and many people have heard of surströmming, the infamously smelly fermented herring. But other than that Swedish food has a reputation for being bland and tasteless, and even a bit disgusting at times. But is that actually correct? Some people actually praise the freshness of Swedish food, and the natural ingredients that are used.In this video I dive into the characteristics of Swedish cuisine, and I discuss more or less famous Swedish dishes. I also explore the history of how Swedish food became the way it is. But I also want to get some alternate opinions about the topic, so I interview people at Sthlm Food & Wine too about everything from favorite dishes to cookbooks for hung over people.A video about Swedish food wouldn't be complete without a section about Swedish fika as well. I don't really dive deep into the topic in this video - because it's already been covered plenty. But I can't really skip mentioning the classical buns and cakes that, combined with coffee, makes up a fika. However, I will also argue that beer can be fika as well.All of this is recorded at the annual Sthlm Food & Wine exhibition where you can see amazing new and traditional foods. You can try different dishes and buy everything from reindeer to Italian and Swiss cheeses. And you can also try beers and wines and champagnes...and polka piggy shots. It's really got something for everyone.
