In the city of Västerås, Sweden

 "The present moment is significant, not as the bridge between past and future, but by reason of its contents, which can fill our emptiness and become ours, if we are capable of receiving them." -- Dag Hammarsköld

==========

(in Sweden) Västerås is this country's largest inland port and the hub of its electrical industry. Originally known as Aros (“River Mouth”) and later as Västra (“West”) Aros, it was a market center and a bishopric by the beginning of the Middle Ages. In medieval times it also served as an export harbor for iron and copper from the Bergslagen mining region. Several national parliaments were held here, including that of 1527, which formally introduced the Reformation into Sweden, and that of 1544, which established the hereditary rights of the Vasa family to the throne. In the city’s Gothic cathedral lie the remains of Eric XIV. Beside the Svartån River stands a 12th-century castle, now a museum. With its cobbled streets, interesting houses and flourishing flower gardens, Västerås’ Old Town (depicted here) is quite delightful. Yet, this city is a place of two halves; head just a few blocks southeast and you’ll find modern shopping centers, industrial overloads and sprawling suburbs that bear no resemblance to the narrow lanes and crafts shops you’ve left behind.