Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
The sun has shone consistently. Who knew I would come to Stockholm and get a tan. It's been great walking around the city. It's made up of 14 islands which gives each area you visit its own unique feel. The classic architecture Swedish-style mixed with bang up-to-date modern building with some 70s stuff in between.
Day one of my exploration on Sunday morning I started with a bus tour which visited all parts of the city including where the cruise liners dock. Along the waterfront opposite the Old Town the palace parade happened to pass by which was a bonus. The weather was superb so I decided to do the bridges of Stockholm boat tour. We went through two locks between which is where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea. That was a fun experience in itself, taking around 10-15 minutes for the water to rise in the lock. It was interesting watching a small speed boat and a jet ski (alongside the tourist boat) navigate the lock as they clutched the ropes on the side of the lock to stabilise their vessels. After the trip I walked around the Old Town. I wandered 'laissez-faire' up and down small alleys to see the sights that unfolded. By chance I took the less touristy route. It was so hot I was glad to find a charming tea shop where I ordered the Casa Blanca - a Moroccan mint tea. Revived I continued. This was when I found the tourist area filled with people eating and drinking in restaurants and bars, others wandering in and out of souvenir shops, glass shops and even a Viking shop. Afterwards I walked back across town with aching feet and a slightly sunburnt face. I stopped for an Italian meal at El Forno (which I've since discovered is a chain). Food choice as a vegetarian is limited (which I'd expected before coming here).
Monday once again a glorious day I decided to visit the famous archipelago. There are over 30,000, but I selected Vaxholm, the so-called capital. The ride took around 90 minutes with the boat stopping at various small islands enroute to collect residents. When we arrived at Vaxholm i felt really ill. I do not have sea legs. I took the right turn at the harbour and found a small food and shop outlet where I sat on the deck drinking a mango Pago with ice, followed by a Sol. I enjoyed walking the streets. The cute wooden houses were just as I imagined. I found a gorgeous cafe by the water. Everyone was having fika (coffee and cakes) at Hembygdsgårds Café. It was fantastic and I was tempted by the artistry of a small chocolate cake bedecked with ribbon and a fresh flower. It went down well with my piccolo coffee (expresso with hot milk). A leisurely walk through the streets and then back to the harbour to catch a boat back to Stockholm. I was able to sit outside this time which helped me get my sea legs. We passed cruise-liner after cruise-liner on their way to the Baltic Sea. The views returning to Stockholm were great. I then stopped at the Grand Hotel for a delicious fried cabbage with truffle Parmesan mash in the delightful Veranda Restaurant. The waiter was so helpful and charming giving me tips on good places to find vegetarian fare. Monday was an excellent day!
- comments