Day 13: Stockholm, Sweden

Today is a sad day.  It is the last full day of my most relaxing vacation ever so going to make the most of the day.  Hard to believe I call a vacation with so much movement relaxing but you know what it really was great.  I only had two things on my to do list today . . . ABBA:  The Museum . . . first we took a water taxi to the area where several museums are located.  It was the first museum that was cash only.  They did not take any other form of payment except credit card which was interesting.  I always worry that my cards will work overseas but no problems.  I also bought a postcard and two bottles of water and had to use a card too.  It was just weird to me but as we entered I became a Dancing Queen with a bounce in my step and constant singing along in my head with the music that was a constant!

Oh my I felt so happy and cheery and while it was very expensive ($30 per person), I am glad we went.  I didn't know a lot about ABBA excepts some of the songs so was good to walk around and read about their early days.  Who doesn't like ABBA?  It was nice outside so decided to just walk to the park and fulfill our second must do of the day . . . Swedish Hot Dog in the park . . .

I know, I know what's so different?  Well the bun is hollowed out and they put the mustard in side the bun and then insert the hot dog.  It was yummy!  Of course we stopped at a park very close to Bakfickan that had the most awesome meal yesterday and was soooo tempted but kept with the plan.  And just like that it was time to head to the Stockholm airport to catch our flight back to Amsterdam so I could pre position myself for my long flight home in the morning . . . it was yet another low cost airline, Norwegian Air . . .

. . . but we made it back and on time so it's all good!  Yes, life is good and look forward to the future!

Day 12: Stockholm, Sweden

. . . and wake up as we arrive in the Stockholm archipelago.  Hello Sweden . . . almost 8 years to the day I was doing this exact thing . . . arriving on a ferry to Stockholm.  It is the best to stand on deck and watch as you enter the Stockholm archipelago.  It was a bit rainy and dark so photos aren't that great but trust me it is beautiful . . .

Last time we did this we were totally scammed by a taxi taking us to our hotel so this time we were going to be smart.  So smart that both of us totally forgot to get Swedish Krona to pay for the cab fare even though we had mentioned it at least ten times.  Thankfully they took credit card and it was a flat fee unlike last time it was metered and went the longest way possible.  We arrived at the Hilton Stockholm Slussen and no rooms were available which was a total bummer because taking a shower on the ferry was not the best and I just wanted to shower and put on fresh clothes.  We did get to go to the executive lounge for a coffee before we set out to explore a city we both really love.  I wanted to have meatballs and had a list of a couple options.

Let me just say these were the best.  Of course the closest thing I had ever had was from IKEA so there really was no comparison.  Oh and those whipped potatoes were to die for . . . it was like two forks fighting to get a bite.  They were like fluffy whipped cream . . . I should have asked how they made them because they were that good.  So Bakficken was a hit . . . I mean I would eat here again like later tonight if possible.  It was warm out so we hit the ground walking and just soaking it all up on this beautiful day even if it is a bit warm . . .

. . . but you know what I really needed?  Iced Tea . . . Starbucks to the rescue.  While it wasn't Texas Sweet Tea it was good and cold and refreshing.  After a bit of walking we decided it was time to try to check in . . . which really meant I was tired and wanted to take a shower and thankfully our room was ready.  The view was nice . . .

. . . but the shower and bed were the best!

Day 8: Stockholm again

Another busy day in Stockholm . . . it is our last full day so had to take full advantage of our Stockholm Card and hit a few more museums. A few highlights from the day . . .

-yummy ice cream in freshly made waffle cone
-Stockholm Palace
-churches
-city hall . . . Nobel Peace Prize banquet hall
-Nobel Museum (wasted time)
-Royal Apartments
-Stockholm City Museum
-Crown Jewels
-Old Castle ruins
-yummy hot dog lunch in the park
-no TGI Friday's; too crowded
-dinner at Irish Pub . . . fish and chips
-oh and quesadillas with the best guacamole!

I guess it was a yummy day . . . hey food can be a highlight for the day.

View of the city . . . just beautiful city!

Riddarholmen . . . with the most beautiful iron spire

City Hall . . . where the Nobel Peace Prize banquet is held each year.

Tomorrow we change locations . . . still heading west!

Day 7: Stockholm Sweden

It was a beautiful day in Stockholm . . . sunny with a nice breeze. After another tasty breakfast, we caught the ferry to see the Vasa Museum . . . WOW, it is definitely a must see museum and the most visited Scandinavian attraction. We ended up spending 2 hours watching every video clip, reading every sign, and just looking in amazement at the detailed carvings of the actual ship. It is amazing that it was under water for over 300 years . . . and so much of it is original. Of course no picture I took can do it any justice . . . it is just that amazing.

A small reproduction model of what the ship probably looked like when it set sail back in the 17th century . . . very colorful.

And today after restoration . . . to show what was not original the replaced new boards are smooth and a little lighter in color . . . very few of them. This is the back view, same as above in the photos.



Of course we had yet another visit to TGI Friday's for wings; oh stop laughing! Before heading to dinner a quick visit to the Ice Bar . . . it was cold but nice to escape the warm afternoon for a little bit.

A view of my favorite part of the city from our hotel . . . taken through the window.

Day 6: Stockholm Wake-Up

Our ferry arrived early this morning. We set the alarm clock so we could be on deck early to watch this . . .


This is exactly what I thought Scandinavia would look like. We were at breakfast when it opened and back outside on deck . . . really beautiful and so peaceful too. Water always makes me relax and sort of realize that I sometimes take life a little too seriously. After arriving and being totally ripped off by a taxi driver, we dropped our bags at the hotel and headed out to explore the city. Stockholm is much prettier than Helsinki and much more traditional Europe with beautiful architecture. Oh and it was HOT . . . okay so not as hot at Texas but by Europe standards it was toasty! After a few hours of walking we ended up at TGI Fridays . . . okay so totally not Europe. We were going to just have a drink until we saw the Bacon Cheeseburger . . . oh and add in some wings and mozzarella sticks too; YUM!!! Finally made our way back to the hotel to check in and relax . . . nothing like an escape to a little air conditioning and snacks at the executive lounge.