10%

Swedish delights

Stockholm Sights

By Carl Fisher

January 2^nd, 2019

charm

Stockholm has many charms that await those who are willing to put their feet in motion. The ABBA Museum is definitely a must, as are the Vassa and the Spirit museums. But to really get a feel for the place you will want to explore the outdoors.

tasty bits

Stockholm is more than just Abba, Ikea and Absolute. There's also lots of culinary delights and we were able to develop an appreciation for this during a tour that involved meats, sweets and other fine eats (in addition to some architectural splendors).

He only looks like that before his first cup of java.

Statuary in front of the Stockholm Concert Hall

Banksy

Water is almost everywhere you look around this city and, to get the most stunning view, alighting upon the water is worth doing. There are plenty of ferries going to and fro, but adventurous sorts, such as myself, might want to take in the view from within a sea kayak. While I've kayaked in several times in the past, this was the first time I became unexpectedly acquainted with the wet stuff as a result of total emersion sans kayak. It was during a harmless pause near the shore beside some outreaching branches when, rather suddenly, some stray waves pushed me and my kayak mate into the vegetation and we were floundering beneath limbs that were determined to upend us. There seemed no way to escape their clutch other than to abandon ship (or in our case kayak). Fortunately our savior (i.e. guide) was close at hand and after some exertions we were once again upright and back on our way. After that experience I was content with wandering near the wet stuff on tera firma.

Golden splendor

The Stockholm City Hall is more than just the seat of the local government. Some Nobels also find themselves hanging out there at least once a year. I was impressed by the opulence that was lended to the interiors through the extensive use of tiles with a predominance of gold. It was a feast for the eyes and sets quite the stage when the awards dinner rolls around in December (another kind of feast). Note: while the awards are actually given out in the Concert Hall (except for the Peace Prize, which is awarded in Oslo), the banquet is held in the City Hall.

Where the magic happens (swan-shaped napkins or at least more than just a simple fold I'm sure).

exterior splendors

street fest stockholm style

We were only in Stockholm for a few days, but we were fortunate to be there on a weekend over which the local Nytorg street festival was happening and it was right outside our front door (literally). Lots of milling about, music (silent disco anyone?), flea market, and even an extensive photo exhibit that changed daily (Stockholm Fotomaraton). It was a great way to put a wrap on our time in the Scandinavian capital.