Stockholm, Sweden..much more than meatballs

Stockholm, the home of Alfred Nobel, is resplendent with sparkling waterways, surrounded by some very dramatic buildings.

This area has been inhabited since approximately 3,000 BC.  In the 13th century, the Vikings began building fortifications of what is Stockholm today.  It was in the 17^th century that Stockholm began to grow into a sophisticated capital city.

Besides the many Venice-like canals here, the part we liked best was the “Old Town”.   Many of the buildings are at least 700 years old.  The twisting and winding streets are full of small boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and yes there were many yarn shops also.  Old Town is where much of the night life of Stockholm takes place. This is also an area with museums, the opera house, and the Royal Palace.

sightseeing by boat - a must in Stockholm

Gail & John overlooking the central lake

Flat Stanley's admired the amusement park, but Granny said "No way!"

 

Yesterday we went into town by shuttle bus and did a hop-on Hop-off boat tour of the harbour and canal area.  This is a must for anyone traveling here.   We also went on a one and a half hour walk throughout the Old Town area and promptly got lost, even though we had a map. We eventually found our way back to the harbour area and the shuttle bus to get us back to the ship. 

 

On Wednesday, John escorted a two hour walking tour of the Old Town, ending with a small sampling of local fare ... fish and more fish.  We had a wonderful guide who conducted the tour dressed in medieval Viking clothing.  The name of this Swedish girl is Natalie O`Sullivan, not exactly a typical Swedish name.  Her father is Irish and her parents met at the Olympics many years ago and settled in Sweden, her mother`s country.

Natalie and Troll (she's the tall one)

90 cm wide street in Old Town

Central square in Old Town

 

Gail`s tour included a visit to the Ostermalmshallen Food market, a beautiful indoor market, where there were tastings of all kinds of local specialties, including several kinds of fish, Swedish meatballs  and cheese – all good!  A lot of fresh dill is used in the recipes.  We also visited the old royal palace of Waldemarsudde, where there is an art gallery and the original furnishings of the home are in place.  It seemed quite modest for a royal palace, but the location, with its magnificent view, and the beautiful grounds, made it very appealing.  It is so peaceful and refreshing, that anyone would like to live here.  Back to the ship we went, however, for more tasty food.

At the Palace waterfall fountain

Grounds and garden at the Prince's palace

Typical appetizer on board the ship

 

From here, the ship will return to St.Petersburg, where we hope the weather will be warmer than the last time we were there.  But before we sail away....dinner.