Knowing me knowing Stockholm; Ah Ha!

Knowing me, knowing Stockholm!

Or that's what we thought - we know this place, returning here for our third time will be such a rewarding experience, especially as we will be here in the summer months with sunshine, a new experience - not the previous winter blasts of snow and ice.

BBBrrrr...... Stockholm 30th December 2009 Nikon D200 AF-S DX VR 18-200 f3.5, 18mm, f7.1.0, 1/180 sec, ISO 1600 — BBBrrrr......
Stockholm
30th December 2009
Nikon D200 AF-S DX VR 18-200 f3.5, 18mm, f7.1.0, 1/180 sec, ISO 1600

And we were right, this is an amazing place to visit, such a beautiful region and city, and the people are fantastic - but did we know it as well as we thought, probably because there was so much more to see and do; things that are just covered in snow and ice in the winter!

You need a big coat in Stockholm 30th December 2009 Nikon D200 AF-S DX VR 18-200 f3.5, 38mm, f11.0, 1/500 sec, ISO 1600 — You need a big coat in Stockholm - looking out to City Hall
30th December 2009
Nikon D200 AF-S DX VR 18-200 f3.5, 38mm, f11.0, 1/500 sec, ISO 1600

So let's get our bearings and get to know a sunny Aughust Stockholm, who knows after a few days it may all comes back to us just like a classic ABBA song! A good way to start is always a boat trip under the ridges and around the many islands that make up Stockholm - as it is a tricky place to navigate around, being spread over so many connecting masses.

After that, it's time for a hot dog, some local beer and a glass of mini sausages in Gamla Stan, old town, just up from the underground station and looking out to the Hilton in Slussen where we have stayed before.

There is always time to fit in a hot dog

This whole area is to change with a major upgrading of the complicated road, rail and boat canal lock that intertwines with the connecting islands and bridges between Gamla Stan and Sodermalm.

Beers with a large dog are essential.....

A glass of sausages, overlooking Sodermalm withould the need of a huge coat...

Another feature of Sweden for the weary traveller, is how hard it can be to buy alcohol from a shop - I don't want to sound like we have a drink problem, but it is very different to the UK in terms of purchasing.

The search for alcohol became an important part of the trip, with only two bottles of wine purchased in 7 days, certainly the state run hidden store strategy is working!

OK, time for one of my highlights for the week - a cycle sightseeing tour with bike Sweden

Then it's the Photografika museum for me

And the Royal Palace and City Hall for Kay

Then meet up and over to Moderna Museet, one of our favourites!

This is a very special museum with a great collection - many pieces I had seen before, especially good to be reunted with Robert Rauschenberg's sheep - last seen at the Louvre in Paris...

http://www.modernamuseet.se/