Arriving in the port at Stockholm, Sweden. It was a glorious morning and the day just kept getting better. Sun, warmth, and calm seas. Our time in port was short, and the bus drive in, long, so it was a bit of a whirlwind day.
We had to stay an extra night in Russia because of the weather. The water was too shallow for us to leave?? Yikes. Thus it meant our stop in Helsinki, Finland was cancelled. Poop.
But look at the reward......this amazing sunrise. That's our ship. Oh yeah!
We are standing within Gamla Stan, the Old Town in Stockholm. Filled with winding, narrow alleys in every direction. An excellent walking city with so many nooks or corners to explore.
Cobblestone everywhere.
This one heads to the water.
Following the people.....
Down a long tunnel....
Looks like we are the only ones in the Old Town?
Strolling and biking.
And....wait for it....wait for it.....ta da!!!
The famous Swedish meatballs. Oh my gosh they were huge....and I have three on my plate. Not the size you get at IKEA....the size of my fist. Delicious.
LD wasn't feeling well in Stockholm. She is covered with a blankie while I try the meatballs. I think she had a bit of food poisoning? She's much better now.
Yummy cinnamon rolls...which are not quite like ours. Not as sweet, which is ok with me, and very doughy which I LOVE. We shared over cappuccinos.
I didn't try these but they were right next to the cinnamon buns. They are called 'Ranstick.' Looks like a waffle cone dipped in yummy icing and sparkles.
Every corner you come to has a statue perched, often in the middle of nowhere.
You betcha.....I found two yarn stores. Unfortunately they only have a little bit of their own yarn available. Most is imported. Saves me trying to find room in my suitcase.
Love the colours.
My relationship with Santa is still great as I didn't have any Reindeer meat.....does Elk count?
Part of the cityscape....so old and colourful.
Photo of part of the Old Town. The incredible colours of the buildings and the interesting architecture.
Stockholm is made up of 14 islands and more than 50 bridges. The most populated city in the Nordic countries with a population of more than a million and a half.
It actually didn't feel like that.
My pet peeve. Here is goes.
Why do people feel the need to feed wild birds and animals? It is harmful to them. They do not need it. I have never fed a bird or animal to get photos. Curiosity always brings them within sight.
Kindness is killing our birds and animals.
STOP please.
Thanks for listening.
A Hooded Crow...everywhere on the Baltic Sea. Some are as big as a small hen.
My favourite little seagull. A Black Headed Gull. So cute.
Photo bomb by the Mallard in the left bottom corner. Lol.
A group of wee children touring the Old Town and now having lunch. What a great idea to have them in orange vests.
The Nobel Museum represents the home of the winners of the Nobel prizes in physics, chemistry, psychology, medicine, literature and peace. This award was founded in 1900.
"Alfred Nobel's last will specified that his fortune be used to create a series of prizes for those who confer the "greatest benefit on mankind" in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature and peace. Nobel bequeathed 94% of his total assets, 31 million SEK (about $186 million US or 150 million Euros in 2008) to establish the five Nobel Prizes." ***A direct quote from Wikipedia.
Some famous winners of the Nobel prize are Al Gore (Peace) Marie Curie (Chemistry and Physics), Rudyard Kipling (Literature), the International Committee of the Red Cross (Peace), Albert Einstein (Physics), Martin Luther King Jr. (Peace), Mother Teresa (Peace), Toni Morrison (Literature), Alice Munro (Literature), and Bob Dylan (Literature).
The museum is in a lively, pedestrian only square. Lots of cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops.
Police are in full force everywhere on this trip. Here is Debbie with eyes closed trying to hide from them.
All kidding aside, in April 2017 an attack occurred in this city about 15 minute walk from here. A lone man drove a truck into a pedestrian only shopping area, Ahlens, and killed 4 injuring 10.
There is no safe place. Las Vegas, Edmonton, London, St. Petersburg.......all we try to do, is avoid big crowds where we can. Keeping an eye out for odd or suspicious but other than that what can you do. You might just be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Faith that it is what it is. Amen.
The Royal Palace of the King and Queen of Sweden.
The monarchy of Sweden, actually has no ruling role, however they are known to be more of a ceremonial figure head. The reigning Monarch does present the Nobel Prizes in Stockholm.
It is a hereditary position since the 1600's. The heir apparent at this time in history is Crown Princess Victoria, daughter of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia. The King has reigned since 1973.
He was considered a very eligible bachelor in his time. Once linked to Princess Anne.
The first Monarch of Sweden was Eric The Victorious.
The Swedish Succession Act was altered in 1980 to allow for female succession to the throne.
The first building on this site was a fortress in the 13th century.
This palace is available year round for visitors to tour.
The Royal Palace is guarded by 'Hogvakten', a royal guard, who is part of the members of the Swedish Armed Forces.
Centurion on duty. Unlike other guards we have seen, he will talk with you and look around.
The Parliament House, the seat of power in Sweden called the Riksdag.
This is a beautiful area to wander and feel the fresh sea air on your face. Lots of tourists taking photos and enjoying the sunny day.
Unfortunately this is also where we catch our bus to head to our ship. Our final voyage home after one more sea day.
Good bye Stockholm...I would love to return.
BUT......Guten tag Berlin, Germany.
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