Stockholm Sweden July 11 2017

Stockholm is a gracious city built on 14 islands.  It was founded in 1252.   The Swedes claim to be able to look back over 5,000 years wherein their forefathers have held uninterrupted tenancy of their present country.  No other important European nation but the Danes can make this boast, for other nations have all in their time been invaded and colonised by aliens.

From the moment we alighted from our ship shuttle (we chose to catch the shuttle today rather than do a tour, very glad we did) we were just overawed by the beauty of the architecture just the whole city really.  We made our way across the bridge which is in front of Parliament building and across from this is the Royal Palace these buildings are on the island which is the old town.  We then just wandered being amazed at every turn every different laneway we took gave us something beautiful.  We went into the Palace courtyard were able to see the Chapel and where the Royal Apartments are situated, the present King and Queen still use this Palace for Royal occasions. There is a square within the Palace something to behold. 

We sat for a little moment in anor square where we had a delicious something that resembled an escargot but different probably the most delicious thing I have ever tasted.  On our way back to the shuttle we went to the Museum of Medieval Stockholm. This Museum was only built by chance.  Over 30 years ago there was a carpark going to be constructed in front of the Parliament Building, the powers that be decided to do an archaeological investigation and discovered remnants of the city from the Middle Ages including parts of the city walls. The Parliamentarians missed out on the carpark but many visitors since have enjoyed the Museum. 

Our sail away quite spectacular in that it takes about 5 hours to get thru the archipelago which is comprised of many thousands of islands.  Holiday homes are constructed on so many of these islands very picturesque.  We followed four other cruise ships thru we sat up in Crow’s Nest Bar and watched the world as we sailed by.

Stockholm is certainly worth a return visit maybe a week would be perfect for some of its nearer neighbours.  There are a great number of fabulous things to see in the city and out of the city.  One only sees a very small part of a place on these journeys but I think you know when you wish to come back to a place. 

Sabine and Sam  xx