On to Stockholm

Monday

9 September 

Day 71

25 to go

We made it into Swedish waters during the night. The boat docked in Mairenhamn at 4am. Paul waking to the change in the engine noise. We looked out to see plenty of lights at the ferry terminal. The Silja line was also docked, but again left before we did. 

We returned to bed, waking again just before 7.30am, though now it was 6.30am Swedish time. We got out, dressed and then went down for breakfast. We had a premium booking, which meant champagne and eggs Benedict, along with the usual smorgasbord of delights. It was lovely sitting by the window and watching the many islands float by. 

Once full, we returned to the room, had showers and then packed up our things, before heading out on deck to enjoy the view, as we drew closer to Stockholm. I rang home to update the folks on our journey and then we continued to watch the rocky outcrops, covered in forest and some expensive looking houses, sweep by us. 

It wasn’t long before Stockholm came into sight, noticing the churches pierce the sky and quite a large theme park, with many roller coasters sitting on the edge of a harbour. Our ship pulled up against the wharf, just after 10am and it was time to join the herd and make our way off the ferry. 

Once outside, we found a taxi and made the quick journey to the Queens Hotel. The driver was terrific, picking the Aussie accent straight away. 

Once at the hotel, we dumped our bags and headed on foot to the old town. We stopped to check out the xxxx, which stood before the xxx church. We then ducked up one of the old, narrow roads, being surrounded by the old buildings. We walked the cobbled streets, spying signs for Swedish meatballs or moose burgers. 

We walked to the end, before ducking back up the hill, finding the xxx church and then were lead into the square containing the Nobel Prize Museum. This square also had beautiful buildings in many colours, leaning against each other. A bit like Amsterdam. 

From here we walked by Storyxxxx church and then into the forecourt of the Royal Palace. I was lead to believe that the changing of the guard wouldn’t occur today, but people were lining up ready, so we hung around. I found a terrific central position and at 12.15pm, the ceremony began. Most of the guards appeared to be just young adults, with a few older men running the show. 

With it all done, we went in search of a meal, finding an Irish pub selling meatballs with a lingonberry jam and mash. It was delicious. 

Feeling a little perkier, we made our way back over the bridge and wandered over to the large City Hall building. There was a fly over of fighter planes, escorting a Boeing type. We wondered what or who was being tailed. We then began a walk of the City Hall perimeter and the park area that surrounds it. There was plenty of interesting statues and arched avenues and a lot of gilded work. 

After our explore, we returned to the main avenue, looking down various other side streets. We found the Ikea store, but Paul was not going inside. At the end of the road was the xxx church. A large, terracotta painted building with green domes. It was quite striking. 

We then moved on to a large central area with a water fountain and a common area for people to hang out and play games. It looked like fun. XX church had caught my eye, so we made for it, waking around the base of the large, red brick building. 

With a little time to kill, before checking in to the hotel, we walked up our street and stopped at a Seven 11 for a drink. We sat on a bench outside and then returned to our hotel reception to finally check in. We were given the key to room 111. Caught the old and ornate elevator one floor and then walked the rabbit warren of corridors to our door. 

Once in, we made ourselves at home for the afternoon. We unpacked what we needed, I went through he photos and we watched the two NBL Blitz games that had occurred earlier. Before we knew it, it was after 6pm. 

We ate some of the food supplies we still had with us and then figured we should head out for an evening walk. We found the Central Train Station and figured out a route for Wednesday morning. We bought some dinner from a different seven 11 and then, when we felt the first spits of rain, we returned to the room, happy to eat and then head to bed.