Frankie's few notes on Stockholm.
In short, I do not complain anymore about Ireland being dark and cold as the Sweden took the first place of darkness and coldness. Sun coming up around 9:00 ish if you could see it through clouds and get back to bed at 14:30 for f@%k sake. If I had late night I might not even see the sun as before I wake up the sun is nearly gone. Well not really gone, as I wake up around 10:00 ish but before I get coffee into me it is nearly gone. So really if you want to visit Stockholm, go in summer not in winter, not even snow was there doh.
Still there are some things to see even in the winter dark days, that could make your day, such as gorgeous blonde Swedish girls, who makes up for the lack of sunshine. I mean with their blonde hair and their smile, you filthy animals as me, I’m gentleman through and trough even if I’m yellow small grumpy man. Well….only till 22:00 then I’m turning into sleeping beauty 😊 So whatever is calling you to Stockholm, listen to it, as in all fairness, it is a nice city with some history and streets worth to walk on.
First thing first, the airport woo hoo I have flown through some airports around this blue marble we are living on and let me tell you, the proper wooden floor is only at Stockholm airport. I get off the plane and as I emerged from the elephant trunk” as I call the bridge just in case you were wondering WTF ?” I hear that my steps are somehow soft and silent. Looking down at my feet I see the beautiful wooden planks like you would put into your living room. What a surprise, immediately I think, this is really rich and stylish country.
Few minutes later, brother from another mother picks me up and we are heading on the bus to his lair, where his better half will join us after finishing up at work. THANK YOU both for your hospitality, before I forgot to thanks. I loved your apartment and slept like a baby in there, even with Tokyo and Lola coming checking me up, during he night.
The tour of the Stockholm started around lunch time and I have to say, nothing better than local guide to show you around and Usa had knowledge and charm as the real tour guide. The cobblestone streets, with tall and colorful houses with Christmas lights in each window are charming and warming, even in freezing damp cold, since the town is threaded by many canals. Have to say that the warm glow of the Christmas decorative lights in every window is some sight and definitely warm your heart. Historical center is small and nice so you can walk around it in no time. Royal palace is nice and see the guards in this freeing cold proudly stand the guard, make me admire them in their pride. People are walking around and some come to ice skating rink, which is filled with young people giggling and laughing all around. Getting the lunch in food hall at Haymarket is some experience too, not only because it is warm and cozy but also because the fish soup I’ve got is amazingly tasty. I’m used to sea food chowder but have to say this is more tastier.
Since it is Christmas time, streets are filled with people walking and some buying the stuff on last minute deals and having Fika. Yes you are reading right Fika, the Swedish break time with friends over cup of coffee and cake. I had so many coffees that I nearly thought I’m in Italy, just the cold woke up me from that dream. Obviously we went to see VASA as one must when in Stockholm. It is a really impressive to see this 300 years old ship on display in purposely build building to accommodate this huge king ship. It is grey and old but when you look at the display of how colorful it was, it must be some sight when completed. I could go about it for longtime, as it was really impressive sight and lots of facts to read about. Vasa is a must see thing, if in Stockholm.
When we emerged from the Vasa Museum, truly could not be better time and sight. Getting out of the museum, wrapped against cold like Christmas presents, we emerged to the snow fall, gently sending the snowflakes floating down through the air to the ground, illuminated by street lights and through the falling snow, we saw the warm yellow lights of house decorations in every window in sight.
Visit of Sweden is not completed, if one not eat the meatballs at IKEA and since the IKEA is now coming to town shopping centers, this was a lunch long time waiting.
Haven’s seen the Santa or reindeer “but tasted one, not Santa but reindeer” but I have to say that Sweden or Stockholm has its charm and maybe come back once more in the summer to see, all those beautiful sights in summer dresses, could be worth a while. I would also do some more museum visits and definitely I would go for the boat ride across the city on the channels but not the touristic one but the local public transport boat. I might by the boat enthusiast, so this way of transport will always win me over and especially in town which is sprawling on many islands.
Well, thank you Stockholm Usa, Lady, and even Tokyo and Lola for great time, company and tour guide. Good bye the dark, cold Sweden and hello not such dark Ireland 😊
