Yesterday we started our day with a ferry ride out into the archipelago of Stockholm. I believe I mentioned that there are approximately 24,000 islands off of Stockholm. We visited one. 23,999 to go.
The ferry ride was part of a tour package called "Good morning Stockholm." The idea of the tour was to give an overview of Stockholm and to allow us to visit one of the islands that is open for visitors in the archipelago. Many, if not most, are owned by the State and this particular island we visited is owned by the King. It wasn't all that big, but had craftsmen on the island selling their wares (glass, wood, textiles, ceramics, wool). I purchased some pottery and after a satisfying lunch, we headed back aboard a different ferry. When we left, the island was beginning to fill with tourists, so we were glad to have had a few minutes of quiet there.
After our return, we walked around the city, visiting NK (a department store not unlike Nordstrom) and trying valiantly to catch the bus to IKEA. Unfortunately, we missed it, so we headed back to the hotel for a nap. Much needed.
After the nap, we wandered out for dinner, then a little bit more shopping. We went to an English pub (Piccadillys) and I had a traditional Swedish meal of herring, potatoes and onions in a cream sauce with Wasa bread and cheese. Man oh man, it was good. The food on this trip has been very satisfying and delicious. The pub was nice because the waitstaff was English and thus it made ordering food easy and pleasant.
I must say, although I speak precious little Swedish, it has been easy to get around and easy to order/buy/get things, as most Swedes speak at least a little English if not fully bilingual.
Other interesting observations: so much of the music played here is American in origin. The latest top 40 or hip/hop is played in nearly every shop and without remembering that you are actually in a foreign country, it could feel like you are in the U.S.
Mom and I are still mistaken for Swedes, while Sister remains the one that most Swedes look at and assume 'American.' It has gotten almost comical at times and yesterday I told Sister that perhaps we could visit her 'people' in Tennesee (some of Dad's family is from there) and she could then look like she belonged. Needless to say, Mom laughed until she cried. It was quite a moment.
Okay, off to shop and eat. More tomorrow.
2 comments:
sounds like you are having a blast. Don't forget to pick up a Sven for me. If there is no room in the carry on just overnight him to my address.
I will gladly ship a Sven to you. The problem is picking which one. All are delectable. There is no way that men should be this attractive. It is dangerous.
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