22 days until I see beaches and sand again.
22 days.
3 weeks, one day.
528 hours.
31,680 minutes.
1,900,800 seconds.
Not that I'm counting or anything.
Showing posts with label Vacation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vacation. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
Day 2: Stockholm
First, I must say that the most beautiful people in the world live here. Literally, the streets are teeming with gorgeous men, all of whom I've named 'Sven.' :)
Yesterday was a walking tour day, mostly of Gamla Stan (old town). We walked to the Sweden House, a tourist information center, on one of the main shopping districts just a few blocks from our hotel. It was there I purchased a map of Stockholm (we had two before, but both were 'general' maps, not nearly as comprehensive as we needed them) and we stopped at a public art display of 'Signspotting.' Signspotting is a collection of humorous signs from around the world all on display for your amusement. I laughed and laughed. I've taken plenty of pictures so you'll see them here when I return.
Also at the tourist center, I found out how to get to the world's largest IKEA. Happiness and joy are mine.
From the Signspotting exhibit, we wandered down a street towards the Royal Castle. Yes, Sweden still has royalty but much like the British royalty, they are ceremonial. Walked around the castle to the changing of the guard ceremony. Only about 10,000,000 tourists, as to be expected, were there but we did get a good view. Lots of pictures of the pagentry were taken.
From the castle we wandered out to find lunch at a local cafe. Meal prices here vary from middle to expensive, depending on time of day. Lunch seems to be the most economical, with salad, bread, drink and entree for about $12. Dinner last night, for example, was about $100 for the three of us, and each had an entree with one beer.
After lunch we wandered further into Gamla Stan to the waterfront, where we found some of the ferry tours that we may take today. Gamla Stan is large, with many streets, all of which are interesting in their own right. Many buildings have foundations from the 13th or 14th century and we went into a German Lutheran church in the heart of Gamla Stan yesterday that was built in 1771. To say it was ornate is to insult the place, as every single wall, ceiling panel, pew and railing was hand carved or painted with elaborate decorations. Unfortunately, pictures were not allowed in there, so I have no record of the place except in my memory.
Today is an early morning ferry tour of Stockholm then perhaps shopping this afternoon. It has been absolutely lovely to be here, the weather is perfect, in the 70s during the day and 50s at night. Very low humidity, although the cobblestone streets in Gamla Stan make for a very hearty hike.
Other observations: the national dessert here appears to be ice cream. Everywhere, every afternoon, we see nearly everyone eating an ice cream cone. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon, IMHO, but I can see that this hiking will go for naught as I have enjoyed my share of ice cream as well.
Saturday night, as we walked looking for the restaurant out of the guidebook, the streets were fairly silent, with only the laughter and clinking of glasses from the apartments above penetrating the quiet. To say there are few cars here is almost unfair, there are cars, but mainly there are people in trains, on bikes or on foot. There are designated bike lanes that are protected from the cars and the walking areas are for walking only. It's not at all like Indy where walkers, bikers and cars compete for the same space.
Okay, off to the ferry ...
Yesterday was a walking tour day, mostly of Gamla Stan (old town). We walked to the Sweden House, a tourist information center, on one of the main shopping districts just a few blocks from our hotel. It was there I purchased a map of Stockholm (we had two before, but both were 'general' maps, not nearly as comprehensive as we needed them) and we stopped at a public art display of 'Signspotting.' Signspotting is a collection of humorous signs from around the world all on display for your amusement. I laughed and laughed. I've taken plenty of pictures so you'll see them here when I return.
Also at the tourist center, I found out how to get to the world's largest IKEA. Happiness and joy are mine.
From the Signspotting exhibit, we wandered down a street towards the Royal Castle. Yes, Sweden still has royalty but much like the British royalty, they are ceremonial. Walked around the castle to the changing of the guard ceremony. Only about 10,000,000 tourists, as to be expected, were there but we did get a good view. Lots of pictures of the pagentry were taken.
From the castle we wandered out to find lunch at a local cafe. Meal prices here vary from middle to expensive, depending on time of day. Lunch seems to be the most economical, with salad, bread, drink and entree for about $12. Dinner last night, for example, was about $100 for the three of us, and each had an entree with one beer.
After lunch we wandered further into Gamla Stan to the waterfront, where we found some of the ferry tours that we may take today. Gamla Stan is large, with many streets, all of which are interesting in their own right. Many buildings have foundations from the 13th or 14th century and we went into a German Lutheran church in the heart of Gamla Stan yesterday that was built in 1771. To say it was ornate is to insult the place, as every single wall, ceiling panel, pew and railing was hand carved or painted with elaborate decorations. Unfortunately, pictures were not allowed in there, so I have no record of the place except in my memory.
Today is an early morning ferry tour of Stockholm then perhaps shopping this afternoon. It has been absolutely lovely to be here, the weather is perfect, in the 70s during the day and 50s at night. Very low humidity, although the cobblestone streets in Gamla Stan make for a very hearty hike.
Other observations: the national dessert here appears to be ice cream. Everywhere, every afternoon, we see nearly everyone eating an ice cream cone. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon, IMHO, but I can see that this hiking will go for naught as I have enjoyed my share of ice cream as well.
Saturday night, as we walked looking for the restaurant out of the guidebook, the streets were fairly silent, with only the laughter and clinking of glasses from the apartments above penetrating the quiet. To say there are few cars here is almost unfair, there are cars, but mainly there are people in trains, on bikes or on foot. There are designated bike lanes that are protected from the cars and the walking areas are for walking only. It's not at all like Indy where walkers, bikers and cars compete for the same space.
Okay, off to the ferry ...
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Where everybody thinks I'm Swedish
Hello from Stockholm!! It is about 8:45 a.m. here on Sunday, approximately 2:45 a.m. for you back in Indy.
After taking a high-speed train from the airport to Stockholm City, we walked a few blocks to our hotel, luggage in tow. It was fairly commonplace to see people hauling their stuff the few blocks and unlike dear Maestro, there were no parades, limited bus service or hauling baggage 5+ miles to get to our destination.
We checked in but our room wasn't available so we stowed our luggage and headed to Gamala Stan (Old Town) in Stockholm. It was right across the bridge from our hotel and is known as a shopping place for locals and tourists alike, although I truly felt it to be more 'touristy' than local. One lane streets, built in the 1300s-1400s, with tall buildings on each side. I am unable to upload photos here but trust that there will be a photo upload when I get home.
On our way to Gamala Stan, we walked through the courtyard of the Rikstag (Sweden's parliament) and a rather large gathering of Hare Krishnas, all of whom seemed to be protesting the treatment of the Chinese people.
Following our tour through Gamala Stan, we returned to the hotel, checked in and immediately began a rotation of showers/naps. We got up around 8 p.m. and headed back out, in search of food.
The hotel obviously has a restaurant, but the idea was we'd use our guidebook to find a local establishment and eat there. Great idea in theory, in practice, a hike to nowhere.
We walked probably a couple miles to the site of this restaurant only to find that it had apparently closed down some time before. So we meandered back down the street next to the water and walked 3/4 the way back to the site of the restaurant we had spotted earlier. We ended up at the restaurant across the street, a Greek place, that is similar to Santorini's in style, price and overall deliciousness :) We were given menus in Swedish initially and after explaining that we needed English menus, our waitress was quite floored.
That is to say ... apparently I look Swedish. Looking around here, it is like looking in a mirror with the light eyes and pale skin ... the difference being there aren't a whole lot of Swedish brunettes I've seen so far, but thanks to Evolution, I have lighter hair than I might otherwise. Thus, I fit in perfectly. Same for Mom. Sister, however, looks like the anomaly. They (the natives) all assume she is the foreigner and perhaps Mom and I are her guides.
Oh yes, and Mom and I have been mistaken for sisters here too. I do resemble my Mom a great deal and I can see that but I'd like to think the 20 years difference in our ages would eliminate the feeling that we are sisters, but so be it.
The Greek place was lovely and some pretty interesting customs to be noted. You cannot drink outside on a patio past 10 p.m. Yes, we had to gather our beers (a 'dark' beer the waitress told us, although it was far more lager than anything) and head inside at 10 p.m.
We walked back and there were many, many people on the streets. Far more bicycles and people than cars. There are many bicycle rental places in the city and we may take advantage of that for a day.
Today should be all about tours. I believe we'll take a bus tour and a water taxi tour. For those that don't know, Stockholm is a city of islands and the easiest way to see quite a few of them is by water taxi. Apparently there are over 25,000 islands surrounding Stockholm. Yes, 25,000, not all inhabited, not all big enough to be so.
Oh, and as a very interesting note, the 'hello' here is 'hej' pronounced 'hey.' It feels rather informal to my ears to say 'hey' to people. I am beginning to pick up various words, much easier than any of the tapes I'd listened to before arriving. Language in action is key for me.
Be well, be safe. All is good here. Having a ridiculous amount of fun:)
After taking a high-speed train from the airport to Stockholm City, we walked a few blocks to our hotel, luggage in tow. It was fairly commonplace to see people hauling their stuff the few blocks and unlike dear Maestro, there were no parades, limited bus service or hauling baggage 5+ miles to get to our destination.
We checked in but our room wasn't available so we stowed our luggage and headed to Gamala Stan (Old Town) in Stockholm. It was right across the bridge from our hotel and is known as a shopping place for locals and tourists alike, although I truly felt it to be more 'touristy' than local. One lane streets, built in the 1300s-1400s, with tall buildings on each side. I am unable to upload photos here but trust that there will be a photo upload when I get home.
On our way to Gamala Stan, we walked through the courtyard of the Rikstag (Sweden's parliament) and a rather large gathering of Hare Krishnas, all of whom seemed to be protesting the treatment of the Chinese people.
Following our tour through Gamala Stan, we returned to the hotel, checked in and immediately began a rotation of showers/naps. We got up around 8 p.m. and headed back out, in search of food.
The hotel obviously has a restaurant, but the idea was we'd use our guidebook to find a local establishment and eat there. Great idea in theory, in practice, a hike to nowhere.
We walked probably a couple miles to the site of this restaurant only to find that it had apparently closed down some time before. So we meandered back down the street next to the water and walked 3/4 the way back to the site of the restaurant we had spotted earlier. We ended up at the restaurant across the street, a Greek place, that is similar to Santorini's in style, price and overall deliciousness :) We were given menus in Swedish initially and after explaining that we needed English menus, our waitress was quite floored.
That is to say ... apparently I look Swedish. Looking around here, it is like looking in a mirror with the light eyes and pale skin ... the difference being there aren't a whole lot of Swedish brunettes I've seen so far, but thanks to Evolution, I have lighter hair than I might otherwise. Thus, I fit in perfectly. Same for Mom. Sister, however, looks like the anomaly. They (the natives) all assume she is the foreigner and perhaps Mom and I are her guides.
Oh yes, and Mom and I have been mistaken for sisters here too. I do resemble my Mom a great deal and I can see that but I'd like to think the 20 years difference in our ages would eliminate the feeling that we are sisters, but so be it.
The Greek place was lovely and some pretty interesting customs to be noted. You cannot drink outside on a patio past 10 p.m. Yes, we had to gather our beers (a 'dark' beer the waitress told us, although it was far more lager than anything) and head inside at 10 p.m.
We walked back and there were many, many people on the streets. Far more bicycles and people than cars. There are many bicycle rental places in the city and we may take advantage of that for a day.
Today should be all about tours. I believe we'll take a bus tour and a water taxi tour. For those that don't know, Stockholm is a city of islands and the easiest way to see quite a few of them is by water taxi. Apparently there are over 25,000 islands surrounding Stockholm. Yes, 25,000, not all inhabited, not all big enough to be so.
Oh, and as a very interesting note, the 'hello' here is 'hej' pronounced 'hey.' It feels rather informal to my ears to say 'hey' to people. I am beginning to pick up various words, much easier than any of the tapes I'd listened to before arriving. Language in action is key for me.
Be well, be safe. All is good here. Having a ridiculous amount of fun:)
Friday, July 11, 2008
And she's outta here ...
I'm finally packed, nearly have all my tasks done and I have four hours before Sister arrives here with Boy Wonder to pick Mom and I up for the trip to the airport.
I'll be in Sweden from basically tomorrow, early morning Indy-time, through next Saturday the 19th. I'm not taking the laptop but I may have access to a computer. If so, you'll get blog updates. If not, I'm sure I'll be keeping a journal of all the madness that goes with travel, travel with family and international travel with family.
We'll be staying at the Sheraton in Stockholm as our home-base for the week. We'll be taking two different guided tours and then pretty much on our own the rest of the week. There are many things to see (obviously) and many SD cards to fill with pictures.
I've packed rather lightly and thus have quite a bit of room in the luggage for goodies. I'm hoping to buy some crystal while I'm there -- apparently there are some pretty spectacular crystal artists there. Of course, I won't haul that back via the airlines. I think UPS or some such will be doing the honors there.
Hope you all have a fabulous week and I'll see you when I return.
I'll be in Sweden from basically tomorrow, early morning Indy-time, through next Saturday the 19th. I'm not taking the laptop but I may have access to a computer. If so, you'll get blog updates. If not, I'm sure I'll be keeping a journal of all the madness that goes with travel, travel with family and international travel with family.
We'll be staying at the Sheraton in Stockholm as our home-base for the week. We'll be taking two different guided tours and then pretty much on our own the rest of the week. There are many things to see (obviously) and many SD cards to fill with pictures.
I've packed rather lightly and thus have quite a bit of room in the luggage for goodies. I'm hoping to buy some crystal while I'm there -- apparently there are some pretty spectacular crystal artists there. Of course, I won't haul that back via the airlines. I think UPS or some such will be doing the honors there.
Hope you all have a fabulous week and I'll see you when I return.
Friday, June 27, 2008
151 (why does this make me think of rum?)
You know you are on your way to receiving your AA card when you say '151' and think 'Bacardi.' I'm just sayin'.
This edition of the blog brought to you by the word: 'vacation.'
My boss left for vacation today. Two weeks. I do not need to say that I am appreciative of whatever vacation gods approved two weeks. I. Am. Very. Appreciative.
That means in two weeks I take off for Sweden. Holy WTF Batman. TWO WEEKS????
My Mom, Sister and I take off for Sweden on Friday, July 11 and return to the U.S. very late on July 19. I am mentally already on vacation, dreaming of 'Sven,' the Swedish massuese I intend to meet while I am there.
This edition of the blog brought to you by the word: 'vacation.'
My boss left for vacation today. Two weeks. I do not need to say that I am appreciative of whatever vacation gods approved two weeks. I. Am. Very. Appreciative.
That means in two weeks I take off for Sweden. Holy WTF Batman. TWO WEEKS????
My Mom, Sister and I take off for Sweden on Friday, July 11 and return to the U.S. very late on July 19. I am mentally already on vacation, dreaming of 'Sven,' the Swedish massuese I intend to meet while I am there.
The Mean Girls trip to Vegas starts on Tuesday. Although I am sure it will be very blogworthy, I am not going. Sweden took priority.
Nothing else going on. Just enjoying my Friday.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Shopping, the Beach, Beer.
So my stay in Florida has been a lot like this: shop, eat, sleep, shop, go to beach, drink beer.
I am practically jello at this point I am so relaxed.
OH OH OH ....
I swear I saw Kitty Ducharme at the beach today!!! Now it was the 'retired, living in Florida for 30 years' Kitty Ducharme, but truly, it was. I could not get a picture of her, but trust that she was blonde as blonde can be and extremely tan.
We went to Blind Pass Beach today which is about an hour south of Dad in Sarasota County, FL. It is a very nice, not very crowded beach with lots of sharks' teeth to be found. I found a monster one today and I was so very proud of myself. I also found plenty of little ones. It was a good day.
Tomorrow we head to Bradenton Beach. More sun, more sand, more happy Athena.
All is good.
I am practically jello at this point I am so relaxed.
OH OH OH ....
I swear I saw Kitty Ducharme at the beach today!!! Now it was the 'retired, living in Florida for 30 years' Kitty Ducharme, but truly, it was. I could not get a picture of her, but trust that she was blonde as blonde can be and extremely tan.
We went to Blind Pass Beach today which is about an hour south of Dad in Sarasota County, FL. It is a very nice, not very crowded beach with lots of sharks' teeth to be found. I found a monster one today and I was so very proud of myself. I also found plenty of little ones. It was a good day.
Tomorrow we head to Bradenton Beach. More sun, more sand, more happy Athena.
All is good.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Airport People Watching
So far on my flight there appears to be a preponderance of elderly folks (Florida, of course) and some people with serious hearing problems. I pray they all fall asleep on the flight so I don't have to hear them from 15 rows away.
I'm flying Northwest today. I think I've only flown them once or twice in the past. Sister's many frequent flyer miles are paying for this trip. I know she's not especially thankful for the miles she earns every week but I've benefited through a trip to Denver, CO in September 06 and now this flight. Thanks Sissy :)
I leave in an hour. For some reason I thought my flight was earlier in the day but was pleasantly surprised when I found I don't leave until 10:40 this morning. So I got up, puttered a bit and Sister picked me up around 9 with Panera in hand. *sigh* It was a happy morning.
A big thank you shout out to A1 who is kind enough to volunteer to take care of the kids this week. I hope you enjoy your experience of living 'alone' with two completely attention-hungry cats. Alone is relative, you know. If you need anything, just call. Don't be surprised if you hear the sound of waves when you call :)
See you all next week!!
I'm flying Northwest today. I think I've only flown them once or twice in the past. Sister's many frequent flyer miles are paying for this trip. I know she's not especially thankful for the miles she earns every week but I've benefited through a trip to Denver, CO in September 06 and now this flight. Thanks Sissy :)
I leave in an hour. For some reason I thought my flight was earlier in the day but was pleasantly surprised when I found I don't leave until 10:40 this morning. So I got up, puttered a bit and Sister picked me up around 9 with Panera in hand. *sigh* It was a happy morning.
A big thank you shout out to A1 who is kind enough to volunteer to take care of the kids this week. I hope you enjoy your experience of living 'alone' with two completely attention-hungry cats. Alone is relative, you know. If you need anything, just call. Don't be surprised if you hear the sound of waves when you call :)
See you all next week!!
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