Stockholm... Way Up North

Heysan,

My trip to Scandinavia was not complete until I visited Stockholm... a city which is about a far north as the City of Anchorage, Alaska. Naturally, I was worried that it would be cold, especially when I had heard reports that it was colder in Sweden than in Copenhagen from a fellow traveler. Thankfully, the cold air held off and Stockholm was moderately comfortable (mom, you probably would still need a parka). I was pretty sure that Copenhagen was the best city that I had ever been to--then I arrived in Stockholm.

Stockholm is built on an archipelago of islands between Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea. It is by far one of the prettiest places that I have ever seen. Our hostel was on the Island of Gamla Stan, the old town in the middle of the group of islands. Out the front door was the Svenska Academy. Yes, the very same that bestows the Nobel Prizes in literature, science, peace, etc. Another hop, skip, and jump away were the Royal Palace, the Parliament building, and a set of narrow, winding streets and shops. The island of Gamla Stan was truly mesmerizing.

I had the opportunity to eat Swedish meatballs, cloudberries (a type of raspberry with an almond-y taste), and lakrids (licorice, something very popular in Scandinavia). I went to a hockey game played by AIK Hockey Club and explored a ship that sank in the 17^th Century. I also had the opportunity to really explore Swedish culture and heritage at the Nordiska Museum. Stockholm was such a fascinating place… I even had the chance to talk American politics with a group of Swedes.

Stockholm, along with outstanding beauty, is an amazingly friendly and welcoming city. The Swedes are very proud of their culture, boisterous yet sophisticated. The city was a pleasant balance between culture and music, young and old, monuments to the past, and the bustle of the young Swedes. In addition (and much more than in Denmark), was Swedish price evident. Blue and gold flags were hung everywhere…from ships to buildings to poles. It was very refreshing to see the Swedes interact, to chat with them one-on-one, and to hear about their lives and experiences. I have really begun to identify everything that we as a human race share in common and have begun to appreciate all that I have.

In keeping with past trends, I have attached a bunch of pictures for all of those who need to see visuals.

This picture is of the Svenska Academy, the body that hands out the Nobel Prizes. Located about 10 feet from the front door of my hostel.

One of the narrow streets of Gamla Stan at night. Architecture is from the 15th Century.

Gamla Stan. The building to the right of the building on the far right was my hostel (it is out of the picture). Also, just out of the picture is the Svenska Academy which would be about 20 feet to my right.

This building is the City Hall, the Stadshuset. It offers a great view of the city and contributes to the impressive skyline of Stockholm.

View from the Stadshuset, with Gamla Stan in the background on the left and Södermalm (a neighborhood) at right.

This is a nice area along the coast known as Norrmalm. This is the path I took to get to Djurgården, the royal gardens. This island is home of Skansen, an open air museum, the Nordiska Museum, and the Vasa Museum (location of the sunken ship). The area used to be the hunting grounds of the royal family and is now a popular park. It also gives its name to one of Stockholm's most famous football clubs, Djurgårdens IF who play at Stockholm Stadium.
This ship, the Vasa, sunk on its maiden voyage out of Stockholm harbor in the 17th Century. It was recovered, cleaned up, and put on display in a museum--by far the best museum that I have seen so far.

Stockholm Stadium, home of 1912 Olympics Games. Anyone surprised that I visited the stadium? Although, I did have to sneak in to get this picture.

Stockholm at night from the Riksdagshuset (Parliament Building) on Gamla Stan looking toward the Stadshuset (Town Hall).

Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy, a salad with Thousand Island dressing, on lingonberry jam, bread and butter, and a local Swedish beer. Absolutely amazing!

Lakrids! Actually, this was not licorice-flavored. It was sour rhubarb.

AIK Hockey game. Notice the constant crowd noise...it reminded me of a soccer game. Also, the crowd was very loud for being a little sparse.

When I went to visit the Royal Palace, the Swedish Military was changing the guard. Little did I know that it would involve a complete military band and ceremony. This was my favorite part.

Congrats to my volleyball girls for sweeping Ohio U this weekend! To everyone, I am sorry for falling of the face off the earth... apparently I have not had as much time to contact you all as I would like. Please keep me updated.

I didn't end up in Paris this past weekend. Instead, I went to Zurich and Bern. Updates are forthcoming. Hope all is well!

Love & Honor,

Matt