Compared to Oslo it’s a bigger city and so there’s more to see and do. Stockholm is part of an archipelago that actually is comprised of 30,000 (!) islands. We didn’t attempt to go to all of them. But, we did attempt to see the city highlights by taking a hop-on/hop-off boat and bus. Luckily we took the boat while the weather was great. Beautiful trip and very comfortable. After we started the bus tour, the bottom fell out of the clouds and so we remained on the bus. And remained…and remained. Until finally there was a let-up and we made a mad dash for the Grand Hotel for an unexpected afternoon drink and snacks. This is the best hotel in the city and we were definitely the most underdressed of all the people in there. The Grand is just down the street from all the major embassies, plus add in the uppercrust of business clientele and we were hoping they’d not throw us out into the rain...even after we took our shoes off to dry while we ordered drinks. Oh well, if they can’t take a joke.
With a bigger city means some more big city hassles. In Oslo, as in all of Norway, the pedestrians have the right of way. You get use to walking up to a cross-walk and traffic screeching to a halt. Not so in Stockholm. Also lots more traffic lights and less roundabouts. It is surprising that in a city as big as Oslo is (~600K population) most intersections are handled by roundabouts. Stockholm (1.2 million) is more what we’re used to as far as traffic lights. Can make for long waits when you’re on foot. Okay, sorry for the Snoozefest. Not sure how exciting I can make this.
I can tell you my formula for getting around is like this:
City to city – Air (all our flights were $100 or less as long as you’re flexible on what time you go.)
Airport to City Center – Train (usually around $30/person)
City Center to Hotel – Taxi (anywhere from $15-$30)
As far as cost, Norway is the most expensive country I’ve ever visited. Sweden is only slightly less. That means, for example, that a cheap bottle of wine in a Norway restaurant will cost you $60 but only $50 in Sweden, compared to $30 in Texas. Of course, a mid-day hamburger at the Grand Hotel will set you back $30. All 3 countries in Scandinavia have their own languages and their own currency – though all are very similar. Just have to get rid of one currency before going to the next…but make sure you have the next after you get there.
Food treats: In Norway it was reindeer steak. In Stockholm it was Swedish meatballs...but of course!- the common phrase answered when you ask a local an obvious question.
Anyway, I took lots of pictures of buildings (more snoozing!) so that’s mainly what you’ll see here. Also have some people on scooters (whatever you call those things but they look like a great way to get around on – without having to exert energy – and isn’t that what we’re all about!), a Photography Museum with the Morning Mix DJ’s ad on the building, clouds before the rain, me eating a macaroon, and the last restaurant I would consider eating at in Stockholm. But…I am looking forward to Mi Cocinos when I get home.
Next stop Copenhagen.
Great pic of you guys! Mi "Cocinos", huh? You really have been gone for too long. But of course! Safe travels home. xoxo
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