Stockholm city, Charles XII, archipelago

Of course the day started with a coffee and two treats from a bakeri followed by a long walk around the city for an hour before the boat ride to the archipelago. The depth of architecturally beautiful buildings around the city is outstanding. What is even more outstanding is the cleanliness of the whole city of Stockholm and how beautifully restored and maintained every thing is. It is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen.

We came across a statue of King Karl XII 1682- 1718(or Charles XII as we know him) in the lovely park we walked to. The city half marathon is about to start from this park. This was highlight for us as we have listened to hours of pod casts from the Rest Is History about this guy who waged war on Russia, Peter the Great and his men. Eventually he lost the war. His army of multiple thousands of men died from starvation , the cold, disease and bullets. The whole country of Sweden was broke at this stage. He was a brave king, just a little gungho and over ambitious.

Swedish open beef sandwiches were our choice for lunch today at the Nordisk Museet. An absolutely wonderful exhibition of Nordic life from 1500’s to current day. Global warming exhibits were well done too but our legs did not hold out. Our visit to this museum alas, was short.

We caught a bus, train and bus home again, stopping on the way for another beer at the Fruangen pub. This time only $30 for two beers. Bargain and delicious.Read more