STOCKHOLM
30-31ST MAY 2005
Well we departed Oslo at the crack of dawn in blazing sunshine. A typically on-time, clean and efficient Norwegian train swept us to Gôteborg, just time to enjoy a cappuccino, and then a similarly efficient Swedish train to Stockholm! The first thing we noticed was how mentally busy the station was! I think we arrived close to rush hour at central station, but we soon got to “Gamla Stan”, which means old town. Just along the lake was our hotel boat, which was adequate, although not exactly luxurious! The weather had taken a bit of a turn for the worse however, Oslo’s glorious sunshine had given way to Stockholm’s Dull grey drizzle. Undeterred though, after a bolstering drink in the bar we set off to explore, and in search of tea.We found straight away that Sweden was cheaper than Norway, which was a relief, as there were no cooking facilities in our hostel
boat. We had a feast from the local kebab shop which consisted of falafels, salad and battered Aubergine, and strangely, battered cauliflower! Strange, but very tasty, and all for £8 with pomme frittes and a drink!
We had a walk through the Sodermalm area of town, which is the dead trendy bit! Lots of very cool bars, which we duly sampled, before returning back to the boat for a good sleep!
The next morning we went off exploring the old town, which is just a fabulous place, lots of narow cobbled streets and cute little shops and cafes. It reminded us of Italy in lots of ways, with fresco walls and trees in little courtyards. We had breakfast at one of the oldest cafes in Sweden, and then moved on to the Royal palace where the trainee guards were on parade and having their uniforms
We had a walk through the Sodermalm area of town, which is the dead trendy bit! Lots of very cool bars, which we duly sampled, before returning back to the boat for a good sleep!
The next morning we went off exploring the old town, which is just a fabulous place, lots of narow cobbled streets and cute little shops and cafes. It reminded us of Italy in lots of ways, with fresco walls and trees in little courtyards. We had breakfast at one of the oldest cafes in Sweden, and then moved on to the Royal palace where the trainee guards were on parade and having their uniforms