Last full day in Stockholm. We explored the uber-trendy Soldermalm district. Then took a ferry to DjurgÃ¥rden and hit the new Spritmuseum. An institution all about cocktails. What’s not to love? Also houses the Absolut Art Collection. Very happy we made the effort to go. Fantastic getting to see the originals from Warhol, Herring, et al. Also several fantastic, interactive exhibits about drinks, their history and effects on the body. Had dinner at the oh-so-chic Nobis Hotel then walked into Gamla stan one last time on a gloriously beautiful evening.
Got quite comfortable with the T-bana today. First, went out to SkogskyrkogÃ¥rden, a UNESCO world heritage site. Lovely park that’s also a cemetery. Rich wanted to see it. Don’t ask. Watch me repeatedly butcher the name. Fun for the whole family. Stopped at Fotografiska on the way back. An all photography collection in a great building with stunning views. Nice bistro for lunch also. Then we went on a subway art tour. Yes, SL, which runs Stockholm’s public transit system, has decorated most of the stations with art. Actually it’d be more accurate to call the stations works for art. Each features unique elements. Sculptures. Murals. Displays. Etchings. All playful and fascinating. Finally, we capped the say with an enormous, decedent meal at the trendy hotel across the street.
Everyone I’ve talked to who lives here or has visited has recommended the Vasa Museum. The Vasa being a 17th century warship that sank 20 minutes into its maiden voyage. It remained submerged in Stockholm harbor for more than 300 years. It was raised in the 1960s and a museum built around it. They say 95% of the ship on display today is original. Quite astounding. We also had a food orgy at Östermalms saluhall, walked to Stockholm city hall and saw hot air ballons. In other words, having a great time.
Day started a few minutes before landing at Stockholm’s Arlanda airport. United provided a day room so we could shower and have a bite to eat before heading into the city. Took the Arlanda Express directly to Central Station and found our hotel. Then we explored central Stockholm for a bit before heading into Gamla stan. Wasn’t prepared for the drop-dead beauty of the city. The ancient winding streets and buildings fascinated me. Had a light dinner and figured out the T-bana to get ourselves home. So exhausted that I practically feel asleep in the tub. Despite the great sunset, we had to draw the blackout shades before 10. A good night’s sleep should allow us to make the time adjustment by morning.
Off on our Swedish adventure. Day 1 started way too early. Had a 7:20 departure from SFO, connected at Newark then onto Stockholm. United treated us well. Both flights pretty much on time and uneventful. I managed to behave myself and drink mostly water. Though I did give into the bubbly on the second segment. Let’s just say I had no problem falling asleep somewhere above the Atlantic.
We’re off on this year’s big trip in just a few hours. So Saturday was all about prep. And of course, me getting out of the house so Rich could clean. I went for lunch at In-N-Out. It’s the only fast food I eat regularly because you can get the grilled cheese—essentially a cheeseburger without the meat patty. Puttered around on the Peninsula a bit then headed home to start all the packing. We’ll be leaving, passports in hand, way too early Sunday.
Quiet Friday. Calm before the big event on Sunday, I suppose. Took care of several small tasks. Errands. Haircut. Wrapped up freelance work. Did take the time to see “To Rome With Love.” Loved it. Quirky. Funny. Inventive. Unpredictable in a good way.
What happens when we leave the glass door or windows cracked open in August? The heat comes on, of course. Such is SF’s backwards weather. Oh well, could be worse. Hot air could be outside. Not much else to see today since the camera battery died again. Gotta remember to start packing a spare.
Fixed the kitchen faucet this morning. Then we went to the Gaultier exhibit at the De Young. Very cool. I’m not that into fashion but the exhibit itself with moving faces projected onto mannequins, sound and video blew us away. A must see if you’re in the area before it closes on the 19th. I shot so much, the camera battery died after we went to the cafe. Oh well. You get a glimpse of the sea gull on the bus stand. Otherwise, I made dinner and did usual Sunday night stuffs.