Stockholm day 1

 The approach to Stockholm is lovely through an archipelago of small islands. As it was early we missed most of it, but will be able to enjoy as we sail away. We arrived at our dock situated about a 2km walk from Gamla Stan, the old town. Stockholm is built on islands, so there are lots of bridges, and so many ferries and other water craft! 

We had bought a HOHO boat ticket, which was a great way to get around. One of the stops is at our pier. The day started quite cloudy, but got nicer as the day progressed with the sun peaking out a few times. We did one circuit on the boat, then came back for some lunch. Then headed out again to Gamla Stan. We walked around the outside of the palace, wandered through the narrow streets and window shopped at the many stores. Then we visited the Medieval Museum, one of Stockholm's many, many museums. The site was going to be a car park, but they discovered part of the old city walls when they started to excavate. There were many interesting displays about daily life in medieval times, and of course many artifacts from the old walls to a boat, weapons, tools etc.

 Afterwards the guys caught the HOHO back to the cruise ship. Karen and I got off at the stop near the Vasa museum, and walked along the waterfront. The Maritime museum had several boats that you could tour, including a lightship which we went on to. Then we continued walking past the Spirit Museum, the Viking museum and the Wreck museum and waited for the HOHO at a very busy water station near Grona Lunds, the amusement park. There must have been a ferry docking every 5 minutes, going to all areas of the city. We got back to our ship about 5pm, time to freshen up and change before going up to the Living Room for a pre dinner drink.

For dinner tonight, The Patio was featuring a Stockholm specialty of Grilled Sea Bream, so we decided to eat outside. They do have heaters in case it gets cold, and is covered as well. A good thing, as a sudden thunderstorm came through as we were finishing dinner. A delicous dinner.

Afterwards some of us went to the show lounge to watch a Stockholm woodwinds band preform. By that time I was getting sleepy, and left before the end.














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