Stockholm, Sweden

Bern and I just returned from Stockholm, Sweden. It was a quick weekend trip and the main purpose was to see Dave Baxter, a groomsman at our wedding and a high school friend of Bern's who is unfortunately quite unwell and is having treatment for cancer. It was very confronting for us and we felt quite helpless, but Dave's courage is such an inspiration to us(he is outwardly still very upbeat and being the usual joker). For all who read this blog, please say a little prayer for our dear friend and his wife Judith.

Stockholm itself is a beautiful city, and we were there, coincidentally to celebrate their National Day, which was on Sunday the 6th June. Also, their Princess Stephanie is getting married, hence the excessive memorabilia on sale here.

Bern and I particularly enjoyed Gamla Stans (Old Town). It has lots of quaint shops, food stores and restaurants. It also has the most ice-cream parlours in a street I have ever seen. Needless to say that we had ice-cream. We were also being silly as well. Above are pictures of Jo the Viking and Bern the Swede.

Sweden has many islands which we did not have a chance to get to. But Stockholm has lots of water channels which made the city very breezy and very pretty. Perfect for a lazy weekend enjoying the scenery. There are also many furniture and design stores in the city. Design is one thing the Swedes are great at. In terms of food, we tried a few authentic Swedish dishes such as pickled herring. It was a little salty for my liking. Also, everything is quite expensive, even compared to London.

Pickled herring

I purchased two souvenirs to remind me of our trip. An oven mit and a fridge magnet, with a Swedish reindeer as the theme. Red to match my KitchenAid mixer and blender. Could not afford the reindeer skin rug! Haha... Australian border control would have a field day.