we asked for an early morning wake-up call - 6:30am
but the internal alarm went off much earlier at 4
there's a hint of daylight so on with lots of clothes and up we go
come out on the top deck and oh wow - we are in the swedish fjords
it's c-o-l-d but clear and the sun is peaking over the horizon
we are heading due west so park ourselves at the rear of the boat
initially outside but then taking up seats behind the rear panoramic windows
what a treat - sun is rising directly behind - left and right - islands, etc
some expert navigation going on with this very large vessel
at points we are within less than 100 metres of land
so much to see - large houses, ferry crossings, small villages
we are also being trailed by another vessel off in the distance
the top decks are empty apart from a couple of other insomniacs
so an opportunity to get in some early day photos
the earliest breakfast possible and gear up
it's a sunny day but only 3 degrees out
we are the first off the boat and hoofing it
a decision to avoid the ship-organised excursions
do our own thing - everything suggests very rewarding
the waiting tour operators seem resigned to our choice
it's a 30 minute hike into the old part of town - gamla stan
a sense of anticipation in this new city for both of us
nothing open in the old town but appreciated otherwise
ditto at the neighbouring palace - too early for entry
a check of the map in hand confirming our direction
and a walk down to the water and take in the view
looking good - stockholm is built on 14 islands
so pretty well water to see in every direction
buildings hugging the shore line or low hills
the town hall the most impressive of all
it looks quite simple in design but it is huge
as we get closer we agree a guided tour is on
a good bit of timing means we have a 5 minute wait
then we head off on a very informtive tour
8 million bricks used in this 20th century building
the annual host to the nobel prizes on the 10th of december
the architect insisting in contrasts to maintain interest
so every space we enter has a new and dominant feature
whether in colour, size, material, design or use
the council chamber itself simple but impressive
our guide informing us of the gender balance
and the transparency of all council matters
the golden hall features 40,000 golden tiles
a beautiful feature wall historically significant
the lady of the lake protecting stockholm
the west on one side the east on the other
representing sweden's chosen neutrality in ww1
as we leave a sense of we have seen enough
anything else on this day in this place a bonus
we are in walking mode/mood so along a canal we go
a vague sense of destination in mind but happy to wander
this place feels good and no fear of being lost, etc
almost by accident we come across a shopping area
thankfully not a centre but ye olde world style
specialist shops and cafes in car-less streets
the locals out and enjoying their new spring
and we also happy to amble and soak it up
a light lunch and wi-fi connect at a simple cafe
then back to the palace via parliament house
as with copenhagen we are struck by the lack of security
there just does not seem to be the need for paranoia
the suspicion that politicians are serving not elevated
unfortunately (possibly not) the palace is overrun
so we decide to pass on the tour and head to the ferry
across to the island of djurgarden for some sight-seeing
first the vass musuem housing the 16th century vessel of the same name
but it too has a large queue - possibly due to the 4 cruise ships in town
pass - next stop - the nordic museum - doesn't believe in queues
so we enjoy an hour wandering through the 4 floors of culture
back onto a ferry that allows disembarkation next to our boat
so back in plenty of time for casting off at dinner time
the muscles a bit sore so the spa on top deck beckons
it's a bit brisk in the evening but the water is hot
watching the sun sink as we pass through the fjords
sweden - spa - sunset - surreal - very happy...
