I arrived in Stockholm without any problems, took the express train into town and got settled in the apartment.  Then all of a sudden, I felt out of my comfort zone.  I didn’t understand why, since I had been to Stockholm numerous times, and at one point had actually lived there.  However, I wasn’t deterred.  I put on something cute and my comfortable, ugly-ass sandals and hit the streets.  However, I had forgotten that on Sundays most stores are closed and the ones that are open, close early.  So, when I found an open grocery store, I stocked up on the essentials I’d need for the week, and went back to the apartment to make a plan for the next day.

See…that’s the secret.  You have to have a plan.  Know what you want to see.  Even if you just want to meander around, know where you want to go.  This will give you a sense of purpose.  So every day, I made a plan to do something.  I visited every site I wanted, without compromise.  I left the apartment when I wanted.  I came back when I wanted.  I toured subway stations, I visited their world heritage site, and it was all on my terms.  It was awesome.

Another trick I did was to not view it as a foreign city.  I viewed it as if I were just hanging out, like I’d do at home.  And, that’s really how we do it.  Most people run their errands around the city they live in, alone, without giving it a second thought.

So, what did I learn about myself during this vacation?  I learned that I stayed in the background a lot when it came to interacting with the locals; if I were unsure, I’d push Roland out front to take care of it.  In “real life” I’m not this person.  I’m outgoing and not afraid of people.  However, I didn’t realize that I actually became shy and somewhat timid when I traveled.  I love that I discovered that, so I could change it. Now, I don’t do that anymore

Even though I prefer to have a partner-in-crime, I’d absolutely do a solo trip again.  In fact, I enjoyed it so much, that what started out as a 10 day vacation turned into a 2 week getaway.

Having Fun During My Solo Trip: Me on Lions In Kungsträdgården

For more information on how you can visit Stockholm’s Archipelago check out:

Visit Skärgården, Strandvägen,
kajplats, 18, 11456 Stockholm
Tel: 08-100-222
info@visitskargarden.se
www.visitskargarden.se  

Since this is a must go to spot, there I was again, on another Saturday night, taking a visiting friend to IceBar Stockholm.

Located in the Nordic Sea Hotel, this is not a bar to chill out in.  The reservations are in 40 minute shifts.  Besides, who really wants to be hanging out in  -5°C (23℉)  with a huge hooded parka with gloves much longer than that?  So that means, you probably shouldn’t wear sandals.  HA!!  I did, and couldn’t believe my stupidity considering I had been there before.  Both my hands and feet were freezing.  I couldn’t wear the puffy gloves and play photographer. 

You can expect the IceBar Stockholm to serve up yummy chilled drinks in a cool atmosphere, giving you a great way to get your pre-funk on for the evening ahead.

For more information on opening hours, making a reservation, etc. check out their website: IceBar Stockholm

*  The men are mostly cute and in good physical shape.  This is NOT a criterion for me to love a city.  I’m a married woman. LOL But, not a dead one, so, having good eye candy to look at while spending time on the Tunnelbana (Metro), grabbing some coffee or while out having drinks is an added bonus.  The men also seem to have a greater sense of fashion than the women.  It’s almost as if they’re peacocks showing their feathers.  What else can explain the red pants? (BTW:  These guys didn’t know each other)  :)

Guys in Red Pants

*  They speak English.  This is huge.  Don’t underestimate its ability to ease you into a place.  Some will say that you should always know a few phrases in the local language.  And, I agree.  However, Stockholm is one of those cities in which I find I get better reception and service when I speak “American” right off the bat.  When I do this, I find all my transactions go smoothly.  It’s almost as if I’m forgiven for being a foreigner.  So, if you want to appear courteous you could ask in English, “Do you speak English?” and you will get the standard reply, “Of Course.”

*  The Public Transportation System.   Sweden’s transportation system really cannot be beat.  This system winds its way up and down into the most obscure of locations throughout out Sweden, and conveniently connect to T-Centralen (the main subway/train station in Stockholm).  You’re almost always no more than a 5 minute walk from a metro station when in the city center.  Your pass for the Tunnelbana works for the buses as well.  Unless you’re going into the outlying areas, you will probably never need to get on the bus, and will use the Tunnelbana exclusively.

Fridhemsplan - People Walking with Train

* Simply Put: It’s Beautiful.  Stockholm is set on a series of 14 islands, connected by 57 bridges.  A third of its land is dedicated to green spaces and parks. Its proximity to water, beautiful buildings and lots of green space makes Stockholm one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals.  The architecture is  a mix of 19th century elegance with simple forms, and 20th century functionalism, and it all works together.  The colors of the buildings are vibrant and pleasing; such as in this photo of Jakobs Kyrka  in Kungsträgården.

Jakobs Kyrka in Kungsträgården

Sveriges Riksdag (Swedish Parliament Building)

* The Candy Stores!  There I’ve said it.  I love the GodisCenters, and my favorite candy store is in Hötorget  Metro station.   All over Stockholm there are candy stores.  And they all serve candy packaged and in bulk.  You walk through the door, grab a big plastic spoon and a bag.  I don’t know what it is.  I’ve been in similar “candy” stores in other cities, but the ones in Sweden are the best.  My favs are the chewy caramel Rollo’s in the red and gold wrapping, the sweet and sour pacifiers, the chocolate covered raisins, and the chocolate covered marshmallows.  I usually team these up with some, “I wonder how these taste?” samples.

Skogskyrkogården, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it one of the few cultural heritage sites from the twentieth century.  Created by Gunnar Asplund and Sigrund Lewerentz between 1914 and 1940, its design has had a great influence on the design of cemeteries all over the world.   Setting a cemetery in natural parkland and without “grave mounds” was unique for the time.  More than 90,000 graves and 5 chapels on over 100 acres make up this sprawling site. The day I decided to visit, the skies were overcast with occasional showers; seemed like the perfect day to visit a cemetery.

In the distance as we made our way down the lime tree lined street that was the entrance, a huge granite cross stood out against the sky.  Erected in 1940, the cross is not meant to depict the usual symbol of the Christian faith, but is a direct representation of the cross that accompanied all death notices at the time. Whatever it representation, its imposing presence seemed to bring about feelings of tranquility and meditation.  The entire cemetery was designed to create this emotional involvement; to enhance the visitor’s experience.

The processional routes leading to the chapels create a suitable mood for mourners. When walking along the beautiful Seven Springs Way, it gets darker and darker, the closer you get to the Chapel of Resurrection.  And, even though you know you’re getting closer it feels like the door to the chapel remains a long way off.  The steps up to the meditation grove gradually taper off as you get near the top so as not to tire the visitor.

Strolling around the landscape and looking at a combination of art, architecture, and nature, I couldn’t help but feel reverence for its natural beauty, serenity, and as a place for deep contemplation.

Skogskyrkogården is located a 15 minute ride on the Metro (aka Tunnelbana) from T-Centralen (The Central Subway/Train station) on the Farsta Strand bound Green Line.  Public tours are available during the summer season, for more information contact the visitors center at +46-8-508-301-58

T-Centralen was the first station to exhibit art in 1957.  Today, the Stockholm Metro has art in more than 90 of the stations, featuring over 150 artists, in what they like to call “the world’s longest art exhibition”. Though each station has its own identity and vibe, my favorite turned out to be Solna Centrum with its red and green brightly painted cavern walls, wide converging walkways, deep escalators, and it’s conspicuously clean polished floors.

Disover your favorite Stockholm Metro Station; every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 3:00PM (in English).  The 1-hour tour covers the history of Stockholm’s subway system and the history of the art work on display.  The tour is free with a valid metro ticket.  The meeting point is at T-Centralen Metro Station at the SL Center at Sergels torg.  This tour serves as a teaser as it only include 3 to 4 metro stations.  However, once equipped with what to look for, and with the handy Metro Art Guide, you are free to explore and tour on your own.  All for the price of a valid metro ticket.

Click to Enlarge

Today the park is a popular recreational area for locals, hosting a small soccer ground, skateboard ramp, a small basketball court, a dream playground where children can borrow toys from municipal child-care staff, a dog park, and expansive lawns dotted with Oak trees.

Though Humlegården is a only stone’s throw from Stureplan (aka Party Central), its day time atmosphere is relatively quiet, allowing families to hang out, office workers to enjoy lunch, and students to do homework on the grass while basking in the summer sun.  Unlike the centrally located Kungsträdgården, this place isn’t a popular tourist hangout.

However, as the sun starts to set, the park’s relaxed daytime ambiance gives way to its more festive, central surroundings. And, the party starts at Restaurang Humlegården (www.rhumlegarden.se).  Open for the sixth consecutive year, they offer high-quality food, drinks, weather and music seven days a week.  This is a well-heeled, trendy crowd.  Get there early, as reservations are not accepted, this place fills up quick.

Address: Sturegatan / Humlegårdsgatan

T-Bana:  Östermalmstorg

During my 6 day visit to Stockholm I took over 900 photos.  I take photos of everything, everywhere.  Sometimes I’m lucky and I get a really good one, sometimes I think it’s gonna be a really good one, and it’s only mediocre.  But, with 900 photos, I’m bound to get a few good ones.

The following photos are the honorable mentions.  The honorable mentions are photos that are not attached to any story, travel article, hotel, or restaurant review already posted on my blog.  They’re just a mish-mash of photos taken here and there.