samtingbilongmi: The Nordic Explorer

It is almost a year since I last wrote on my blog. Hard to believe, but true. Always loved blogging and share with family and friends some of life's wanderings and experiences. Recently, I have just not been motivated to put 'pen to paper', so to speak. Or should that be 'fingers to keyboard'?

Well, 'fingers to keyboard' it is! Quite a number of our friends have been waiting for updates about our (not so recent) overseas trip. including a couple of fantastic cruises. It was a big decision to embark on another loooong plane journey to Europe to catch our first cruise. Yes, I did say, 'first cruise'. We were tossing up whether to do the Nordic Explorer that covered Scandinavia and the Baltic or to go on an Eastern Mediterranean cruise. We liked the look of both and in the end decided that, seeing it is such a long plane trip from Oz to Europe, we might as well do both.

On the 10 September we made our way to Sydney and then joined British Airways to Stockholm via Singapore and London. Only a mere 32 hours!! But we had great trip and thankfully managed a few hours sleep. That helped to get over jet lag.

Arriving in Stockholm nicely on time, we were met by a taxi and taken to our accommodation on the little island of Skeppsholmen, which is separated by just a bridge from the main city.

The island is marked by the yellow circle. Our accommodation is the yellow rectangle.

It was a lovely location and suited us well. The hotel is a converted barracks that has all the atmosphere and ambiance we were looking for. All so close to the water and within walking distance to most of the attractions, including the old town of Gamla-Stan. And if we didn't feeling like walking we just took the hop on-hop off boat and enjoy this idyllic water transport.

We soon unpacked, had a bite to eat and then couldn't wait to put our walking shoes on and with cameras at the ready, went walking. What delightful scenery and interest points awaited us. The weather too was just the ticket for a great afternoon of exploring. Jet lag, I hear you say? What's that. Let's go baby!

Our hotel was beautifully situated.

If you look at the map you can follow our walking track from the hotel around the island beginning at letter 'C'. Too easy! The waterfront was lined with beautiful old boats and other points of interest. Let me give you a short tour, beginning with this delightful scene across from our hotel:

From here there was an endless variety of boats - too many for me to show!

As we wandered, we could not help thinking of our dear friend Fred, who would just soak up this place like a dry sponge. Wish you had been with us Fred:

Don't you love the letter boxes?!

And just to break the row of old boats, a blacksmith shop of the old variety,

but sadly without a friendly blacksmith.

A Viking ship to add further to the afternoon.

And below, something quite different.

Then this great looking ship that is used as a floating hotel!

But there is more! We still haven't quite finished for the afternoon.

A breather would be good, and the look tells me we are thoroughly enjoying ourselves.

Not even jet lag can interfere!

As we walked, we were captivated by the outstanding scenery and counted ourselves very blessed to have such great weather.

Gorgeous views of the harbour!

A castle to give even more atmosphere and below,

an old cottage right on the water. Great living!

A very happy afternoon and we loved it! By now our eyes must have started to look a little heavy. We did not linger too much over the evening meal and soon retired to a well deserved and much needed sleep.

Some ten hours later, we rose to new beginnings. A typical European breakfast was a good beginning and we wasted no time to get under way. Walking of course! This time over the bridge that connects the island to the main city.

With ongoing royal views.

The Grand Hotel on the left where VIP's stay when in Stockholm.

I love it that in this area there are no high-rise skyscrapers of metal & glass.

Sweden's Houses of Parliament. Nice setting.

Going fishing in retirement on the steps of the royal palace is certainly different!

The entrance to the royal palace.

We just love the following views. Stockholm is beautiful!

Stockholm Opera House

Entering the old city of Gam-stan created a totally different atmosphere. Narrow streets, lots of cafes and boutique shops, lots of people etc. Just a wonderful balance of a 'yesterday' that is for us to enjoy in the 21st century.

Above and below show most attractive architecture.

And look at the blue sky above!

Irrespective, life goes on for the citizens of the city.

Kids above having a day's outing with their teachers.

And the 'kids' above and below, meeting the locals!

Looking at people enjoying lunch made us realise that it was time to replenish.

This looks nice and secluded for a restful lunch. Mid-east fare both of us.

There are many treats in Gamla-stan we enjoyed. One that certainly got our attention was a glass shop that displayed the most exquisite creations made by an artist in Sweden, as you can see in the next photo. I for one was all for buying a couple of items for Jan and adorn our lounge in Hobart with these. In the end, we purchased something a little more modest. Pity really, but still happy!

We simply ran out of time. We just love Stockholm and its 'old city' charm!

Narrow street? Yes sir! Just so wide and less.

By mid afternoon we were ready to let someone else lead us and so boarded the hop on-hop off ferry that took us for a lovely, peaceful return back to our hotel. Just soak up the ambiance with us:

And above, our hotel seen from the water.

Quite finished? No! No! We went back into the Gamla-stan and had a light evening meal. Then went into the beautiful church for an organ recital that we both enjoyed very much - both music and the interior. Enjoy it with us: