Stockholm, Sweden

Thought I'd add some more travel adventures that the four of us have undertaken together. Last July we ventured to Stockholm, courtesy of some super cheap Ryan Air flights, to see our friend that we met in the Cook Islands - Kristin aka Tina aka Swedish! Stockholm is an awesome city! It's so pretty with a multitude of things to see and do. Started off by exploring the old island town of Gamla Stan with the slightly wonky brightly coloured buildings. Took a boat tour to cruise under many of the capital's bridges linking the network of islands together. A tad too much Abba music played in the interludes of the tour guide's blurb! The tube is amazing too with a wide range of artwork covering the station walls.

Went to see Kristin's university in order to have a quick compare to Southampton uni - similar I guess, with the exception of a 'party house' on site where they actually hold their campus parties! Ha! Why do we not have such things here?! Headed to the city suburbs for a delicious dinner at Krisitin's parents house and her two sisters. This was the highlight of the trip, it's always the best way to experience other country's cultures by immersing yourself into their way of life. Had a very nice fishy meal - raw herring in a variety of sauces for starters, accompanied by many schnapps (each shot had to have a song sung with it - hilarious! we asked about the translation; they were singing about birds and trees!), followed by a massive salmon for mains! After dinner we headed to the golf course for a traditional Swedish game of Kubb - throwing bits of wood at bits of wood - it's great! Team England even managed to flukily beat team Sweden!

Following day, we took a walk down the posh Standvagen to the museum island. Passed the magnificient Nordiska Museet building and went to Skansen outdoor museum. Many different types of Swedish architecture and traditions through the ages were on display here, along with many animals (reindeer, moose, elk, bears...). In the evening hooked up with a couple of Kristen's friends to sample the bar and club life of Stockholm. The sun started rising again at 2.30am! That was weird!

In need of a relaxing day, we took a boat to Fjaderholmarna Island. Had a good walk around then decided to take a swim in the Baltic sea - I think eveyone thought we were mental! It was indeed FREEZING! Soon got used to it though after the initial heart-stopping shock of jumping in. A fine afternoon in the sunshine with some cloudberry ice-cream to warm us up! Ended our trip the following morning with some shopping -H&M of course! - saw the changing of the guard and sampled some more of the cafe culture.

Off to Italy in a few weeks... will report back with the next dose of the 4fools adventures once returned.