A family
friend (from Sweden) had been living in Perth for about 8 months before I moved
to London. She - Natalie - is now living back in Sweden, and we swore that we'd
meet up once I was in Europe. So in September, I flew out to Stockholm for a
quick 2 night trip to see her, and explore another city.
My memory really is shot, because I honestly don't remember much
of what we did. But I do remember landing, and Natalie the sweetheart, (who had
flown in a few hours earlier) had killed time in the airport reading her book
and waiting for me to land.
I've gotta
say it was so handy having a Swedish speaker with me, because that language
isn't one you can figure out by using similar words (like you can with
spanish/french/italian). Ordering a salad was so confusing that I ended up
asking Natalie to have most of my conversations for me. I don't have any crazy
stories for this trip, so I'll jot out the memorable bits below:
- The old town (Gamla Stan) is BEAUTIFUL. We literally spent half
a day wandering through the cobbled streets. Some of the alleyways are tiiiny.
- The view
from the City-Hall is even more beautiful.
- Fika's are
the best. Cinnamon buns and coffee - everyday - works for me!
- The people
are some of the friendliest I've come across. Even with the language barrier,
they were always smiling.
- No matter
where you are in Europe/the world, you will ALWAYS find a Irish bar
- Our
night-time activities always sounded like a bad joke. I.e. An Aussie and a
Swede sitting in an Irish Bar (after eating Spanish tapas) trying to speak
Creole.
- Swedish salads
are amazing!
- I'm
regretting that I never had Swedish meatballs - next time.
- I didn't
actually see an IKEA
- H&M is
Swedish?! And they're everywhere
- Shopping
is actually amazing there. The shops are huge. I found myself with a new watch,
and boots..
-Swedish
cider is also delish - and sooo many different brands/flavours!! Move over
Kopparberg & Rekorderlig!
- Running
helps with travel-tiredness. I went for a little jog along the canal to stretch
my legs, and came up with:
Rule #5 -
Run wherever you can.
Lastly -
Natalie is the sweetest girl :) I can't wait to plan another trip with her!
✌
✌
