Stockholm part två

Wednesday we met up with Rolf in Gamla Stan to watch the changing of the guards, an old tradition outside of the King's castle. It was the coldest day yet on our trip, but the biting winds didn't stop us at all. We walked around the old town and had a traditional Swedish lunch in downtown. After saying goodbye we went home for a quiet night in and watched Swedish TV (with English subtitles) and caught up on some well-needed sleep.

The next day we met up with Oliver and his girlfriend Johanna in downtown Stockholm. Again we went to Gamla Stan and walked around the ancient, narrow streets for a few hours before going to Mormor's house for Gunilla's birthday dinner party. It was yet another traditional Swedish dinner, and for the second time in three days I was the one seated to the left of the hostess, meaning I was the one to make a short speech showing my gratitude for the hostess. This was not too much to ask, as the food was delicious, but to an American with no idea to these customs, I relied on stolen glances to Emelie to know the proper time to interrupt the conversation to offer my thanks for the meal. It was a great dinner and I met some new great people. We caught a late night bus back to our place around ten. I could have slept on the bus on the way back I was so full (thanks to the way that only grandmothers know how to feed their grandchildren and guests).

Even though Emelie and Oliver grew up around 6.000 miles from Stockholm, we took advantage of the fact that both were in the Swedish capital for another day together. It was a lovely, cold day, but with blue skies above the city we decided to take a boat tour among the city. Touristy, yes, but what better way to discover the beauty of a city built upon 14 islands. We cruised the icy waters of the Baltic Sea and Lake Malaren under clear skies and saw the city in a way that can't be done on foot or via the Tunnelbanna. We visited Johnanna at work then returned to our apartment for the week to have a home-cooked meal. Emelie and I made Swedish meatballs, potatoes and lingenberries, green beans and fresh bread. We cooked a lovely meal and did all the work, while Oliver did wonderful work at putting away all that we had toiled over. Oh, to be young again...

Realizing we only have two nights left in the capital city, we decided to do something touristy yet unique to Stockholm. We went to the Icebar near Sergels Torg downtown. The entire bar is made of ice brought down from the northern part of Sweden in Lappland. To maintain the ice the bar is kept at a constant temperature of 23 degrees Fahrenheit. When they say it is an ice bar they truly mean it; the tables, bars, stools, glasses, walls and artwork are all made of this ice. As a liability standpoint (I would presume) all patrons don an insulated parka to stay warm within. It was cold, but nothing crazy if you've ever spent any time in Maine. Nonetheless, it was a truly unique experience.

Tomorrow is our last day in Stockholm before heading off to Jonkoping to see where Oliver is studying for the semester. Then it's off to southern Sweden to see where Emelie gets her odd Swedish accent!