week 2 - Stockholm

I guess it couldn't last for ever - home early today to drop off the shopping from Ikea (mainly Sarah's) and suddenly the skies have opened and moisture is falling, accompanied by hearty cracks of thunder. When I was waiting for the bus, I did think that the clouds were a particularly pretty shade of grey. Hopefully it will clear over night as we are off to Gotland for the weekend - and I'm staying on there for a couple of days as Sarah is going to Gotenburg for work. Then I'll only have one full day left in Stockholm before leaving for home. and I still have quite a few things left to tick off. Perhaps I'll have to come back.

Visited the Palace yesterday - and the changing of the guard - the brass band astride their horses - with their blue uniforms and silver helmets - was good value for money (considering it was free). Have decided that the Russians are the most generous hosts as they will let you take photos off all their treasures (except temporary exhibits) - in the Hermitage and Russian Museum. No such luck in Sweden - so I had to take numerous photos of all the good looking young soldiers in their blue and silver to make up for it. I do like the pomp and ceremony so most of the day was in the State Apartments and associated museums, chapels and cathedral.

Been quite a royal week as also went out to Drottningham Palace - where the royal family actually live - it is also a UNESCO World Hertitage site. Gorgeous setting. The best part was the old theatre which is still operating as it was 250 years ago. (had been closed for 150 years so no-one ruined it in the meantime).

Been quite a role reversal - Sarah getting up and going to work - at least she hasn't had to drop me off at daycare or school. I have mastered the intracasies of recyling - 50c for a large plastic bottle - feed them into the wall and listen for the crunch. Have also mastered Swedish commercial washing machines and driers. Have got used to the fact that you can only buy lite beer at the supermarket - anything stronger requires a visa (well almost).

Tried to do some swot for trivia at the Nobel Museum - but failed. Also failed at practicing arpeggios in the archipelago.

The Vasa Museum was fascinating - maiden voyage lasted 1.5 kms - and it then sat on the sea floor for 333 years.

But the most significant learning in this trip has been mastering the metro/buses. Last year I didn't use them much - relied on the legs - but now feel almost comfortable with the different maps & diagrams etc. Truly amazing what you can learn!