I've learned so much about Stockholm during the two days. It should have made to the list of cities I like, except the cold rain that caught me off guard. Also, winter here must be terrible. Now in the summer, a hoodie is enough. (Perks of not having a job include traveling around nature's schedule instead of work schedule!)
The (fashion) capital of Scandinavia
So Stockholm calls itself the capital of Scandinavia. No idea how Norwegians agreed. But Stockholm is definitely a fashion capital. I'm not just talking about H&M conquering the world. BTW, H&M store are at every corner , if not three stores at one corner...
When it wasn't raining, I did a lot of people watching. And Stockholm is hands down one of the best cities for that purpose. First of all, Scandinavian people tend to be tall and lean and model like. Second, the style is so clean and simple, which is why iPhone and white Converse shoes are so popular in Stockholm. Third and most importantly, the large gay community really pump up the fashion scale. Sweden is open and welcoming to anyone. Quoting from a tour guide, this is a place where men can wear tighter pants than women, where men can wear makeup, and where women or men can marry whoever they love.
The Stockholm Concert Hall
Given that it's extremely unlikely that I will be invited by the royals to this Concert Hall in December, I chose it as my first stop to worship the Nobel Prize. There was an exhibition going on about the preparation of Nobel Prize ceremony.
Everything around the place is more interesting than the Concert Hall itself. I'm sure you would feel differently if invited as a Nobel Prize Laureate.
There is a market in the square, where fruits and vegetables are arranged in the most charming way. The department store, PUB, across the square is where Greta Garbo first worked as Sales and was discovered.
The Royal Palace and Royal family
My favorite story of all royal families is no longer some girl married a crown prince, it's Sweden's Crown Princess Victoria married her personal trainer who worked at a local gym. I always know PT is a great job! They now have a baby and Swedes love the whole royal family.
(Photo from Wikipedia)
Quoting Princess Victoria, "I think the general idea with the Swedes is that the modern way is to marry someone you love, not necessarily based on where she or he comes from." Sweden is also the first country where the heir tot the throne is the eldest child regardless of gender. Bravo!
Acting as a tourist, I watched the changing of the guards at the Royal Palace, starting at 12:15 everyday and 13:15 on Sunday. It was boring until the band (from the Navy that day) played several tracks to turn the yard into a mini open air concert. Loved it!
Continue for a tour around the Gama Stan or Old Town. The metal fixtures to hold the floors are interesting with different styles since the 16th century.
Royal Island of Djurgarden
Every travel guide says Vasa Museum is a must in Stockholm. It's built on the wreck of royal ship Vasa that went down in the 17th century. I went to the Island of Djurgarden ( Stockholm is made of 14 islands) and saw a long queue in front of ticket office. Perfect excuse for not going in. The only kind of museum I can willingly spend hours is of paintings.
I went for a walk on this super green island instead. What a nice surprise! The island is a big garden! The royal summer palace is in there. Many people were jogging or biking. Although I had on running shoes and Lululemon from head to toe, the stupid heavy camera to stopped me from a good workout.
A welfare country
Swedes pay high tax, but enjoys great social welfare such as health care, free education, and 16 months paid parental leave. Thus, a lot of moms or dads push stroller around with other moms or dads. Compared to any European country, Hong Kong have way too many workaholics.
Alcohol is heavily taxed, and sold by the state own store, Systembolaget. Swedes must have been heavy drinkers for this level of state control to be necessary.
Creative sculptures
I didn't expect all the creative sculptures and statues in the city. Had to laugh at some for the great sense of humor.
Cultured dairy product heaven
Milk consumption per capita is very high in Sweden, so I have to check out the local supermarket. Overwhelmed by the dairy section to say the least.
So many dairy products that look like yogurt but have totally different names, most end with "fil", in an unknown language. The worst part? Some are called yogurt! My deliberately acquired guessing skills didn't work at all. I randomly picked some. Later checked with 24/7 teachers, google and Wikipedia, and went back to try some more.
Scandinavian people have been very creative about preserving their milk.
The most common one is probably filmjolk, based purely on the shelf space. It tastes like a thinner version of Greek yogurt. But the bacteria is different. If you understand the words, here is Arla teaching how to eat filmjolk.
While i was at ICA supermarket, I checked out more aisles. Anna's ginger thin is something I used to love. Made in Sweden.
Last is a local all bran crispy thin biscuit/ bread, similar to Wasa or Ryvyka, but in the size of a large frying pan.The packaging is so cute.
Next stop, Norway. "The good thing about living in Stockholm? When you travel, the world seems cheaper. Except Norway."
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