Stockholm Sweden

#Stockholm_Sweden

Stockholm is the capital of Sweden and is built on 14 islands that are connected by 50 bridges which gives it a very unique archipelago setting on the Baltic Sea
So with its location plus the water component it is often referred to as the "Venice of the North"

KeyTip;
 Stockholm is one of the more expensive cities in the world to visit, but well worth it as you will see with my pictures and text
 To save money it is a very walkable city to see Old Town, Street Markets, History & Art Museums, Rosendals Gardens, Kungstradgarden Park, Parliament Building, Churches /Cathedrals etc which are all free to enter 

Finally you will need to know most businesses do not accept cash so bring that plastic

 

Gamia Stan (Old Town)

Founded in 1252 it is one of the largest and best preserved medieval areas of Europe which encompasses the main island of  Stadsholmen which maybe 1km (.5 miles) across, so small but densely packed  (it has a population today of 3000 citizens)
It is also the home of the Nobelmuseet ( Noble Museum), Stockholm Royal Palace, Riddarholmen Church, Stortorget (main public square) and The Great Church
  Fun Fact; it has the narrowest street in the city called the Alley of Marten Trotzig who was a local merchant that became wealthy then bought properties in the area

After June 11th its daylight almost the entire 24 hours due to the midnight sun.
 But during the dark period of the year a lot of locals take a vitamin D supplement and use therapy lamps to cope with life minus the sun

KeyTip;
So because the summer season is short most of bars / restaurants are closed for vacation during this time  

Arte et Marte (Art & War)
 Its a Members Magazine business which unfortunately the building was closed for renovations as it looked very interesting for my imagination with camera

Speaking of war; did you know that the only Nobel Prize awarded outside Stockholm is the Peace Prize that is presented in Oslo Norway
 Alfred Noble wrote in his will he believed the parliament of Norway had become a leader in resolving conflicts through arbitration and mediation

Using reflection to tell many stories as i walk the streets

 Here in Sweden everyone gets a five week paid holiday, free health care and university ( but not for International Students who still pay tuition fees)  
That explains why most i talk too were in a great mood 

People of Sweden like to stay in shape as exercise is a big part of their daily routine, so when walking the streets yourself you will notice a larger number of people in all areas
But then its "fika" time.....a break from activity to have a coffee with light snacks and to relax with others

Walking to Norrmalmstorg Square where back in 1973 during a bank robbery the hostages started to like the criminals hence the phrase "Stockholm Syndrome" was born

 

No bicycles yet, but 70,000 cyclists use these streets daily within the city limits of Stockholm

Because of their concerns for the environment  the Swedish are great at recycling so buying secondhand is encouraged.
So look for the local flea markets (loppisar) if your interested

Did you know; in the Mayan Culture the number 20 was significant because a person would have 10 toes plus 10 fingers for counting
Now that has nothing to do with Swedish history, but you travel enough your mind wanders jajajjaja
 

Next time you see Roman Numerals on a clock (like this one in Stockholm) look at the number 4 slot.
Here is is 1111, Big Ben in London is 1V.
Some theories suggest a mixture of aesthetics or historical reasons, or its just one of those mysteries in life

Notice the number 4........Mobel Hansson antique store knows something 😊

Many of these ornate characters on these doors were to ward of evil spirits and with this symbolic protection to plea with the universe for good fortune & prosperity

On my way to the Metro (Tunnelbana) is see the artwork
It is known as the worlds longest art gallery with 90 of 100 stations featuring unique pieces from 150 artists which started in the 1950s to bring a smile to the daily commuters