Stockholm Sweden

#StockholmSwedenVeniceNorth

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 and 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

Midnight Sun
After June 11th its daylight almost the entire 24 hours .
 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 and 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

Nobel Prize
Speaking of war; did you know that the only one 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

Photography 101
Using reflection to tell many stories as i walk the streets

In the trade its called the "Ninja Technique" as you use windows to shoot a candid
 street photo convertly
 People will assume the operator of the camera is looking at the building, but actually
they are the subject

Citizen Benefits
 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, but personal speaking its the way it should
 be in all countries 

Physical Activity
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

Stockholm Syndrome
Walking to Norrmalmstorg Square, where back in 1973 during a bank robbery the hostages started to like the criminals more then the law enforcement, hence the phrase was born
During a phone call with the Swedish Prime Minister, one captive said she trusted the robbers more
than the cops
 Then when the police used tear gas to breach the bank, the hostages refused to leave and finally during the trail they declined to testify against the criminals
 and even raised money for their legal defense

Other Famous Cases
A) Patty Hearst; she was kidnapped but joined her captors a few months later to
rob a bank
B) Flight 847; the passengers on this flight openly supported the hijackers demands after
 being freed
C) Natascha Kampusch; she was kidnapped at age 10 and held for eight years, she cried after she learned her captor had died

 

Cycling Culture
Soon 70,000 cyclists will use these streets daily within the city limits
 of Stockholm

The Round Wheel Facts
A) Heated Lanes; technology is used to melt the snow and keep the lanes clear
 during winter
B) Damcykel; the classic Swedish city bike built for women with a front basket and integrated
ring lock
C) Year Round Cycling; the philosophy here is "there is no bad weather, only bad clothing" so the locals bike all 12 months 

Repurposing
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

Mayan Culture
In their beliefs, 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 when you travel enough your
 mind starts to wander 😂
 

Roman Numerals
Next time you see one of these clocks (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

Case In Point
Notice the number 4; maybe the Mobel Hansson antique store
is onto something here and maybe import from England 

Semantic Components

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 and prosperity

Tunnelbana Metro 
On my way to see the artwork, (through this shortcut) which is known as the worlds longest art gallery with 90 of 100 stations featuring unique pieces from 150 artists
 It all started in the 1950s

Daily Smile 😃
Just to bring some happiness to the daily commuters