Stockholm Stories

Stockholm is a jewel of a city with its plentiful waterways and magical islands..we had a fabulous
time exploring the city the second time around, so nice to be familiar with the layout of the city.
 It all started with our delayed train trip from Gothenburg. There was a gas leak in another train so they had to reroute us but in those 3-4 extra hours we got to know a wonderful Swedish man sitting nearby. He told us that his
wife was dying- he had been taking care of her for the past year and
this trip was his first since then..he was going to see his 50th
"Rolling Stone" concert in Stockholm. He generously shared names of
his favorite restaurants and places that made our trip very special.
He even told us to use his name if we needed a table in one of them.
That is what makes travel so wonderful, the people!

having a great lunch at Riche restaurant on the water.

we stayed at Hotel Anno which has been in existence since 1647, loved it with its old staircases with embedded fossils. The breakfast room was bright and sunny and food was plentiful.

we visited our two favorite museums, the Moderna Museet and the Photografista on the water.

in front of museum were bright Calders

near the photografista museum, sunny day

Nils Dardel one of Sweden's most well known artists had a huge  retrospective show at the Moderna. He took part in the avant-garde in Paris

Also a surrealist show with many Marcelle Duchamp pieces..he was an artist who was difficult to catagorize-this is a photo of his feminine part he called Rose Sélany 

 

a series of Magritte drawings, playful and silly

Also there was an amazing bicycle show that documented the history of what the bike was used for from the early 20's, from military uses to modern day transportation..there were over 150 examples from wooden bikes to space age models..we loved it..here are a few photos of our favorite bike made like a car

This was made post WWII when there was not a lot of cars available, you had to assemble it yourself, it was not easy to assemble and was clumsy to pedal, but it was our favorite!

We took a bus to the Artipelag outside of Stockholm. This place is incredible..a huge new museum, two restaurants, hiking trails, outdoor amphitheater, beautifully designed structure overlooking the water with a vegetative rooftop, below are small figurative wooden sculptures part of a themed exhibition by Swedish artists

The biggest surprise was when we were walking past the Grand Hotel where all the dignitaries stay including Obama, there was a crowd gathered outside and we found out that Mick Jagger was coming out any minute to leave for his concert that night..had to stay to see him, this was the only photo I could get, people in front were tall..it was still exciting! he has the blue hat on..he was nice to take time to shake hands with fans on both sides of the barriers..

Our last night we had dinner with the friends we met last year, Kathleen and Victor..she works for Price Waterhouse Cooper and he is a real estate developer..turns out they will be moving to Buenos Aires, Argentina within the year to be with his children and grandchildren and because they are ready for a change..great people!

I was a tiny bit melancholy to leave my sweet Sweden but all good things must end. We arrived in Helsinki via air yesterday..only 40 minute flight..staying in a roomy apartment built in the 1920's..great Indian food last night, Mike got his wish (he has been wanting some for days) 

will keep you posted..

sending much love and still much light

“Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.” 

 -Anita Desai