Stockholm, lost in translation

Location Stockholm a medieval city centre located on 14 Islands boarding the Baltic sea.  One of the 5 fastest growing cities in Europe and surely one of the best located and stunning capital cities in the world.  I had seen pictures but didn't know what to expect.  This was one of 3 cities visited on the capitals of the Scandinavian countries tour.  I was travelling by train and had just arrived from Copenhagen, itself a surprising city. 

Stockholm View

First impressions of Stockholm were positive and a cycle tour from the hostel I was staying in meant touring the city with the locals.  A good eye opener to what it was like to live and work in the city.  Over some of the many bridges, through bustling streets and even to a city beach, were just some of the highlights.  Along with several appealing cafes, bars and stores.

A recommended attraction was the 'Vasa' Museum.  And it turned out to be one of the best museum I have been too.  It housed just one thing, and the associated stuff that had been found with it.  That was a large ship.  Launched 10th August 1628, sunk 10th August 1628 having barely travelled 1300 metres.  There it lay on the floor of Stockholm harbour until it was finally lifted free after 333 years in 24th April 1961.  It's a bit damp inside the museum due to the constant spray of water keeping the ship preserved but the chance to walk around the ship and seeing the detail in the carving of something that has been so well preserved is an opportunity not to be missed.

The Vasa

A memorable and unique evening was spent in the hostel itself.  The hostel was small and friendly, with overcrowded bunk rooms but pleasant communal areas including a large TV room.  And here we all gathered in the evening as it just so happened that this was the opening ceremony night of the London 2012 Olympic games.  It also happened that although roughly 25 people were there I was the only Brit.  There followed a translation of what the hell the opening ceremony was all about, some of it sure lost in translation.  However the flags coming into the stadium reminded me, that although sometimes hostels lack privacy, there are other reasons why I continue to stay in them.  There must have been atleast15 different nationalities in the room and the cheers that went up when the flags came out are still memorable.  These were people that had only just met, taken in a few city sights and had a few beers together, and probably would never see each other again.  But surely this was one of the best parties in town and reminds me that the people you meet are just as much part of the journey as the place itself.