We arrived in beautiful Stockholm on 9-2-2009. Up at 4 am to catch our flight from Moscow. Time is really irrelevant when you are traveling - it is always changing.
Stockholm was a welcome contrast from the regulated Moscow. Just breeze through passport control and into the country. Our hotel is located in old town - Gamla Stan - on an island in the heart of the city. Water surrounds Stockholm - lots of islands (14) compose the city of Stockholm.
Our son-in-law Lars Wennborg is from Stockholm. His mother and sister live here. We have learned much about the city from Lars and can't wait to experience all the things Lars has told us. Of course - Darrell has been here before - but it is my first visit!
We start off by wandering the city. We check out the Changing of the Guard at the Royal Palace - quite an elaborate event. The military band comes marching into the square at noon - a huge crowd awaits. Many announcements - then the formal changing of the regiment. The palace has been on this spot since the 15th century. The palace is used for many state functions. Sweden has a royal family - but they reside in an estate - Drottingholm - a little outside city center. We will tour the royal apartments, the treasury (a vault (huge room in the lowest part of the palace) with the crown jewels of Sweden, and the armory - yes - suits of armour, swords, carriages, etc.
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