Our First Visit to Sweden
As I update this blog entry today, April 2026, I realize it has been 23 years since I traveled to Sweden for the first time. It made me realize how hard it can be to make return visits especially with the number of countries to explore out there. Often, we get caught up in the desire to see all the countries in the world that returning for a second and third visit have to wait for a very long time. I vividly remember the time we came here to Stockholm. It was in August 2003. I had just finished the first phase of the Masters Program in Spanish at the University of Salamanca in Spain. I really looked forward to this vacation since I had to work hard and study a lot for my masters degree with hardly any rest at all. The time we spent here was definitely a much needed break. We went to Stockholm after a five day stay in Copenhagen, Denmark. Since Sweden was just across the Oresund Bridge, we took the train to Stockholm passing by Malmo along the way.
I have fond memories of this visit. I remember visiting City Hall, Skansen, the Royal Palace very close to the water, the parade of the guards, Vasa Museum, Upsala and more. I also remember being shocked at the prices of everything. How expensive Sweden was for us at the time. But, we managed and had a good time. Fast forward to 2026, we are seriously considering coming back with the main reason being our desire to visit Aland Islands. To get there, one has to take a ferry either from Stockholm or Finland. We haven't made any decisions yet but we shall see. It would be nice to see Sweden once again.
In Storget
In a way, Stockholm, reminded me of San Francisco. It was by the water. I love this picture of Marc by the Royal Palace overlooking the bay.
The Royal Palace
In front of the Royal Palace right in downtown Stockholm
Go through this arch and you end up in a long street replete with stores and restaurants.
Here's where the shopping is.
Got to buy them postcards for my albums, of course!
When in Stockholm, a visit to City Hall is a must. This is where some Nobel Prizes are awarded. Oslo, Norway is the other place where they give them.
Inside the tower of the City Hall in Stockholm overlooking the water
A golden statue adorning the City Hall
A partial view of Stockholm from the City Hall tower
What a lovely view! Stockholm I miss you!
If I remember right, this statue and the ones following lined the way to the top of the tower of City Hall.
At the courtyard of City Hall
Here I am in Stockholm's City Hall. Can't believe my very good luck. Like I said in my very first blog post, I am traveling!!!