A City of Color

Where do I begin... I love Stockholm.  I arrived early this morning on an uneventful flight (the best kind of flight to have) and took the train to the city center.  I then lugged my 80 lbs worth of bags over half a mile to my hotel.  With some good exercise and fresh air I was feeling good.  When checking in well before check in time at the hotel, the concierge said that unfortunately the only room available early was carpeted.  Most Americans wouldn't expect different, so I welcomed the opportunity for an immediate warm shower with open arms.  I then walked the couple blocks to the water front and bought a ticket for a boat tour of the city.  Stockholm is so rich in color.  Colorful flowers in the parks, colorful flags lining the waterfront, colorful languages every where I turn... Now I understand why people say this is the most beautiful city in all of Europe.  The boat tour was very enlightening and the weather could not have been more perfect.  Although I've been told not to get used to the warm sun and clear skies.  After the tour I took a quick nap back in my room (really a continuation of the nap I started on the boat tour). 

The sun was still shining so I decided to go for a walk to the island on which my internship is located.  Stockholm is a series of islands connected by bridges, so walking from island to island is easy to do.  STF (my internship) is located right next to an art museum.  The street is lined with large floral trees that hang to the ground.  The yard across from the buildings is filled with big colorful art pieces.  It feels as though I'm in an Alice in Wonderland set.  Magical.  The water is lined with wooden benches so I rested on one and watched the water and people go by.  Anthony Bourdain wasn't kidding when he said Sweden was a sea of blondes with perfect bone structure.  Holy cow, I have never seen so many extremely good looking people in one location before.

After relaxing by the water, I strolled down the street to a cafe, called Riche.  It was light and airy with lots of light and silver dream catchers hanging from the ceiling.  I ordered wine, cured salmon, and potatoes in a dill cream sauce.  Yum.  While eating, I wrote in my journal and met the people that worked there.  They were all extremely nice.  The waiter told me that alcohol is very expensive at restaurants.  I understood exactly what he meant when my bill came.  Luckily, the owner, named Anders, (who looks like Mick Jagger) introduced himself to me and kept giving me wine 'on the house'. 

After one day here I am only hungry for more...