Summer in Stockholm

LONDON //


(click photo above to view all
photos from london in June)

Summer has finally decided to arrive in London, and then fade away just as quickly (I wore my rain coat to work today, booooo). Our group of friends, which we have dubbed the 'london transplants', where able to spend a few days out in the park - soaking as much sun as possible, practicing our frisbee skills, patching together a quite impressive picnic, allowing the trigger happy folks (photographers) get there fix, enjoying the Lobsterfest at Belgo's, watching sheep get herded across the Millennium Bridge...

Enjoying a summer concert, some Brazilian flare: Joined a co-worker of mine last night to go to Gilberto Gil live in concert on his 64th birthday. It was amazing to see such a legendary musician (as famous as John Lennon and Paul McCartney) rock out on stage at his age with such energy and passion for music. I'm definitely singing this on my birthday, just as Gilberto did on his.

And among the other things I'm beginning to think you can only see/do in London. Some of my favorite photos this month:

Shameless Plug on Summer Blockbuster: Go see Fast and the Furious this summer. Joe's friend, Brian Tee, is the main bad guy who plays a Japanese gangsta/racer (aka the 'Drift King'). I actually thought it was quite entertaining :).


STOCKHOLM //


(click photo above to view
all photos from Stockholm)

Joe and I just got back from Stockholm - My first time, Joe's 3rd. It was Midsummer in Sweden. For explanation on what that is click the link to Wikipedia. But really - it's a time for everyone to not work, back your bags, and head to your summer house most likely located on one of the islands in the archipelagos of Sweden. The days are long (night lasts for about 3-4 hours), the people are gorgeous (blond hair, blue eyes), and the city is breathtaking (surrounded by harbors, islands, bridges, and bright colored buildings).

Food-wise, it's easy to get 'fished-out'. Even though seafood here is very fresh, we did get sick of eating shrimp, lobster, salmon or some other kind of fish for lunch/dinner. However, we was never tired of our morning kanebulle (there version of a cinnamon roll) and latte. Also, had a chance to have reindeer again at Fem Sma Hus (traditional Swedish restaurant).

We were lucky enough to stay at some great hotels during the week. Will leave a recommended list at the end just in case anyone visits. I'm sure all hotels have this in the Nordics, but it is essential to have some good heavy curtains. Else you find yourself awakened by the sunrise as 3am (no joke!). I went to sleep at 230am one night and saw the sky start to get brighter, it was a slightly weird feeling (reminder of when I was young and able to party to 6am).

Eriksdalsbadet would definitely be on Joe's recommended list. It's his unattainable utopia, or a dream for any city folks. A 50 meter swimming pool that is outside - amazing. You don't get anything better that 25 meters in London or New York, let alone have it be outside! We spent a couple morning here - Joe swimming 3000m, and me splashing about and going to lay out in the sun. :)

Joe and I decided not too be lame Saturday night (Friday night we stayed in and watched a few episodes of 24 after 5 naps), and headed out to find a party. We ended up at Cafe Opera for some good strong drinks and good old school dance music (all from America of course). Strangely enough Joe's friend who was in Stockholm on business. Is it a small world? Or does Joe just know everyone on this planet? :)

One of our favorite sites was the Vasa Museum, where you can see a salvaged war ship from the 1600s that sank on it's maiden voyage of the coast of Sweden. Seemed a bit funny that they were displaying a ship that was designed by the King of Sweden to be a symbol of the greatest strength/power, but it turned out to be a complete failure. None the less it was like we were seeing the ship used in Pirates of the Caribbean, but this was one real.

We also got the chance to see works by Paul McCarthy (not Paul McCartney) at the Modern Museum, who I only recognized because of Ian (Joe's artist brother in law). He is one of the most influential artists of his generation - Joe and I kinda stared at all the art work with 'I can't believe or understand what I'm seeing' look on our face. Crazy stuff.

Not many stores were open, but we did happen to stroll into a few. One find, which I think you will all get a kick out of, was at a store called 'Stockhome' (get it?). Don't know what they were thinking when they designed these toys. Meet Pee and Poo...

Hahhaa. Read the description on the back of the box :).

STOCKHOLM RECOMMENDED //
*Hotel*
Sheraton Stockholm Hotels & Towers - 5* hotel with Huge rooms, very very comfortable beds and a great view.
The Diplomat - Walking distance to center of the city and right in front of the harbor where boats depart to the archipelagos.

*Food*
Fem Sma Hus - Traditional Swedish restaurant in the heart of old town. Great food and atmosphere, but a bit on the pricey side.
Ulla Winbladh - Go for the Swedish meatballs
T/Bar - Restaurant at Diplomat hotel has great fish dishes

*Bar/Club*
Cafe Opera - Good location by the water and good strong drinks.
Strand Bryggan - Bar/Restaurant on the river with comfy coaches and right next to the bridge that crosses to Skagen.