Sprint in Stockholm

Last weekend I visited Stockholm for a day with my friend. We have both lived in the city for a while, so no sightseeing was really needed, but we did stop at two look-out points when we where waiting for cafe’s and shops to open.

Good food, shopping and spending time together was the agenda for the day. And apparently walking, since by the end of the day my pedometer showed we had walked over 18 kilometres! (Even though we stayed around Södermalm and downtown the whole day.) Apparently it was too much for my body, since now I’ve been home with a flu for several days…

Here’s some shots from our path.

A Day In Stockholm

Yesterday was definitely a Good Friday, I got to spend it in Stockholm.

This Year

Looking back, this year seems to have been mostly awesome. So many great experiences, some amazing trips, and a few dreams that came true… Feeling quite blessed! What I tried this year, was to follow my heart and dreams. And as I have noticed myself and with few of my friends that have been doing that too, it really pays of.

The year started with K in Nicaragua with a freelance-work trip. Then I continued for a week in Minnesota, and I’m glad I did.

For example, to tell you the truth, when we booked to the flight tickets for the mini US-road trip with K last spring — that’s something I’ve been wanting to do for years all ready — I wasn’t sure I’ll have money to go through with the plan. Then, like a miracle, I got a job for fall and the problem was solved.

In February I got to spend couple of days in my all-time favorite: Stockholm.

Next year seems busier than ever work-wise, so I’m happy I have had the chance to see so many great places this year. That’s always the dilemma with traveling: no work, no money, and if you have money, no time because of work. So I’ll doubt I’ll be a lot more on Finnish soil the following year, even though I wouldn’t mind a few get-a-ways… We’ll just have to wait and see what happens. 😉

In May we headed to Poland, Gdansk for an extended weekend with my parents.

Summer passed by living and working in Helsinki but we managed to match our days off with J, and escape to the other side of the bay, Tallinn. Next summer I’ll spend the vacation from my permanent job for working in Helsinki again.

September, living the American dream, or more like my dream, with K!!!!  I counted we spent a month together on American grounds with K this year, if you count Nicaragua and the time in the US. Hope there’s new adventures ahead of us too, even though it will be hard to compete with the places we saw this year!

Since September I’ve been firmly in Finland, but it’s okay, because from the beginning of February I’ve had this pile of hair to brighten up my days. Life never get’s boring with a chihuahua.

Toppen

Toppen – that’s how my friend thanked me for the weekend in Stockholm, with a simple Swedish word; toppen. Is there equivalent word in English? Great, awesome, super, top? That’s what the weekend in Stockholm was. Just strolling around the city, eating good food, having fun, and most importantly: gossiping with H face to face for the first time in 6 months. 🙂

On the way to Stockholm with a ferry. My new glittery Forever21 top is quickly becoming a favorite. It’s neat for work but also suitable for a night out, which makes it perfect for traveling when you can’t pack much.

Arriving to beautiful Södermalm and Tegelvikshamnen feels always like home. Bandhagen where H lives was a new experience. And as you might notice, again I’m relying on my phone with the photos, too lazy to carry around the big camera…

Piece of art created by H and I. Shopping center Gallerian knows how to take care of tourists; free resting spot with internet / drawing device.

And a bit more great finds to take home…

 

Heja Stockholm!

Tomorrow after work I get to hop on on a train that takes me to Turku, where a ferry is waiting for me to take me to Stockholm! I’m so excited, so I’ve been already planning things that I could do over the weekend. I’ve visited Stockholm for several times and even lived there for a short while few years back, so I have some really familiar and favorite places there. Here’s few of them and some tips:

–Södermalm: Take the metro to Mariatorget, climb first to Mariaberg for an awesome view over Old Town and Towns Hall. Then shop the second-hand shops of Hornsgatan or trendy shops of lovely Götgatan.

Treasures from the archive 1: On top of Mariaberg in fall 2007.

–Gamla Stan (Old Town), just wander the streets or stop to atmospheric cafeterias (for example Chockladkoppen on Stortorget).

–Djurgården is good for lazy sundays. I’ve heard Josefina has nice brunch…

–Lidingö. That’s where I used to live. At least Millesgården is worth a visit. Say you’re going to the cafeteria, and you get to see the garden without an entrance fee.

Tresures from the archive 2: Sunset in Millesgården in Fall 2007.

-Of course shopping in downtown shouldn’t be forgotten. Shopping in Drottningsgatan is must, as is visiting “trash” and decoration shops Lagerhaus and Stockhome. And the American bakery stand in Gallerian (between Sergelstorg and Kungsträdgården) has the best brownies in town, served with ice-cream if you wish…

Ah, Stockholm! Here I come again!