Winning the Noble Prize

After crossing on the ferry (and receiving little sleep), we arrived very early in Stockholm - just after 6 am.  After navigating the subways on very little sleep, we decide to check into our hotel... at 7:45 am.  The man at the hotel took one look at us and at our bags as we walked into the hotel, then one at the clock.  "You want to check in before the hotel breakfast time even starts?" he asks us.  Luckily, our room was ready...

Awesome room!

And we were able to go back to bed for a while.

Then we head out to the city.  Apparently, it's the nicest summer that the Nordic countries has seen in 10 years, and everyone was out and about to enjoy it.

People in the skate park.

Stockholm has lots of waterfront property, given the fact that it spans many island.  A point if you can guess how many (no google!)

The combination of sun and water gives rise to some really nice picnic places.

Of course, the weather is not always like this.  This sign serves as a reminder of the rest of the year.

And of course, no modern European city visit is complete without a cow sighting.

We visited the hall where Nobel Prizes are awarded.  Next time we visit this building, it may well be to receive this award ourselves!

In front of the tower.

Later on that day, we actually did receive Noble Prizes!  Nobel Prizes in ice cream eating.

Stockholm is also known for its interesting metro stops.  If you visit in the winter and the weather is horrible, one of the suggested itineraries is to go from metro stop to metro stop and look at the art.  Our favorite by far was the metro stop decked out in retro video game tiled walls. 

And of course, no retro video game metro station is complete without space invaders...

... in love.

Another one is decorated with "fake" ruins and neon street lights.

Even in the summer, it can get a little chilly.  But the Swedes,  after not seeing the sun all winter, still want to enjoy outdoor cafes.  The solution?  Many cafes provide blankets so you can sit outside and not be cold.