Stockholm

Sonja and I took the kids to Stockholm for a couple of nights and got back late last night. We took the fast train from Gothenburg, so it only took 3 hours to get there (that's approximately 133 trips walking up and down the aisles with Julian in case you were wondering). This is a picture of him NOT trying to grab the computer cords of everyone in our car.

We had a tiny hotel room in a great location (Norrmalm) that had a summer deal of about $110/night including a huge breakfast buffet (with lots of herring). The room was so small that we kept getting looks from people at breakfast wondering (I think) how we all managed to fit. It wasn't too bad, actually. We just scooted the two twin beds together for Ava, Sonja and I to share, and then we put JJ's crib in the other 4 sq. ft. of available space in the room. No problem!

Stockholm, built on 14 islands, is grand and busy and gorgeous. It was founded in 1252, 400 years before Gothenburg, and you can tell. There's nothing like the Old Town (see pic of me and Julian) in Gothenburg, and the old buildings and streets are really beautiful, if very touristy. Anyway, what did we do? We visited a couple museums ("No, don't touch that tapestry Ava!" "Ack, don't sit on that priceless chair!!"), rode around the city on some boats, ate lots of ice cream, played in some parks, and walked all over town. Ava totally amazed us with her ability to walk/run all day with no complaining. She is a great, and very chatty, travel companion. Julian was really good, too, and was pretty happy to chill out in his stroller as long as we were outside and moving around.

I have to say I really liked Stockholm, and I'm sure there would be more work opportunities for me there, but after seeing the city I'm very happy that we didn't end up there. I'm liking the slower pace of things and the friendly West coasters in Gothenburg.