After a surprisingly good sleep on the boat I awoke after we had already arrived, and realized I was one of the last passengers left on the ship. It was 6:30 in the morning and it was still pitch black outside. I had a basic idea of where I was and started making my way to the city center. I walked along the waterfront and it started getting lighter. I decided to sit down and watch the sunrise. Well, turns out the sunrise takes a long time so I sat there until about 7:30 until I got bored.
Headed into Gamla Stan, the old town. This is a small island where Stockholm started around 800 years ago. It has kept all its historical charm with crooked streets and narrow alleys. Unfortunately nothing was open yet so I just wandered and soaked it up as much as I could.
Walked north to the main part of the city and found the walking street. I love this idea of the walking street with tons of shops and restaurants and people. It seems like every European city has at least one. Had a breakfast of coffee and a pastry and just kept walking. I had pretty much all day so I decided to try and see as much of the city as I could. The weather was once again perfect with no clouds in the sky. I can't believe how lucky I have been.
Eventually ended up at Central Station where I bought my ticket to Gothenburg and a 48 hour metro pass. Back south to the island of Sodermalm, which would quickly become my favorite area of the city. Just like Kallio in Helsinki, trendy with lots of young people and cool stores.
Back at Gamla Stan I watched the changing of the guard at the royal palace. Really touristy, I know, but it's one of those things that you have to do.
Found a free museum listed in the guide book so I decided to check that out. Had all the historical stuff about Sweden, including a massive exhibition on Vikings. Towards the end of the museum, it got kind of existential. There were exhibits talking about what 'truth' really is and we should question facts, even at this very museum....okay?
I lost track of time and had a ticket for a canal tour so I had to hurry to get there. It was nice to see Stockholm by water, and actually learned quite a bit about the city. My favorite fact was about a Swedish warship that was the pride of the navy when it was built in 1628. To celebrate its launch the whole city got school and work off to watch. Less than a mile after it left the dock it capsized and sank. Awesome.
By now it was 4pm and I decided that I should try and get in contact with my Couchsurfing host. I asked him 3 times for his address but he only gave me his phone number. I tried calling him 5 times on a public phone and on my cell phone...every time it said the number was disconnected. Great. Now I have no place to stay tonight. I was definitely getting worried so I went online and frantically posted on the Couchsurfing message board that I needed a place in Stockholm. Within 10 minutes I had a response and within 30 minutes I met the guy and we were on our way to his apartment! I love the internet.
His name is Magnus and he works for the Swedish Ministry of Finance. He lived a good 20 minutes north of the city by train but his apartment was really nice. When I arrived there was another couchsurfer staying there. I asked him if he was traveling and he said 'no, I'm studying in Stockholm.' 'Oh, well then how long have you been couchsurfing here?' 'About 8 week' 8 weeks! I can't believe how nice these people are! Magnus is letting this Belgian guy practically live with him for free, crazy.
Hung out with the guys and planned my day for tomorrow!
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