Blogs from Stockholm, Stockholm County, Sweden, Europe - page 65

At first sight the guy seems rather normal. After having released a few incomprehensible murmurs, this perception is radically altered. Before having even landed his butt on the seat, he has initiated the dead-end conversation. Conversations with the train/plane/bus neighbor can be quite interesting and kill some serious time. This guy is a one of those one-way streeters. To his defense could be mentioned a slight mental sub-normality. He mumbles a big deal in super-standard Swedish. Not at all easy to grasp. He's going home to Stockholm. The cats in Malmö were apparently quite messy. He's retired, although in his 30's. Retired from what...? With great enthusiasm and excitement he describes the characters, plot, and relationships of the fantasy cassette book he's "reading". Light bla bla Dragons bla bla White guardians bla bla Black tower...But the ... read more

So I find myself, a budget traveller in one of the most expensive regions in the world, Scandinavia. I have been putting most purchases on my credit card and not thinking about the cost. Ok I have been thinking about the cost, £100 from Copenhagen to Stockholm!!! Yikes. I have adjusted my European travel plans now to basically loop down Eastern Europe where its cheap over to somewhere like Greece and then relax for a bit somewhere coastal. But in the meantime I'm a reluctant Scandinavian traveller. Enjoying myself immensely. Did my usual trick of arriving late and finding all the close hostels full, had to go for a cheaper one on the outskirts of the city centre. The STF Backpackers Inn is another converted school, this time the beds are placed in the classrooms, 14 ... read more

As I crossed the train bridge that connects Denmark with Sweden and headed North to Stockholm the landscape changed drastically. The long bridge that stretches for 5 minutes of the journey, incredible in itself, was surrounded by a vast steely grey ocean. Lit up occasionally with shimmering patches where the sun managed to break free from the clouds. The landscape seems controlled, so symmetrically divided by agriculture without a hint of ruggedness. Punctuated by perfect little buildings staring blank and lifelessly back at me. It all appears so ordered and visually crafted, ultra modern in all conveniences yet some buildings of the past still remain. Combined with a distinct lack of people walking around, my first impression is one of sterility. Obviously Stockholm is bustling but outside that seems starkly different. Southern Sweden is supposed to ... read more