Ireland/Sweden 2014: Stockholm, Sweden: Part III

 This was the first day that I let myself sleep in some. I could tell I was one of the older ones in the hostel when I was the first in bed, but it made me feel younger when I was also the last one up. That's how that works right?

I knew today was going to be another low key, no time frame day. There was only one place that I wanted to go and see. Haga Palace in Hagaparken. It had been discovered that not far from my hostel was another old palace and it just happened to be on the way to Hagaparken. Double win. So off I went, to find some palaces.

I headed off into the peaceful non tourist streets.

 

And then it was down to the waterfront walk. There were several runners who chose this as their route and I can understand why. I however just enjoyed the morning stroll.

I wasn't exactly sure what I was looking for when looking for the Karlberg Palace. I knew it was along the water and that it is now used as the Military Academy Karlberg. And then I saw it. How could you miss it?

 

 

Moose and I take selfies.

 

 

Karlberg Palace

After I sit enjoy the morning sun while looking at a very large palace I continue down the path and on my way to Hagaparken.

 

When I crossed the water and went on my way, the real adventure began. First I decided that I really needed some caffeine to get me going. So into a 7 - 11 I went. I apparently looked confident and not like a tourist. I went and grabbed the Coke and then walked to the counter ready to pay. But instead of the price, the lady working started saying something else to me in Swedish. As I tried to formulate what she just said I must have had a blank look on my face, because in English she apologized and stated the price. I paid and walked out. Instead of feeling embarrassed that I didn't know what she said, I was so happy she didn't see me as a tourist right away. That was the perfect way to start the day in Sweden. I walked on with my Coke and confidence.

 

That confidence would soon start to wear thin. The map that I was using was on my phone and needless to say, Swedish street names are not my strength. When I came to a cross roads I decided to take what I thought would have less streets to cross. I continued walking, and walking. Then there was construction and the sidewalks were being torn up and I had to figure a way around all that and still stay on this same street.

 

After that the quaint neighborhoods that I was used to walking in were gone and I was surrounded by large office buildings. I was sure I was getting close though, so I kept going. And going. Alright I was being stubborn and not willing to admit that I might have chosen the wrong path. And there weren't any other walkers around to ask how to get back on the right path. I decided at the next intersection that I would take a turn and head in the direction I thought I needed to go.

 

But then there it was. A lovely wooded area. I knew I would be coming up to the entrance path shortly. I walked a block and a half and still no entrance. The wooded area was ending, but there was no way to get in. I decided to turn the corner along the fencing of the wooded area. There was a bike path. At this point I was getting frustrated with myself and my stubbornness, but at the same time I told myself that I was in a lovely area and I didn't have a time frame. Just enjoy the day. I had spent so many days having to do this and that at certain times that I had forgotten how to just enjoy a free day.

 

A little further down I saw a path cutting into the park. I decided to take it. At least I would be in. I got in and there are nice paths and the trees and greenery are all around. I walk a little ways and I notice old gravestones. I think "Hmm, that's odd, but this park has been here for a while, so maybe." I keep walking the path and I see a building.

 

 

Turns out it's a chapel and I was indeed in a cemetery. Being a Swedish cemetery it was well kept and beautiful, but it was not where I wanted to be. I had to look at my map again and see if I was anywhere close. I discovered that on the other side of the cemetery there was a highway and across the highway is where I wanted to be. First step, cross the cemetery.

 

I kept walking on the path, looking at the names and wondering about their lives. There was a lady wailing over a tombstone. I wanted so much to comfort her, but the best thing I could do was pray for her as I kept on my way. The path split off in two directions. One went towards the highway, while the other went to the right perpendicular to where I wanted to go. I of course went towards the highway. It went up a steep hill and when I got to the top it took a sharp turn to the right and down the hill to join up with the other path. Just my luck.

 

I once again was getting frustrated with myself, but I kept walking. I really didn't want to spend the entire day lost in a cemetery. Then I saw a guy riding his bike with a purpose. I decided that I would follow him, thinking he was on his way out. It worked for a while, but once again there came a divide in the path. He kept going straight, but there was a path towards the highway once again. Knowing what this decision did to me last time...I made the same decision and went towards the highway.

 

This time however it worked. It was actually a main pathway leading all the way to the highway. And even better there was a pathway under the highway to the other side. I was finally finding my way to Hagaparken.

 

One more quick climb up a hill and I found myself in a small open area with a few people enjoying the beautiful weather. Including the stereotypical old guy in a speedo. :)

Stora Finnstugan, the oldest building in Hagaparken

 

The Copper Tents. There is a long hill up to them.



King Gustav III's Pavilion. Behind this is the Haga Palace where Crown Princess Victoria and her family live.

I was taking a picture of one of Gustav's Urns, but this is actually the best picture I got of Haga Palace. The light colored building in the upper left corner is the palace.

Echo Temple. King Gustav III liked outdoor lunches, so this was his outdoor dining room. After this point I couldn't take pictures for a while because as I walked around Haga Palace, pictures were not allowed. They had security cameras and signs posted all along the path. It was a little bit of a weird feeling.

I tried to recreate the picture in the woods of Ireland.

 These are the ruins of a castle that they started to build, but never finished.

 

I decided to go a little off the beaten path (which is legal in Sweden) and found this cute little play area.

The Copper Tents, which are made out of wood. I went into the little museum that is held in one of the tent areas, but it was all in Swedish, so I didn't learn too much. The other areas of the tents are now a café.

There were several people that were enjoying the sunshine on this hill. I decided to be one of them. Once again at first I was worried about how much time that I might be spending on the hill. I stopped myself and decided to take out my book and read. It was so relaxing and fun to people watch. There were groups having picnics, others playing Frisbee, sunbathers and several tourists taking all sorts of pictures. It was the perfect spot. As the one place that I wanted to see while in Stockholm, this place did not disappoint and when I go back (I'm being optimistic) I will make it a point to come back here.

 

 



Later in the afternoon, I decided it was time that I start heading back, because who knew how long it would take me. I just hoped I wouldn't get lost this time. So down the hill I went. I still had half the park to walk through before the exit I wanted. Luckily there were signs along the route.

Haga Manor

Over the bridge and beyond the gate is an island that is The Royal Cemetery. Royals from the 1950's to the present are buried there.

 

This was the last place I saw in the park, Haga Courthouse. My journey would continue back towards my hostel.

To Be Continued.

Ireland/Sweden 2014: Stockholm, Sweden: Part II

 

An alternative title to this one could be The Adventures of the Moose. That story will become clear here soon.

 

 

Did you know that even if you're traveling light (backpack and side bag) walking quite a while, up hill to a place you don't exactly know where is is tiring and strenuous. That's how this morning started. I left The City Backpackers Hostel to go to my second hostel.

 

 

*Also note to self, don't procrastinate when finding hostels to stay in. It makes you have to jump from hostel to hostel.

 

 

After I dumped my bags off at the new hostel, I decided to spend this day revisiting some of my favorite sights and exploring them a little more than before.

 

 

Street Statues can be see all around

So here's the story of the moose. I had mentioned in the previous post that I was on a mission to find a rubber ducky for my sister's friend. I looked all over Gamla Stan the night before and couldn't find one. I thought that maybe Åhléns (Swedish department store) might have one in their toy or bath section. Still no. I was working on a tight budget as I also had to get jewelry and most importantly GB ice cream out of the money that was sent with me. ;)

 

So after getting lunch and sitting at Sergels torg to eat and people watch, I decided a rubber ducky wasn't to be found. So in the store that I found soccer jerseys for the nephews in, I found a little, stuffed moose. An addition to my task of finding the rubber ducky, now moose, was to take pictures of him in front of different sites. So here is his story.

 

 



In front of the store that I found him

Headed to Gamla Stan



Stad Huset

I also took some architecture photos for my sister.

Getting closer to the Palace



This is where the changing of the guard happens.

These two are the Storkyrkan (The Great Church or Stockholm Cathedral)

 

 

Side of the Palace. I see a guard there.

It was about this time that I discovered something else was going on. The Stockholm Marathon. Of course I had to stop and cheer them on.

 

There's a Temple Bar in Stockholm too?!

I just happen to be walking on the route of the marathon. (Okay not the WHOLE route)

It's my building again.

 Riddarholmen Church. I'm still not very good at taking selfies.

 

After walking for a while, I decide Moose and I need to take a break. And I know just the place.

 

 

 

This is the boat that my sister and I stayed on. And there is a nice little area next to it to sit and enjoy the sights.

I'm not the only one that decided this would be a good place to sit and enjoy the sun.

Riddarhuset (Hall of Nobles)



A little dancing. It was an interesting sword dance in which they formed a star at the end.

Stockholm Parliament House

 

 Tigger and Pippi ran the marathon as well.

 I took another break across from the Palace. I ended up leaving my umbrella on the bench and an hour later or so when I remembered, I had to circle back there anyway and it was still there. Luckily that's the only thing I forgot the whole trip.

One of my favorite pictures of the whole trip. And it was taken on my phone.

The next few pictures are from an island (Skeppsholmen) that I hadn't really explored before. It was so much fun, finding a 'new' area.

Blue skies, green grass and sparkling water.

Gröna Lund. I highly recommend that amusement park, though I didn't get to go this trip.

Vasa Museum and Pippi Longstocking Museum

I took this picture for dad. He likes military history. I'm guessing this falls in that category. :)

Can you tell I really like the palace?

If you look in the corner of this picture, you see a couple getting ready for a masquerade

 

Stockholm Opera House

 While this day didn't have many stories, it did have the relaxing effect that I so badly needed. And a feeling of comfort and belonging, though at this time I just thought it was because of the vacation.