"[Stockholm] Captures the Heart of Every Visitor..." Including Mine.

Well, that’s it then - time to close yet another chapter in the book that is my #studyabroad adventure. My flight leaving Stockholm departs in just under 2 hours and I’m pretty sad to say goodbye - Sweden’s been good to me.

For the first time (maybe ever) I can say that this entire trip went off without a hitch. This was, without question, one of the most low-key and laid-back trips I’ve ever taken and I’m not entirely sure why, but I’m obviously not complaining. I showed up to both of my flights with plenty of time and they were quick, comfortable, easy, breezy, and beautiful. I found my way around the city without any navigation for the entirety of the 4 days and I spent some quality time just enjoying the general splendor that is Stockholm City.

I never managed to eat any real “Swedish food” while I was there (sorry guys, no meatballs for me), but the Mexican and Italian food I did have was splendid and the many, many, many desserts I tried were even better! I have to say, though, that the coffee was my favorite (shocker coming from me, I’m sure). The Swedes really know their way around an espresso machine - every place I went the drinks got better and better. Kudos to you, my Swedish friends, I’m impressed.

While I was there I walked it, and bussed it from basically one end of the city to the other; I’m sure I saw as about as much as my eyes could behold. That said, I could walk around those streets forever, it’s just such a gorgeous place. The city itself is very commercial and corporate with tons of company-headquarter-skyscraper-type buildings and about as much shopping as one could ever do in their lifetime. But cleverly intermingled within all that concrete were some of the most lovely hotels, restaurants, museums, and apartment buildings you’ve ever seen. And with the entire city being located directly on the sea, the cruise liners and other big, pretty boats added a little extra something to the view. Not to mention the rapidly-flowing river that divided the city into the old and new.

On the river sits the huge Palace (yes, Sweden still has a monarch… I didn’t know that either) that’s guarded by the most adorable Swedish policeman guards ever. And not too far from that is the stunning parliament building all the new-age and super modern buildings where the Nobel Prize banquets and ceremonies are held. I can’t even tell you how unreal it was to be so close to such a hallowed hall - just imagine the amazing people who have sat in those rooms… crazy.

They say that the Scandinavian countries are the happiest countries in the world and some of the best places to live and if I’m basing my opinion on Stockholm, I can see where they’re coming from. However happy as they may be, I can’t figure out how everyone who lives in Sweden is terminally broke! That had to be one of the most expensive places I’ve ever visited - and I’ve been to Monaco and California… that is saying something. And along the same lines, I really struggled with the currency this time, as well. Sure, the exchange rate worked massively in my favor, but when a towel costs me 160 Krona, you really have to stop and think every time you make a purchase how much money you’re actually spending. It was so weird to drop a 50Kr bill on a cup of coffee - something about that just felt wrong. I have to admit, though, that the thing that I will remember most about Sweden will be the amazing people! There must be something in the water up there because the people are the nicest, friendliest and most helpful people you could ever ask for. They were so excited to talk to you and make you feel comfortable in any way they could, and they never got annoyed with me when I couldn’t understand the Swedish language - the polar opposite of the French, who give you the stink eye if they’re forced to speak English to you for any reason. #nooffense #sorrynotsorry

Collectively, this was a near flawless vacation. The weather was perfect every day, the food was delicious, the shopping was killer, the people were delightful, and the city was gorgeous. I absolutely loved my time in Stockholm - it far surpassed my expectations in every way. I have a new-found love and appreciation for the Scandinavian countries and I feel truly inspired to visit all 4 of them one day. #Tack for the amazing long weekend, Sweden, I couldn’t have chosen a better place to tick off as my country number 7. I can honestly see why Stockholm is regarded as one of the most beautiful capitals in the world.

“...[This] Swedish city captures the heart of every visitor...” including mine. ”

— Marc A. De Jong