Stockholm, Sweden (18/5/07 - 20/5/07)

Jock and Garth were already in Stockholm and checked into the hostel before I even landed. That was good news for me cause I was totally sick of arranging everything. They met me at the bus stop and showed me to the hostel - one of the better ones that I've stayed in. We wasted little time in getting ready and out to a bar in the CBD for the Friday night drinks slot. We were a bit amazed that the bar had oderly lineups behind each tap. There would be no squabbles about who was to be served first. However, the cost was astronomical. I forget how much it cost but it was by far the most I've ever paid for alcohol.

We were surprised at how well everyone spoke English. Maybe we could meet some locals. We hopped through another few bars including one where they insisted Garth check his jacket... and pay for it. Garth didn't want to check his jacket and certainly didn't want to pay for it. Seem Sweden can be a bit too regimented. We ended at some club.

Feeling a bit hung-over, we climbed out of bed in the early hours of the afternoon. Walking the cold streets, we discovered the Vasa Musuem in Djunrgarden... a ship museum. That's all it was... a ship that had suck because a king had ordered more cannons to be built on it than the ship could handle. Essentially, a museum was created due to an idiot!

Still feeling a little lazy, we headed for TGI Friday's for a meal. The meal was OK but the best part was to come when the waiter brought the bill. The fool gave us the change for our meal and our original payment. Effectively, they paid for us to eat there. The boys were a little skeptical about taking it but followed soon after they saw me out the door.

Thanks to TGI's, half the nights drinks were free so we decided to get back on the wagon with some beers and shots. This time we went to the more upmarket area but found the bars to be too posh. It wasn't as big a night. Maybe we're finding it tough to backup in our old age.

We were still a bit hung on Sunday and only managed a walk through the Gamla Stan, eventually collapsing at a clock tower. We tried to do the Absolute Ice Bar (vodka drinks in an ice igloo) but it was booked out for the day. Of course, more beers were needed for the 'hair of the dog'. It would be the last time I'd see Jock for a while so I pushed myself some more and only allowed myself 3 hours sleep before my flight to Helsinki. Making it worse, I'd left my laundry with the reception which was closed by the time we got back from the pub. It was a tough time searching the room in the dark while 5 others slept but I eventually found it in a bag on the floor. Luckily, I still had undies for the next city.

Return rating: 6 (nice place and people but not much to do)