Sedentary in Stockholm

 

July 4, 2012

Happy 4 July! We made mention of it at our lecture this morning but it seems quite odd that the Los Al fireworks and neighborhood gathering will take place in our absence. Maybe our friend David who is watching our house will be able to enjoy them as we have for so many years.

We've walked 40 miles in Copenhagen and 30 miles in Oslo but not too much here. We are on the subway and on the bus because the city is more expansive and some of the things we are seeing are in outlying areas. I don't have a sense of place here yet so maybe I am getting a little weary of trying to determine the lay of the land. I consider it a coup that I know our room number in the hotel. Road Scholar cleverly gave us a paper when the tour started that lists the name, address and telephone number of each hotel in each city. That might come in quite handy, particularly if we get off the subway at the wrong stop. Here in Stockholm we also have a one-week pass for the subway, buses and many museums. Good, that, since we have considerable scheduled time on our own plus the added hours when we play hooky from the lectures. Naughty, but it's too beautiful outside to sit in a classroom. While we are spending the afternoon with my cousins on Friday, the kids will maybe go kayaking. Waaahhhh. I would like to do that, but not everything is possible and we'll need to save something for the next visit.

The lecture hall is a few subway stops away in a Swedish Covenant church - shades of my childhood since we had religious instruction in the nearby Covenant church and during school hours!! The church in Minneapolis is also the site of the Christmastime Santa Lucia Breakfast that my mother so loved attending. A very Swedish tradition. As you can see, the interior of the Stockholm church is quite lovely with the conspicuously absent alter or cross. Lutheranism is the state religion but they do let in a few diverse groups including a large mosque that's just near the Covenant church.

Today we had lunch at a seaside restaurant that also houses a hospice facility. I am happy for the patients since the setting is just extraordinary. Here is their view.

On the bus after lunch to visit Millesgarden (picture a little circle above the "a".) This is the home of the famous sculpture Carl Milles and his wife and is located on an island. There is an extensive garden - a 5 acre outdoor museum - as well as a great gift shop (oh yes I had to get a few things) and their interesting home and studio. Here is a large sculpture in the biggest water feature. I find the face a little disconcerting but like all the rest.

Back at the hotel, John and Caroline went in search of a cheeseburger. We had fish for lunch again and they are not fans although I thought it was delicious. Ron and I have been hanging out, I on the terrace with a cup of coffee, and he in the room for a nap. We'll have to take a walk after dinner then.

 

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