On to Stockholm!

Had to be up early to catch my flight to Stockholm. After another very long walk to the train station, I got to the airport nice and early. I went to check out the Diners Club airport lounge and hung out in there for a while. This is one of the few member benefits I had never taken advantage of before and it was very nice. Just by being a cardholder, you can go to these lounges and have free drinks and newspapers in a quiet environment. The funny thing is, you hardly need it in Amsterdam. The airport there is outstanding. One of the best I've ever visited.

After the relatively short flight to Stockholm, I caught the bus into the city (about a 40 minute ride), but half the price of the train. My hotel (Scandia Continental) was right next to the bus/train station, which was super convenient. It's also by far the nicest hotel I've stayed in during my trip so far. My room was a little cabin room made out to be as if you were on a ship. Small, but perfect for me and very comfortable and affordable. Apparently, they are affiliated with Hilton, so that's another benefit. I should be able to get some Hilton Honors points as well.

One of the things I first noticed when I arrived at the airport is that it seemed unusually quiet. I mean, there were NO people around! Strange. I later learned that it was "midsummer holiday". Apparently, I picked one of the worst weekends to be in Stockholm because nearly everyone who lives there went out to the countryside to celebrate this holiday, which is almost like a Christmas in summer celebration. Not in a religious sense, but in terms of everything closing!

After a short rest, I went to meet Peter Rankin (KFBS class of 2005). Stockholm is BY FAR the most beautiful city I have ever seen. It really can't be described in words. When I get home, I'll post some of the pictures I have. You really have to see it in person to appreciate it though. The city has such a majestic feel to it.

One of the neatest things about the city is the water that flows through and around it. The water has a strange color that I noticed right away. It's very clear and has more of a blackish hue rather than blue or green like you normally see with seawater. Well, it turns out that the water is half fresh water and half seawater!

I met Peter and we had a few drinks at a bar down by the harbor and ended up staying out far too late.