Stockholm is magical from the plane!! Full of forests and trees everywhere you go. It is a small city compared to many other capitals, but once you are in Stockholm Central (or Downton Stockholm), you feel the city vibe. I stayed with a relative, Tant Hoda, in one of Stockholm's suburbs called Huddinge. It is beautiful, quiet and full of trees and green areas. At the same time, it is livelier than other neighbourhoods, because it's close to a university and a big shopping center. Buses and local trains run everywhere. Literally everywhere, even to places where almost no one lives. All you do is buy an all access card to get onto any bus or train or even ferries from and to anywhere and at any time.
 |
| Huddinge |
When in Stockholm, make sure not to miss the Treehornings, Gamla Stan, Stadsholmen (Stockholm Palace) and the Royal Palace. What would be better than drinking tea at treehornings while listening to Fairouz (A Lebanese singer?) It is a beautiful place for a picnic by the lake in the forest and is so quiet. It's definitely a place to die for if you are into nature and need alone time.
 |
| Treehornings |
 |
| Treehornings |
Gamla Stan means the old town. It is indeed old, but still taken care of and still has the exact same structure of an old city. It has those small tiles for paved streets, decorated houses with a 13th century style, and even the architecture is so different from the city. It's a beautiful place and a must see! Before entering Gamla Stan, you will find the Royal Palace. Unfortunately when I was there, some construction was going on, so I could not enter. However, you still feel the royalty in the place and the palace from outside.
 |
| Alleyway in Gamla Stan |
 |
| The Royal Palace |
One of the things I noticed in Stockholm is that beggars and homeless people do it differently (compared to Egypt). They have signs and distribute their stories on printed paper on trains and at huge stations. You find them everywhere but mainly in train stations. Speaking of stations, Stockholm Centralization (Central station) reminded me of NYC Grand Central Terminal and that of Tokyo's as well. All are huge and very busy.
When at the station, a group of people, not sure what organization they belonged to, started preparing food, signs and different supplies for Syrian refugees who were arriving that day by train! It was nice to see the Swedish support especially from the youth who were excited to greet them. Funny thing though, a friend of my relative met her at the station, and when she knew that I am Egyptian, she asked: "You are not a refugee, right?" Well, at least she asked and didn't go like, "Welcome to our country new refugee!" ;) :D
 |
| Waiting for the refugees |
One more thing I noticed in Stockholm is the use of bikes. There are bikes lanes on streets and many people, from kids to adults, use them frequently. There are also many storage areas for bikes by the streets. You take one, use it and then park it at any storage area. So good for the environment and your health, right?
P.S. Stockholm is so developed and its nature is exotic. However, many of the people there seem individualistic. They are self-centered and would not easily help you. It's a wonderful place to visit but not to live in, but maybe that's just me. For example, they would be surprised if you talk on train and would expect you to check in on your own at the airport. If you ask about anything, they might (unconsciously maybe) make you feel stupid!
No comments:
Post a Comment