Stockholm and journey back to Turku

Last day, saying Good-bye, travelling back

We started the next day with a sight-seeing bus tour, which was definitely not worth the money. But at least the seats were comfortable and the bus was nicely warm. By noon we went back to the city centre to have some food. We found a nice store which is called “coop”. We have a similar one in Switzerland; maybe that is why we straight went into this store. We bought there some salad from the salad buffet and sat in the central station for a little while.

The afternoon we spent mostly with shopping, because Sweden seemed so cheap in comparison with Finland. Also for my sister it was very nice, because we do not have sections like H&M Home or Zara Home. After a few hours of shopping we were again hungry and decided, shame on us, to have lunch again in Vapiano. Fortunately the waiting time was “just” about 20 minutes.

I saw on Facebook that a friend of mine was also in Stockholm. Spontaneous we met them and Ruben in the central station to have a drink. Fabian, my friend, suggested to go to the ice bar, which is, guess what?! - made out of ice. The entrance was 190 which is 19 Euros. My first thought was, that it is quite expensive to just go in. But the first drink was already included. After paying we got some coats and gloves. It was naturally quite cold in the bar. The glasses in which we got our drinks were also made out of ice. It was a nice and special experience. Despite the convincing words from Fabian, my sister and I decided not to go out, instead having a nice lazy evening in our hotel.

The next morning started very early. The alarm clock rang at 4:55am, because Ruben’s and my ferry was supposed to leave at 7:30. My sister’s flight was set at 11:45am but she decided to come with me to the city centre and wait at the airport. After we bought some grocery for the ferry trip, which takes 12 hours, my sister and I met Ruben again. We all went together to the bus gates. The saying goodbye was not as hard as I expected it to be, because I know that I will see her in April again. But a long hug was still necessary.

Ruben and I took the bus to the harbour and decided on the way, that we should ask for available cabins. As soon as we arrived at the check in desk we asked and booked immediately a cabin for us. The way back to Turku was long, but very relaxing. We talked a lot and had a nice time. But still, 12 hours are a long time!

All in all, Stockholm is a very nice city with its different houses and districts. The city seems to have a square for everyone. The only negative aspect is, that there are a lot of homeless people on the streets. Nearly everywhere we had been asking about giving them some money. That was quite exhausting, but as I already said, that is definitely the only negative aspect.

So if someone wants to go to Stockholm from Turku, book for sure a cabin for each way, travel if possible during the night, visit the ice bar, the old town and have one dinner or lunch in Vapiano. =)

Stockholm- meeting my sister

 First day in Stockholm, meeting my sister

When I saw my sister I was full of happiness. Together again. Well, honestly we have last seen each other on the second of January. But it felt like forever! We took the bus back to Stockholm city and talked the whole ride. There was a lot to tell about, the first few weeks in Student’s village, the first few courses at university and of course also the first few nights out. 

After storing our suitcases in the hotel, we went back to the city centre and allowed us to try one piece of the Swedish pastry called “Semla”. It is hard to describe how it tasted. It was a mix of sweet bread with vanilla cream and almond mousse. So far, it was very nice, but for me a little bit too sweet.

 With new energy we met Ruben to do a little sightseeing tour. We went to the famous Vasa museum where we visited the amazing ship. It looks breath-taking with all the tiny figures made of wood.

After five o’clock we had to leave the museum because it closed. Despite the chilly wind we decided to walk to old town via the central station. The walk took us nearly 2 hours, but it was worth it. The houses are decorated with old fashioned clocks and wild growing plants. As soon as we have seen the palace we decided to go back to the centre to have a coffee in Wayne’s coffee to heat up

Due to our empty stomachs we asked for a device where we can have an affordable dinner. The waitress suggested us to go to Vapiano.

 

First we wanted to have some typical Swedish food, but the  feeling of starving was stronger. So we went to the nearby Vapiano restaurant. Unfortunately there was a waiting time about 50 minutes. However, the warm and windless restaurant had its power. After waiting for nearly an hour we had an amazing dinner. I ate some pesto rosso, which was more than delicious. But by finishing the dinner, it was already half past nine. My sister and I decided to go back to our hotel to fill up our lack of sleep. But we had still so much to talk about, that we did not fall asleep before midnight.

Stockholm

Journey to Stockholm

I was excited. Not only was I going to meet my sister, but also seeing a new city.

Matilda, a Swedish girl who lives next to my room in Student’s village suggested me to book the Viking line ferry. When I first had a look on the internet, I was surprised how cheap the whole trip will be. A roundtrip with a cabin for both ways was just supposed to cost 70 Euros.

After I spoke with my sister about the timetables I figured out, that I have to take another ferry. So the price increased to 100 Euros. But still, the price was fine for me. Due to the fact that I had to book a cabin for 4 people I asked around to find other persons who wanted to join me. Finally Ruben, also a neighbour of mine decided to come with me.

On Thursday evening we met in our floor to take the bus at 7:30pm. When we arrived at the ferry we both were overwhelmed about the ferry. It looked so huge and elegant. The first few minutes in our cabin I felt like a little princess. It looked so luxurious and comfortable. After taking all the new impressions in, we went outside to discover the ferry. On board was everything, even a spa, a club and a small casino.  Of course we also had a look at the alcohol section in Duty free, but the prices were not that low as we expected them to be.

After a short night and a lack of sleep we arrived in Stockholm at 6:30am. The sky was, of course, still dark and it was snowing. That is why my first impression of Stockholm was not that special. It reminded me a lot of Finland. In Stockholm it was very easy to find a coffee shop, because they are located at every corner. After a warm coffee and a Swedish cinnamon roll we walked a little through the city. My sister was supposed to land at 11am, so I took the (in my opinion to expensive) bus alone to the Arlanda airport. Ruben wanted to meet his friend at noon, that’s why we split up.

Lapland- friday- birthday

Friday, 06.03 – my birthday

My plan was to ignore my birthday. I don’t like celebrating my birthday. But due to Francois (a good friend of mine from France) told the DJ the night before in the karaoke bar that I have birthday, everyone knew it.

I woke up with a little headache. But I didn’t regret me being drunk the night before. At noon we went for snowshoe walking. I couldn’t exercise the whole week, so I was very happy to finally move a bit. The atmosphere was amazing, the sun was shining, the sky bright and clear and the trees covered with snow.

It was very exhausting to climb up the hill in deep snow. David (a German guy) and I were walking in front. We talked a lot about nature and sport, so the time passed very fast. We reached the top of the hill without realizing it.

In the afternoon we spent all together some hours in the spa before we head back for dinner. The girls who I met in Lapland surprised me with a birthday cake. I was overwhelmed. On top of all the happenings that day, the Northern lights appeared out of nowhere! We couldn’t help but run outside with our costume (that night a Toga party was planned). It was freezing but the view of this natural spectacle was breath taking.

We took a lot of pictures and enjoyed ourselves.

The Toga party was not important anymore, so we spontaneously changed in our ski pants and claimed up the hill with our sledges. When we reached the top of the hill, the Northern lights appeared once again. All of us (7) were lying in the snow and stared up to the sky. We were silent for at least 5 minutes to enjoy the spectacle.

In those 5 minutes I realised that this was the best birthday so far and it was not over yet (actually it was already after midnight, like 2am), but it still felt like my birthday.

After the sledging we went to the sauna to heat up again before we went totally tired to our bedrooms. I think I fell asleep around 5am with a huge smile on my face.

Lapland- Thursday- Husky safari

Thursday, 05.03

For one time I had to wake up early because the Husky safari took place in the morning at 10. The car drove us to the Husky ranch, where we first met the owner and the youngest dogs- cute Husky puppies. I have to admit, that I felt very sorry for those. The cage was very small and the snow was coloured in slightly yellow. In addition, I saw one puppy eating the poo of another one. It was awful!

The Husky ride itself was in my opinion not that spectacular. The dogs were running and full of energy, they seemed to enjoy the tour. All I was thinking of, was if they have enough big cages, enough food and enough attention. 65 Huskies are living in that farm. I doubt that the owner are having enough time for each dog.

Never mind, I fell in love. One Husky stole my heart. His name is Eriici. I’ve never seen brighter and bluer eyes.

I cuddled him a lot and wanted him to come back to Switzerland with me. Unfortunately, that is never going to happen.

After we said Good-bye to the dogs, we went back to the cottage, went again sledging and to the sauna.

For that evening we planned to go to a Karaoke bar. Thanks to alcohol, I was brave enough to sing there. It was a very nice night, everyone was happy and I was not the only one who sang a song.

Around 3 or 4 o’clock I fell exhausted into my bed.