Stockholm

 Another cool day dawned on Sunday 30th April. This day is significant to the Swedes as they say it is the first day of Spring! I decided the best way to get an idea of the city was to get on the hop on/off bus, which I did. It seems to be a much bigger city than Helsinki.

After the whole loop of bus tour I then did the boat tour. This city is really dominated by its water.

 

I went into the Vasa museum, a maritime museum. This museum displays the only almost fully intact 17th century ship to ever have been salvaged. This 64 gun warship sank on her maiden voyage. It had literally been in the water 5 minutes before it keeled over!

After the museum I was trying to find my way back to my hotel when I  came across hundreds of people gathering to take photos of ...

 It did appear that Spring had arrived!

Today I headed out to the Swedish Royal Palace.

From the palace I wandered around the 'Old Town' full of narrow and often steep streets.

I was lucky enough to find a place for a cuppa and the 'famous' cinnamon roll!

Unfortunately the rain started to fall and it was time to head back. I could see police vehicles and hear lots of chanting - I suddenly realised that it was 1st May! This is a significant day in Europe as it's called Workers' Day or International Workers' Day commemorating the struggles and gains made by workers and the labour movement. It was all very peaceful.

Rain stopped play for some of the afternoon but I was happy to put my feet up!