Sweden

During half term, 23rd May - 30th May, we went to Sweden.  Firstly to Gothenburg to visit friends and then travelled up the east coast for a few days.  We then drove the 300 miles across to Stockholm on the west coast, where we spent two more days.  We stayed in Gamla Stan, which is the oldest part of the city and central for all the major sights, ideal if you haven't got much time there.  I'd recommend the open top bus and boat tours for exploring the city which is built on several linked islands.

I've never been to Scandinavia before and really loved it.  It's a beautiful clean country mainly consisting of lakes, trees and rocks.  They seem to favour wooden clad houses painted an ox-blood red colour. It wasn't too expensive as the pound is quite strong at the moment against the Swedish kroner.

I'd like to show you some of arty places we visited and would recommend to you, should you ever visit.

 Tony Cragg sculpture, Marstrand

 Strandverket Art Museum, Marstrand

Nordiska Akvarellmuseet (top photo from their website).  We had an excellent meal in their restaurant with the most amazing views out across the water.  There are little studios that artists can rent.

 Moderna Museet, Stockholm.

This is the ceiling of the foyer.  I'm not sure if it's an installation or if it's always like this?  Again there was an amazing café, stylish, with great food....and you could make your own waffles for dessert!

And for some kitsch nostalgia, the Abba Museum in Stockholm is a must!