The plan was to meet in the crew mess after an early lunch. We hit the dock at about 12. Luckily we were docked basically downtown so all we had to do was get off the ship and pick a direction. Stockholm is made up of 14 interconnected islands. Each island has its thing. We walked up towards Gamla Stan where the Kings Palace is and followed the water all the way around Skeppsholmen and over to Djirgarden, which many years ago was basically the kings private hunting island. It took us about 2+ hours to get to the Vasa Museum (which we regrettably didn't have time to see) and then after a short break in a park right next to the Nordiska Museet, we doubled back and headed towards the first island Gamla Stan. As I said, the weather was spectacular. Lots of tourists and locals walking the docks, standing in line for a water tour, eating ice cream, looking Swedish... The dudes had angular haircuts, the ladies blond and thin.
We passed old wooden boats to the sounds of sea gulls. The streets were oddly quiet though. I don't know how it was possible... They were very busy w foot traffic and cars, but somehow there was little noise. We passes one outdoor cafe and I was stopped cold in my tracks because over their patio stereo was my friend Mat Weddle singing "Hey Ya" to me and the crowds walking by. Before I could say anything, my buddy Chris said he has the song on his iPod... I told him I was basically the reason Mat recorded that song in the first place. And then I confessed... I am probably the ONLY reason he recorded it. Just kidding Mat. Ps. Mat, let's tour Sweden next year!
We decided to take a side street through Gamla Stan and walked up past the palace and down some of the smaller, winding alleys with shops and cafes. We passed a very quaint, very Swedish looking plaza with a water fountain in the middle. I snapped a photo and then saw it on every postcard stand we walked by. My photo is shit, won't even post it, just know that it's very pretty.
We made it back to the ship by about 3:35. Which gave me enough time to take a quick nap, have dinner, shower and get ready for the gig at 630. I dig the routine, people. I even worked out in between sets... I don't even know myself anymore!
The gigs went well. I dug into some Ray LaMontagne tonight for some guests which was nice. Havent played that stuff in a Swedish coon's age. I was playing as we were leaving The city. The club were I play my sets is aft on the ship (the back of the boat for you land lovers). I was amazed how much maneuvering we had to do to leave. Checked out a map and realized its like a maze of islands to leave Stockholm. It was extremely picturesque though, little Nordic cottages along the water. Kind of reminded me how we had to navigate the Kiel Canal too. There were tight squeezes!
All in all, I dig Stockholm. It's pretty, lots of water, green patches, clean... I'm back before the end of my "tour," in ship terms you call it your "contract," so my plan for the next visit is to see where the real Swedes hang out (i hear there is a "bohemian" part of town and I am intrigued) and I'm going to the Vasa Museum and the Nordiska Museum. Google "Vasa Museum Stockholm."
Tomorrow is going to be another great day. We are in Tallinn, Estonia which is apparently off the chain. I'm also escorting a three hour walking tour of the old city in the afternoon. More to come.
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