Stockholm, Sweden: Day Dos…Hopping on/off a Big Red Bus (have not been arrested..yet) 👀

August 14, 2023: From my prior travels I can attest to the fact that if a capital city offers a Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour, DO IT. Get on and off whenever you want, ticket is good for two days, and the tours run from 10AM-5PM local time. Absolute best way to get everything important, cultural, educational, and exciting in during your stay in the city (especially if you have limited time).

Fun fact 1: In the 16th Century, the bible was translated into Swedish. The language has German and Danish influences, one other Nordic country that speaks some Swedish is Finland. Around 10 million people speak the language in the Nordic countries. Swedes begin learning English at the age of 6 in school. If they were not to learn English they would only be able to communicate with other Swedes and Danish folk. Swedish children start first grade at age 7, school is only mandated until they turn 16. However, 98% of children opt to stay in school and learn further.

Fun fact 2: Swedish TV has NO commercials. And every program is in its original audio language with Swedish subtitles. NO COMMERCIALS?! Take notes, America 🙄

Fun fact 3: Vikings lived in Sweden about 1,000 years ago. They believed in Valhalla, the Nordic Heaven (a place of glory, peace & happiness after death). They would fight daily, and then participate in the ‘final reconning of the Gods’ fight.

Fun fact 4: In 1940 IKEA was founded in the South of Sweden! The biggest IKEA store is located here in Stockholm. Had no idea, that’s crazy shit. No wonder why I’ve been seeing EVERY OTHER PERSON on the street carrying an IKEA bag. Everything just fits now.

Fun fact 5: Stockholm has over 160 art museums and 67 churches. Stockholm houses over 2 million people, it’s the largest city by far in Sweden. Stockholm became the capital in 1973. The city started to develop between a large lake and the Baltic Sea. The first inhabitants were German merchants. The name ‘Stockholm’ came to be in 1252. In 1966, the king demanded all buildings to be painted orange to make the city more beautiful and to stand out. Stockholm was named one of the worlds cleanest cities in 2008.

Fun fact 6: (specially for ME): QUEEN CHRISTINA RULED SWEDEN IN THE 17th CENTURY. There is a streeet, with a large shopping mall located on it, named after her 👑

NOT A FUN FACT: I have been applying Aquaphor every 5 SECONDS since landing in Scandinavia. The air is so pure here, there is NO humidity. MY SKIN IS/WAS NOT PREPARED FOR SUCH CONDITIONS COMING FROM THE CONSTANT SWEAT AND OILY FLORIDIAN SKIN. My poor face is so dry 🥺 Before every selfie, just know, lots of application and preparation to reduce the flaky white dry patches has occurred. You’re welcome 🙄

So much to see, in every capital city in Europe. They are very individual and unique. Don’t just walk a few miles a day and think you’ve ‘explored’ a city. Really get out there, witness the culture and diversity. Go off the tourist path, it’s..mostly..safe. Usually.