45,000 steps Stockholm

On to the big city. Stockholm should be the next stop. We planned to stay for 3 nights and celebrate Henry's first birthday there on June 12th - we had been looking forward to it for days.

We spent the first day in the charming Old Town (Gamla Stan), which was spared from being bombed during the world wars, so there are still many beautiful old buildings. With its many narrow alleys and cobblestone streets, the district has a real Italian flair.

Although it was really beautiful, we had to get used to the big city again, which was not easy at first. Henry also didn't feel well on the first day and made sure we knew.

On the second day, we took a big city tour and planned more breaks and playtime. We spent most of the day in Djurgården, one of the many small islands that make up Stockholm. It was the first time for us to have Köttbullar (Swedish meatballs) in Sweden, and good coffee for Annika. Henry was able to let off steam in the children's paradise 'Junibacken'. So there was something for everyone.

Unfortunately, the weather forecast for his birthday was bad and we didn't feel like sleeping under the highway bridge anymore. We wanted to go back to nature and spend his birthday there.

On the morning of his birthday, we decorated a festive table for Henry. There was a balloon, a candle, cake, and of course, (too many) presents. Henry liked the candle the most! :)

After blowing out the candle and eating the cake, we had breakfast in a cozy café on Södermalm. We noticed how beautiful this neighborhood was the day before when Annika made us chase for the right piece of birthday cake all over the city.

With full stomachs, we then headed out of the city. We quickly changed the plan and directions 3-4 times during the drive, and after a few stops at lakes and playgrounds, we arrived in Orbaden in the afternoon. The difference in temperature was huge! A relaxing 19°C in Stockholm, only 8°C and a stiff breeze in Orbaden.

Speaking of changing the plan 3-4 times...

We have noticed that many decisions need to be made every day. Whether it's organizational "Where are we going next?" or practical "What are we eating today?" and so on. Therefore, we decided to roll a 'decision master' dice every morning.

That person must/can/may make any decision for the whole day. Hail to dictatorship! ;)

Ole