After a continental breakfast I headed on foot towards the Gallerian, a shopping area in Stockholm. I only had a couple of hours before my train to Copenhagen so I couldn't venture far but just wanted to get a feel of the city before my exploration back here on 19th July. The shops were not yet open so I'm guessing the hussle bussle of shoppers will bring the area alive. I walked along the main strip before heading down some lanes. Sometimes going off the beaten track can reveal some hidden gems. Near the Central Conference Centre is a small green oasis with beautiful buildings, a pond and statues. Nearby I wondered through a small park with an unusual circular water feature. There was time for me to grab a macchiato at a cafe in a courtyard area behind Central Station. I enjoyed soaking up the morning sun. There seem to be 7 Eleven stores everywhere, so I popped into one to stock up on water and snacks for my long train ride.

My train was due to leave Stockholm at 1221... but there was a bit of drama going on with no trains running. Power lines had apparently come down affecting all trains South. Luckily there were some announcements in English over the tannoy but mainly I was in the dark not understanding Swedish. We finally boarded the SJ high speed train from a very crowded platform 12a. Leaving Stockholm was exciting as we crossed over waterways. I got a glimpse of the Old Town. I am full of anticipation for my return trip. It looked stunning! On board I helped myself to a complimentary cup of coffee, cake and fruit. A welcome surprise as part of my 1st class five days in 10 interail pass. The scenery rolling by was gorgeous. Very lush and green. A mix of grass meadows, woods and lakes interspersed with exquisite Swedish farms and houses. For much of the trip the landscape was flat just as I've seen on the various Swedish drama shows broadcast on British TV.

I'd planned to write my blog on the train... but when it did travel full speed, the tilt and sway gave me travel sickness so I had to sit and relax instead. The journey turned out to be long! As often happens when there are major delays, they seem to snowball. The train was bound for Copenhagen, but as we neared Malmo almost two hours late, it was announced that this was now the final stop and we'd have to make our own way to Copenhagen. I ran for a connection and made it onto a commuter train. I panicked slightly as Copenhagen Central was not listed. I've found out that things are not as they seem. Copenhagen is not actually called that... it's Kobehavn and the central station is actually called Københavns Hovedbanegård. Luckily some kind people helped out and told me the real name of the station. From Malmo the train crosses an expanse of water between Sweden and Denmark via an impressive piece of engineering - the Øresund Bridge.

My hotel is near the station and across the street from Tivoli. I have a corner room on the sixth floor, so definitely a room with view. Having picked up a takeaway from Yam Yam in the station, I ate dinner overlooking the city below. The noodle dish was not the best I've had but the view is good. I'm looking forward to exploring all that Copenhagen has to offer tomorrow.