Good Morning,

It is now 05:00 and I feel quite refreshed after a great nights sleep and scrumptious dinner cooked by Rod, dessert of fresh berries and chocolate by Chris and I provided the French wine and the biggest smile chatted to my 2 great friends at our quaint hotel on Lidingo Island, having traveled for 30:5 hours from Sydney.

I had three great flights - Qantas and 2 with Swiss Air, all flights were flawless and Rod organised extra legroom for my 13 hour flight from Changi with Swiss Air, it was 23:00 Singapore time, (01:00 Sydney) - I slept for about 7 hours

My change of flights in Zurich was very quick, the airport is amazing and the Customs lady was a hoot, I now have my first stamp in my passport from Zurich

I arrived in Arlanda Airport Stockholm, in my excitement I walked too far and left the baggage collection hall where I was to meet Chris and Rod, there was no Customs as I had already been processed in Switzerland as Scandinavian Countries are all linked.

I sent a quick message, as I flew in first, and waited the hour with excitement. Big smiles beamed and hugs as we had not seen each or for 2 weeks as Chris & Rod had already visited London, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Estonia.

We caught a bus into Central Stockholm passing through green countryside and brightly painted farm houses - barn-like architecture which I like.

Central Stockholm does not have skyscraper buildings to protect their beautiful old architecture. Bus and train passes were purchased as we are here for 5 days.

We caught a train and bus to our Hotel on Lidingo Island and walked up to our room, three single beds all pushed together to fit in the seating at the alcove window, the walls are 2 foot thick to keep the buildings warm, the window was at floor level giving the room an unusual dynamic - a quiet room overlooking the street.

We had lunch, washed clothes, and then walked to the local shops to buy food and wine as we had access to cook in the guest dining room.

Conversations flowed then back to our room for a restful night.

Cheers for now.
Darryl.