Day 21, 3 July 2014, Gothenburg, Sweden - It was my last full day today so even though it seemed very wet and gray, I was up and at 'em relatively early. So early that me and seemingly half a dozen school groups were sitting outside the Natural History Museum in the cold at 10.30 am. Always reassuring to not be the only one who thought it opened at 10 (actually 11 am). First in, best seated however, so I was fine until the doors were opened and the barbarians stormed the gates spot on 11. Given my well-documented allergy to small people, I headed for the top floor immediately and was treated to the feeling of a night at the museum. Because no-one had been up there, all the lights were still off... and as my motion activated them, they flickered on one diorama at a time, into the distance. Utter peace. I am pleased to report that Gothenburg's museum is not the biggest, and not the best (although the Blue Whale was mighty impressive). My point being they do not have a Tasmanian Tiger stuffed and in a case - thus one of the few places in the world that didn't contribute to its extinction. Highlight of my visit? A Reindeer! Pretty sure I've never seen one before - and as the museum's literature says... Here the animals stand still for eternity - so you can look at them as long as you want and they don't run away. Never really appreciated that about natural history museums before!

The final stop on my museum/culture ticket was the maritime museum and acquarium. This was actually a bit hit and miss - not all the exhibits had English translations - and the small aquariums just made me yearn for a spot of Caribbean diving (very cold, gray and blustery day today - even the seagull's were b****ing about it). Checked out a couple of op shops on my meander back to the city centre. I only noticed when I was back in the hostel that my 2 month old boots are starting to fall apart. There is no justice in the world - but the next time I spot a pair of rugged (yet snazzy) black boots, I might have to get them.

It's been a funny few days in Gothenburg. Finally getting better, but still aware I shouldn't over do it. Observations about the place? A few. When Gothenburg became a city back in 1621, who did they call on for advice on administration and infrastructure... the Dutch! Thus there are hints of old Amsterdam in the canals around town. Sunglasses. I'm not sure if the Swedish don't get enough sunshine, or don't think it's cool - but anyone over the age of about 16 seems to have terrible squint frown lines from keeping their eyes half shut on glary days. Good opportunity for either the Sunglass Hut to move in. Or more Botox. Trouble with a bit of sunshine here however is it seems to ignite an urge in Swedish men to bring out their happy summer trousers... Daffodil yellow, hot pink, apricot... all spotted in the last couple of days. Thankfully I had my sunglasses handy. It's three weeks into the trip and I succumbed today to the British Shop. Just to be surrounded by all things English. Written in English. Served in English. And embarked on a couple of hours of UK TV - Antiques Roadtrip and Escape to the Country. Bliss. Mind you - my talents at translation are coming along no end. Saw a shop yesterday somewhere in my travels "Friluftsbutiken". So butiken is easy - they're everywhere - boutiques or shops of course. How about Fri - yep - "free" and Luft - well that's bound to be "air" - Luftwaffe for instance. So "FreeAirShop" - took a couple of minutes but came up with Open Air Shop - Yes! Camping & Adventure outlet. There's hope for me yet. Off to Oslo, Norway tomorrow. Even the Swedish think Norway's expensive. What does that tell you. Hmmm.