When I found out that I was accepted into the castle program, I honestly did not even think that I’d make it to Stockholm, Sweden. Before I left for Europe, my roommates and I decided to plan our first free weekend excursion together to get to know each other and bond in a new city. We each did a lot of research on flights and places to see and out of all our options we were drawn to Stockholm. This trip was our only concrete plan for the entire 3 months. Now that I’m back, I don’t think we could have chosen a better city to get close in or had a better time.
One of the main reasons why our trip was so special was because of Åsa. Åsa is a close family friend of my old neighbors Michele and Bill. One night over winter break when I was babysitting for their kids, I told Michele about my plans for Stockholm and she got so excited because Åsa is from Stockholm. Michele was extremely kind and had me in touch with her through email the very next day.
Since that point on, Åsa had been above and beyond helpful to my roommates and me. For weeks, she kept in touch and gave me many tips so that we’d have a wonderful time in the city. We made plans to all meet Friday night for dinner and then she’d show us around on Saturday. We were so anxious to arrive.
It has been a little tricky getting used to how quickly everything happens here. I literally got back from Amsterdam and in 4 days we were off to Stockholm. The flight was very fast and it took us under 2 hours to arrive in Sweden’s Skavsta airport. During the flight, I was sitting in a window seat and every time I’d look out, I could only see my reflection against the black night sky. Normally back home, I feel very mature and in control of myself but when I was looking at my reflection, all I could think about was how young I looked and how much lies ahead of me. I hardly recognized myself. I felt small and a little homesick, but also very proud of this brave 3 month adventure that I pushed myself to go on. I had a feeling that this was going to be a great trip and from the moment I stepped off the plane, I instantly liked Sweden.
My great-grandmother would always comment on breathing in “good air” and it was the very first thing that I noticed about the country. The air was crisp and pure and I felt young and alive. I literally couldn’t believe that I was in Sweden. I also liked imagining that there could be a moose somewhere around the corner :) There was snow everywhere and it wasn’t too cold out. The entire weekend we were extremely lucky with how nice the weather was.
Our hostel was actually amazing and it had the best showers I’ve experienced throughout this entire trip. We woke up Friday morning and took a tour of the royal palace which was absolutely incredible!
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| Kate and I in front of the palace | | |
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| In front of the palace doing a "typical American pose" according to Åsa |
All the rooms were beautifully decorated and very ornate. My favorite part of the palace was the dungeon-like room below it where they kept the royal crowns and treasures. All the diamonds, gems, and gold where absolutely gorgeous. We took our time and walked around the old part of the city which was beautiful as well. Stockholm is a very regal looking city and I felt like it was fitting that a king, queen, and royal family would be living there.
Åsa warned me about the cold and said that the city is better in the spring or summer but I was happy that we came in the winter. The frozen ice flowing along the canals was wonderful to see. As it got closer to dinner time, we made our way back to the hostel so we could meet Åsa.
She was so kind to come find us at our hostel and take us to dinner to talk about Stockholm and our trip so far. She treated us to a bottle of wine and we had a wonderful time sharing information about ourselves and discussing the difference between America and Europe.
The next morning she met us at City Hall where the Nobel prizes are awarded.
Even though we unfortunately got lost and were a little late, she welcomed us with tickets and arranged that we’d be on an English speaking tour! It is the huge brick building with different rooms, obviously dedicated to different purposes. The “blue room”, which isn’t blue, is for the grand banquet, and seats aprox. 1,300 people. Upstairs is a completely gold guilded room for dancing. There is also a large meeting hall for debates where anyone, Swedish or not can go to hear them. It also had the most beautiful view of the old city over the water.
Åsa then treated us to lunch where we met her husband and two adorable boys. They were so nice and it felt really good to sit and eat with a family especially since I miss mine so much. Åsa and her husband both grew up in Sweden yet they speak perfect English. The lunch was delicious and we enjoyed all of their interesting facts about life in Stockholm.
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| Me with Åsa and her lovely family |
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| Liz Lena Åsa Me & Kate |
To top our day off, Åsa then took all of us to the Vasa museum where she again got our tickets. The Vasa is an old Viking ship that sunk in 1628 but they pulled it up about 40 years ago to put on display and the museum is full of the relics, remains and even a few skeletons that they found. The construction of the ship was amazing and we were able to see the detailed carvings along the it which were originally painted in beautiful colors. It was amazing to be able to see something so old practically brand new, a perfect end to museums of Swedish history.
Åsa, you are really such a wonderful person and I’m so happy that Michele put me in touch with you. Again, thank you for all your kindness this weekend. We had the best time and I truly hope to see you again.
Lots of love to you and your family,
Amy
:) Some thank yous from the girls...
Thank you so much, Åsa! We had an amazing time and it was all thanks to you! I’m sure we would have missed half of the beautiful sights and amazing history if you hadn’t been there to guide us around your beautiful country. We are so beyond thankful for your amazing hospitality which was above and beyond anything even the most generous hearted person would have done, and it was such a pleasure to meet your family! Thank you for everything, and we all have our Swedish horses pinned on our coats to remember the amazing time in Stockholm that we’ll never forget!
Thank you!
Love,
Kate
Åsa,
I cannot begin to tell you what a positive impact you had on our weekend. Not only was your input and guidance invaluable, your generosity was truly a gift. I hope you realize that if it was not for you we would not have left Stockholm with the wonderful memories, experiences, and photos ; ) that we did. I am forever grateful. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I hope I can return the favor someday!
Love,
Lena
Åsa,
I hope that I am not being redudent from my friends, but I honestly couldn't put it better myself. Your generosity and kindness truly made the weekend in Stockholm a pleasant surprise. Your family is so special to have someone like you and I cannot stress enough how grateful and appreciative I am for all of your hospitality. You are simply the best. Thank you for such an incredible experience and memories that I will never forget.
Love,
Liz
(next weekend Venice and Florence!!!)
I felt like I was dreaming when I saw it. The Basilica truly took my breath away and made me say “wwwoooooooowww." Liz had to push up my gaping jaw. (so embarrassing)
We didn’t have a lot of time in Venice because we had to make an afternoon train to Florence. We took a water taxi on the Grande Canal back to the station which was so much fun and gave us a great view of the city. 
Even though I was only there for a short period of time, I was glad I got to at least see it. I know that I definitely want to return to Venice in the future. 
