Kn-ork or Fife

Oopsie poopsie...I guess I'm over jetlag because instead of rousing at 5:30 am, as I did yesterday, I finally stirred at 9:30 am.

We were supposed to have met downstairs for breakfast at 8:00.

Luckily, everyone was in a chill mood since most tours and buildings didn't open until 10:00 am.

Saw Crissy and Reed reading over their coffee and I joined in to begin my morning.



We headed out and saw that the streets were bustling with people, unlike our weekend had been. Work had brought the Swedes out of their houses and off-holiday.

Blondes were a-walking!



We hit the Royal Palace by force and saw the Royal Apartments (gold gold and GOLD - holla')

Amazing tapestries, clocks (my favorite) and decorated ceilings all confirmed that this, indeed, was a European country and that royalty has the same flair and drama everywhere.


The Royal Palace had the Armory, Treasury, Carriages and Antiques.

We hit all and took a step back into the Time of Discomfort and Metal. hahah

Seriously, even the horsies had uncomfortable metal decor - however, they looked awesome.

The crowns, orbs, and robes truly proved that you had to have a strong head on your shoulders to be a leader. Everything was beautiful and ornate. Every inch of work and effort truly was amazing.



We heard the Changing of the Guard (Chris was the only one who saw it) and it's definitely an elaborate ceremony. Rows of guards on horses ride in with instruments. Half are in the current uniforms and the other are in traditional uniforms. They sound their trumpets and bang the drums and it's a huge presentation of switching places. I only got to hear most of it, but sounded pretty cool and took about 35 minutes. Oddly enough, it would be the perfect time to sneak in :)



It's been a big joke this trip about asking me for the time since I may have once claimed to be able to tell time by looking at my shadow. Clearly, if I'm standing and the shadow is infront of me, it's either 12 or 6. Right? Right...? Unless, of course, you turn to the side and then your shadow *may* fall elsewhere. So that antic is following me around Stockholm.

I am so smart. S-m-r-t.



We couchsurfing this evening and decided to head off to see Pierre (Chris decided to stay in the city) so we had directions that Pierre sent me and a map.

It was like the Amazing Race!
We found it pretty easily, thanks to the awesome directions, and said hello to Pierre for the first time.

More to come...