Ready for our flights from Washington Dulles to Kiruna. Our first leg to Copenhagen was meant to be about 8 hours, made it in much less time and should have ample of time to get our connecting flight to Stockholm.
Day 2 | Feb 6, Monday
Spent about 4 hours on Stockholm airport. A quick hop of 2 hours to Kiruna, Sweden. Got our Volvo rental for our drive to Sirkka, Finland. Lots of accumulated snow, the roads were great. Made it to our AirBnB around 10pm. Exhausted but happy, tomorrow we will explore!
Day 3 | Feb 7, Tueday
Charles took up skiing (used to doing snowboarding), sadly we have a man down. This will force lots of rest and reading, still good things to do for vacation. Torn ACL and Lateral. Will have to get this fixed when we are back in America. The nurse was very entertaining.
Day 4 | Feb 8, Wednesday
Started the morning with running some errands, filling Charles's prescription etc. Time for more skiing.
I'll call this our, Sparkling day !
We had snow sparkles everywhere, saw at least three vertical rainbows on the ski slopes.
Ended the day with a traditional smoke sauna, and a jump in the freezing river at the reindeer farm from Tuesday.
Day 5 | Feb 9, Thursday
Had a relaxed day, but how quick it went!
Day 7 | Feb 11, Saturday
Back at Sammun Tupa (Reindeer Farm & Smoke Saune venue) to capture more of the scenic world under a bright and clear sky. Still cold at -20C, the cafe's hot chocolate was delicious!
Day 8 | Feb 12, Sunday
Mostly a travel day to Stockholm. Left Sirkka at 4am to catch our flight from Kiruna. Took the Arlanda Express to Stockholm Central, and a scenic walk with our luggage over cobled paved roads made sure we announced ourselves as to tourists to our Stockholm island Gamla Stan home. Had lunch and recooped in a qaint Irish pub waiting for our check-in time.
Day 9 | Feb 13, Monday
Sightseeing In Stockholm, taking as much in as we can.
Making our way to take a boat trip and learn more about Stockholm's layout. Consist of the mainland but also 14 surrounding islands. It's common to use a fairy to cross over.
We also got a "punch" drink, based on whiskey but with a sweeter taste (note to self to research Swedish name). Gluwein is also popular.
Then we were thirsty and hungry, went for an afternoon cocktail at Tyra Brinken. And walked over to a noodle restaurant right in heart where the locals are. An absolute treat.
Last stop for the day was the Fotografiska museum.
Day 10 | Feb 14, Tuesday
Our next travel leg is over to England. Left the AirBnB around 8am to catch the Arlanda Express train to the airport for our 11am flight. Traveling with only hand luggage, a first for us but how nice!
Our home for the next few days. Top picture, is where our room is and right across from the building, on the same property, the pub (bottom picture).
Day 11 | Feb 15, Wednesday
They served Marmite at breakfast this morning. And Red Bush tea, it's renamed from Rooibos here.
Day 12 | Feb 16, Friday
Day 13 | Feb 17, Friday
Heading for our last breakfast at Pilgrim Inn, in Southampton. Till next time!
Day 14 | Feb 18, Saturday