Getting used to freezing

Our first night in Sweden was spent in a prison cell. At least it used to be a prison cell, although it has since been converted into a youth hostel. We arrived at our cell, having trekked along ice covered side walks through sleet, at 4pm. We wanted nothing more than to have a shower then curl up and go to sleep, so instead we dumped the bags and went straight back out in attempt to minimise our jet lag.

We chose to just walk around the area where we were staying, meandering along the water, crossing between islands, and finding the occasional oddity. Why has someone tied 20 miniature houses to a tree?! Despite our attempts to stay out as late as possible, we were still tucked up in bed by 6pm.

Day 2 needless to say started early. However opening hours do not take into account jet lag, so there was nothing to do until 11am. The two main activities that we did (in between eating various forms of chocolate) were going to the Noblemuseet and the Vasamuseet. We learnt about Alfred Noble and the origins of the Noble prize, and the dodgy wording that lets the economics prize be part of the Noble Prize ceremony despite it not actually being a noble prize. There had been a major emphasis on creativity when they were designing the museum, which led to some interesting movies. There was one about Cambridge University (as it has produced a large number of Noble laureates) which focused heavily on carrots, and proving you've cooked a swan by producing its head when required.

In the afternoon we headed across town to see a ship (the Vasa) which had sunk in 1633 on its maiden voyage. Due to fortuitous water conditions (such as too much pollution for creatures that normally eat wood to survive) it was in close to pristine condition when it was discovered in the 50s. The ship was quite spectacular and the work that went into raising it phenomenal.