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Stockholm, the best city in the world
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Stockholm was recently voted number 1 by Reader's Digest as the greenest, most livable city in the world. Even though it was not my first choice, I traveled there last summer and loved it. My original trip was supposed to be Germany and Poland. Suddenly in the midst of my travel analysis frenzy, airfares skyrocketed. On a whim, I switched to Stockholm and Helsinki, which were more reasonable.
Skansen is a popular attraction and worth a day's visit. It is the world's oldest living history museum, comprised of 150 buildings from the 18th and 19th Centuries. Located on the island of Djurgarden in Stockholm, it is like taking a walk through an authentic Swedish village. It reminds me of the Old Bethpage Village Restoration.
Besides the various farmsteads, you can visit a glass blower's shop, potter, tinsmith, flax mill, windmills, mine, observatory, and much more. Everyday life the way it was 200-300 years ago is explained through demonstrations and hands-on activities.
There are thatched roof cottages, gardens, and animals throughout. Don't miss Julius Kronberg's art studio built in 1889 between the Temperance Hall, Finn Settlement and Chapel. Many of his paintings and sculptures are displayed, along with other tools of his trade. You will see his impressive floor-to-ceiling painting of Eros, featured as cover art for ABBA's album The Visitors.
At the north end of the park are Scandinavian wild animals, such as brown bears, wolverines, and reindeer. There is an extra fee to enter the aquarium and terrarium which house 200 exotic species, including crocodiles, fish, snakes, and baboons. The children's zoo contains tamer animals for young children. Hundreds of brightly-colored baby pacifiers hang from a tree outside of a cage of kittens, as well as from its bars. "That's weird, isn't it?" I turn and ask a fellow visitor. She replies, "Well, that's the Swedes. They're a little weird."
There are several sit-down restaurants and snack stands with outdoor benches provided for a quick bite (try the coffee buns). Skansen holds many festivals and celebrations all year long. Outdoor concerts are frequently held during the day; as well as sing-a-longs, dance programs, etc.
All in all, a day at Skansen can provide you with fun, history, and a little whimsy.
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