Stockholm-

Stockholm wins the prize for best all around city…at least in my book. The regal capital of a once mighty Swedish empire retains much of its former glory. Stockholm is spread out among over fourteen islands located where the Swedish lake country meets the Baltic. After three days here, I cannot believe that more Americans do not flock to visit here during the summer. According to my guide book, more and more people are discovering this European gem, and I strongly urge you to make a trip here.

Stockholm possess the elegance of Paris without the snobby smelly Frenchmen. It has the efficiency of Berlin without the scowling Germans, the water of Venice without the stench, and it has the architecture of Prague without the communist flare.

I began yesterday with a tour of the Swedish parliament, which is located on its own island in the heart of the city. It was very interesting to learn more about how government of this small but influencial country functions. Interesting fact: the members of parliament do not sit with their party, rather, the seats are divided based on constituency.

With the rest of my time, I have enjoyed some nice restaurants, taken a boat tour of the Royal Canal, toured the old city, watched the changing of the Palace Guard.

Today I visited the famous Vasa Museum, built around the warship Vasa, that was at one time the pride of the Swedish navy. Unfortunately for the Swedes, their pride and joy sank twenty minutes into its maiden voyage in the 1600s, and was only rediscovered in the 1950s when the Swedes began the monumental task of raising and restoring the vessel. The ship is now completed restored, and some 400 years later, visitors from around the world flock to see the massive man of war.

Stockholm truly is one of Europe’s most underrated cities. Any of you planning Euro trips, I recommend that you pick Stockholm over less exciting places such as Vienna or even Rome. Stockholm (in the summer) is sunny, warm, and offers everything needed for a nice relaxing vacation.