Crawling out of bed knowing I had a list of things to accomplish today was not a good feeling. Still there is no rest for the backpacker and I set off to see a little more of Stockholm before I had to take some time for the boring everyday tasks of old.
First stop was the Kroner Museum which I failed to see on my visit to the Stockholm Palace due to it closing early. I’m glad I went back to see it, even if the time it took me to tour the place was short. Getting a glimpse of the palace walls from days gone by was really interesting and the few artifacts they had on display were enough to keep me amused.
While in the museum I also ran into a girl from the hostel so after wandering some more of the palace area we made for old town and a quick feed. It was here that we parted ways as I needed to find a place to get my head shaved (yes I do have some hair people) and find a laundromat to rid my backpack of its overflowing array of dirty clothing.
Now I know Stockholm is expensive but even for a haircut? After what seemed like an eternity to find a place that was actually open, I handed over the equivalent of $25 aussie dollars for the privilege of someone to run a razor over my head. Now the guy was very nice and he seemed to pay more attention to the task that I have ever seen anybody before, but still $25 bucks for that??
Still my great expenditure didn’t end there. It also turns out Stockholm isn’t so highly stocked in the laundromat department as the sign at the hostel clearly stated there was only one within the area. So off I trundled with my washing over one shoulder and macbook on the other, after all what better time to write while your clothes go round and round.
The older lady staffing the place was nice enough, telling me to come back in a couple of hours and it would all be done. My spirits were high, then she dropped the price. Just over $25 aussie dollars for a wash and dry. By this stage she had me over a barrel as I’d handed the clothes over and I needed clean clothes for my arrival in Helsinki. Dropping the fee in her hand I departed and made for a park to relax and brighten my mood.
The park I found was relaxing and filled with people, the perfect combination to chill out until I needed to collect my laundry. As I sat and watched the father’s play with their children, the teenagers canoodle on the park bench and the rest just soak up the day I reminded myself just how lucky I was to be sitting in a park in Stockholm. Miles and miles away from home and having the time of my life.
Dragging myself up from my resting spot I collected my laundry and headed back to the hostel to decide what was next. Turns out the decision had been made for me, thanks again to the dutch girls I had met earlier. You see they had learnt of my eating habits in recent weeks and had decide I was to be included in the cook up tonight, I sure wasn’t going to refuse.
I then spent the rest of the night hanging out with the girls, watching as they cooked up a feast that was majorly awesome and playing a round or two of cards. There has to be something said for relaxing with good conversation and a casual game of cards. It was a great way to spend my last night in Stockholm and after talking the night away I was happy with the time I had spent here.
Tomorrow I was to catch the overnight ferry to Helsinki but first I had to find the ferry…
Wow you are really efficient with your time, I’m starting to feel lazy 🙂
Yes and no. I was so excited to travel and see things that I found it hard to sit still. As time goes on though you start to settle down and just enjoy it all more.
Ouch so $$$!!! But, at least you got hang out with some girls! 😉
haha Andi, I did get to hang out with some girls.
Im always interested when someone can make the most mundane things like haircuts and laundry sound interesting. This undoubtedly means that I need to get out more!
Hey Val, thanks for the kind words. It was an experience that’s for sure but one I’d come back for. I didn’t have enough time in Stockholm to really see everything I wanted so expect me back that way.
Stockholm is expensive for europians, but nice city. Thanks for share 😉
Stockholm is just expensive for everybody I think. I’d like to go back at some stage but when there are cheaper places I want to visit first I know it won’t be soon.