Cruising the Stockholm Archipelago

Another beautiful morning in Stockholm and the tourist population seems to have multiplied greatly overnight.
Today is Crown Princess Victoria, Duchess of Västergötland 's birthday and all of Sweden is here in Stockholm to celebrate with her, I think. ;)

After another great Swedish breakfast, we took a walk, ending up at the waterfront where we met Maria and her mother Margareta for a cruise on the Ostana boat through the archipelago. There are many islands, quite different from the islands in Gothenburg. Many very large homes are on these islands and many more forested areas. Lots of pleasure boats were around, and at times I had the feeling I was on Lake Minnetonka on a slow day. We were served a very nice lunch on the boat also. After ice cream on the lawn of a large park, we bid goodbye to Maria and Margareta for the day.

Maria and her mother, Margaretta

After a break to rest the feet we headed out once more to see what we could see. We found a very long shopping street with all the stores found at Mall of America plus a few more! Yes, a few purchases were made. Down once again to Gamla Stan (Old Town) where we shopped once more...

We found a nice Italian restaurant for dinner and walked down to the Royal Palace where we were able to walk right up to the front door!! The guard was keeping his watch very well....Although we tried to make eye contact and even said a cheerful "HI" to him, his eyes were glued to his post and he wavered not.