Stockholm, Sweden
We spent our morning today on a continued journey west, braving the waters of the Baltic Sea toward our next destination, Stockholm. To help pass the time, we were presented with more Russian history which helped to tie some of the regions we have visited together. Shortly after that, the pilot boat was spotted and we welcomed the pilot aboard, since he would be navigating the National Geographic Endeavour through this very popular archipelago. Consisting of more than 25,000 islands, we carefully cruised through a multitude of picturesque summer homes, marinas, manors and fortifications. On approach to the capital, we lowered the Zodiacs and prepared for an activity meant for this location. We entered through the King’s canal, first passing the quaint customs house, which was built by the king to ensure everyone paid a tax before entering the city. As we cruised through the canal, the historic architecture and classic boats made it easy for us to imagine what the city must have been like during the previous centuries, bustling with commerce and rich with culture. We rejoined the ship at its temporary berth in the center of “Old Town.” For some of us, the Zodiac cruise did not sufficiently wet our appetite for the canals and we returned by kayak, gaining a more intimate perspective of what the life along the waterway had to offer. Others of us chose to explore the streets of this capital city, soaking in the local sights, sounds, smells and people. And as we watched the sunlight disappear behind the cityscape, we eagerly await what is in store for us tomorrow.
We spent our morning today on a continued journey west, braving the waters of the Baltic Sea toward our next destination, Stockholm. To help pass the time, we were presented with more Russian history which helped to tie some of the regions we have visited together. Shortly after that, the pilot boat was spotted and we welcomed the pilot aboard, since he would be navigating the National Geographic Endeavour through this very popular archipelago. Consisting of more than 25,000 islands, we carefully cruised through a multitude of picturesque summer homes, marinas, manors and fortifications. On approach to the capital, we lowered the Zodiacs and prepared for an activity meant for this location. We entered through the King’s canal, first passing the quaint customs house, which was built by the king to ensure everyone paid a tax before entering the city. As we cruised through the canal, the historic architecture and classic boats made it easy for us to imagine what the city must have been like during the previous centuries, bustling with commerce and rich with culture. We rejoined the ship at its temporary berth in the center of “Old Town.” For some of us, the Zodiac cruise did not sufficiently wet our appetite for the canals and we returned by kayak, gaining a more intimate perspective of what the life along the waterway had to offer. Others of us chose to explore the streets of this capital city, soaking in the local sights, sounds, smells and people. And as we watched the sunlight disappear behind the cityscape, we eagerly await what is in store for us tomorrow.
