July 25 Stockholm Sweden

 
We start off with a picture from yesterday.  Since we're down south to more reasonable latitudes, the weather has improved, making for great sunsets.

 Next morning we're sailing into Stockholm, which itself is composed of 14 islands, and is surrounded by thousands more, it seems.

 The old city of Stockholm, Gamla Stan.

 We berthed within walking distance of the old city, and off we went.  This is on the shopping street.

 ...which was deserted first thing in the morning.  By noon it was like Disney World in July.

 A church gate

 The Royal Palace, with the family in residence.  We did not see them.

 Palace Guard walking her post

 St George slaying the dragon

 Lots of tiny little side streets (and the main streets are pretty narrow also)

 Narrowest street, with stairs for most of the block

 Available for purchase

 To add to my ceramic frog collection, when I start it.

 Best smelling section of the street, with bags of orange rinds waiting for the garbage man

Riddarholmskyrkan church with its cast-iron spire. Founded as an abbey in the 13th century,
it has been the burial place of Swedish kings for 4 centuries.

 City Hall, where you'll stop by to pick up your Nobel Prize (Peace Prize awarded in Oslo, all else here).

 Main entrance to Gamla Stan, the Old City,  and the Royal Palace

 Back on the boat, we had a great view of the amusement park.

 Sailing out in the evening, with golden light everywhere.

 The locals seem happy that we're leaving.

 No golden flash tonight, but a beautiful sunset.

Technical note: we're now going to Russia where internet may be spotty or unavailable.  More when I can.