The most surprising quality of Stockholm was its stunning beauty. It has all the grandeur of the great capitals of Europe—I guess because it is one! This is just a random cell phone picture from Lake Malaren. Any fool could take it—and this fool did!

Gamla Stan, the Old Town, is the medieval city center of Stockholm. It transcends its touristy nature with a mystery and beauty, especially on a peaceful night like this one.

We had a delicious dinner here in Stockholm! You also get a peek at the old row houses of this color-coordinated city.

If you look at the Scandinavian flags together, you’ll see that they are a matched set, with different colors on the same cross. They are like siblings, sometimes bickering but always united. BTW, Scandinavia refers only to Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. The others up there are called ‘nordic’ countries.

Laura did not win a Nobel Prize (yet) but she did visit the Stockholm City Hall where the prizes are celebrated.

The Vasa is a neat old ship in a museum in Stockholm. It sunk on its maiden voyage in 1628. The ship was built by Swedes and piloted by a Dane, and they still argue over whose fault it was.

Ice bars are ridiculous but also fun. Scandinavians do a certain amount of ridiculous things, but in a reasonable way. This ice bar was Minnesota themed, in a sort of reversal of the usual homage.

At the Grand Hotel they celebrate many nations.