Stockholm: Mostly Just Rain and Bridges (and a Lot of Grey)
okay, so, where do i even begin? stockholm. it’s… a lot. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. honestly, i’m still trying to process it all. i was supposed to be ‘finding my center’ or something, but i mostly found myself dodging ridiculously narrow cobblestone streets and trying not to fall into canals.
seriously, the bridges. like, so many bridges. it’s like a really elaborate, slightly depressing, water-based spiderweb. someone told me that the Gamla Stan is supposed to be charming, but all i saw was a lot of tourists and overpriced pastries. i did snap a few pics, though.
this place is built on, like, everything. geological joints and glaciers and stuff. apparently, it’s geologically stable, which is… comforting, i guess? i heard that the water is polluted, which is a little unsettling, but the architecture is gorgeous. it’s a weird mix of medieval and super modern, and i’m not entirely sure it works, but it’s definitely memorable. i spent a ridiculous amount of time just staring at buildings.
and the islands! 24,000 of them. i tried to visit a few, but honestly, i was exhausted. i just wanted to find a decent cup of coffee. i’m pretty sure i had three espressos in the last hour. i found one place that had a surprisingly good cinnamon bun, though. small victories. if you get bored, Uppsala and Södermanland are just a short drive away, apparently. i didn’t have a car, obviously. i was walking. mostly getting soaked.
check out the reviews on TripAdvisor - people seem to have very strong opinions about everything. i heard that the archipelago is amazing in the summer, but it’s currently raining sideways. i’m not a summer person, to be honest. i prefer moody weather.
seriously, the cost of living is insane. i’m pretty sure i spent more on a single pastry than i did on a week’s worth of ramen back home. and the tech scene is intense. everyone’s talking about innovation and disruption and… i just wanted a nap. i’m starting to think i should have just stayed in a hostel in Prague. or maybe Budapest. or anywhere that isn’t perpetually damp and expensive. but here i am, lost in a maze of bridges and canals, wondering if i made a terrible mistake. i’m going to find a dark corner and contemplate my life choices. seriously, anyone know where the nearest sauna is? i need a sauna. and a strong drink.
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