Journal no. 3

Vaxholm is an island in the north east of the city. C wanted us to experience the way the locals spend their summers, on idyllic islands in the archipelago.

we got on a ferry from Stockholm Stromkajen, which cost 75 SEK (SGD 13).
it afforded gorgeous views of the city.

there was much greenery on the little islands we passed, and adorable traditional houses with the distinctive hive-shape.
the 2 guys on the jetty waved at us, which was adorable.

after 45 minutes on the comfortable ship, we arrived at Vaxholm.
most of the commercial businesses where located near the dock end.

there were colourful flags hung along the main shopping street, Hamngatan, which had many pleasant shops for the residents and tourists.

one candy shop had these sweets C remembered from her childhood.

the island didn't have many eateries.
our choice, Hamnkrogen, turned out to be excellent.
the nautically-themed restaurant was next to the marina and served Swedish cuisine.
set lunch (SEK 85) included a drink, a lovely salad/bread buffet with coffea/tea/cookies.
my mom's beef stew, my steamed fish in cream sauce and especially C's fried fish were all beautifully served.
the service, decor, atmosphere and food made this one of my favourite lunch-ing experiences of all time.

 after lunch, the clouds started to gathered but we were excited to explore the island.
that's Vaxholm Kastell, a fortress on an islet on the east side of the dock.

but the most enjoyable part was ogling the picturesque and majestic old wooden houses that perch on the uneven terrain.
they came in pleasing pastel shades, with bay towers, dogs with their noses sticking out from under the fence, playhouse lemonade stands, and flowering rose flourishes.

such is the good life.