Stockholm

I have to be honest, I didn't love Stockholm as much as Copenhagen, though I can't quite put my finger on why. Maybe it is that elusive concept of hygge, which the Swedes don't seem to have.

However, it was still a lovely city, and if it wasn't quite as pleasant to stroll through as Copenhagen (and let's be honest, Stockholm is still nicer for an evening wander than Bradford), it made up for it by having so many interesting things to do. I believe there are around 80 museums/attractions in Stockholm and the vicinity, so it would be difficult to run out of things to do.

My main priority was, of course, the Abba museum - or rather, Abba: The Museum to give it its proper name, which personally I think sounds a) ridiculous, and b) like it's the title for their comeback album.
I'm going to restrain myself because I don't want to tire your poor eyes out, but this was literally the best thing I've been to on this trip so far, and possibly one of my favourite museum/attractions ever. I don't even care whether that vote loses me all my cool points, it was just brilliant.

The audio guide was narrated entirely by members of the band, describing their early life and music career pre-Abba, and their thoughts on success and the songwriting process - all of which was really interesting.

The originals of many of their unforgettable costumes are on display. There are also interactive parts, where you can have a go at mixing a song, following their dance moves, and even sing along karaoke-style. Elsewhere, there is a massive light-up dancefloor complete with disco ball, although when I passed through only the young kids were unembarrassed abuut dancing along.

Afterwards I blew my year's salary in the gift shop then wandered back, with obscure Abba songs playing in my head for the rest of the day.

Other things I did in Stockholm which were not related to Abba:

Wandered through Gamla Stan. This is the old part of the town, and had lots of narrow little alleyways with shops and restaurants.

Visited the Nordiskamuseet (Nordic Museum). This was super interesting, with many different exhibitions. My personal favourite was the Swedish folk art gallery; I love this style of decoration, and it was interesting to see how modern Nordic textiles have evolved from these beginnings.

Also, there was an exhibition about the Sami culture, which was hugely interesting and thought-provoking.

I then visited the Modernamuseet, so I could pretend to be all cultured by looking at some modern art - I thought this might balance out the cheesiness of Abba the previous day. Again, I learnt a lot, and saw some wonderful pieces. Not knowing a thing about art, and even less about modern art, I couldn't tell you what was so amazing about them or what they were saying, just that I liked something about them. But then, I tend to think that's all that matters.

I could easily have found plenty more things in Stockholm to do, and I didn't as much have time as I would have liked to just wander round the city. But it's probably fortunate for my bank account that I didn't,  as I spent even more money in Stockholm than I did in Copenhagen, eek.

This photo has convinced me that all cranes should be painted to look like giraffes