A little trip to Gällnö

The weather in Stockholm has been fantastic this summer - I think better than I can remember having seen for a long time. And what's a better use of a good summer than to go out in the archipelago. We have gone several times this summer and last time we decided to go to Gällnö, where they have a very nice beach and proper (gravel) roads to drive the buggy on.

Several boats leave from Nybrokajen, where you have a nice view over Dramaten - seen below in beautiful summer light.

Waxholmsbolaget's boats often leave from Stromkajen, right opposite Grand Hotel. This morning we went with the boat Gallno (needless to say that boat goes to Gallno :). The trip was about three hours and we passed through the beautiful archipelago with its characteristic small islands (called kobbe in Swedish). 

Alexander was as usual a good boy on the trip, even though he didn't want to sleep when there was so much excitement. Below is Maria and Alexander holding hands creating hearts. 

When arriving to Gallno there was a bit of a walk to the restaurant/bar and then a bit more to the beach. Along the way we saw several typical houses, built in wood and painted red with white corners. 

There were still signs of the midsummer celebrations. 

At the restaurant they served sausages and hamburgers clearly freshly made:

After dinner it was time to go home. It was a good day. 

Stockholm archipelago

Stockholm Archipelago is one of the most beautiful places I know and it is of course extra pleasant in the summer. There are boats leaving from Nybrokajen in Central Stockholm every morning. We left just after eight and the boats were lined up at the pier.

We had decided to go to Rodloga - four hours away by boat. The tour had several stops along the way, including Waxholm - the capital of the archipelago - and lots of nice views. Below is at Furusunds Brygga. Very Swedish. Very picturesque. 

Finally we got to Rodloga. A steam boat had gotten there just before us. Next time I go I want to take the steam boat.

At Rodloga they celebrated the 'Rodloga Day' - a yearly event. That meant a fair amount of people - to be the archipelago - but it was still very calm and relaxing. 

Many boats had anchored outside the island. 

Some viking-like boats was on display because of the event... 

...and there was live music. 

But most of the time we just enjoyed the nature. 

The little one also enjoyed himself!

After four hours on the island it was time to go back. This time it was Sjobris that came and picked us up for the ride home. 

London walk 2 - Mayfair

My second London walk took me to Mayfair. It started out at Green Park underground station walking towards Old and New Bond Street. On the way is wonderful Ritz.

New Bond Street has become synonymous with high international fashion and luxury. All the big designers are here - Chanel, Prada, Cartier... And of course Tiffany's. 

Just where Old Bond Street meets New Bond Street the statue 'Allies' is found. The bronze a statue shows Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt talking. 

Typical Mayfair street.

Cozy Shepherd Market, just off Curzon Street - a well-hidden warren of alleyways is lined with small shops, pubs and restaurants. 

#48 Berkley Square, where Churchill grew up.

Berkley Square.

The walk ended off at Regent Street... 

...and Piccadilly Circus. 

London walk 1 - Buckingham Palace and the parks

I have decided to do walks around London when I am free. The first walk was around Buckingham Palace and St. James's park, starting at Trafalgar square. I came come into the mall through The Admiralty Arch entering from Trafalgar Square. Normally the Mall is open for traffic but this morning it was open for pedestrians only, even though it was not Sunday (it's apparently closed for traffic on Sundays).

The Mall walking towards Buckingham Palace

Guarding

Buckingham Palace in all its pride

One of the best things with London is its park. Here is Green Park

St James's Park is one of my favourite parks in London. The park is stretching along the Mall, from Buckingham Palace almost up to Trafalgar Square and on the other side almost to Westminster and Victoria. 

Kids feeding the birds in St James's Park

Pelicans? In Green Park!? Have seen them there before so they must be permanent!

Resting swan