Our cruise to Stockholm

We have a nice tradition of going to Sweden a few days before Christmas by boat. It's a good way to start the holiday, and still have time for Christmas preparations. This time we went with Viking Gabriella. On our way to Stockholm it was quite stormy, although not as bad weather as it could have been. So we managed to eat at the restaurant and went shopping. In the morning it was calm again.

Beautiful sunrise after the storm.

Kids enjoyed playing in the cabin.

In Stockholm we took the bus and metro to downtown. There we went to the railway station to buy some Swedish magazines and a book for the kids. Of course we visited Åhléns department store as we always do. After that we took the metro to Stockholm's Old Town. There we had lunch with Swedish friends.

Downtown without snow.

Walking towards the restaurant in Old Town.

When we came back to the boat there was enough time for swimming, sauna and eating at the restaurant. The sea was calm, and the kids stayed up a bit later, so we could watch some of the programs at the boat.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas

Wishing you a Merry Christmas!

Road trip next Summer

It all started with a car. A red car.

A Mercedes-Benz (320 CLK Cabriolet) that was available in Spain. This car is owned by my brother-in-law and his wife, who live in Spain. They don't need it anymore, so now it's (almost) ours. We only need to drive it home from Spain.

It all started with the car, but the more interesting part will be the road trip. We will cross about 10 countries on our way home, and our two kids (age 5 and 9) will see changing views from the windows. On our way home we try to find interesting places where to stop for a while.

We have already booked flights to Malaga for next Summer. The route will be something like Spain-France-Italy-Switzerland-Germany-Poland-Lithuania-Latvia-Estonia-Finland.

Our way of traveling has never been buying all-inclusive packages to a place with sun and swimming pool. Even though it could be very nice and relaxing. We sometimes travel to meet friends and listen to music, or try to find fun places to visit with family.

Now we will start planning the road trip. What things do are needed in the car? Is there equipment, that is necessary while traveling on the road?