My free day in Mariehamn was pretty relaxed. After arriving at midnight and setting up, I was really tired and slept in late. Luckily, the tent was in shade for most of the morning. I should do more of this.
Although I’ve had time off in big cities, its only been a day or two, so I’m on the lookout for somewhere to spend 5 days or so. I think the south of France is my best option. I’ll catch up with my brother and quite a few of his family, then go north to Paris to see Minou when she arrives, then go to London where Timo, Kath and Minou and I will catch up. Its been over a year since we’ve all been together and I can’t wait.
So, I wandered around Mariehamn and looked around. It’s a nice place, and any other time, I’m sure I’d really enjoy it. Unfortunately as the day wore on, the revellers from the Rockoff festival woke up and started revelling again. More and more hotted up old cars appeared and blasted their music for all to hear with the black shirted and tattoed occupants leaning out of each car’s windows. I thought I died and gone to Ipswich.
I was still tired, so I had an early evening back at the campground. Its funny here, nobody sits outside their tents for too long at night due to the mosquitoes. I settled in with my Kindle.
The next day was also attacked at a snail’s pace. I had a ferry to Stockholm after 2pm and took a long time to leave the campground before coffee in the small town.
The barista at the coffee shop remembered my coffee order. When I told him him how impressive this was, he replied that they don’t have many customers, so its easy.
The ferry ride was as uneventful as it was long. Six hours worth. I had a window seat, finished one book and started another. Arriving in Stockholm, I had a few kilometres to ride to the hotel while dark clouds approached closer and closer. For once, I made it without getting drenched. I got to the shelter of the hotel’s awning just as the heavy rain began.
The forecast isn’t great, but I intend to wander around for my two days and plan the next weeks in Denmark, Germany, Netherlands and down south.
I had two full days in Stockholm and it’s a fantastic walkable city with lots of water surrounding the old town. The first day rained a fair bit but that just forced me to retreat for the afternoon and relax after wandering around all morning.
On day two, I did an organised walking tour and more walking after that as the sun came out with the crowds. I guess it’s the middle of summer and everyone was out enjoying Stockholm.
After nearly 6 weeks of wheatfields, pine forests and the Baltic, its time to get into some nice easy touring past rivers, canals, villages and castles and chateaus and stuff. As well, I know that Sweden and Norway deserve quite some time on their own but right now, I don’t feel like spending that time.
So, I’m going to get a bus from Stockholm to Malmo and spend a few days in Copenhagen before I get back on the bike.