Stockholm, Sweden, Post-Cruise

I got to my hotel, but the room wasn't ready.  I walked to Old Town and took a short cruise around the islands that make up Stockholm.

The most expensive homes/apartments are in this neighborhood.  Bjorn Borg lives in one of these buildings.

A shot from the boat interior on the city tour of Stockholm's main islands.

The royal palace of Sweden.  The King and Queen actually reside about 21km outside Stockholm rather than in the palace.

The Swedish guards, here at the royal palace, aren't like the British soldiers at Buckingham Palace ... they speak to people.

A view from the palace looking toward the Parliament and square.

Stockholm is a beautiful city.  It's clean and the folks are friendly.  Everyone (especially the young) speaks English, too.

Day 7: The final day of the cruise...

The ship sailed all day today, and it was great to just take it easy.  I'll be back in Stockholm tomorrow, and I will spend the night at the same hotel.  The Swedish hotel (Scandic Grand Central) is right in the center of the Old Town, and everything is within walking distance.

My journey back to the US begins early tomorrow morning.  I'll leave for the airport around 6 AM (midnight US time).  I should arrive back in Greenville around 5 PM (11 PM in Sweden).  So, the journey back home will take about 24-hours, but the time change is somewhat deceptive when traveling from west to east.

Day 6 - Riga, Latvia

My tour of history and architecture in Riga, Latvia, was cancelled.  So, my only shots were from the ship.  It appears that Riga (and the small country of Latvia) is an example of contrasts:  old and new stand side-by-side.

Approaching Riga gives you a good look at the countryside of Latvia.

The only country where you had to go through customs while on the ship was in Russia.  Here's the port facility in Riga.

The Vision of the Seas docked right next to this bridge.

Riga is a land of contrast with old churches next to more modern buildings.

One of the options for the day was a trip to a local beach.

Day 5 - Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn is a great city.  Estonia has been occupied most of its existence (1400's) by the Danish, Swedish, German, and Russians.  They've been independent from from the USSR since it disolved into different counties.

Here are a few of my photos.  The city was involved in a festival celebrating its heritage when I arrived.

The view of Old Town Tallinn, Estonia, from the ship.

One of the churches in the Old Town section of Tallinn, Estonia.

The panoramic view from the "mountain" in Old Town Tallinn.

Another view from atop the hill in Tallinn.

A celebration of the Middle Ages with a street fair.

A little dancing in downtown Tallinn.

Another view of the market square where folks were selling their handmade products.

A group of young people marched into the square and performed for the folks in the market square.

A final shot of Tallinn, Estonia, from the ship.

Day 4: St. Petersburg, Day 2

St. Isaac's Catedral is now a museum.  The park across the street is used by couples for wedding pictures.

Peter the Great ... He was killed in battle since the two front legs are lifted.  

Weddings are held morning, noon, and night.  This couple was just married on a Wednesday morning.  I bet I saw 25 young couples during the trip in St. Petersburg.

Statue in St. Isaac's Park.

The public square at the Winter Palace is larger than Red Square in Moscow.

There are two main rivers that are found in the city of St. Petersburg.

The Old Russian Stock Exchange ... It now houses a university.

Day 3: St. Petersburg, Day 1

Day 1 of Russia was interesting.  It was all about hurry up and wait while going anywhere.  Customs officials are interesting.  No matter how many are in line to be processed, they just suddenly close down stations.  Although its a beautiful place, it can be a little perplexing.  One of the members of our tour group had his wallet stolen while at the Church of Peter and Paul ... so I'm holding on to my passport and wallet very closely on Day 2 in the city.

Here are a few shots from my photo album of St. Petersburg, Russia.

Standing in line seems to be the norm when in Russia!

Going along with the flow at the Hermitage Museum

The throne at the Hermitage Museum.

The Peacock Clock is one of the Russian treasures in the Hermitage.

The guide went through the Hermitage in fast forward mode ... so many works of art and so little time.

Beautiful objects and priceless works of art by the European masters were enjoyed by the Tsars/Tsarinas.

The Church of Peter and Paul ... The royal family is buried here.

Interesting sculture of Peter I ... Note the small head (actual size from death mask).  Tradition is to have your picture taken in his lap.

The tombs of the Russian Royals at the Church of Peter and Paul.

The altar area of the Church of Peter and Paul.

The Church of the Spilled Blood ... A symbol of St. Petersburg, Russia.  

Cruise Day 2: Helsinki, Finland

Today was spent touring some of the city of Helsinki,Finland.  Helsinki has been the stand-in for Russia on many movies because of similar architecture (e.g., Red, Gorky Park, etc.).

Here are a few shots I took during my visit today.

The Helsinki Church (80% are Lutheran) in the town square.

A Russian Czar in the town square.  Norway and Russia have had along history/connection.

An outdoor museum with various styles of Norwegian construction (they introduced the log cabin in America).

Having coffee or tea along with a Finnish cinnamon roll.

A typical country church of long ago in Finland.

I always think of log cabins and red paint when I think of Scandinavian homes.

"I'm ready for my closeup."  These seagulls love to take advantage of the drafting as the ship sales.  Note one is banded.

One of the newest churches in Helsinki.  It was constructed inside of a large rock formation.  It has beautiful acoustics.

They moved the old train station and tracks which resulted in a walking and bike trail that cuts across the city.