Stockholm via Heathrow (11 August 2006)

Victor, Me, Lillian, Keith & Joe, Stockholm, Sweden

Another rushed friday at work sees me leave at 2pm to catch the 7pm to Stockholm. The current terrorist threats have meant huge queues and congestion at all London airports. I'm queuing for 3hours before being rushed through body checks (very stinky as all footwear to be removed for examination).

All we are allowed on board is a clear plastic bag with passport, ticket, wallet and keys. Some lady has a years supply of pills she takes on board...I wonder how she would survive without it!

Another hour in the tarmac and Lillian and I are winging our way to meet Keith, Joe and Victor in Stockholm.

The airport arrivals is near empty, its great to be back in a place which is quiet and crowdless. The terminal itself is glass metal and dark waxed wood floors. Very classy.

Lillian and I catch the city express train , which looks nice and new in brilliant Yellow, very similar to the Heathrow Express in every way. In town its late Friday night and all i want to do is get to the hotel and crash out for the night - its been a very long day!

First impressions Stockholm is very similar to Sydney to me, wide city streets, 90 degree grids and a quietness in the bars we past which is a contrast to London. Oh and fresh air. The wonder of travelling in foreign places is never far from me though and I enjoy the new signs and trying to decipher the language.

Next morning we meet down stairs for a meal of vast proportions.

TBC