2 Days, 2 Countries, 2 City Halls

On Sunday we toured City Hall in Stockholm, Sweden (Stadshuset) and then on Monday we toured City Hall in Oslo, Norway (Radhuset). Other than the cool fact of two awesome countries in two days, I know it doesn't sound very exciting to be touring city halls. In fact I'm not sure I've ever toured one anywhere else I've traveled or lived! 

However, we know now that here in Scandinavia a city hall is a more important and elaborate building than a cathedral or palace, as in other parts of Europe. These city halls celebrate humanism and the idea of people working together. They're both impressively large, stunningly ornamental, red brick, towering buildings on their respective gorgeous waterfronts. They hold the cities' assemblies

And our most compelling reason for visiting both of these is they each have Nobel Prize props! The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded every year on 10 December in the Grand Hall in Oslo - and yes, we were just standing right there in that hall! And the Nobel Prize awards banquet is held in the Grand Hall in Stockholm. More later . . . When we find out more!

Stockholm - So Beautiful!

Didn't really expect such peaceful, glowing beauty from a city. Stockholm sits on several small islands, so of course it's surrounded by flowing water. I knew that. And the water is clear, and the town is clean, and the buildings are colorful in a monochromatic, subdued sort of way, and the harbor is full of boats. I had read ahead about all of those elements too. But the sum of those parts make up one spectacular whole - one I'll never be able to capture with a photo. (And besides I'm just not quite ready to upload any yet! Sorry!) 

But let me try again to describe it with words: Massive buildings surround Stockholm Harbor, each more impressive than the next, each adorned in its own hue of saffron or cinnamon or light orange or sandy red stone or brick or stucco. Windows are decorated with wrought iron or stonework balconies, some cascading misty grasses and spiraling variegated green vines and red geraniums, some overhung with dark green or deep red canvas awnings. Every level or two varies in style and pattern of brick or stone arches, and roofs sport cupolas or oxidized green copper ornamental coverings. 

And boats! Wooden boats of fascinating shapes and sizes and vintages, gigantic three masted sailing vessels, enormous ocean liners, sailing skiffs, fishing boats, row boats, sight seeing boats, paddle boats, kayaks, and houseboats float throughout the islands looking well used and well loved.

The whole setting is strikingly lovely and it's really just quite marvelous to be here! I know - pictures please! Yes, soon!