sweden rules.  as the birthplace of such great things like clothing labels h&m, acne and cheap monday, the juggernaut that is ikea, the nobel prizes, absolut vodka, swedish meatballs, bands such as ABBA, the cardigans and ace of base (perhaps that's two truths and one lie) and now spotify, one of the best inventions of our lifetime (the latter has rendered A and i useless during the day as we build our playlists).   sweden is a smorgasbord of all things cool and creative, and the city of stockholm stands proudly as its capital.  we took a guided boat tour around the waterways surrounding the city center followed by walking and wandering around a couple of stockholm's neighborhoods.  

cruising around...

so much charm at every corner.

a new mulberry bag would have been the ultimate souvenir for yours truly.

dog with dreadlocks.

national museum (yes, that's a pixelated banner of a nun's behind from their "lust & last" exhibit).

it's like the mothership was calling my name.

the gray skies can't stop you from shopping, shopping, shopping!

the grand hotel, prime waterfront location.

city hall - venue of the nobel prize banquet - its tower marked by the three crowns, a national symbol.  

p.s. not pictured: the extremely stylish and beautiful people of stockholm.