Wanderlust Wednesday: Hitting the Courts at Wimbledon

Everyone has World Cup fever right now – and who could blame them! But there's another major sporting event that got underway this week, and it's one I've been dying to attend ever since I picked up a racket over 20 years ago.

Wimbledon Logo. © Wimbledon

Wimbledon. The oldest tennis tournament in the world, and arguably the most popular of the four Grand Slam tournaments. The major has been held at the All England Club in London since 1877. Every June, I remember my parents turning on Wimbledon first thing in the morning, eager to see who would advance to the next round. For two weeks, we'd cheer and scream at the television as the sport's best athletes took to the grass in the hopes of raising a trophy at the end of it all. I've watched from a distance for years, tuning in when I can and envying all those lucky fans sitting in the stands, and even the ones able to watch on the grass hill outside the grounds.

I have actually been to the All England Club, but it wasn't during the tournament. My aunt and uncle used to live in the neighborhood, and I visited them when I was very young. I don't even remember what it looked like, and I'm sure a lot has changed since then. If I can't manage to get tickets to the event itself, I would definitely be interested in visiting the grounds again and taking a tour of the facility. What a great way to get a behind-the-scenes look at where it all happens, where the players prepare to take the court, where the crowds watch in silent anticipation during every point. It seems almost magical to think about.

Obviously, my biggest goal is to make it there during those wonderful two weeks of tennis bliss, and take part in all the excitement. I would love to enjoy some traditional British strawberries and cream and a Pimm's Cup (although I could make that at home). But mostly, I'd just love to be in the crowd, take in the energy of the event and experience a true piece of British and sports history.

Aerial View © Bob Martin/AELTC

Day Two of Tournament © Chris Raphael/AELTC

Aerial view of Grounds © Bob Martin/AELTC

View of Grounds © Tom Lovelock/AELTC

It has long been a dream to attend Wimbledon, and I know one day I'll make it there. But for now, I'll settle for experiencing it through the television. I'm curious to see if Andy Murray can defend his title from last year, and by the looks of his performance so far, he's going to be tough to beat. But I think he'll have some intense competition, so it should make for some very entertaining tennis. On the women's side, I don't really have a favorite in mind to win, but I'm keeping my eye on Petra Kvitova (Czech) and Agnieszka Radwanska (Poland). We'll see who makes it to Centre Court and ultimately raises the silver gilt cup (men) and the "Rosewater Dish" (women).

Preparing for the Big Trip

According to my countdown widget, in 45 days I will be leaving for South Africa. So far, my preparations have been limited to getting my immunization shots. Now, I am starting to think about what I'll need to bring along for the journey. Considering I may not have a washer/dryer available to me, I need to make sure I have enough clothes to last me at least two weeks, plus clothes for the six days of traveling to and from Durban (yes, it takes that long). Plus, I'll need toiletries, shoes (at least 3 pairs), books, my journal (can't go anywhere without it), my ipod, vitamins and all the prescriptions I need to take while I'm there. After running through this laundry list of essentials, I started to wonder what the hell I would pack it all in.

And then Daily Candy Travel sent me their weekly article, and my dreams of finding the perfect luggage were realized. There in the article was a list of adorable carry-on bags, perfect for stowing all my necessities for those long overnight flights and even longer layovers. Now, I will admit the one that caught my eye is way out of my price-range (what can I say, I have expensive taste), but it seems to appropriate for my destination based on its style. I mean, the name alone is enough to make me want it: Urbane Village- Doctor's Bag. How cool does that sound? But to the chagrin of my finances, I turned away from the seemingly perfect bag, and considered the others that seemed just as nice, and probably more practical for my trip. The Large Weekender from LeSportSac is a little more reasonably priced and has a ton of outside pockets, perfect for storing small electronics or books or travel documents--anything I need to access quickly. The cheapest bag was the Canvas Overnight bag from JCrew. Basically, it's a duffel bag, which would be fine for someone like me with a limited income. And for an extra $10, I can get a personal monogram etched on the side! Let me think, what should it say? Hmmm...Well, that will have to wait until another day.

Once the bag is purchased, however, the real challenge begins. I have never been the most efficient packer--more often than not I find myself sprawled on top of the suitcase, shoving the contents down as much as possible while battling with the zipper. So how I will fit everything will be interesting, surely a worthy story for a post. I will keep you updated on my preparations as the departure date nears.

Spring Break Baby!

March is in full swing. Although this month is usually associated with St. Patty's Day, there is another "holiday" that comes to mind--Spring Break. I guess it wouldn't really be termed a holiday as much as a week-long event full of parties, beaches, drinking binges, and hazy mornings. These are welcomed by most--if not all--college students, because spring break is a must, a right of passage, a memorable experience--if you can remember any of it.

But what about when college is over? The times of all-day drink fests and late-night parties are long gone once you enter the real world--at least for most college grads. So where do you go? Sure there are some popular Spring Break destinations where you can avoid the crazy college crowd and still enjoy a week of sun bathing on the beach. The Caribbean, the Bahamas, Costa Rica, Mexico. I have nothing against these vacation spots; I would, in fact, say they are some of my favorite places to go for a relaxing week of lazing in the sand. But these days I am much more interested in going somewhere exotic, someplace new and different, where I can explore and learn about a new culture.

A place like Morocco, for instance. It has become a popular tourist spot due to it's mix of traditional and modern culture. Most of the cities still maintain that authentic, North African feel; with winding streets, bustling markets; delicious, fresh food; and camels galore. On top of all this, the historic sites make Morocco worth the trip.

As a lover of the movie Casablanca, I would have to make my way there first. The night life is said to be incredible, the clubs and bars worth an evening of exploring. During the day, you can see Hassan II Mosque, the largest in Morocco. Other than a few surrounding neighborhoods, like Corniche on the shore, Casablanca has little else to offer.

Next, I would head to Marrakech, located at the foot of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. The city is divided into two districts: The Medina and Gueliz, the historic part and the modern part. A day can be spent in Medina wandering around the souks looking for the best bargains on local art, food, and clothes. Djemaa El-Fna is a town square filled with snake charmers and monkey trainers by day; dancers, musicians and story tellers by night. To get a taste of local history, I would visit the Saadian Tombs or El Bahia Palace. This city also provides a glance into the ancient Berber people, the natives who used to inhabit the land. While the city features incredible sights, sounds and smells, it is in the surrounding mountains where the beautiful scenery lies. Ourika Valley is home to numerous different waterfalls, which can be reached via hiking trails. Old villages rest peacefully among the cliffs and trees, waiting to be discovered.

Morocco has the privilege of being on the edge of the famous Sahara Desert. The Sahara region of Morocco is where the small city of Ouarzazate is located. If I went to this city, I would have to see Ait Benhaddou, one of the best preserved Kashbahs in the world. (Rock the Kashbah!) From here I would venture along the route of 1000 kashbahs, to the town of Boumalne. And for a truly unique experience, I would drive out to the the city of Mhamid, saddle up on a camel and take a trek out into the Sahara.

Finally, I would make my way to Fez, one of the oldest medieval cities in the country. The medina in this city is a maze of streets easy to get lost in, and maybe that's for the best. It's when you get lost that you truly find something incredible. Within the medina is the tannery, where old leather-making techniques from the Middle Ages are still practiced today. Fez also provides a glimpse at some of the most authentic Islamic architecture, especially seen in the Bou Inania madersa, a 14th century religious college.

While taking a relaxing trip to the warm, tropical locales of a traditional Spring Break is wonderful, I would much rather venture to the exotic regions of the world, ones I have never seen. These places offer so much more than warm weather. They provide history, culture, diversity. Now that's a Spring Break worth looking into--at least for me.

Travel Song Time

There isn't much I need to say about why this song is a classic, or why it fits perfectly into the genre of travel music.




Frank Sinatra was a world traveler and is known all over for his soft melodies and distinctive voice. And in this song he brings together a range of places one can "fly away" to. Sinatra makes you want to grab a drink with him in Bombay, or listen to music in Peru, or relax on the beaches of Acapulco Bay. The next time you get on a plane to jet off to your next destination, play this song in your head--or your ipod--and think about flying above it all with someone by your side.

Deal of the Week

I apologize for not posting a deal last week. Life got a little crazy with starting the new internship and everything, but I am getting back on track. So here we go, a new week and promising deals to go with it.

This week's winner is....

CHINA: 12-NIGHT ESCORTED TOUR W/ YANGTZE CRUISE, +AIR--$1899

We're heading to the Orient! Spend 12 days exploring the jewels of China, from the Forbidden City to the Great Wall. This deal from Gate 1 Travel will get you from Los Angeles to Shanghai, up the Yangtze river, over to Xian, up to Beijing, and back again for less than $2000. The whole deal includes:

• Roundtrip air
• All internal flights
• 12 nights of accommodations
• 3 nights at Bund Riverside in Shanghai.
• 4 night cruise up the Yangtze on the Century Star.
• 2 nights at Grand New World Hotel in Xian.
• 3 nights at the Jinglun Hotel in Beijing.
• 24 meals
• Sightseeing tours
• An english-speaking tour guide
• Entrance fees

You can depart on September 16, October 7 and 28, and November 18. Book this package by going online or calling and entering the promo code TZC250.

But hurry, cause this deal will probably go fast!


This week's runner up is....

GREEK ISLAND VACATION: 8 NIGHTS & AIR--$1199

Now the only reason this came in second is because I have been to Greece before, so I thought a place I had never gone to--China--would be a better winner.

Anyway, this trip sounds absolutely incredible and I personally am dying to go. You can spend 8 nights on the Aegean Sea, gazing at the beauty that is Greece. Europe Vacations provides you with:

• Roundtrip flights from New York
• 2 nights at the Candia Hotel in Athens--steps from the Parthenon
• 3 nights at the Kamari Hotel in Mykonos
• 3 nights at the King Thiras Hotel in Santorini
• Ferry service between islands
• Daily breakfast
• All hotel taxes

This deal is good on select dates in April and May. Spring in Greece still has warm weather and there are not as many people. Book this trip online or by calling and enter the promo code TZGRE1. Book by March 2.

Enjoy a relaxing journey through Greece for a very reasonable price!


Another deal that caught my eye was a sweet hotel deal in Mexico. Check it out!

The Largest Sheet of Ice I've Ever Seen

Even with ice covering 80% of its surface, Greenland is still an incredibly beautiful country. And despite having an overall population of 55,000 people, there is plenty to do around the various regions.

Most of the inhabitants live on the West Coast, where Nuuk, the capital, is located. Cultures seem to collide in this area. One cannot help but notice the internet cafes and bus routes that have modernized the towns, and snowmobiles are a common form of transportation. But slightly to the north in Sisimiut, dog sleds are still used in the traditional way.

For a complete contrast, head to the other coast and witness the original Greenland--or the closest you'll come to it. There are only two towns in the area, because most of the time it is ice-bound and very secluded from the rest of the country. The language is totally different from the west, but it allows for the people to maintain their own eastern identity.

The North is known as the land of dog sleds and Midnight sun. When the fjords--waterways--freeze over, dog sleds are indispensable to fishers and hunters. During the summer, the sun never sets, and this period of endless light continues the further north you venture. The long distances between towns make for exciting boating trips where the full extent of the wildlife can be appreciated. One can see the skerries, the low mountains in the south, the monumental basalt mountains on Disko island, the highest mountains on the west coast near Uummannaq, the bird colonies on the cliffs of Upernavik and glaciers and ice fields along the way.

South Greenland is the greenest part of the country. In fact most of the flora of Greenland grow in this area. Since winters are much milder here, the culture is much different than the rest of the country. Where fishing and seal hunting are prominent elsewhere, the south has sheep farming and agriculture. Plus, the famous northern lights can be witnessed from this area at the end of August.

Venture to the farthest stretches of the north and you will find Qaanaaq. The average temperature in this area during February and March is around -30 degrees Celsius. Hunting is a way of life, and the people who live their use everything from their kills. Nothing from the hunt goes to waste: the skins are used for clothing and covering the kayaks; the flesh and offal are eaten by humans and domestic animals; the narwhal and walrus tusks are carved into finely-worked figures, jewelery and hunting instruments, and even feathers can be used in handicrafts.

All these regions surround the largest part of Greenland, the ice sheet. It is a vast body of ice covering 1.71 km². It is the second largest ice body in the world, following Antartica's great ice sheet. The ice sheet is almost 2,400 kilometers long in a north-south direction, and its greatest width is 1,100 kilometers. But even with most of the country being covered with ice, it is difficult to ignore with such breathtaking scenery, culture, and history.

And no matter what area you visit, you will be greeted with brightly colored houses...

The Hot Spots for Next Year

Thanks to my new favorite website, Black Tomato, I know the "it" places to visit next year.

So if you have yet to book a vacation, here are some hot ideas for destinations that will be buzzing in 2010.

Turkey --one of the top places on my own list--will be a popular place for many tourists. Since it is out of the "eurozone" it's a bargain trip for sure. Istanbul, the thriving capital city, has a mixture of everything. It brings in aspects from other countries, while maintaining it's Turkish Style. And if a city scene is not your thing, there are plenty of mountain ranges and stretches of beach to keep you satisfied.

Colombia! Yeah, emphasis was necessary. I mean, the country has gotten a bad reputation in the past, but it also has so much to offer a willing traveler: The Caribbean Sea, the Andes, colonial cities and the Amazon. Jungles, Mountains, Beaches, Oh My!

How about a safari in Africa? On a boat? Yeah, if you head to Botswana. Journey to the Okavango Delta and you'll see plenty of wildlife. And it's an added bonus if you are viewing from a river cruise ship. But don't worry, you can venture on land as well.

Australia is always popular. But there is more to see than the Sydney Opera House. Venture to Western Australia for a more rugged landscape. The reefs here rival the Great Barrier Reef, and the wine is some of the best in the world. And who wouldn't want to swim with whale sharks?

The Middle East does not seem like the most ideal place to visit right now, but give Syria a chance and you may come back singing a different tune. Hit up Aleppo, poised to be the hippest new city in the Middle East, and you will be greeted with a culture rich in history, tradition, and food.

As for Central America, head to Nicaragua. Why you ask? Two words: volcano surfing.

For a bit of a slower, more relaxed vacation, Bhutan is the place for you. With a zen-like atmosphere, you're sure to leave your worries behind in the office. Plus, the scenery is simply breathtaking. So cross your legs, breathe deep, and say Om.

India is definitely on the list, and why wouldn't it be? One can explore the psychedelic cities of Delhi, Jaipur and Udaipur; and watch wild tigers in the thick jungle of Pench. Plus, venture into Amber--the ancient capital of religion--on the back of an elephant.

Wandering back over to South America, Chile has made the list. I don't know about anyone else, but I have been dying to go here for years, ever since my friend showed me pictures of Changara Lake. And with a long list of "best of's"-best landscape, best activities-there is plenty to see and do. Sip some of their heavenly wine along the way, too.

Finally, make time to visit colorful Tanzania. Black Tomato provides an exclusive safari destination that few have ever heard of. So if you want to see a place full of animals and devoid of other tourists, check out their website.

So there you have it, the top places to go to next year compliments of me and Black Tomato. Honestly, I'm going to be adding some of these locations to my list.

Travel Website to Explore: Black Tomato

How is it possible I did not know about this website? I have no idea.

I receive emails from DailyCandy--a current events/pop culture website that talks about everything from food to fashion to art--and usually I get ones that specifically relate to Chicago. But I also signed up to get updates from DailyCandy Travel, which I receive maybe once a week. Most of the time the articles are about destinations the writers went to and what they liked about them. I enjoy reading these, mostly because I like to learn about new places and the things I can do while visiting. But this week I got an email that discussed DailyCandy Travel's new feature on Black Tomato.

Instantly intrigued, I ventured to the website. I soon discovered that this was not like any other travel website that just offers flight and hotel deals. This was much, much more. Not only do they discuss travel trends and point out must-see spots; they work closely with travelers to create a special, tailor-made, unique experience that fits their needs, budget, and desires.

The founders of Black Tomato--having a hard-core love of travel--realized that there are lots of people out there who want to travel, but may not have the time in their busy lives to put all the necessary planning into a trip. That's where Black Tomato comes in. Just tell them where you want to go, how long you want to stay, and what you want to spend, and they take care of the rest. They can plan incredible outings for travelers, like swimming between tectonic plates in Iceland or motorbike safaris in Botswana. They feature honeymoon vacations in destinations like Estonia--or Mexico, if you're looking for something more classic. Honeymoons, as a matter of fact, are one of their specialties. So if you're on the lookout for something truly original for that special trip after the big day, take a look at their honeymoon destinations. But you don't have to pick from a pre-created one, they can help you make one from scratch. They make you your own web page with all the details of your honeymoon. Pretty cool, uh?

Who wouldn't want someone else making arrangements for their trip? I mean, obviously, I want some say in the matter. But they work with you the whole time to make sure you're getting the vacation you want--and deserve. We work hard, our vacations should be everything we want.

One aspect of the website I really like is their way for people to search on vacations. There is a drop down box next to their "browse our ideas:" icon that reads "by need." When scrolled over, the box shows needs like "some bustle," "to get lost," "a purpose," or "freedom." I think that really stands out because everyone has different reasons for wanting to get away.

An added bonus--at least for me--is that DailyCandy subscribers get exclusive trips that are not available to anyone else. Also, if you book any trip through them, they will throw in a little something extra, whether it's an extra night's stay at the hotel, free airport transfers, a romantic dinner, or a day excursion--and it's all on Black Tomato.

I am seriously considering booking my next trip through these guys.

Worth Revisiting

Last night I was looking through old photos on my computer with my boyfriend. We were trying to pick out ones we liked to frame and hang in our study/guest room. As I scoured through the numerous files that documented my college years, a sense of nostalgia rushed over me with each memory I saw. And then we got to the pictures of all my trips, and I got this overwhelming desire to go back.

I mention in this blog all the time about how I want to see the world and venture to new places. I have a list on the side that mentions all the cities or countries that I desperately want to see. But there are plenty of places I have gone that I would consider revisiting.

With a lack of money and time, why waste it on a place you've already been?

This is an exellent question, and I'll be the first to say that I would rather vacation somewhere new. But there are certain places that just stay with a person, that have such an affect that one can't help but go back time and time again.

I have been to Italy 4 times, and if I was given the chance to revisit, I would do it in a heartbeat. Not only has Italy had such a profound impact on my life, but there is still so much of the country I have not seen. The Southern areas, particularly the Amalfi Coast, are at the top of my list. (Sicily is technically it's own country, but that is worth exploring for sure.) I have barely scratched the surface of the Eastern portion and the Umbrian region. And who wouldn't want to explore the Italian part of the Alps and snowboard in Torino? On top of there being more for me to see, there is plenty to do in Italy. I want to learn more about Italian cooking, Venetian jewelry, Roman architecture. Keeping busy in Italy would be pretty simple.

But the photos of Italy were not the only ones that made me want to go back. I was looking at the photos from my spring break trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and I could just picture myself back on that beach watching the sunset. Or the pictures of me and my mom in Hawaii riding ATV's through the old sugar cane fields, and how I would love to have that dirt on my face again. And even the depressing photos from my trip to Auschwitz, Poland, made me yearn to return to the country and see some of it's more culturally festive and active cities.

I think now I may have another list--places I would definitely want to revisit in my life:

*Italy

*Hawaii

*Mexico

*Poland

*Australia-Sydney, Melbourne, the Outback

*Greece

*Vancouver-Whistler

*Paris, France

*London

I'm sure there are others that I would go back to, but those are the top destinations.

Where would you go again?

Halloween Presents a Chance to Escape

All-Hallows Eve is almost upon us, scared yet?

Well, unless you've been visiting haunted houses, decking your place out in creepy spiderwebs and ghoulish pumpkins, or seeing horror flicks like Paranormal Activity--I hear it's pretty freaky--then you're probably not in the mood to be scared. And I'm with you on that. I prefer to look at the lighter side of Halloween: dressing up in fun and ridiculous costumes that allow you to be someone else for the night.

I just finished buying the last accessories for my costume, and I am ready to escape to a different world. While I don't want to give away what I am planning to be, I will divulge this: my costume will take me to a mythological time, when wine ran like water.

Mostly I'm excited because my costume reminds me of my time in Italy, and it got me thinking about how a lot of costumes on Halloween are inspired by distant places. Knights, princesses, eskimos, Romans, Russian guards, British guards, Kings, Queens. Those fancy masks and disguises were inspired by the Venetians and their masquerade balls during carnivale. I am aware that many people dress up as nurses, cops, soldiers, doctors, animals, etc., which can all be found in the U.S. But I like the idea of bringing another world into ours, even for just one night.

Happy Halloween!

Croatian Style

If you haven't noticed already, there is a list to the left of my blog posts that has all the places I want to travel to someday. Croatia happens to be one of them. Where in Croatia? I'm not exactly sure. But I was reading the travel section of the New York Time--as usual--and I saw an article about the country's Capital City, Zagreb.

Croatia is part of the Balkan Peninsula--an area I have never ventured to--and boasts some of the most exotic views--courtesy of the Dalmation Coast--and dynamic cities. Dubrovnik anyone? In the mood for some good food, head north to the coastal city of Istria, quickly becoming the next Tuscany. And a wonderful way to enjoy the city and the trip up there is by bicycle, speeding along the same paths the Romans, Hapsburgs, and Napoleon took on the cone-shaped Peninsula. But for someone who wants to experience a truly unique and inspirational city, Zagreb seems to be a good start.

The city began as two townships, known today as Upper Town. Kaptol was a largely clerical area, while Gradec was home to artisans and merchants. They joined together in 1850, despite constant feuding, but still hold their individual personalities today. Kaptol holds the symbol of the city, the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Gradec, just a 10 minute walk from the cathedral, has the Zagreb City Museum, which showcases the city's political, architectural, and artistic history. Both are certainly worth a visit.

I am definitely one to see the sites of a city: the museums, churches, ruins, etc. But something that truly gives a city its vibe is the food. I was fascinated when I read about the pedestrian-only street Tkalciceva, once a stream that separated the two cities. It is now loaded with cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and ateliers. Not only does this street allow for some prime people watching--which I love to do--but it gives visitors a chance to sample some of the local cuisine, clothes, and art. Caffe Bar Cica uses recycled washing machines as tables. How cool does that sound? Also, it is a good place to sip some local Velebitsko beer.

While I was living abroad in Italy, one thing I could not get enough of was the local markets. There is, of course, one in Zagreb as well that I am dying to attend. Dolac is the main fresh market with stalls full of nuts, honey, cheese, spices, and flowers. This is what the locals call food, we call it organic. And after enjoying the market, there are lovely parks in Lower Town where one can just relax and take in the gorgeous architecture.

But a park is not outdoorsy enough for me. So I would probably make my way to Medvednica National Park, a 56,000 acre area of mountain trails towering over Zagreb. A hike does the body good. Plus, I could then have an excuse to stuff my face with the delectable delicacies of the region. How about frog and eel stew? Perhaps not, but how about the roasted lamb, grilled sea bass, or a cone of schwarzwald — a mixture of cream, Cognac, chocolate and cherries? Having the sweet tooth that I have, what do you think I'd pick?

If I wanted to go to Croatia before, imagine how my desire has doubled after reading about Zagreb.

A Trip to IKEA

Yesterday I made my first trip to IKEA, and it was a little overwhelming. There was so much to look at, three stories worth of random household items and furniture. I saw some things that were pretty nice, and of course the price was very reasonable. But after wandering around for what felt like forever, I decided to make my escape from the various aisles and massive crowds. As I was leaving, however, I noticed they had a section of the store where they sold traditional Swedish food. Last summer I had the privilege of visiting Stockholm where a friend is studying to get her PhD. And while I was there, she introduced me and my friends to some incredible food. So when I ventured over to the marketplace, I came across some of those delicacies. I was tempted to purchase some of it, but truth be told Swedish food isn't known for it's health benefits. (Since I've been trying to eat healthier, I opted for walking away.) But seeing a bag of mini Kanelbulle (cinnamon rolls), and Kringla (pretzel-shaped cookies), brought back some memories of my three days in Sweden.

My friend, Ingrid, informed me while I was there that Sweden is known for it's pastries and coffee--two things I never really expected. I always associated them with Italy or France, so it was surprising to hear. But she didn't just open my eyes to the food, but also to the city of Stockholm. I had never been to Sweden, and honestly knew very little about the country. I expected it to be cold and somewhat bland. But I was completely wrong. The weather was gorgeous--it was the end of July--and the city was exciting and vibrant. The great thing about Stockholm is that it's a walking city, so if you want to just wander around there is plenty to see and stumble upon. Some great historical sites are the beautiful Skogskyrkogården (the Woodland Cemetery), Drottningholm Palace--home of the royal family,--and the remains of the Viking settlement, Birka on Björkö island in Lake Mälaren. Old Town, the oldest part of Stockholm, includes the royal palace, museums, and scenic walks that give visitors great views of the city.

While Stockholm is the capital and the largest city in Sweden, there are plenty of other beautiful destinations. If you wander further north of Stockholm, you reach the city of Sverige and the northern regions. This area is probably best for the outdoorsy types, because it is a vast landscape of woodlands. Also, there are two well-known national parks, Abisko and Sarek. Northern Sweden is also the ancestral home of the Sami, the indigenous people of the region.

But head south of Stockholm, and you get a complete contrast to the rugged north. About 80% of the population resides in the south, so there are plenty of people around to enjoy the rolling country and beautiful seaside cities with. The region is a popular destination for holidays where people can enjoy an old-fashioned seaside trip, or staying in lakeside cottages, or visiting one of the larger cities.

Personally, I would have loved to stay longer than three days, and been able to visit the other regions outside of Stockholm. Perhaps another visit is in order, and since my friend will be there for another three years, I will have my own personal tour guide--and a free place to stay, of course.