My bag is completely packed! Don't worry, it all closes easily. I don't even have to sit on it.
The video is an American Public television Smart Travels production with tour guide Rudy Maxa. Opening scenes of the video emphasized the cohabitation of nature and civilization in Sweden. I found some images accompanying the narration a bit ironic. For instance, it was ironic to hear of "the natural beauty of Sweden" while showing an image of a hybrid rose. The film may be misleading in some respects, so it will be interesting to see how my impressions of Stockholm and how the Swedes describe Stockholm will be different from the travel video and the travel books. However, perception is also based on previous experience.
Stockholm is known as " the city that floats on water," and for good reason. Stockholm spans 14 islands, and over a third of the city is built over water. From this description, I would be inclined to call it "Vienna of the North." I'd like to ask my fellow travelers if this is an apt description. Having never visited Vienna, I wouldn't be able to fairly assess the accuracy of the statement.
Stockholm is actually the second capital of Sweden. The first capital was Sigtuna (pronounced Sig-toon-AH). When Sigtuna was looted, the people placed the city's silver inside a hollowed log and sent the log out to sea. Where the log landed was where the people would establish their new capital. The name Stockholm traces back to this origin. Stock translates to "log"; holm translates to "island." I need to do further research on the origins of Stockholm. Why was Sigtuna looted?
Water is a large part of the art of the city. Outdoor sculptures by prominent Swedish sculptor Carl Milles feature water and human figures. Although Milles was born in Sweden in 1875, he lived in the United States, maintaining only a summer home in Sweden. His later work is astonishingly humorous! The video showed a sculpture of an angel wearing a very secular wrist watch, scratching an all too human mosquito bite. I cannot find a picture of this angel, so we'll have to visit the sculpture park if we have a chance so I can take a picture. Below is a picture of one of Milles' more famous works, The Hand of God. Rather like Albrect Durer's Self Portrait emulating Jesus, Milles used his own hand for a model. Like many of his works, the figure is placed high on a column. I am interested to see his artwork and learn more and especially how his Swedish roots influenced his work. I am also curious to know if this work was controversial at the time. The images seem like they could have been similar to Andrew Lancaster's artwork in the Molecular Biology building or his Cincinnati work Porkopolis.
As one might guess, the navy is an integral part of Sweden's history. In the 30 Years War, Sweden established itself as the primary European naval power. The Vasa Meuseum showcases the Vasa warship. I was surprised to learn how the Vasa does not show Sweden's naval prowess. On her maiden voyage, the top heavy vessel toppled and ingloriously sank to the bottom of the harbor, where she remained for 300 years. The briny waters of the harbor prevented worms from eating the hull, so the ship was able to be recovered from the harbor and restored. Many personal belongings of the crew were also recovered and are on display in the museum. The artwork on the hull of the ship looks elaborate and astounding. I hope we have the chance to see the ship while we are in Stockholm. There is too much to see!
Please feel free to fact check me and comment! Especially you Swedes. Next on my agenda is to make a Swedish dinner. It looks to difficult to accomplish vegetarian style, but I'm going to give it a go.
Sources Cited:
Video:
Sweden and Stockholm by Rudy Maxa, American Public Television- Smart Travels
Photos (in order of use):
virtualtourist.com
redbubble.com
en.infoglobe.cz
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