Capturing light, feelings & moments and all the things
I’m sharing a diary entry from one of my days in Stockholm, Sweden, when I wandered the city with my vintage Nikon FE2 camera (for the photography enthusiasts out there). This piece isn’t meant to give practical travel tips—rather, it’s a glimpse into my thoughts and feelings as I explored the city for a day. If you’re curious about what it’s like to spend a snowy day walking the streets of Stockholm, then read on.
One small white lie to airport ground staff and a big panic later and I was finally en route and already breaking Swedish Covid restrictions before arriving. Sitting in the much-coveted 1A, I was guaranteed to be first to disembark and to be at the front of the queue to be deported. fortunately the nordic gods were kind to me. A quick removal of my mask for a smile and a glance at my passport, and it was handed back (minus a stamp). Off on my way to thread through the terminal and into the crisp Swedish air. I was greeted with the sight of snow and Christmas lights, a scene straight from a Christmas card (If Christmas cards depicted bus stations). Still high off the experience of my first criminal action since my days of self-service dishonesty, selecting the cheaper bread roll instead of a doughnut (2012-2013). I jumped on the bus straight to Stockholm with much excitement and the feeling that I'm a free man, nothing can stop me (except financial, covid and time restraints).
After much thought and deliberation, I decided to opt-out from the luxury of a window in my subterranean hotel room (those financial restrictions popping up) and quickly convinced myself that 'cramped' is just a negative way of describing cosy. Not that I would spend much time in my room. The trip was to be brief enough that any time spent indoors in the warmth and comfort is wasted. Despite arriving at the hotel past my bedtime, I was ready to make the most of the experience and see my first sight.
The metro stations of Stockholm. They are something of an art installation. Exposed blasted rock painted and lit creativity. Each station has their own theme. Not all of them with an equal atmosphere but the stations of T-Centralen and Solna Centrum could certainly take on any modern art exhibit I have seen in recent years. It’s strange to have your emotions poked by the beauty of public transport, maybe this was a sign it’s time to retire to my cosy room.
Trying my best to see, photograph and walk as much of the Scandinavian capital as possible. I awoke before sunrise, tentatively navigating my way through the snow back down into the metro to head into town. Despite not being overly moved by previous visits to other Nordic capitals, I wasn't expecting much from Stockholm, but after the previous night's walk from the bus to the hotel, a journey exclusively illuminated by Christmas lights and the reflective blanket of snow, also not forgetting my emotional breakdown in the metro. I was already well on my way to being smitten and declaring my love for Stockholm. The winter sun always lingering low in the sky over the archipelago. The first stop on my tour was to be the borough of Katarina-Sofia, being slightly elevated above the rest of the relatively flat city, it offers a vantage point to look out over the islands joined by bridges and the historical old town. Packed with medieval alleyways and icy cobbled streets leading inevitably to another bridge.
I felt there was a wholesomeness to Stockholm, a rare quality to find in a capital. Despite my face resembling frozen ham after hours in sub-zero temperatures, my heart was warmed by parents pulling children along on sledges, people ice skating and enjoying the winter.
