Scandinavia - Thursday, September 3, 2015.

Up at 5:00 (I thought my wristwatch said 6:00) and completed my morning routine. We met for breakfast at 8:30 and planned our attack for the day.  Finally, a beautiful weather day - clear to lightly cloudy and temps in the mid-60's.  We began with a walk to the Nobel Museum, hoping to catch an 11:15 guided tour in English.  We completed some shopping along the way.  Upon arrival in the museum square we noted the milling crowds, all waiting for the opening of the museum at 11:00 and most were English speakers, meaning there was going to be a large crowd.  As the museum is adjacent to the Royal Palace Grounds and the horseback version of the changing of the palace guards was scheduled for 12:15, we decided to divert to the palace.

We wandered the grounds for a bit, and then, around 11:50, made our way to the area for the changing ceremony.  Crowds were beginning to mass - boy, the weather really draws out the tourists as five busloads descended while we were waiting.  This was a long and tedious process; the announcer had lots to say, both before and during the ceremony. And he said it in three languages, which seemed to drone on and on.  Two high points are all that can be listed for this anticlimactic event - 1) your faithful scribe managed to drop a newly purchased art tile to the cobblestone during a fumbled hand off, resulting in a sackful of very expensive ceramic pieces; 2) Deb's feet were hurting after standing on the cobblestones for such a long time, so she wandered around to the back of one of the buildings to take a seat.  As the ceremony ended, the entire procession of horses rounded the building right in front of her, resulting in a series of beautiful photos that were not obtained by the rest of us.

Next we set off to leave the Gamla Stan island and venture into another area of the city. We went in search of the large synagogue in the main area and located it in short order.  Although the building was closed and unavailable for tours, we discovered a marvelous and moving monument to Raoul Wallenberg outside the synagogue in a square leading to the water.  A most fortuitous discovery that lifted all our spirits.

We lunched at an open air french bistro bar and split a bottle of wine, had some wonderfully delicious fromage and jambon omelettes, and learned the difference between a croque monsieur and a croque madame sandwich.

Walking back the long way to our hotel, arrived around 4:30.  We rested up and then set out to our new favorite Under the Chestnut Restaurant for our last dinner in Stockholm - Swedish meatballs, naturally.  After a short walk to settle the meatballs, we retired by 9:00 to read and sleep.  A great ending to our Stockholm visit.