My last stop was Stockholm. I travelled from Alesund on a pretty late flight so I only arrived into Stockholm at my hotel at around 6pm-ish, which was pretty late. But it was still light out, because the sun sets at 11pm and it’s still twilight into the night and the sun rises around 3:30am. I used to be that person who would take it easy and laze in my hotel room and probably do nothing, but then I didn’t do that. Instead, I walked outside and soaked in the evening light and started to feel a bit emotional already. It’s my last leg of my solo Scandinavian trip and I treasured every moment even more. I had no idea what to eat, because I didn’t really do too much research on Stockholm places to eat. So I walked and walked, then finally went back to my hotel to have toast Skagen. It was pretty much a rip off but well, that’s Sweden for you. I wasn’t too hungry either because the motion sickness from the previous day was still present and i felt a little nauseous hence why I opted for something simple, rather than a burger elsewhere.

I went on a walking tour the next day in Gamla Stan, the old town on Stockholm. Stockholm is literally named after ‘sticks’ in German, lol. Pretty funny. This was the tour where I met this girl from London. She just came up to me and struck up a conversation. We chatted heaps during the tour so I actually don’t remember the tour as much but there was a natural affinity. At the end of the tour, the tour guide recommended some cafes for us to try Swedish meatballs so we decided to get lunch together. We chatted for 2 hours on all sorts of topics and it was so interesting to see how aligned we were on our political views too. There was a natural rhythm in how we spoke and I swear we could have hung out for longer, but the days were winding down and I had to make the most of my time in Stockholm. We exchanged numbers and I told her that if she ever heads down under, that she could let me know and I’ll take her around Sydney. That little interaction and new friendship made me feel so full. And perhaps that kickstarted the trajectory of how I felt so full and complete within on this solo trip. I thought solo tripping would expose a lot of my raw emotions primarily. And it did, Alesund made me feel the depth and intensity of my emotions but I never knew that there was another side to it which was the absolute fullness that I would feel. It reminded me that this is the point of life - discovery, connection and realising that everyone is at the core, the same. We all want the same things. And what’s even more beautiful and magical about life, is that connections can come from anywhere. You know, sometimes you won’t even notice that person and not think twice. But when you get to know them, you realise how wonderful they really are. It’s connections that make our lives so rich. My heart was very full with a new friendship. And I just felt the incredible magic of solo travel. Had I not travelled alone, opening up to strangers would have not been as easy. But maybe solo travellers can recognise something in each other and like I wrote in a few posts below, that solo travel really reveals aspects of your personality that you never knew existed. I found myself more open, more engaging and more interested in other people. I genuine wanted connection and I loved being able to talk to people with no pre-conceived notions of who they were. And that’s the magic - you get to see them for who they are.

After that, I went to the Avicii Experience, which is a museum dedicated to Avicii. Truth to be told, I never really thought of going to Stockholm until I learned that there was a museum for Avicii. So you could say, I went to Stockholm because of the Avicii Experience. It was somber and sad. I wanted to cry during my visit in the museum. Maybe it was just grappling with the intense loss of a musical genius, of someone who was so deeply in love with his craft… but taken away way too soon. I remember when I first learned of Avicii’s death - I had UX class that night. It felt really surreal, like what do you mean Avicii is dead? He can’t be. He was meant to be a legend into old age, reinventing music again and again. Seeing videos of him, being the genius that he is and memorabilia in the museum, made me really sad. I stayed at the museum for quite some time. Maybe I needed time to reflect on why his music meant so much to me. I think it’s because he captured my 20s. And millennial EDM was an iconic era. You know those euphoric songs that make you wanna pour your heart out? Wake me up… yes, that. I was so tired after the exhibition and had pho for dinner. I needed Asian food lol.

Next day, I went to Vasa Museum to see the Vasa warship that sank 1.3km on is maiden voyage in the 1600s. Incredible relic, so big and it was a bit creepy haha. But I really appreciated being able to see something form the 1600s, preserved so well but the biggest problem they face is trying to prevent its decay since it is made from wood. I then went shopping, because I just decided, fuck it, yolo. Everything IS expensive in Scandinavia, but you know what, the money will be made back but the time I have now is all I have. So I just went to the shops and went shopping. Truth to be told, I didn’t buy much but I did splurge on my APC Grace Bag.

But the biggest thing about Stockholm wasn’t really about what I did and my experiences. It was just this intense sense of fulfilment and fullness and wholeness that I started feeling from within. I was enjoying myself so much, actually getting used to my own company and I guess that’s why they say you need to travel, because my worldview was getting expanded again. I feel like travel is truly an addictive drug, there has never been one time when travel hasn’t prompted self-reflection from within. You learn so much about yourself and it makes you take a macro perspective on the world. I always learn that on my travels and I remind myself when I feel like I can’t see anyway out with my problems. But this time, solo travel to the other side of the world has impacted a part that I didn’t realise existed. It just has opened me up to myself.

It really is so true - once you live in the moment, life truly opens up. I decided to seize my time in Stockholm and just embrace the moment. And then I found something richer than anything I’ve ever been given. I found so much fulfilment in life. I love Stockholm so much. And well, I didn’t realise how accurate the astrocartography would be. And it was pretty reflective. ChatGPT did say Stockholm was going to be the place where I would find myself…and you know, Stockholm isn’t that distinct. It’s not like it has a Sydney Opera House and a must visit thing. It’s just….the vibes and the energy. Something moved within me in Stockholm and I’m ever so grateful. The city really opened me up. I’m so grateful.