The thing I loved most about Stockholm was the myriad archipelagos surrounding the beautiful city.  Of course, I mean the physical thing I loved most. Ika’s family were definitely the most important part of the visit.  Her Uncle Gay, Aunt Anita, nieces Eleanor and Miu, her Mom and Mom’s sister were amazing, but that is for another blog.  The castle at the Island of Vaxholm was a favorite and I begged Matt & Ika to consider this as a wedding venue.  As you all know, I lost that battle.  The boat trips available out of downtown Stockholm are endless, and the quaintness of the islands with their red seaside houses rival our Maine coast.  So pristine and clean, there was no a sign of pollution, no floating bottles or pieces of styrofoam.  Wish I could have stayed longer and visited more islands, but will always be grateful for the beautiful memory my daughter-in-law Ika shared with me.  I do love her country and want to visit again, often.  I can’t say it too many times, give yourself the gift of travel whenever possible.  Even if you just pick up a book at the library to travel to a new and distant land, it’s so refreshing and uplifting to realize what a beautiful world we live in.