As COVID-19 rates increase, I’ve decided to stay in to avoid large crowds and possible exposure. After a polite message from the government to several areas of Sweden with high population rates, other people have also done the same. Our office has even closed again (even during the short time it was reopen, there was a max of only 20 people allowed in office per day) to follow the suggested guidelines to avoid further spreading. The threat is very real and I suspect it’s going to fluxuate as the holidays approach and more people travel.
So the exploration of the city lately has been the areas that are within walking distance. Given that I live in a pretty central area, that’s a great amount of area to traverse. A few Mondays ago, I walked along the waterways and really had a chance to see the seasons change. I also tend to take photos during most random excursions, like a trip to the recycling center, so there isn’t really much of a theme in some of these sets. Tonight I took a trip that led me to Vasagatan, the area I first stayed at during my first trip to Stockholm. It was cool seeing the area from a different perspective, as a resident and not a tourist. The air was crisp, the sky was clear, and the streets and parks are extremely well lit at night. In fact, one of the things I find absolutely breathtaking about this city is how the water and light play together and create some of the most scenic moments ever. I’ve grown to really enjoy these moments away from my computer desk, as it really helps me experience what it’s like living in a major European city.
The days are growing shorter and shorter, as we get closer to the winter solstace; typical sunrise is around 7:30ish, while the sun begins to set around 16:00. It’s been an odd change from the daylight times I’m used to in Central Texas, but it hasn’t been too difficult to acclimate to, all things considered.
Posting two slideshows now for your viewing pleasure. The first set is from a few walks
Valerie Kromas 