How do you know Jesus wasn't born in Norway? You couldn't have three wise men coming from the east.

      The Swedes have a kind of Aussie/Kiwi relationship with their neighbours. Early last century most of their neighbours went their own ways. Having been the monarchy of most of them for several hundred years the jokes go both ways.  So why go to Sweden. It’s not exactly known as the party capital of Europe. For me the answer is easy, it’s the last EU country that I haven’t been to. I’m heading to Central Asia, Melbourne is still in winter mode, and Stockholm shouldn’t have too many feet of snow downtown yet. Time to see if Sweden really is the most boring place in Europe.

        Customs at the airport is full on. Big que, everyone spends five minutes at least at the desk. I have to get out the iPad and show, my airfares, hotel booking, Why am I here? Why have I only got two nights accommodation booked? "I’m on holiday, I have no plan's", something immigration agents hate, but they can’t argue with. Eventually a buzz, and the door to the new world opens. The Swedish took a lot of refugees from the Middle East, it’s a hot topic here. I’m coming from Istanbul, they have been making asylum claims harder. I’m guessing there were not a lot of blue eyed Swedish blonds under the burkas on my flight. 

        I’ve been to Norway, it was the land of $400 hotels, $40 burgers, and that was twenty years ago. I’m expecting similar here, but am pleasantly surprised.

I picked a hotel with a great breakfast 20 min out of town on the train for $130. One place I stayed was a twin bed sit, with full kitchen, and a washing machine for $85 a night. None of them were dives. Cafe meals ranged around $20 to $30 bucks. Drink and a pizza type stuff. Buy a SL card, put a week’s transport on it and that’s your transport done. No parking hassles. Stuff even arrives on time.

       I have a couple of friends here, so one night I go round to Victoria, and Johan, for a barbie. Another night we go out to see some Swedish pop, and check out the Scandinavian animals at the zoo. Trip to the Vasa Museum , a tribute to Swedish marine engineers, and the top rated Stockholm attraction. Throw in a couple of trips to the hot dog stand, and my week is up.

          So is Sweden the most boring place in the world. Definitely not. My vote stills goes to Bruñí. It’s safe, clean, affordable, and everything works, even the weather wasn’t bad.  Five stars from me.