# @kirstenalana on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/BnoNc-HlLKL
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/2429760-kirstenalana-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/2e59252358.jpg
- **Posted:** 2018-09-12T13:47:47.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Kirsten Alana (@KirstenAlana) — https://gondola.cc/KirstenAlana

## Caption

Would you believe this is Stockholm, Sweden? I honesty didn’t expect it to be this colorful during my hosted visit with @vikingcruises...
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But I found myself, after the included port tour, wandering the Old Town known as Gamla Stan. The light was that perfect mix of late afternoon / nearly golden hour, which made the warm paint colors of the buildings glow as if lit from within. Long shadows and pools of bright light highlighted tourist couples stopping to check maps and old men walking dogs or carrying a paper. I found myself turning down the streets that were more empty in search of details that would inspire me. In the boutique windows were Swedish flags, Dala Horses in blue and red and white, cozy looking textiles, hand painted pottery and every few blocks the perfect place to sit for a while, enjoying Fika. The Swedish coffee break is an important part of culture that you might equate with the Brits gathering at pubs to catch up or Americans doing Happy Hour at a bar where we claim it’s to talk but can never quite hear each other 😂 I found myself wishing Fika was a thing back in LA and realized with the people I love most it probably could be. It’s an everyday occurrence in Sweden, just gathering at a cozy place over coffee or tea with maybe a snack or a pastry, a sound level that allows you to hear each other and a long enough time to properly catch up and just enjoy each other’s company. You can also enjoy Fika alone! It’s not just a coffee break but a time to slow down enough to appreciate the good things in life.
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Sounds good, right? I think it sounds like something my life could use a lot more of! 🇸🇪 #myvikingstory #vikingcruises

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 1,626
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- **Comments:** 69

## Tags

vikingcruises, myvikingstory

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