25 - North Shore Hews — Sunday, August 13, 2000 Toni Dabbs Contributing Writer THERE'S something about Stockholm. Citizens of the Swedish capital seem so at ease with their city. This attitude serves te make visitors feel welcome, if not right at home, in a set- ting that might otherwise seem intimidating. Stockholm comprises 14 islands displaying a compendi- um of elegant architecture, from stately 16th century mer- chants’ houses to sleek con- temporary structures. The most visited building is City Hall, opened in the early 1900s and home to the annu- al Nobel Prize banquet. Its ivy-clad, red brick facade belies the ornate staterooms within, among them the Golden Hall where the dance following the banquet is held. Its four walls are entirely covered with mosaics depicting the history of Sweden in jewel colors and glistening gold. However, the Stockholm is its Old Town, confined to a small island and best approached through the gracious 19th century stone archways of the Swedish Parliament, which occupies its own tiny island. Old Town is a pedestrian district, with only official vehi- cles and local residents’ cars permitted on its narrow streets. Visitors can wander the warren of cobblestone lanes, losing their way «hile window shopping, only to turn a cor- ner’ and. confront ancther architectural gem — the 700- year-old Cathedral, for exam- - ple, or the 18th century Royal & Palace, built - in ~ Italian Renaissance style. >The highest point in Old Town .is Stortorget, once . Stockholm’s main square and site of everything from mar- kets to executions. It’s still a favorite meeting — place. Upstairs in the 18th century Rococo style Stock Exchange, * the Swedish Academy holds its ‘annual conference —_to announce the recipient of the Nobel Prize for literature. At’ Nygrand 10, opposite the bronze copy of the 1489 statue “Saint George and the Dragon” by Bernt Notkes (the -original is safely ensconced in * the ‘Cathedral),:is one of Old Town’s most exclusive restau- rants,.Fem Sma Hus. Right new cknoln heart of The name refers to the “five small houses” (including a 17th century tavern), which have been combined to create a series of distinct vet equally delightful’ dining rooms patronized by — international diplomats. Menu prices are high but are justiticd by the quality cuisine, impeccable ser- vice and refined ambiance. Another island of special interest is Djurgarden, which means “animal — garden.” Formerly the royal hunting ground (as attested ! by its blue gate with gold deer atop either post), ic now is Stockholimn’s major recreation area, with picnic grounds, jogging paths, an amusement park and a host of galleries and museums. Among these is Skansen, the oldest open-air museum in the world, founded in 1891. Its 150 reconstructed build- ings and costumed animateurs represent lifestyles in various parts of Sweden during differ- ent eras. Nearby is the copper-roofed Vasa Museum, specially built to house the decoratively carved wooden om” siu warship that tragically capsized in Stockholm harbour as_ it departed on its maiden voyage in 1628. The ship was resur- rected almost intact 333 years later and underwent 20 vears of conservation treatment. This = spacious = museum, opened in 1990, permits full viewing of the vessel from seven levels. At the southeast tip of the island, visitors can look across to the picturesque Feather Isles, actually Djurgarden. One of these isles, Fjaderholmarna, makes a pleasant destination for a terry excursion. Visitors can stroll among the brightly painted wooden buildings that give the isle its fishing village char- acter then watch the sunset tint the water as they dine at the restaurant Fjaderhoimarnas Krog. Surrounded by such dra- matic backdrops, the residents of Stockholm casually go about their daily activities. Visitors aiso find plenty to de, necessitating more than just a quick stop in the city on a Scandinavian tour. Book Now For Christmas & ' Spring Break! We specialize in Family Travel. School holidays are prime family vacation times and NOW is the time to make your plans. Give your family the gift of travel this year. Call today for an appointment with a Family Trave Edgemont Orie: 986-2262 BALI is an unbeatable vacation value! Advisor Ambleside Office: 926- 85tl BC Reg, #3404.2 - BCAA BONUS: FREE 1-category hotel upgrade* - INCLUDES: airfare from Vancouver ° accommodation ° breakfast .. daily ¢ 5 tours * stopover in Hong Kong or Singapore + and more! part of IF YOU GO: Grand Hotel: Accommodations at the front of this historic property, dating from 1874, have million dollar views across Strommen Bay to the Royal Palace. Visitors who a find the room rates out of reach might rationalize a meal at one of the horel's restaurants or at least a drink in the bar. Interiors are richly embellished with gild- ing, marble, murals, relief work and crystal chandeliers. Information: Swedish Tourist Board, PO Box 4649, Grand Central Station, New York NY 10163-4649, tele- phone 212-885-9700, fax 212-885-9726, web © site Photo Toni Daboa OLD Town, the heart of Stockholm, is best approached through the 19th—century stone archways of the Swedish Parliament. KILLER WHALE WATCHING “The Ultimate Experience” Play it cool for school by getting a great ‘do and a FREE yo-yo. Available August 1-31 with any student’s or-kid’s hair- cut, this whirling yo-yo* converts into a cool keychain. Two ways to make a big hit in the halls this fall. *Available while supplies last. “Haic’/Masters. Look ‘ike a million without spending a lot. COQUITLAM, NORTH ROAD DELTA, LAOMER CENTER... LANGLEY, WILLOWTREE " MAPLE RIDGE 11958-207th STREET. 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