Do You Speak Muppet?

Who knew that some 20 or more years after we watched the beloved Swedish Chef on the Muppet Show do his bork bork bork while tossing utensils over his shoulder, that his "Swedish" gibberish would be useful on our visit to Stockholm?  Laughing ourselves silly this morning as we headed in to Stockholm while Cousin Kim refreshed us on the Muppet Swedish language!  In the end we thought we would be safe if anyone asked if we spoke "Muppet" because Kim could take over with her stunning mastery .. "bork bork bork jaaaaa"

Howard had never been exposed to the Muppets so I spent some time tonight on the computer searching out Swedish Chef videos for him and we had more giggles!

Today was a trip through the Swedish Archipelago (a collection of 24,000 +/- islands around Sweden) in the early pre-dawn hours, followed by a trip into the Old Town of Stockholm where we watched the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Palace, were entertained by the military marching band, and enjoyed a wonderful luncheon in the main plaza in Old Town!  We did a bit of shopping in the tiny streets and got our requisite postcards and a magnet for Howard and me to add to our collection.

We also had time to visit the Vasa Museum here,  home to the 17th century (@1630) sailing ship which, during the 30 years war, King Gustaf had commissioned this largest, most powerful ship in the world.  However, due to its heavy cannon contingent on the top decks the ship became top heavy and 20 minutes after being launched the ship actually rolled over and sank!  Quickly settling in the silt at the bottom of the harbor.  I sure wouldn't have wanted to answer to the king on this one!!  Now over 300 years go by and through some miracle of nature the ship was preserved with layers of silt, so in essence had become petrified and preserved rather than deteriorating.  Thus we were viewing the oldest 17th century vessel in the world.  And it was truly magnificent.  They even had paint samples for some of the carvings and have been able to recreate the colors on the many brilliant carvings decorating the hull of the ship.

Tomorrow is a walking tour if Tallinn, Estonia ... but tonight is for resting :)  Pleasant dreams!!