Stockholm

Our flight was uneventful except for a heart stopping moment when we thought the carryon bag with Noel's race helmet in it would not fit under the seat or in the overhead storage. He took the helmet out and managed to squeeze it overhead (if you can squeeze a helmet!).

With all our luggage, we had no alternative but to take a taxi to our hotel from the airport. In spite of me doing my homework, we were absolutely taken for a ride and charged about NZ$100. C'est la vie!

Our hotel is well situated, over $400 per night with a very small room - again a problem with suitcases. We walked around and after Riga, it seemed ordinary. However, we found out that in this area, over 750 old buildings have been demolished in order to make way for new. Everywhere there are cranes and

 construction. Apparently, the locals aren't happy.

Tomorrow, we will visit the older parts of Stockholm which should be a lot more interesting and attractive.