Stockholm, 18/08/2016

We docked in the ugliest part of the city,somewhere in the south. And if that wasn't bad enough,it was pouring when I went out to board the shuttle to drop us off near the Central Station. The whole ship seemed to have the same idea and there we were queuing in the pouring rain having paid $10 for the privilege. My mission was to buy a pair of reading glasses and as luck would have it,there was a great big sign saying APOTEKET,the Pharmacy to you and me, just opposite the drop off point. Spacious,immaculately clean shop served by one solitary girl. The most beautiful blonde I have seen for a very long time. And delightfully pleasant and charming with a smile many men would die for. She showed me a pair of glasses,then let me wonder about looking at face creams. I chose Apoliva and Aco and some elastoplast for my toe. I asked the angel face where were the nearest clothes shops and following her instructions I went looking. In the next doorway there was a gypsy woman sitting on the ground,begging. Not having any cash to give her,I decided on my way back I would buy her a sandwich and coffee from Mac Donald's I had past earlier. Two doors further I walked into a shoe shop to buy a pair of socks. I have at least fifty pairs at home I never wear and always forget to bring some when going on a cruise. The assistant was nice and I asked if there was a coffee shop nearby. She said yes, on the fourth floor. Then I looked around and realized I was in fact in a department store called AHLENS. I took an escalator up to the the Italian pizzeria. Never in my entire life have I seen anything quite like it. Every single table occupied,people talking,laughing,waiters running with plates overflowing with the most enticing looking pizzas and various types of pasta. I knew a cup of coffee just would not do,it had to be a pizza Margarita. How shall I describe it? THE BEST PIZZA EVER. EVER! A small glass of beer and I was in heaven. Still pouring cats and dogs I knew the best thing to do was to stay in the store and make myself busy. And I did. I bought long sleeved identical T-shirts for my nephews at 1400 Swedish krona for the two,have no idea what it is in £. And,of course, could not resist EMMA.S' foaming mask and an eye cream. And for the wife of my nephew a lip balm by Dr. Lipp in an irresistible packaging [She is forever complaining about dry cracked lips and uses a balm even at night. Her 10 year old son,my god-son is going to have the same problem. As the weather hadn't improved I decided to return to the ship. There was just the gypsy lady to take care of. But she was gone. I caught the shuttle that was about to leave.