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Stockholm
Alive! editor John Burnes continues his tour of Northern European Olympic venues by visiting the stadium in Stockholm. The only Olympic logo on the stadium is affixed to the Swedish Olympic Committee’s offices at the back of the facility.
Letter From Europe
The Magic of Europe in December
With the end of the year fast approaching, everyone young and old is looking forward to the annual seasonable events, whether it be Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa. With our traditional City departments, holiday lunches in fancy downtown restaurants, early-morning breakfasts in the construction yards, or even potlucks, the holiday season is unique to everyone. So why not make this year special? Take a few extra days off between the 22nd and 29th of December and take your partner somewhere romantic and different.
How about Paris, the City of Lights, with its Christmas Nativity scenes in the fully restored Notre Dame Cathedral. Stroll along the River Seine, cross the Port Neuf Bridge, take the steps down behind the statue of Henri IV and enjoy a romantic cruise on the river at night as the city lights twinkle and the colorful lights change on the Eiffel Tower. Wander through Paris’s largest Christmas market in the Jardin des Tuileries and enjoy the festive foods and delicacies in French cafes and restaurants, as the incredible Parisian galette served at the French Bastards Bakeries with its decorative topping representing the rose window of Notre Dame!
Or how about Christmas in London’s West End department stores, on Oxford and Regent Streets, which offer an unforgettable shopping experience with more than 300.000 LED stars dangling above, lighting your way as you battle for Yuletide gifts. High on the London Eye, the city is laid out at your feet, from Big Ben to the Norwegian spruce Christmas tree from Oslo in Trafalgar Square. The people of Norway give it as a gift of gratitude every year for Britain’s support of Norway during World War II. Not to be forgotten are the century-old traditional street markets of Petticoat Lane and Portobello Road, with all their hustle and bustle, offering discounted, high-street fashions, seasonal gifts, and chestnuts roasting over an open coal fire. British mince pies are to die for, filled with a sweet mixture of dried fruits, spices and brandy.
For a taste of warm English beer, check out London’s most decorated pub, The Churchill Arms, in Kensington. Since 1824, it has covered its exterior with approximately 80 Christmas trees and more than 22,000 twinkle lights.
Winter in Europe is cold and rainy, so carry an umbrella and wrap up warm, as freezing temperatures are common, and snow is not unheard of.
If you seek somewhere warmer and closer to home, rent a rooftop apartment in the gentrified Roma Norte in Mexico City. With its top-class restaurants for romantic dining and great bars to dance the night away, there’s no need to rent a car. Uber is cheap and allows for the safe consumption of more ice-cold adult beverages. Visit the artist Frida Kahio’s home or that of her Russian lover, Leon Trotsky, in the same neighborhood. The Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan has fine dining in the underground cavern called La Gruta, just a few steps away. It’s all very safe, affordable and festive.
This year’s traditional British Christmas dinner will include roast turkey, prime rib, Yorkshire pudding, crackers and paper hats.
Joyeux Noël, Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad or happy holidays to you, Alive! readers.
— The Captain
