Ten years ago (time flies!) I was very fortunate to be able to study abroad in Stockholm, Sweden. To celebrate my time there I thought I'd share some photos I took.
Sweden is a remarkable country that is noted for its rich heritage, outstanding Scandinavian art and design, and has a great societal consideration for its people and future prosperity. I was able to visit many museums, several palaces, and learn about Swedish history and culture. Below are photos from around the city, the Vasa Museum, Skansen (Europe's first open-air museum), Drottningholm Palace, ancient Nordic burial mounds, and my delightful Finnish roommate Kristiina.
Off the Kedzie stop along the Green CTA line in Chicago is a wonderful store called City Escape. "Escape" is definitely the proper word to capture the wonderful garden oasis that is a surprising discovery in the middle of the city. The store is huge and is filled with an array of plants, decorative garden containers, planting supplies and materials. I first visited the store towards the end of the winter and the mild and humid climate from the greenhouse atmosphere was relaxing and calming. At the beginning of May, the store formulates its outside front and back yards with temporary displays of large trees, shrubs, and ornamental cast iron urns. City Escape was so much fun to visit and I certainly hope to go back soon.
Heading directly west from Chicago's downtown Loop, there is an outstanding garden oasis called the Garfield Park Conservatory. Having arrived in Chicago during the middle of winter the Conservatory was a welcomed retreat away from the cold. The conservatory is comprised of several large glass atriums filled with an abundant variety of plants, trees, and flowers. Several unique features to the conservatory at Garfield Park included a special atrium for children and a 'show' atrium filled with hanging inverted yellow umbrellas and special blooming plants featured by the Conservatory. For a suggested donation for $5 for adults a visit to the Conservatory was definitely worth it and I hope to go back very soon.
