Kulturnatt, Michelinnatt, and Organnatt

Last Saturday night was Kulturnatt, which is similar to Doors Open day in Pittsburgh.  Basically lots of places open themselves up for free and also have special events.  Pre-Kulturnatt and forcing ourselves to not wimp out due to drizzle, we detoured to see the Cherry Blossoms in Kungstradgarden.  Cutting through a small street after the park, we were surprised to find the Great Synagogue of Stockholm.  Even more surprising was the lack of security, particularly compared to the community center where we got our matzoh.

We first visited Dramaten, the Royal Dramatic Theatre.  The building has a spectacular exterior which we pass by often, but since the shows are in Swedish we didn't think we would get inside. This was our chance! 

Our next stop was a small music museum which is rarely open.  On the way we passed right by the Royal Stables so we detoured there.  Both the horses and the carriages are actively in use and all were beautiful.  Surprisingly anyone could just go right up to the horses and pet them.  The Nydahl Collection is a foundation/museum/archive by a guy who made his money in wine.  Lots of very beautiful old instruments.  

Although we tend to stay at home on the weekdays, this week we ventured out for two special events.  On Tuesday we had dinner at Gastrologik , one of Stockholm's Michelin **s.  Reservations are hard to get so we had to go Tuesday at 5:30.  But that turned out not to be a bad time to start since we didn't leave the restaurant until after 10!  It takes a while to do all that eating of 20 dishes.   We chose the Nordic Wine Pairing (who knew?!) which was also fun.  

Finally, on Thursday we went back to see the Philharmonic due to their programming of an organ concerto.  It was great getting to see the giant organ in the hall in use.