After catching the opera last night (it was good to see Tosca in Rome), it was up early and on the flights to northern Sweden.

And I must say I am very impressed! It may be because I’ve just spent the last month in wonderful but graffiti ridden Italy, but Sweden is just so clean, fresh, friendly and efficient. I always thought the best new airports were in Asia, but Arlanda got my bags out really quick, got the new ones checked in super fast and they even have award winning food.

Then it was the trip up north. I don’t think I’ve ever been this north before (see the map!) I’ve been assured it’s not quite in the arctic circle, but looking out from the plane the sea was frozen! But even up here everything is clean, very nicely designed and everyone is very, very friendly.

Tomorrow should be good.