Day 7 - March 25, 2014

Today was our last day in Sweden.  Some people slept in a little, finally having the opportunity to catch up on sleep.  It has been very hectic since we left home.  By 9:30am or so, everyone was up and out making their last visits to the sights of Stockholm.  By now everyone had their bearings - and hit the last few stores, restaurants, and tourist sites.

Everyone was back to the hotel by 2:30pm, and we loaded the buses for the short trip to the ferry terminal.  There was a bit of a wait to board the ship, but once we got moving, everyone was onboard and in their cabins fairly quickly.  Our ferry was the Silja Symphony.

A quick unloading of gear, and everyone was back up to the promenade deck.  As the boat left Sweden, some of the parents were in the pub, while some were on deck watching the beautiful scenery in the archipelago.  The girls quickly found the shops and stores on the main floor of the ship.  It was very windy and the waters were a little rough as we headed directly into a strong headwind.  At 8:00pm we all had tickets for the buffet banquet and the 59 of us had ½ of the dinning room to ourselves.  There was a lots of delicious food choices and a free beer tap.  After dinner everyone separated, with most people walking around the ship to help digest the huge meal.  A little later, we took the girls to the top (13th) deck, to the Karaoke night club.  This was a highlight of the 2011 trip for those girls, and it was a highlight for this group as well.  All of the parents were there to ensure that everyone had a good time, but were safe.  When we arrived, the karaoke was dominated by old women singing slow Russian songs.  Then Sting took the mic.  The party got going by then, with even a few Sting parents trying "I've Got You Babe".  It was a lot of fun.  A couple groups of young Russian and Finnish boys decided to keep up the tempo and try to impress the Canadian girls.  Our girls were awesome, responsible and really didn't have much time for these outsiders other than the odd dance.  It was a fun night and a good time was had by all.  Everyone then went to bed except for a hardy band of parents who decided to brave the lounge singers on stage at the other end of the boat.

Thoughts for Day 7:

• The Swedish people have treated us very well.  Thank-you.  Our time in their beautiful country was well spent.
• Our hotel, the Scandic Park, also treated us well, though apparently some girls preferred the bathtubs to the hide-a-beds.  (see below).
• Everyone will enjoy the break from cobblestones for the next 24 hours.  
• I don't think the President has as good of a security detail as our girls had in the karaoke night club.  They had a lot of fun, but a solid perimeter was set up and all eyes were watching for any concerns.  (This group of Sting players/parents/siblings and grandparents are awesome). 
• When I find myself on the dance floor with Lee at 3:30am on a ship traveling across the Baltic in front of a cover band singing Elvis (poorly) - maybe its time to start thinking about getting home (or some help).