My husband, Will, an accomplished engineer, received an exciting job opportunity in Sweden and decided to purchase an additional ticket for me to join him on this adventure. We boarded a majestic Boeing 747, soaring high above the clouds, and after a smooth flight, we landed in the vibrant capital, Stockholm. Once we passed through customs, we were welcomed by a charming representative from the company with which Will would be collaborating. He escorted us to the stunning Manon Les Suites, a luxurious hotel renowned for its elegant decor and exceptional service.

As we entered our room, however, we were taken aback to find it furnished with two twin-sized beds. A sense of confusion washed over us as we hurried to the front desk to resolve the issue. The staff there apologized profusely, explaining that they had mistakenly assumed that Will would be accompanied by his secretary rather than his wife. Understanding our predicament, they promptly arranged for us to have a different room.

In a lighthearted moment, I jokingly suggested to Will that I could easily play the role of his secretary, but I made it clear that my preference was still for a spacious king-size bed.

After settling into our cozy hotel room, we eagerly decided to venture out and take the train to a bustling shopping district renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and eclectic stores. The train ride itself was an adventure as we marveled at the picturesque scenery zipping by, with charming architecture and lush landscapes that were so distinctly different from what we were accustomed to back home.

As we strolled through the lively streets, a familiar sight caught our attention—a brightly lit Pizza Hut beckoning us with the mouthwatering aroma of freshly baked pizza. With all the newness around us, a touch of home seemed refreshing. Intrigued, we decided to treat ourselves to a visit there. To our delight, the pizza surpassed any we had ever tasted in the United States, with a perfectly crispy crust, rich tomato sauce, and an abundance of fresh toppings that delighted our taste buds. It was clear that there was something uniquely special about how they prepared it.

After our satisfying meal, we wandered through the various shops, each filled with an assortment of unique merchandise, from trendy fashion boutiques to quaint souvenir shops showcasing local crafts. The energy of the area was infectious, and we relished every moment of our exploration.

Eventually, we hopped back on the train, our hearts full and our shopping bags in hand. Back at our hotel, Will busied himself planning our itinerary for the next day while I took a moment to reflect on our adventures. We then enjoyed a quiet evening together, embracing the excitement of our first night in Sweden and celebrating the experience we were sharing.

The following morning, we made our way to the dining room for breakfast, eager to indulge in the complimentary offerings that awaited us. The spread was nothing short of extravagant, featuring an array of delectable options that could satisfy even the heartiest appetites. Among the highlights was a delightful station with plump strawberries dipped in rich, velvety melted chocolate, which beckoned us to indulge.

At precisely 8:00 AM, a shuttle arrived to pick up Will, and I found myself with some free time on my hands. After a brief moment of contemplation, I decided to explore the hotel more before embarking on my adventure. The lobby’s elegant decor and warm ambiance made it hard to leave, but I felt a pull to return to the vibrant shopping area we had ventured to the night before. With a sense of excitement bubbling inside me, I made my way to the train station, looking forward to exploring a world totally foreign to me, and the adventure laying before me.

I went to the train station that was only a block away, bought my ticket, and did everything just as we had the night before. I arrived in the shopping area and walked up to the map display, which showed the streets and the various stores.