Homesick?

Is it possible to be homesick for a place that you have never really lived?

I've been to Stockholm only twice but, I can tell you, the very first time I visited there I felt a pull to that city that I have never felt before. I'm sure that, in part, it has something to do with the fact that Alex lives there and I have friends there but I think it is something more. Right from the start, I felt completely comfortable there. There is something about the urban coolness of the city itself that gets to me. More than that though, the people there are so inviting, warm and kind. They really made me feel at home. They have a certain quiet pride in where they live and, boy, do they have reason to be proud.

Stockholm is clean, bright, welcoming and exciting. It's a forward thinking city but has a deep respect for it's history. And even though it is a bustling, busy crowded place - it has all the charm of a close knit neighborhood.

Today I woke up late and wandered around in my pj's finally settling down to a cup of coffee in front of the television. What came on? Scandinavian Cooking on PBS - and it was all taking place in Stockholm and it was focusing on those places I had seen and loved and my heart just blew up! I want to be there. I want to live there. I love that city! I love it so much I should work for the Swedish tourism board because I would be the BEST ad they could ever have! Haha!

If you travel and haven't been to Sweden for heaven's sake - GO! And take me with you, okay?