Breakfast is always important, but sometimes inconvenient. Today however, it’s amazing. We are having breakfast in what was known in the 14th century the King’s Hall next to the Vadstena Abbey.

Then we are over to the Abbey Museum where we are taken through the origins of the Abbey, and the church. This history goes back to the late 1200s with things really getting underway with King Eriksson in the mid 14th century.

But the real hero is Saint Bridget. She was the main figure that shaped how the Abbey came to what it is today. They even have what’s called a Class 1 relic of her – a piece of her hip bone.

Some quick details about her

• Born in 1303 into a wealthy noble family.
• Married at 14 and had 8 children (including Saint Catherine of Vadstena, who also became a saint).
• Founded the Bridgettine Order, a unique religious order with both monks and nuns living in the same monastery.
• Made pilgrimages across Europe, including to Santiago de Compostela and Rome.
• Spent her final years in Rome, trying to convince the Pope to return to Rome from Avignon.
• Died in Rome in 1373; her remains were brought back to Vadstena.
• Canonized (made a saint) in 1391.

Then to the local fortress. An impressive and imposing building, but not as engaging on the inside. Big rooms with little to say about them.

Our hotel this evening is just east of Stockholm but somehow rooted in Japan. They have given us sandals, swim trunks, and a kimono to wear while we are staying here. We are in for a good time!