Mamma Mia too! How can I resist you, Stockholm?

SOME old curmudgeon suggested that if you had only bought a plain yellow t-shirt you could save money by using it as a Colombia or Sweden top for the World Cup. OK, it was me... and now my English wife, ‘The Scary One’, will really be gunning for me.

I only mention this in the passing because Sweden play England today in the quarter-finals. And, of course, I was only winding her up. I will be backing England... it’s more than my life’s worth!

Sweden pops up every now and again in our imagination, usually around Eurovision, when there is talk of an Abba reunion, or indeed, as now, there is a new Mamma Mia! film out, and they are also in international sporting competition.

Stockholm, the jewel in the Swedish crown is known as the Venice of the North with good reason. It encompasses 14 islands and more than 50 bridges over the Baltic. The Radisson Collection Strand Hotel is something of an institution in the city as it was a great favourite of Hollywood goddesses Greta Garbo and Ingrid Bergman who would stay in the sea-salon suite which overlooked the impressive Royal Dramatic Theatre. The Collection Strand has just undergone an extensive refurb and offers 169 luxurious rooms and suites. The pick of them is the Tower Suite with its terrace which offers panoramic views of the city. Or dine at the hotel’s new Swedish brasserie where you might want to channel Greta Garbo by enjoying an afternoon tea with a Swedish tea. Of course, you can always have it in your room.. if you vant to be alone! Prices from €128.26 per night. See www.radissoncollection. com/en/strandhotel-stockholm. Visit Abba The Museum (www.abbathemuseum. com). Family ticket 595SEK/€58. All major airlines fly to Sweden.