Land of Fairy Tales - Denmark VI

Moving back to Copenhagen City in a way marked the last segment of our Denmark trip. In fact, it was supposed to be the focus of my itinerary - I didn't know much about Denmark or Copenhagen and my wife did much research to excite our journey.

We didn't realise that there were Sakura trees in Copenhagen, and we started our craze again. We did some surfing via net and realised that there were sakura trees in two sites that we wanted to explore - one park and one cemetery. 

The first venue - the Langelinie Park, where the Little Mermaid statue is situated.  We took a bus there and it was easy journey.  We strolled and saw some Sakura trees and we started getting close and snapping photos. As there was supposed to be a park with about 100 Sakura trees, we ventured further to look for them.  I suddenly remembered our Japan trip where I took my wife to see similar number of flowering trees in an "ulu" town and ended up with no trees and no tourists. 



Bingo! After viewing the very famous little mermaid statue, we found a park full of Sakura trees. I wasn't sure how many trees were there but it was definitely more than what we have seen so far. I like parks in Europe - locals really make good use of the park for picnic, chatting and gathering. It feels different to the way we treat parks here. We would usually sit down on the grass and under the sakura trees to enjoy the fresh air and at times flowers around where we sat. Of cos, my wife would "feedback" that I am not a "nature" person. Why? Cos I would always ensure "no ants, no bees, no insects" on where we sit. We used to collect the flowers for scrapbook. Maybe we had seen the trees in Japan and they were supposed to grow in Japan and we had collected the flowers before. So, we didn't do so in Copenhagen. Similarly, we didn't do so in Beijing. 

Besides this park, there were some other venues for Sakura viewing.  Yes, cemetery. It was a famous cemetery - the Assistens Cemetery.  It was also the resting place for many famous Danish people including HC Anderson. 

It was a good read in the net to realise that Danish people go to the cemetery for picnics and excursion. Very different from our culture here. We took a bus to the Assistens Cemetery and missed a stop and had to u-turn. 

The place was quite huge with paths and directions to different graves.  It was a tourist place too for people to pay respect to HC Anderson. In fact, there was a directional sign to lead the way.



My wife loved to take close-up shots of flowers. She took one with a bee but she didn't realise that the tree was full of bees buzzing. It was quite scary to see so many bees and she also a bit "scared" after I told her about it. Haha. But it was nice and pretty place.  Locals will paddle with bicycles through the tracks in the cemetery. There were people paying respect to their loved ones.



We saw one lady with a wooden basket attached to the bicycle. This was quite a different type of bicycle that my wife had tried to cycle previously at Coney. Yes, but it matched the whole ambience and I proposed for her to take a photo with the bicycle and the background. After a few shots, the owner asked us if we wanted to take a couple photo together. My wife told her "I am shy" to ask and then the owner helped take a few shots for us.  Very friendly locals.

I guess it is in their culture and way of living. So far, we have met interesting and friendly people in Denmark. Frankly, I started to like the country. It is definitely one place for retirement living. Haha. 

Land of Fairy Tales - Denmark V

We decided to do some trekking after the hearty breakfast on the date of departure from Aeroe Island. Usually, I would be quite careful about the time management but we didn't really walk around our B&B and it was like not really "staying in countryside". Needed to move around to "feel" the local atmosphere.  So, I "okayed" to the trekking and we did our packing before proceeding out. 

Mogen told us to be careful on the trek as there would be rocks - I still wondered why at that moment.  We started along a sandy trek. There were nice small houses along the trek and I was looking for any wild dogs (I heard some barks in the distance). My wife, however, was really enjoying the fresh air and country side trek.   Nice blue skyline, rows of houses and greenery - perfect for a wide angle shot and I had to set up a few tripod points to capture the countryside feel.  

There were trees that looked like Sakura trees, and we were quite fascinated about them. So, we tried to frame them in our photos with the backdrop of all the nice distant houses and greenery.  Even when we were "framing" the photos, I still on a constant lookout for any dogs.  We didn't see any wild dogs though but we saw a "bunch" of chicken.  My wife believed that the chicken were waiting for their owners to feed them - they were quite noisy when we passed by. Maybe they thought we were the owners?  

Besides the amazing trees and houses, there were also something very special and unique to us especially for my wife.  She was very amazed at "barter trade" - yes - there were carts or wooden "shelf" installed outsides some houses and the owners simply just put their homemade items for sale.  If you are interested to buy an item, you can just take and place your money on the "shelf" or cart. This type of trading shows how honest and simple the lives of these villagers on the island. Very interesting, and this was something of an experience - a local living experience that we liked.  Something that was similar here was the sharing of books in some neighbourhood.  

After some walking, we finally reached the beach and the weather was warm due to our exercise. For a moment, I still had the notion that the beach would be sandy.  In fact, it was rocky, and I suddenly realised this was the "dangerous" part of the trek that Mogen warned us.  There were some locals standing in the waters fishing. It was really cold and we wondered if they were going to catch any fish. We started to walk on the rocky rocks, and we weren't sure if the path would lead us back to our B&B.  However, I did recall seeing the beach (or to be exact the sea) when we were at B&B.

We were quite happy when we saw a glimpse of our B&B - we were a bit worried that we might have taken a wrong route.  It was about 10 am, and we supposed to leave at 1030am to catch a bus and the ferry.  It was a nice trek and a trek with my wife, my tripod and cameras.

Land of Fairy Tales - Denmark IV

Now, more on the island of Aeroe Island. It takes about 45mins-1 hour to "bus" from one end of the island to the other end. The main "activity" that we think is focused on "Aeroskobing" - here is the "magical fairy tales" where we love to see those narrow lanes with cobble stoned streets. As we were there during off-peak seasons, literally, we might be the only tourists there - an island to ourselves as we walked down the cobble stoned street. Cute colourful houses reminded me of our trip in Venice. 

  

We wanted to visit a place which sells local produce - it is called Den Gamle Kobmandsgaard "DGK" a farmer's market and cafe. Very interesting place which sells beer (local produce!), clothes, soaps, nice cakes and beverages.  We chanced upon a very nice cozy spot and classroom type wooden table.  The storekeeper told us that there was a very old table from Sweden, more than a few hundreds year old. We got ourselves the local beer to try since it was still cold and cooling weather.

There were an old couple at the cafe. Whenever I see old couple going out and having fun time, I also want to have the same type of lifestyle when I retire and have time with my wife.  There are so much to talk about and so much to share, and it is a lifetime journey. Sometimes, I wonder how many books we can write based on our conversation.  Interesting. 

The beer - Aero walnut favour tasted quite unique. I couldn't remember how many types of flavours there are.  However, we like to "try out" local beers to taste how different it is. In fact, I always feel that my wife likes to drink. Haha. She likes to try new types of wines (though she usually goes for dessert types). Mild and sweet. We tried another flavour of the Aero beer but it wasn't as nice. Besides the nice ambience including the toilet upstairs with nice deco, the "market" is also very interesting.  There were grown herbs and plants and we were so excited when we saw a growing kale. Haha. Very interestingly, we also heard the sound of flying geese above the sky. They really flew in V shape! Very distinct.  If there were locals around us, they would be surprised to see these two travellers with "child-like excitement" over little common things. 

There was a library in the Aeroskobing.  Besides that, rows of nice houses. We chanced upon a school and saw a tree with climbing tools. I dun think we get to climb trees here and especially as part of the teaching curriculum. Frankly, I do have problem climbing trees. Ants, bees, insects put me off. Haha, difficult to do romantic stuff on a tree like watching stars and moon, eating potato chips while chatting on a tree. 

The thought of it especially in a romantic Aeroe is already romantic?  

Land of Fairy Tales - Denmark III

Houses are also part of the fairy tales.  I (or we) have longed to stay in a homely B&B in a quiet european town with nearby farming activities like sheeps, goats etc, and streams nearby for fishing or even dipping our legs in the cool water, and even have wild animals roaming freely.  So, we "trip-advisor" ed and googled to find out a place on an island called Aeroskobing. It supposed to be a very romantic island where couples go to take pre-wedding shoots.  How romantic can it be when we stay there for a couple of days?  We never knew that we were probably the only or few tourists on the island when we landed cos it was still pre-peak travel season.  Too cold even to cycle with berms.  We had an early dinner at the recommended dinner place and the island was "pro-business" and friendly "survival" - why? Cos each group of restaurants took turns to open on specific days, and we were given a time table to check. This was amusing to us. 

The B&B is owned by a local who also had another house in copenhagen. Mr Mogen was very responsive and friendly when he picked us up from the ferry as there was no direct transport to his B&B.  He was a bz man, and would alert us that he would be going for meetings and ensure we would be picked up to his B&B after each excursion.  Think he drove a Toyota.  

What I liked about the house - wooden cottage and thatched roof just like those featured in childhood cartoons.  There are cute windows with shapes that I dun see in flats. Interestingly, and we have a balcony facing the sea, and well, we requested for it.  Haha, I told my dear we would be catching the sunrise right from our room! 

As usual, I would sit at the balcony waiting for sunrise. As the weather was cold during our time of visit, I had used pillows to act as cushion and also warm my legs as I patiently waiting for the sunrise, and to wake my dear up to catch the perfect moment.  Sunrise-"catching" seems to be part of our itinerary.  As "yoga" was an "in" thing, we even did some basic yoga facing the seas. Shiok! 

Breakfast needs some mention too. Mr Mogen prepared homemade breakfast for us.  There was a special DIV bread with lots of nuts that we loved much.  Very nutty feel.  Mr Mogen shared that Dannish would prefer a cold meal instead of having hot meals throughout the day.  With that, it formed a habit of us sourcing for sandwich as part of our meals throughout the journey. Actually, we did sandwich and saw Europeans eating sandwiches for our past trips.  Mr Mogen said that the weather would be too hot for them especially during summer to eat all hot meals - by hot meals - he meant cooked food. The table decoration was homely and we would enjoy drink juices and coffee/tea while talking to the host.  The B&B made us feel homely in a remote and romantic island.  

We were told that we were probably the only chinese during that time.  

Land of Fairy Tales - Denmark II

 Nothing beats the curiosity in us, really. As we approached the entrance of Legoland Billund.  It was a magical feeling as we were going to the origin of Lego! I wasn't sure how other Legolands look like but this one is surely authentic one.

We saw kids with parents going into Legoland. Not very crowded as we streamed into Legoland.  We were fascinated by the stuff in Legoland and my wife led me straight to the tower ride to see the aerial view of Legoland. Wow.  What a starting ride to go right on top.  My dear told me that the rides should all be kiddy ones, nothing to worry about. 

Frankly, we were amazed by the details of Legoland. Near the jungle, you could see lego lion gang. Very realistic as the train ride passed through the safari jungle.  I rem there were roaring noises too. Haha, feel like a kid again.  

The mini-Copenhagen famous colourful Nyhavn (I finally got the correct spelling) where yachts berth were so real - perhaps it is a 1:x scale model? It was really interesting as there were other models including airports and the airlines too - I didn't spot SQ though. The efforts and the details were worth a thousand claps to me. We wonder how BB will feel if he was here. 

Next in our itinerary were the different rides. From train rides to boat rides to plane rides, we tried to try as many rides as possible since we have the 2-day pass.  Some of the seats were really for children and they were hard for us.  "Hard" literally. 

We went for aquarium adventure and wow wow the place was interesting.  We were amazed again by the details put in by Legoland - from treasure chest, capsized boats to divers - they were like a story to be told by Lego. We took turns to take an interesting pose with the Lego divers and at times with school of fishes swimming across our heads! 

We were so playful playing most of the rides that we had to rush to a new place "Ninjago" to play the Ninja game.  Initially, I still a bit worried about the Ninja ride as I was uncertain what it entailed. Understanding that we had to use our hands to simulate throwing of darts when our ninja car moved along the rail, we quickly got into actions.  The playful and "want-to-win" spirit came alive in me and I "karate chop" here and "TKD chop" there to hit the targets.  I even made use of my cooking skills - chopping minced meat - to "throw" the darts out.  Haha, I got quite a high score and I proudly bought the photo of us in action. It was the last game we played as Legoland rides closed at around evening time.  

What an interesting Lego Day!  What's funny was we played the "mild" kiddish rides on Day 1 and we did the more scarier rides on Day 2.  Water rides with slight sudden fall from steep gradients ~ we screamed when we were thrown down from the rides ~ well, I regretted that I didn't buy the photo as my wife said that was the most authentic side of us.  

Lego-ing. 

Land of Fairy Tales - Denmark I

I was still thinking which or where should I start to blog about our recent Denmark trip. Maybe I should start with the adventure we had at Legoland, and it would be apt to start off with the place we stayed?  It was very kiddy and " lego" when we first checked in.  A key in the shape of Lego Block - wow, I was getting to like the place.  We bunked in a " holiday camping site" where we needed to buy a camping permit.  I was still wondering where should I apply for it and well, it was already part of the cost in the reservation.  

Room Key in Lego block

It was fun searching for the hut H31. There was a field with "warning sign" for scorpions and I was very very wary whether there were actually one or not.  I was always on high alert when I chanced upon that field, and made sure my wife dun go near it. 

The "Lego Land" was not too far from this holiday village.  About 10 mins walk and it was cold out there so walking won't sweat. 

We sort of got our "bearings"  right and we ventured into our room. Wooden hut and well, it was nice. 

One typical hut with lego stuff built-in. I was still wondering if they could do all in Lego haha. Very nice feeling especially when it was located in the forest.  Of cos, I still did a check for snakes, pests and bears? haha. 

The interior of the hut was amazing.  Posters of lego, hunter's equipment like hammer and gun in Lego could be found. We even have two rooms and jokingly sharing with my wife that we could zz in separate room if we quarrelled.  My wife said we were not suited to live in small apartment i.e. hut.  

The bathroom was decent and clean.  We got a bit issue with the water tank as I had emptied it to wash and disinfect the utensils, and as well as taking a shower.  Ended up my wife with no hot water.  Poor her - no shower will be angry.

The whole place gave me and us a cozy feel.  I used to watch cartoons about people living in such wooden hut in the forest.  Interestingly, we got to have this chance to stay in such an interesting Lego hut.  At night, we "on" the lamps and I closed the windows to prevent bugs from flying in.  (My wife would say moths, I suppose).

We also bought instant noodles to prepare for breakfast the next day since there were induction cooker and utensils.  Well, we had slight argument over the cooking ordeal though haha. 

I was happy that my wife planned this legoland visit as part of the itinerary. At first, I was still a bit "uneasy" going to Legoland as we didn't even go to the one in JB.  No regret despite the longer journey from Copenhagen to Legoland.  It's definitely worth it and in fact, it was a good starting point for our journey of fairy tales.

Lego! 

Chocolates, Snow & Fondue (VI) - Dec 2016

This Zurich blog will not be complete without the mention of Swiss Food - especially the fondue. First, we got our first taste of local food for lunch.  It was like our 7-11 concept and we chose the chicken fillets and a bowl of salad. Quite expensive but it was a nice meal after our long night flight. The food tasted a bit salty but we thought this was the norm of "fast food" concept.  Interestingly, many local "makan" here - a quick bite.  So we felt we also 入乡随俗 followed the local tradition of eating. The tables and overall ambience gave quite a cozy feel too.  



I could not remember when we started to google in trip advisor for nice restaurants to eat.  I believed it was during our Rome trip.  Similarly, we did the same to try to find exciting places frequented by locals. One "to-eat" list by my wife was the cheese fondue which you would dip bread into it. Sounds cheesy at the first thought.  

 
We got to taste our fondue at a very homely and apparently very traditional restaurant near the old town.  I had to book early to secure a seat.  While waiting for our fondue, we ordered a herb soup - and well, it was very saltish! I could not finish it and my wife had tried too.  We gave our comments to the waitress who told us "it was herbs".  Then, came out fondue. We tried out dipping our bread into the fondue and it was saltish. Too much sodium intake for us and we didn't finish.  Initially, we thought it was the "speciality" and style of the restaurant.  My wife googled and shared it seemed to be the taste for all fondue.



There was very good review at a restaurant known as "Federal" at Zurich Hbf so we went to try out. Well, I have the habit of ordering fish and chip to "test out" whether the restaurant was good or not. Without fail, the picture told the story. My wife was snapping photos of the food while I was out to the train station checking for the schedule of our Paris train the next day.  The food was okay and still a bit saltish but the waiter was very entertaining and "warm".  He had a good attitude of joking and making customers laugh, and he had such a passion for his job. Really admirable.

 
One surprise discovery was this "gingerbread"-looking bun which was a gift from the local post office.  So cute that we ordered another one for our journey to Paris at the second leg of our journey.  When we ordered, the service counter asked what do we call the name of this bun in English, and I just said "Gingerbread" man haha.  It was a unique discovery that trilled me looking for it and the background.  

It was officially called Grittibanz - christmas bread man.  Uniquely Swiss.