Copenhagen Overdue

About a month ago, I went on a trip alone. It may not seem that much of a big deal to most people but to me, its a great deal venturing into foreign land all alone.

3 months ago, I took the plunge to book a holiday that I would go alone, on my own for the first time. And it is just plain different. I used to go on holidays with my family when I was younger, then started going on holidays with my cousins when I am studying abroad and went on holidays (road trips) with friends after I started working. I've had never went on a holiday all alone before.

So, I picked Copenhagen as my starting point. Oh, the pure joy of it. I think I chose the right place to embark on my solo journey. Anyway, these are the overdue pictures, I hope you enjoy the pictures.

A mirror picture that royals approve of.

Of Vikings and of Modern, Ages that is

Today, I got a history lesson from the Boy. The first question he asked is "So, how is it that you had visited the land of the Vikings?" My first thoughts is "Vikings?" To some level, I knew the Danes and the Swedes are associated with the Vikings, because of the vast selection of Vikings head souvenirs available in the souvenir shops. 

But I was too obsessed of buying the "right" souvenirs, as in souvenirs that bears the word Copenhagen or Stockholm or any attractions that are associated with the city. My only reason is because I visited Copenhagen and Stockholm, not other places in Denmark or Sweden, so it only make sense that I ONLY get those.

I am abit beaten up by the fact that in spite of the Vikings heads reminded me of the Viking history, I was too fascinated by the Renaissance era of their history. Beautiful tapestry, elaborate designs and decorations that perhaps a wall in the palace cost more than my house back home. To illustrate,

Christiansborg Palace

Frederiksborg Castle

Frederiksborg Castle

Kronborg Castle

Kronborg Castle

Kronborg Castle

All the pictures above are taken in Denmark which includes Christiansborg Palace, Kronborg Castle and Frederiksborg Castle. 

To state the obvious, Kronborg Castle is the oldest - it has a blend of Middle Ages and Renaissance Era, so the decoration is not that elaborate. Christiansborg Palace got burned down 3 times and its fairly safe to say that its completely Renaissance, look at the hall and that is not the most lavish room in the Palace. Frederiksborg Castle, is built by Christian IV, I think its the start of the Renaissance era with all the artist and painters, judging by its lavishness. Sorry, I don't really know how to appreciate these art, well, if it belongs to me, perhaps but otherwise, I just kept thinking how much will it cost and how nice it is I could own a few, sell it off and actually get a house of my own, I don't need a palace or castle, just a studio apartment will do.

Truth be told, after the third palace / castle, I was a bit bored with it, so the Swedish palaces had an unfair advantage of my "boredness" towards Renaissance style Palace. Although I am not keen on the fact that they don't have corridors, to get from a room to another, you had to past through other rooms, imagine when someone is sleeping, you just walk right through, someone is in the midst of changing, nevermind. I bet modern people would probably be sued for INVASION OF PRIVACY. Guess the term doesn't exist a few hundred years ago. 

But then again, sometimes I was reminded that there is nothing vague similar in Malaysia. Our royal palaces aren't even open for visitors, for all we know, perhaps its covered head to toe in gold and diamonds or its completely painted in yellow, like a giant post-it. So, apart from the fact that they are willing to "share" it to the public, royal palaces combined with a frozen lake, nothing could resist that, not even my lack of interest and "boredness". 

Drottningholm Palace

Drottningholm Palace

This room reminded me of one of the rooms in Versailles, France.

I don't have to say much, do I? These photos taken by me doesn't even do justice for the perfect moment, more like perfect couple of hours. 

Its moments like this that life is worth living for and roads are worth travelled for. 

(not to mention the leg work that my poor legs had been through the last 6 days) - I walked a total of 148, 960 steps over the past days. Its safe to say that I exceeded the quota of an average Malaysian annual steps.

Copenhagen with Love

Hey guys,

I am just updating abit on my Copenhagen trip so far. I have quite a story to tell as even though I am still in Europe, it is really different compared to London. And also, travelling alone is just completely different than travelling with a companion.

I have no one to be impatient of, so I found myself to be more patient. Also, asking around, talking to people is pretty easy, Danes are really friendly, I start to think they are more friendly than British and British are really friendly to start with. To my surprise, even the young people in Copenhagen are friendly and helpful. I asked a couple of them how to get to a certain place. They happily pointed out and even wished me good trip and good day after I thank them for their help.

Young people in Britain? Well, I don't really have much to comment about. Perhaps just slightly better than young people in Malaysia. =)

More stories to come when I get back and when I have the time. Hahaha, exam is coming and I still have lots of gathering and parties going on. Hehehe. Gonna turn in soon, I love all the walking, I treated myself to fatty food and I don't allow myself to have. Also, with 7-11 that serve fresh croissants, who wouldn't?

Travelling

I am inspired by my cousin travelling alone and think its a good idea to go for one before I graduate for good and possibly having to leave Europe. I don't think I would have the courage to go travelling alone anywhere else in the world, as much fun as it sound. Say, I wanted to go travelling alone at the Mediterranean or even just Paris. I think my father would kill me before I am allowed to do that.

So, I am thinking about the Scandinavian as I never been to any of these countries before and I've heard good experience from friends who had visited the cities and friends from the cities. Plus they have kick ass seafood. As a loyal seafood fanatic, I had to visit one of the Scandinavian countries before I die right? If you think Teluk Bahang or Tambun (places fame for seafood in Penang, Malaysia), you are dead wrong!!! I had seafood on the cruise from Newcastle to Amsterdam, it was great compared to Teluk Bahang's and Tambun's but I am sure anyone from Scandinavian will think otherwise. Freezing deep sea water breed the best seafood.

My first few choices are Copenhagen and Oslo or perhaps Germany even though its not a Scandinavian country. I could visit my friend from university. I had to ask my cousin about her experience after she gets back from her trip before I decide. This will tick off another wish in my bucket list. I never once think I would have the chance to do that and I am so excited now. I am going to stay in hostel and meet new people. So, now I had to make a decision on where to go......its only mid-semester and I am now thinking of going on a holiday.....