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No.4 Athens (split with Barcelona)
Let us go back to Athens – traffic, great food and warm magical nights. Today it has a urban population of 3,074,160 – and became the Greek capital in 1834.
After some hectic years with Stena Line on their route, Gothenburgh – Fredirkshavn, Denmark. I just had enough of and quite without any planning.
Wanted to go what is called “deep sea” – try longer routes and see the world.
Before that I wanted to spend my money somewhere – and when offered a nice apartment in city of Athens for 3 months. Off I went without any thoughts – only worries I had was what I should pack for 3 months. Not a light traveller.
Athens – absolutely stunning city – but also mad. Specially the traffic. This was in 1976 – can imagine how it’s today. And it was hot-hot. September isn’t the best months to be in Greece and specially not in city like Athens. Don’t know how they do it. No wonder my “boyfriend” escaped to more temperature pleasant France.
3 months in that mad-hole. Unbelievable fun – and all alone. Greek man are mad. The first afternoon I decided to have a look around and went down to the Syntagma Sq. The traffic was terrible and it wasn’t like at home when pedestrians had green did the cars stop. No NO! Not if they had green light too.
I learned that in less then 5 minutes.
So standing there waiting for green light – somebody pinched my bum. Couldn’t believe it – turned around and there was about 20 smiling Greek men. That was my first meeting – with Athens on my own.
Καλώς ήλθατε στην Αθήνα, Viveka
Had a couple of days with Byron, before he took off to France – he took me to the old town, “Plaka” – he took me to Hilton’s restaurant and top roof bar, Hotel Grande Bretagne’s stunning restaurant, Roof Garden – he introduced me to his “yacht” and crew (3) out in Piraeus, Marina Zea (mine to use when ever I wanted) – but he never took me to The Acropolis .. was told that we have to up so early in the morning, because of the heat and that I was better off buying a post card – so I did … never made it to The Acropolis. 3 months I was in the city. The night view was mine – every evening after dinner at Hilton when I sat out on the terrace to their top floor bar – The Galaxy Bar.
Bryon’s yacht “Coca Cola” (are you in the shipping business you have to have a yacht) – I only went out once with it – and let the captain take me out his favourite island around Athens. Only a day cruise – he took me to Hydra.
What a beautiful island –quite big. We did stops all around the island. The white houses with doors and window frames in the colours of the rainbow. Beautiful beaches; Spilia & Kamini. The Hydra Town – because of all the stairs they used mules to get stuff from the harbour up into the town, loads of hills and stairs. Can’t remember I saw a car. Sure it has changed today.
Not only could I borrow the yacht – also got a guest membership to a private beach club out in Glyfada – just by Athens international airport. So it was more or less a taxi out and back, every day. Impossible to be in the city – the heat and the exhaust fumes from all that traffic – it was terrible.
Very posh club with changing rooms and sun chairs in all styles, bar and restaurant … it those days it was all in drachma and around journey was about 500 = $20.
Laying there on the beach or by the pool – and the planes went in for landing … so low I felt like I could touch them. What I understand has the airport now moved – moved for the Olympic Games 2004.
The nights in Athens where magic – so warm and seductive. It was a lot of dating, dancing, flirting, eating, drinking – but no sex. Why ??? – I didn’t really trust them enough. Maybe too much information. ????!!!! Great months – great mad men.
Just behind the Parliament building – was there some kind of military base, maybe it was the guards – and every time I walked by soldiers came through the bushes. They could see I wasn’t Greek, so much taller … every Greek woman in my age had massive platform shoes – high fashion summer-76. Wasn’t able to wear them, because I’m so tall anyhow – but I had some thinner platform on my shoes … so they tried to make me stop and talk to them, they asked where I was from. Same commotion every time.
On the side of the Parliament – underneath it in the wall – was there small flower shops – one after the other. Have tried to find out over the net if they are still there, at least one is still there. The coronations must their favorite flower and they had sprayed them with gold, silver .. blue .. black. Amazing view.
The 19th September – Sweden had an election – and after 40 years in power the Socialist party lost. Had vote before I went on the post office and totally forgotten about it all. Sat on a café on the Syntagma when a couple of guys came up to me and told me how sorry they where over the Socialist parties lost. In those days Greece saw Sweden as the best country in the world. For them socialism was something so big. Next day when I went for groceries – they condolence me too over the lost. That is the way the Greek people are.
They care.
Olof Palme -
Prime Minister of Sweden (in office Oct-69 to Oct-76)
Murdered 28 February 1986
The first experience I had of the Greek mentally against other people was when I needed to buy an adapter for my hairdryer. Found a small shop just around the corner – the old man in the shop … didn’t speak English, but he understood what I was after (had to use arms and legs to explain). When pay my note was too big. He didn’t have change. Told him that I will change and come back – No!!!! He told me to take the adapter and come back with the money later. I couldn’t believe it.
I was probably he only customer that day – that week.
To my shame I forgotten it all the time, but 3 days before I returned to home I went in to pay him – and his old face lightened up like a Christmas tree. Had also bought him an after shave as .. forgiveness. Sure he never thought he will get his money and it was a close call.
Greek people are very proud – they share – and they care about each other and others. Notice when I was visiting places around Athens that – even if they didn’t have much – they happily shared. Fantastic. Many didn’t speak English, but didn’t matter they talked with me anyhow and tried to understand what I said. Had to use paper & pen – arms & legs.
My last night in Athens I spent at Hilton of course – first a meal and then up in the Galaxy Bar. In the elevator up to the bar I was in company with 2 very nice men. Later when sitting out on the terrace they join me and we start talking.
They invited me to come with them to a very special place .. as it was my last night in Greece. 1976 I was fearless, so I went with them – jumped into a taxi – went somewhere on the west side on Athens to a beautiful nightclub – big white marquises – a bouzouki night club. Very upmarket. There was unlimited champagne and fresh fruit. Instead of smashing plates, they bought gardenias to throw to stage for the artists.
Hadn’t even packed at that time and my flight was at noon. A fantastic night – David, doctor in NYC and I met up with him the following year when I was over. John, owned a marble factory in Thessaloniki – we kept contact for about a years time by letters, but never met again.
4 a’ clock in the morning I broke up with them at the nightclub … they gave me a beautiful box with a gardenia in – stopped a taxi and paid it. That’s was my last night in Athens ever. That was a night of pure magic.
Have to change my “top 10” – of course Athens should be on there .. on split 4th place. Sorry, Barcelona.
Did you know that Frappe coffee comes from Greece (Café frappe), was born at
1957 International Trade Fair in Thessaloniki – by Neslte.
Wish I was there … Μακάρι να υπήρχε!
Photos provided by; dipity.com / sehha.com / protothema.gr / protothema.gr / protothema.gr / xeniosworld.com / panoramio.com / thegreekartist.com / sunsail.com / remunda.com / annoula.blogg.se / flickriver.com / members.multimania.nl / daypress.gr / stëve – flickr.com / balticmaid.com / flickriver.com / photobucket.com / sticksrocksanddirt.blogspot.com / travelpostcard.blogspot.com
No. 10 Dublin
Once No.1 – so what has happen with Dublin???? It has gone fare too expensive and busy – have lost quite a bit of it’s friendliness, but still the atmosphere is free and there is loads of it.
Founded as a Viking settlement, it evolved into the Kingdom of Dublin and became the island’s principal city following the Norman invasion. All ready in the 17th century Dublin became the second largest city in the British Empire. Today the urban population is 1,045,769.
Came to Dublin the first time March-91 … to stay for nearly a year. Hundred after hundred of daffodils in full bloom welcomed me along the road from the airport to the city. Amazing view and the first reason why I fell madly in love with the city and island. Stayed out in Dun Loagharie – about 30 min with the Dart (green commuter train) from city center. A beautiful place that has a Mediterranean feeling with palm trees, seafront promande and sandy beach. For 6 months I stayed at the prestige’s Royal Marine Hotel – gave me plenty time to find my own Dublin.
Dublin has really developed and become a modern cosmopolitan city with so much history – a big city with bright light – banking has always been big in the city – today massive companies like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, eBay, PayPal, Yahoo! & Facebook – have their European HQ in Dublin.
So what does my Dublin continue of; loads – but this are my favorites.
1. Afternoon tea at The Westbury Hotel
2. Shopping on Henry Street
3. Visiting Brown Thomas, to have a look around
4. Chicken wings and a burger at “Elephant & Castle”
5. Trinity Collage
6. Guinness Store House
7. The Kitchen
8. Post Office
9. Stephen’s Green
10. Dinner at “La Stampa” – today “Balzac”
Let’s work the list;
1. The Westbury Hotel serves afternoon tea at The Gallery– a traditional hotel just behind the famous Grafton Street. It’s just for the stress free surrounding, because Dublin is stressful – find it more stressful then London, and delicious finger sandwiches.
Westbury Hotel,
Balfe Street/Grafton Street
Dublin2, Ireland
Phone; +353 (0) 1 679 1122
http://westburyhoteldublin.org/
2. Henry Street, was the poor relative to the Grafton Street once – today it’s have new shopping centre’s and fashionable shops. Arnott, the department store has got a massive face lift.Also the flower and fruit market is on one for the side streets, Moore St – a must.1991 Grafton St had all exclusive Irish shops, but through the years the British shops has taken over.
3. Brown Thomas the most exclusive shopping in town and on Grafton Str – once much smaller with a beautiful stair case in the foyer. Has moved across the street and left the stair case to Mark & Spencer’s. Fantastic shop for looking, great lunch salad and to pick up ideas. Nothing comes cheap at Brown Thomas.
4. “Elephant & Castle” was the first restaurant I ever visit in Dublin and I have been coming back every time I visit. Famous for their chicken wings, omelets and burgers. Queue to get in for lunch – been busy-busy so long as I have gone there. Located in the popular entertainment area, Temple Bar.
“Elephant & Castle”
18 Temple Bar Dublin 2.
Phone: +353 (0)1 679 3121.
http://www.elephantandcastle.ie
5. Trinity Collage – was founded 1592 – and the first university in Great Britain and was modeled on Cambridge university. You can walk into Trinity at any time and have a look at the area and buildings, although going inside and seeing the Books of Kells is only aloud at certain times. A university with world class reputation.
(text; http://en.wikipedia.org) – The Book of Kells is the most famous, and one of the finest of a group of manuscripts in what is known as the Insular style, produced from the late 6th through the early 9th centuries in monasteries in.
6. Guinness Storehouse, has become Irelands No.1 tourist attractions. Guinness, the nearly black dry stout – that I dare to call the most famous beer in the world. Sorry, Budweiser.
Located at St. James’s Gate Brewery and opened in 2000. So much to see and take part in – 7 floors. Guinness well know for their high quality merchandises. The Gravity Bar gives the most stunning view over Dublin. Also they serve wholesome food in the Brewer’s Dinning Hall and with a view into a working kitchen.
Guinness Storehouse,
St. James’s Gate Brewery,
Dublin,
http://www.guinness-storehouse.com
7. The Kitchen – U2’s fashionable nightclub and one of the best in town.
The Kitchen has won three awards at the Smirnoff Dance Awards, including the prestigious “Best Venue” award. Muzik Magazine was recently quoted as saying that the Kitchen is “The best nightclub in the world at the moment.” It speaks for itself.
The Clarence Hotel,
East Essex Street,
Dublin 2, Ireland
Phonel: 086-0450084
http://www.thekitchennightclub.com/
8. General Post Office – the most famous building in the city on O’Connell St – completed 1818.
Has a massive part in the history of Ireland. It was here during the Easter Rising of 1916 it served as the headquarters of the uprising’s leaders. The assault by the British forces extensively damaged the building and it was not repaired until the Irish Free State government took up the task some years later. An original copy of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic is on display in the An Post museum at the GPO. It’s an impressive building with old post office features inside. It’s also had big part in the condolences for the Omagh bombing’s victims in 1996. Flowers where left outside the building and taken to Omagh every night. One of the bouquets where mine.
9. Stephen’s Green is really two things for me – a beautiful park surrounded by magnificent Georgian buildings with the famous Dublin doors, became a park in 1663 – and it’s the Stephen’s Greens beautiful shopping arcade/centre … both just in the top of Grafton Street. Always do both every time I’m in town.
10. “Balzac” / La Stampa – an expensive and very special restaurant – now also a boutique hotel.
Because the restaurant is in graded building and – it’s in a narrow but long townhouse – is it short of daylight – that is all solved with massive mirrors along the walls with large stunning candleholders with candles in front. Refurbished and with a new name. Gone Italian to Paris brassiere. Mirrors and candleholders still there.
Balzac
35-36 Dawson Street
Dublin 2, Irland
Phone: 01 677 4444
Dublin will always be very special to me – it was all mine for so many years – until I met Belfast. It’s exciting to come back and own it all over again … time after time.’It’s a bit with Dublin and me – like the son of Dublin, Oscar Wilde, once said it.
“A man can be happy with any woman, as long as he does not love her.”
Oscar Wilde
Photos provived by; guinness.stockhouse.com / turzigot.blogspot.com / vanni – trekearth.com / buddyguitar.com / keith levin – worldofstock.com / britannica.com / molly-malone.at / nycarparking.com / dublinrocks.com/ skyscanner.net / architecturelinked.com / gypsytravels – vitrualtourist.com / vitrualvisit-dublin.com / 123movie.info / go.ireland.about.com / dublinimagelibary.com / lonelyplanet.com / flickrhive@mind.net /photounion.com
My life as a chef and woman I could say started in Copenhagen – and journey that followed. Copenhagen isn’t on my Top 10 big city list. It would have been 15 years ago, but I have changed and life has taken me to other places. Still I have a lot to say about this city – that I know better then my own captial, Stockholm.
In 1968 it was the most exciting thing that ever happen to me, 20 years old and alone in a big city. Even if it was, in my eyes then, a massive city, was it friendly and gentle to me. Still are a very friendly and gentle city.
Copenhagen, the second largest capital of Scandinavia, Stockholm is the largest – but the most expensive one. Find it more expensive then Oslo. Ranked as the 17th most expensive city to live in – 2011- with Stockholm on 39th place.
Today Copenhagen has population of 1,199,224. It’s situated on the islands of Zealand and Amager.
Copenhagen has repeatedly been recognized as one of the cities with the best quality of life. It is also considered one of the world’s most environmentally friendly cities. A lot of Copenhagener’s commute to work on bicycles. Since the Öresundsbron opened that connect Malmoe, Sweden with Copenhagen in less then 20 min by train. It has become popular to live in and around Malmoe … and still keep on working in Copenhagen. The salaries are higher in Denmark and the Danish Krona is stronger then the Swedish. Also it’s cheaper to live in Sweden.
Copenhagen got city status in 13th century. The Danish also claim the have the oldest flag in the world – it fall down over an alter from heaven in 12th century – adopted 1219 – and it’s called “Danneborg”
What a Copenhagen most famous for ????!!! “Den lille havfrue” – “The Little Mermaid”, the statue and icon of the city, from the fairy tale by HC Andersen with the same name. The statue was commission in 1909 by Carl Jacobsen, the son to the” Carlsberg” founder. She have lost her head a couple of time through the years – like most of us women do.
Of course it’s famous for Carlbergs Beer, Georg Jensen, Royal Copenhagen porcelain, Danish open sandwiches (Smørrebrød = bread & butter), Victor Borge and Tivoli (the amusement park in the middle of the city).
Copenhagen also have a very liberal view on sex. Maybe not at as Hamburg and Amsterdam, but in the late 60th most “Swedish” porno films was made in Copenhagen. Sweden has always been a bit prude about it, even if we claim we where very liberal and got a world reputation. Think there was a couple of naked breast shown in an Ingmar Bergman film that gave us that reputation.
Then we have the Danish Queen, Margrethe II – a strong colorful lady that are a heavy smoker and up to 2006 even in public. She paints, she writes and illustrate children books – also an accomplished translator, rumors are that she had a big part in the translation of “The Lord of The Ring” into Danish. She also design jewelry and some of her own clothes. Very much loved and popular person, that in February this year been on the thorn for 40 years . For me she are a big part of Copenhagen, even if she belongs to the whole of Denmark.
Georg Jensen, world famous designer – silver and stainless steel. One of his wathces are top line on my wishlist. Danish design in over all – is world known for it’s simplicity, lines and how to use and mix natural material.
Tivoli Gardens or as we call it “Tivoli” – next door neighbor to the Central Station. Open 1843 – beautiful amusement park or what the Danish call it a pleasure park. Have about 4,5 million visitors per year. Famous for the rides .. flowers .. The Pantomime Theatre, a toy like building in Chinese style – their curtains needs 5 men to operate.
“Nyhavn” 17th century waterfront, canal and entrainment district with historical wooden ships. A very colorful area with bars, restaurants and cafés in 17 & 18th-century townhouses. Packed in the summer.
“Strøget” – the longest pedestrian shopping area in Europe. 250.000 people use the area every day in summer and winter the halve amount – with “Magasin du Nord”, Copenhagen’s answer to Harrods.
“Strøget” was only a street before – now it’s an area full of international designer shops, restaurants, local shops and souvenir shops.
So where to stay??? So many years I stayed at a hotel in Copenhagen. The 2 following hotels I been a guest at and very pleased with both.
Hotel Kong Frederik
Vester Voldgade 25,
1552, Copenhagen, DK
Phone: +45 33 12 59 02
Stadard room; DKK 1990 /$353 /£225/€265
First Hotel Kong Frederik is one of the city’s most classical and historic hotels with a prime location close to the Town Hall square, Tivoli Gardens and boutique shopping. The hotel has throughout the years been the choice of international performing artists and legendary Danish poets. (text; hotel’s web site)
Fully refurbish 2010. Excellent location.
Hotel Neptun
Sankta Annae Plads 18-20
1250 Copenhagen, DK
Phone: +45 33 95 20 00
1 bedroom suite; DKK 1900/£215 /$337 /€255
The Clarion Collection® Hotel Neptun is ideally located near the Nyhavn, a popular area with many small bars and restaurants overlooking the picturesque harbor. Amalienborg Palace (Amalienborg Slot), the Royal Danish Theatre (Det Kongelige Teater), Kastellet (Citadel of Frederikshavn), the Strøget shopping street and the city’s infamous Little Mermaid statue are all near this Copenhagen, Denmark hotel. (text; hotel’s website).
Fantastic location just by the harbor and also great vaule. No really walking distance to anything in the city. ‘
Something to eat – there was really only one place for me;” Copenhagen Corner” and when I was with visiting friends in Copenhagen last weekend – I wanted to take them there, but the restaurant wasn’t where I thought or remember it to. Now looking at the net we passed on our way. Still where it always been, but there was a massive new building site in the way.
But reading about the today was it probably as well I didn’t find it, because the reviews aren’t that great. They had the most wonderful duck breast. It’s 18 years since I was there last.
So that was my restaurant recommendations. Must say that Hotel Fredrik had a courtyard restaurant that was excellent – had frog legs in a Dion mustard sauce there that was memorable. Today they have a gastro pub, sure the food is of high quality – all Frist Hotels has great to outstanding kitchens.
Of course we have “Sankt Gertrud Kloster”, nearly forgotten this hidden gem – unique and beautiful restaurant , in 1972 the restaurant open and still going strong- so they must be doing something right and I guess it’s food. It’s a must while visiting Copenhagen. 14th- century ground vaults with 1500 flickering candles, no electric light.
Sankt Gertruds Kloster
Hauer Plads 32
Copenhagen
Phone; (33) 14 66 40 – Reserv!!!!
Open lunch & dinner
The Best “Smørrebrød ” in town seam to be found at “Restaurant Ida Davidsen” – today is the 5th generation that runs the show, they are also supplying the Danish Royal Family. Never been there, but when asking – this is what everybody recommend. The family Davidsen has been doing open sandwiches for over 100 years and been in the restaurant business since 1888.
Restaurant Ida Davidsen
Store Kongensgade 70
DK-1264 Copenhagen K
Phone; (33) 91 36 55
And as the Danish say – when does a Carlsberg taste the best … every time! Copenhagen taste the best every time too!
Photos provided by; persvarld.se /siemens.com /magentogallery.com sv.wikipedia.org / gulfmannpic.blogspot.com / exposureoflife.com / gisgeo.dk /cyckling-embassy.de / duaumea.blogspot.com / dpreview.com / executive-perks.com / wikiinfo.org
#10 – on my gems list - Nagasaki
Nagasaki – Hong Kong, 18 times, back and forward … so Nagasaki became just like Hong Kong something I got know better. We visit other Japaneses cites, but Nagasaki is the one that I can relate to. Yokohama, Tokyo & Kobe we spent a couple days in – but there was never any “click” between neither of them and me. Nagasaki total different matter.
One Sunday morning I woke up early and I went up in the sun rise .. it was only me out there – expect for the ladies that swept the streets. Have been looking at the net for weeks to find a picture of them, but no luck. They where so beautiful dressed and had the most fantastic big hats. Didn’t have my camera with me. Their long dresses in light brown with burned orange apron and those massive hats. I wish I could share it with you.
We where in Nagasaki 6.08.78 – the memorial day of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki - but I couldn’t leave the vessel because we where accepting new passengers for lunch. I wished I had been able to attend. The next day some of us visit the “Nagasaki Peace Bell”, Hill of Yamazato – ready for that year’s memorial service. In 2002 Nagasaki National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims built – would love to visit. There is 69 monuments in 10 areas – it all want us not to forget.
Once a small fishing village in the 1600 century and founded by the Portuguese - has Nagasaki harbor was a mayor base for Imperial Japanese Navy during many war’s. After the bombing the harbor just developed rapidly and and was rebuilt into a modern harbor for cargo and cruise liners. Nagasaki lay in a bay with hills on all sides – stunning surroundings.
The old part of Nagasaki is so pretty – you need good legs to get up those hilly streets. No wonder that Puccini used Nagasaki as setting for his opera “Madama Butterfly” Houses with Shōji – sliding paper and bamboo doors – instead of blinds. Roof tiles in many different colors. All bedded in lush greenery.
The Sōfuku-ji Temple – Built in 1629 for the city’s Chinese population, this famous Ming-style temple is the oldest building in Nagasaki. Here the The Chinese Bon Festival is held here from July 26 to 28, with Chinese coming from all over Japan to participate in the ritual for the dead. Well worth a visit.
Around Nagasaki it’s very visible that Japan is built on volcanic islands – the archipelago is very bare and rough – one evening as we left for Shanghai – it was full moon and I never seen a moon that orange, nearly red and massive – it was like we could touch it. True that the moon in Japan is bigger then an where else in the world. Maybe it true what they said in the old days that it’s because the moon is raising in and falls of the sky in Japan .
A little story about one of our nights in Nagasaki – we, all the girls want a night out. We went for meal sitting on floor cushions – tough job by the way – specially with long legs like mine. After the dinner we wanted to go a night club. Not the easiest thing when not being Japanese. After trying a couple of places – we went to a bar and experience Karaoke – all texts was in Japanese … so we sang our own songs and the men in the bar loved it. No women in the bar at all except us. Japanese man don’t laugh – they giggle. We tried to get some information out them about somewhere to go for dancing. They spoke no English at all. Back out on the street again we stopped a taxi and with his nearly none English he toke us to “Rolex Club”. At the entrance we where told that we need a Rolex watch to come in. So two of us took a taxi back to the vessel robbed all the guys on their Rolex and up the club again – where we was told – only for Japanese. So no disco in Nagasaki never, but a lot of bad singing and SapporoVodka.
photos provided by; japanesescreens.com / jerlene.blogspot.com / japan-guide.com / therapidian.org / fickr.com- Toumas Xi’s / fickr.com- nagasakisky / flickr.com-lawrence pergrine /google.com
No. 7 - Stockholm, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, built on 14 islands – winter or summer. Not because I’m Swedish – because that’s what it’s. Discover Stockholm very late – not until I moved aboard. Been in Stockholm a couple of times before that – changing train or plane and doing “over day business” with suppliers, but I had never taken time to really visit Stockholm as a true tourist.
If I ever been a true tourist anywhere.
Stockholm the capital of Sweden – 1,5 million lives in this city.
The Royal Castle – just in the middle of the city – next door the government buildings .. on the same small island we have “Gamla Stan” – the old city – with narrow streets and alley ways that is full of shops, restaurants and cafes.
Djurgården, an other small island with a great green area – the major tourist attractions is Skansen Vasa Museum and the amusment park – Gröna Lund. Djurgården is also know for the maginfint villas – residents includes royalty, diplomats, embiesses and bankers. Djurgården also known for it’s old oak trees. To reach the island the nicest way is to use the small ferries that leaves from Slussen.
Hötorget – with the consert hall and the wonderful outdoor market. The new food hall was built 1958.
NK – Stockholm’s most luxurious and prestigious department store, established in 1902 – Swedish and international fashion … amazing food court. A must in Stockholm, but there is shops to you drop all over the city and for all budgets. Swedish fashion design is now getting stronger on the international screen. Designers like: Acne, House of Dagmar & Lars Wallin
Then of course we have our the beautiful crystal from Orrefors and Kosta Boda.
In the summer there is outdoor restaurants and cafes everywhere – Swedish food has very high standard – we have something called “Dagens Rätt – at lunch time: you get a well prepared food that also include salad bar, bread/butter, soft drink and coffee under £7.00. Brilliant value. If there is anything expensive is it alcohol – mean whisky, rom and vodka. Nightclubs are very expensive – Beer 500ml you can get for around £4-5.00 and wine on a restaurant £30 per bottle.
Globen, the Globe – now the official Ericsson Globen – is an indoor arena , It was opened Febr 1989 and is the worlds largest spherical building. As of 2010 leads a gondola with 2 round gondolas up to the Globe’s top – 130 meters above sea level – the new tourist attraction knows as “Skyview”. Haven’t tried it yet.
Stockholm is a city for all senses – the cheapest capital city in Scandinavia and the biggest . Welcome to us !!!!
photos provide by: silfergruppen.com – google.com – thisnext.com – orrefors.se
click for: and Stockholm is all yours!
Wouldn’t like to live in one … but I love to visit them. I think it’s the pulse, atmosphere and buzz – the opportunities they offers that attracts me so. To be able to sit and people watch for hours .. to see shows, to eat on exciting restaurants – walk around without any special goal and find areas that’s not in every city guide. Good shopping – nothing wrong with that. Not an ordinary tourist when I’m travelling – don’t have to see all the sights – don’t have to what the guide books are telling me I should do.
1. Chicago
2.Vancouver
3. Hong Kong (post; 19.01.12)
4. Barcelona & Athens (post;10.03.12)
5. Berlin
6. London
7. Stockholm (post; 01.02.12)8. New York
9. Boston
10. Dublin (post; 21.02.12)
Nagasaki (post; 04.02.12)
Copenhagen (post; 01.02.12)
New Orleans (post; 14.03.12 & 17.03.12)
Oslo
Seattle
Paris (post; 20.03.12)
So my experience and views on the those cities will I share with you. The reasons why I love them so – will introduce you to hotels I stayed on – restaurants I have enjoyed.
Then we have – my gems – will share them too, but they don’t belong here.
Welcome aboard. – we just left Hong Kong behind.
To listen and watch click: Bright Lights Bigger City’
No.3 – Hong Kong, need to be inhaled and to be seen!
There is something VERY special about HK. It’s smell, it’s pulse – It’s nightlights. It’s the food – you have the whole worlds cuisine in one place. Ocean Center & City – with it’s fantastic shopping . This shopping-center complex is one of the largest in Asia and boasts more than 700 shops and 50 restaurants.
Poor Man’s Nightclub Market, Macau Ferry Terminal – the night time market – full of gods and great smells from all the woks. A must!!! Great bargins.
Aberdeen is famous to tourists for its floating village – sampan boats – and the famous Jumbo Floating Restaurant, that serves great seafood and Chinese dishes of course .
Hong Kong is a world of it’s own .. one world during daylight and one world during night. I love them both.
Spent quite a lot of time in Hong Kong during 1977-78 when I worked aboard MV “Lindblad Explorer” – and we started up their China cruises. “Lindblad Explorer” was the first cruse liner ever into China. We did 21 China cruises – picked up passengers in Nagasaki and Hong Kong. Signed off in Hong Kong 14.07.78 after a full year aboard – but that is an other story and we will come to later.
click on this link for video - Welcome to Hong Kong
photos provided by; citypictures.net / trekarth.com / zenstudio.ee / en.wikipedia org / RobertNicholls
