Chapter 17: Scandinavian Sojourn
13/8/24 London:
We kicked off our whirlwind day in London with a bit of divide and conquer - Ben dashed off to the office while Nicky indulged in some window shopping therapy. Our paths converged over sushi, a delightful mind-meld moment that had us both craving raw fish. Satiated, we time-traveled through the newly spruced-up National Portrait Gallery, where the Tudors and their contemporaries stole the show. Who knew old paintings could be such page-turners? Our historical jaunt introduced us to familiar faces from past adventures and revealed the precarious nature of royal portraiture - one day you're hanging on the wall, the next you're kindling. As the sun dipped, we packed for Amsterdam (hopefully remembering socks this time) and rounded off the evening with a Vietnamese feast alongside our friend Gina, London's newest resident. A day well-spent, leaving us full of culture, cuisine, and camaraderie.
14/8/24 Ams… Actually London:
Disaster struck today! Our meticulously planned journey to Amsterdam was derailed by Mother Nature's electrifying sense of humor - a lightning strike on the tracks. Talk about a shock to the system! Undeterred, we pivoted like seasoned improvisers and embraced an unexpected bonus day in London. Seizing the opportunity, we dove into the eccentric world of Sir John Soane's Museum, a labyrinth of architectural wonders and ancient artifacts. Who knew one man's obsession with sarcophagi could be so captivating? Our culinary adventures took us from a "cheeky Nando's" (which, let's be honest, didn't quite ruffle Ben's feathers) to a delightful pizza rendezvous with friends. This unplanned detour reminded us that sometimes the best memories are forged when plans go off the rails. Here's hoping our rescheduled train to Amsterdam doesn't get any bright ideas about taking another day off!
15/8/24 Amsterdam:
After yesterday's comedic foray into travel chaos, we finally embarked on our Amsterdam adventure. The journey began with a touch of drama – a false alarm about broken air conditioning that had us envisioning a sweltering five-hour sauna on wheels. Thankfully, our fears melted away faster than Dutch cheese in the sun. Our train whisked us through a European sampler platter of countries, and before we knew it, we were canal-side in Amsterdam. Ben’s friend Mert's apartment welcomed us like a postcard come to life, proving that sometimes, it pays to have globe-trotting friends. We stretched our train-weary legs with a stroll through the city, indulging in canal-side refreshments and carb-loading on pasta. The day crescendoed with a reunion that would make even the stoic Dutch smile – drinks with old friends in Rembrandt Square, under a perfect Amsterdam sky. Who says sequels can't outshine the original?
16/8/24 Amsterdam:
Our Amsterdam adventure kicked into high gear with a day that could rival a Dutch master's palette in its richness. We fueled up at a charming café, where a pint-sized pianist provided an unexpected breakfast symphony. The Rijksmuseum beckoned, and we heeded its call, immersing ourselves in a treasure trove of art that would make even the most stoic of swans (or was it a goose?) proud. A canal tour followed, complete with a chatty Canadian who could give the city's tour guides a run for their euros. As twilight descended, we embarked on a culinary odyssey with our gracious host, Mert. From Aussie-themed libations to pasta that would make an Italian weep, we indulged in Amsterdam's finest. The night crescendoed with more wine and revelry, leaving us dizzy with delight – or perhaps just dizzy.
17/8/24 Amsterdam:
Our Amsterdam escapade continued with a day that was equal parts Aussie nostalgia and Dutch delight. We kicked off at a cafe that felt like a slice of Sydney in the heart of the Netherlands, though Ben's accent apparently didn't pass muster with the owner - talk about a diplomatic incident! Undeterred, we embarked on a gastronomic marathon, bouncing from brunch to lunch to snacks, as if determined to sample every morsel Amsterdam had to offer. The city's sunny disposition matched our own as we strolled through parks and navigated the Nine Streets, window shopping with the enthusiasm of window cleaners on their day off. Despite Ben's lingering hangover - a souvenir from the previous night's revelry - we rallied for a grand finale at Brothers Hartering. There, we savored exquisite cuisine while Ben nursed his pride (and his head) with sparkling water, proving that sometimes, the best Dutch courage is abstinence.
18/8/24 Amsterdam:
Our final day in Amsterdam unfolded like a Dutch masterpiece, blending culture, cuisine, and a dash of the unexpected. The FOAM photography museum proved to be a visual feast, serving up a perfect blend of artistic shots and AI wizardry that had us both geeking out in our own ways. Our adventurous spirits then led us north, where we found ourselves in a cinematic peep show that left us feeling both intrigued and slightly scandalized - talk about interactive art! As we bid a fond farewell to our gracious host, Mert, we couldn't help but marvel at the spectacle of university students engaged in what appeared to be elaborate drinking rituals.
19/8/24 Copenhagen:
Our journey from Amsterdam to Copenhagen was a whirlwind of transit trials and Danish discoveries. The airport marathon began, with Schiphol testing our step-counting abilities and Ben's avocado-dodging skills (spoiler: he failed). Our flight decided to play hard to get, teasing us with delays, but eventually whisked us away to Denmark. Upon arrival, we embarked on a treasure hunt for our Airbnb key, feeling like amateur sleuths in a country where trust apparently grows on bushes. Our host's laissez-faire attitude to personal belongings left us both amused and slightly terrified. Hunger drove us into the city, where we devoured Korean cuisine and Ben reconnected with his inner child at the Lego store. Copenhagen, it seems, is a playground for adults and brick enthusiasts alike.
20/8/24 Copenhagen:
Our day started with a traditional Danish breakfast that involved mimicking the locals—cheese sandwiches and a boiled egg turned out to be a surprisingly satisfying combo. Our morning stroll then led us to the Design Museum, where we split our focus between cutting-edge AI exhibitions and classic Danish chairs, proving that our taste in design is as diverse as our breakfast choices. Shopping followed, with Nicky snagging a stylish top and a flat-packed lamp, much to Ben’s amusement. The afternoon was all about reconnecting with old friends at Paper Island, where we considered a swim but settled for a harborside chat instead. Dinner at a bustling food market came with a side of serendipity as we bumped into friends from Sydney, proving that the world really is a small place—or that Sydney-siders have excellent taste in vacation spots. The day wrapped up with wine, blankets, and a bit of chill—perfectly Danish.
21/8/24 Copenhagen:
Our day kicked off with a nostalgic trip to Nørrebro, where Nicky revisited her old haunts from her exchange days. Starting with a warm bowl of porridge at Grød, we embraced the chilly weather in true Danish fashion. The morning continued with some successful shopping—Nicky scored a vintage leather skirt and a golden ring that perfectly matched her seven-year-old one, proving that some things never go out of style. After a brief detour to the striking Grundtvig's Church, where minimalism meets grandeur, we explored Danish history at the National Museum, where Ben discovered his unexpected admiration for Viking relics and metal detector enthusiasts. A quick stroll through Tivoli, followed by dinner at a seafood spot in the Meatpacking District, rounded out the day. The rain may have tried to dampen our spirits, but we outsmarted it with a well-timed drink and an indoor seat—take that, Danish summer!
22/8/24 Copenhagen:
Our final full day in Denmark took us on a delightful escape from Copenhagen to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, a train ride that whisked us into the lush Danish countryside. The museum's blend of striking modern art and serene sculpture gardens kept us captivated for hours. We marveled at the work of Franz Gertsch, whose hyper-realistic paintings left us questioning reality. After soaking in the art (and a bit of rain), we headed back to the city for a well-deserved rest. Nicky caught up with old friends over drinks, while Ben pondered the logistics of sneaking a sculpture home. The day concluded with a fantastic dinner at Dumpo, where contemporary Danish cuisine proved that tradition can be deliciously reimagined. Despite our travel-weary legs, we ended the day feeling artfully satisfied and ready to soldier on!
23/8/24 En route to Barcelona:
Today was a blend of packing up, exploring, and waiting around for flights that seem to have a mind of their own. After a leisurely breakfast, we packed our Airbnb, a task that’s always more like a game of suitcase Tetris than anything else. Our morning stroll took us to the Danish Architecture Center, where the building was far more interesting than the exhibits—let's just say they weren't exactly awe-inspiring. We then wandered through Christiania, which offered a different slice of the city—like stepping into a parallel universe, but with more graffiti. Lunch at a quirky industrial area-turned-food-market was a highlight, especially with people swimming in what could only be described as a lukewarm day. Afterward, we collected our bags and headed to the airport, where our flight decided to fashionably delay itself, pushing our arrival in Barcelona well past bedtime.