In November I found Warsaw and rather grey and dull city. But I hear it is really nice during Spring and Summer. Not complaining though - I am used to it from back home. :)
But I do not think I will come back here unless something special happens here.
When it comes to eating, I did try the Polish dishes Pierogi (ok) and the fast food, Zapiekanka (also ok). Had I not been here alone, I would probably have tried some more fancy places with really good food, but I did not - and don't really miss it.
Total cost of this trip was about 7600 SEK (including Concert ticket @ 850 SEK).
Showing posts with label Summery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Summery. Show all posts
Thursday, January 02, 2020
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Middle East Medley
A great journey came to its end. I have finally seen all seven of the New Wonders of the World!
I am glad we took the detour to Israel.
I have never been that much into Jerusalem and the religions around here, but it is an interesting place and it was fun to see it.
I wanted to avoid going to Petra in the summer heat so my initial plan was to go during the winter.
The trip ended up being in March and it was surprisingly cold and (in Jerusalem) rainy.
Since we walked around a lot in Petra, the cold wasn't a problem, but my plan of wearing T-shirt and shorts was a no-go. The wind at the top of the mountains was chilly.
The sun still radiated so a sunhat would have been good though.
Something I did have issues with was the buses and its problems of keeping time. I need more punctuality when it comes to travelling.
Apart from that, the buses to/from Israel was nice. Not sure what the better option would be.
Airplane (to Eilat) and taxi can be too uncertain and too much hassle with transfers.
Total cost of this trip was about 15500 SEK.
Friday, November 02, 2018
The Orlando Ordeal
So this was a short trip with a lot of highlights packed into just a few days.
Highlights were the rocket launch (obviously), visit at KSC (with an astronaut!) and the Universal Studios (the Harry Potter World especially).
Good info for watching rocket launches: we stood at the western part of the north side of Port Canaveral. Highly recommend to stand there. Just make sure you have some kind of internet connection so you can get updates of the launch so you know when it will be.
As for Universal Studios, an Express Pass is a good idea. There were not supermuch people when I was there so I would have made both parks without it, but it did go quicker with it - and ensured my that I would make it.
Fun times!
Highlights were the rocket launch (obviously), visit at KSC (with an astronaut!) and the Universal Studios (the Harry Potter World especially).
Good info for watching rocket launches: we stood at the western part of the north side of Port Canaveral. Highly recommend to stand there. Just make sure you have some kind of internet connection so you can get updates of the launch so you know when it will be.
As for Universal Studios, an Express Pass is a good idea. There were not supermuch people when I was there so I would have made both parks without it, but it did go quicker with it - and ensured my that I would make it.
Fun times!
Thursday, May 10, 2018
Cloudbusting
Take my word for it; if you ever travels close to this area, pay Zhangjiajie a visit, it is fantastic!
Sure, I had some issues with the weather, but at least the queues were short. =)
If you visit this place in peak-season the queues are said to be hours long in certain places (like the Bailong Elevator and probably the glass bridge).
If you intend to visit the same places I did, I advise you to stay in Zhangjiajie instead and take a one-day trip to Wulingyuan.
Independant on where you stay, try to get there early to make the Bailong Elevator when it opens (which was 7:00 am when I was there).
Note that you need to take a bus inside the entrance to get to the elevator. It takes about 15 minutes and is free of charge.
But of course, as you seen in my pictures; if it's cloudy you will see nothing - so consider doing something else before lunch and go up in the mountains in the afternoon.
Sure the queues will be longer, but at least you get to see the view. No use getting there quick if you only see clouds.
So check the weather and then decide in where to start the day.
A note for the glass bridge: if you have the time, make sure you get the ticket for the valley as well!
It was by far the best experience on my first day.
Until next time!
Sure, I had some issues with the weather, but at least the queues were short. =)
If you visit this place in peak-season the queues are said to be hours long in certain places (like the Bailong Elevator and probably the glass bridge).
If you intend to visit the same places I did, I advise you to stay in Zhangjiajie instead and take a one-day trip to Wulingyuan.
Independant on where you stay, try to get there early to make the Bailong Elevator when it opens (which was 7:00 am when I was there).
Note that you need to take a bus inside the entrance to get to the elevator. It takes about 15 minutes and is free of charge.
Sure the queues will be longer, but at least you get to see the view. No use getting there quick if you only see clouds.
So check the weather and then decide in where to start the day.
A note for the glass bridge: if you have the time, make sure you get the ticket for the valley as well!
It was by far the best experience on my first day.
Until next time!
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Omega
I was very into greek mythology when I was a kid, but I don't think Acropolis has ever been that high up on any list I have had.
Not that I never wanted to visit it, I did, but somehow it slipped my mind when thinking of destinations.
That said, I had great time there. The history of the place is amazing.
The people was also very nice, the food was good - the beer...not so much.
To summerise, I don't think I will ever go back there (unless convinced by someone else), but I am very happy to have made the trip.
Moneywise, I spent about 7200 SEK in total.
Not that I never wanted to visit it, I did, but somehow it slipped my mind when thinking of destinations.
That said, I had great time there. The history of the place is amazing.
The people was also very nice, the food was good - the beer...not so much.
To summerise, I don't think I will ever go back there (unless convinced by someone else), but I am very happy to have made the trip.
Moneywise, I spent about 7200 SEK in total.
Friday, April 14, 2017
Hong Kong Ending
I guess Hong Kong has always been there in the back of my head, but it wasn't really until I had a transfer on my way to Cambodia a couple of years back that I put it on my Travel ToDo list.
Unfortunatly, the city itself wasn't super exciting; it was rundown, somewhat filthy and the stench of the harbour was always there. It was fun to have been there, but I doubt if I will ever go back.
The green hilltops around the city was beautiful though. A very nice scenery to look at.
If I were to redo it; I would have only stayed there for one night instead of two. Everything I did could be managed in one full day.
They did have neat thing that really helps you exploring the city without that extra night; you could check in your luggage already on the train/subway station on Hong Kong island!
Had I known this before, I would have just done that and continued my trip one day earlier.
In any case, it was fun to be able to check this city off my list! :)
Unfortunatly, the city itself wasn't super exciting; it was rundown, somewhat filthy and the stench of the harbour was always there. It was fun to have been there, but I doubt if I will ever go back.
The green hilltops around the city was beautiful though. A very nice scenery to look at.
If I were to redo it; I would have only stayed there for one night instead of two. Everything I did could be managed in one full day.
They did have neat thing that really helps you exploring the city without that extra night; you could check in your luggage already on the train/subway station on Hong Kong island!
Had I known this before, I would have just done that and continued my trip one day earlier.
In any case, it was fun to be able to check this city off my list! :)
Monday, September 07, 2015
A South American Summery
Wow, what a trip this was!
It was my most hectic vacation; I did eight countries, 11 flights and experienced a lot - in just 11 days.
But boy, was it fun! :)
I was almost surprised (but very happy for it) that our time plan actually worked. Despite all the flights, taxis, tours and trains - we didn't miss a single one and no major delays. Yay!
I think we choose a good time of the year for this trip; however it was colder than expected - especially Chile.
After that country it did get warmer, like Rio which was really warm.
Chile also surprised me a bit with the prices; it was about the same as in Sweden. The other countries was a little cheaper, but still.
Our strategy of ending the trip with a few high class hotels was very solid.
It energized us to continue for the last few days even though we were exhausted - and it also gave us that good feeling about the trip when returning home.
I did check of several things on an imaginary todo-list on this trip which was very nice, like visit four new countries, took a swim by an island in the Pacific ocean, took a swim in the Atlantic, saw the night sky from the southern hemisphere, drank caipirinha in Rio, visited Copacabana, some new Bond locations, two Wonders of the world (+ one nominee!), visited the Titicaca lake and so on...
Additional important message: South Americans do not know how to make French Fries.
Counting the money for this trip can always be interesting to some.
The flights was of course the big expense on this trip, it ended at about 35000 SEK.
The total cost for the this trip was 48000 SEK.
Expensive for sure, but we did get a lot of things done during this time.
Advised by Henrik, I did not calculate how much of this trip we spent at airports and in the air.
It's probably best not to do it.
It was my most hectic vacation; I did eight countries, 11 flights and experienced a lot - in just 11 days.
But boy, was it fun! :)
I was almost surprised (but very happy for it) that our time plan actually worked. Despite all the flights, taxis, tours and trains - we didn't miss a single one and no major delays. Yay!
I think we choose a good time of the year for this trip; however it was colder than expected - especially Chile.
After that country it did get warmer, like Rio which was really warm.
Chile also surprised me a bit with the prices; it was about the same as in Sweden. The other countries was a little cheaper, but still.
Our strategy of ending the trip with a few high class hotels was very solid.
It energized us to continue for the last few days even though we were exhausted - and it also gave us that good feeling about the trip when returning home.
I did check of several things on an imaginary todo-list on this trip which was very nice, like visit four new countries, took a swim by an island in the Pacific ocean, took a swim in the Atlantic, saw the night sky from the southern hemisphere, drank caipirinha in Rio, visited Copacabana, some new Bond locations, two Wonders of the world (+ one nominee!), visited the Titicaca lake and so on...
Additional important message: South Americans do not know how to make French Fries.
Counting the money for this trip can always be interesting to some.
The flights was of course the big expense on this trip, it ended at about 35000 SEK.
The total cost for the this trip was 48000 SEK.
Expensive for sure, but we did get a lot of things done during this time.
Advised by Henrik, I did not calculate how much of this trip we spent at airports and in the air.
It's probably best not to do it.
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Memories of Malta
It is time to remember the trip to Malta.
I have to say it was a good time of the year to go there, not too hot - and not too overcrowded with tourists.
I wouldn't mind going back here and see more (I did miss that damn cannon after all!). Had I stayed longer, I would have wanted to take a boat ride around (parts of) Malta.
Maybe even do a daytrip to Sicily which was available to do.
We used the local busses instead of going with the tourist buses and this worked very well.
They did take us where we wanted to go (and within reasonable time) - plus it was cheaper and had that lovely local flair!
All in all, I am glad I went here. It was a nice place. I highly recommend it!
I have to say it was a good time of the year to go there, not too hot - and not too overcrowded with tourists.
I wouldn't mind going back here and see more (I did miss that damn cannon after all!). Had I stayed longer, I would have wanted to take a boat ride around (parts of) Malta.
Maybe even do a daytrip to Sicily which was available to do.
We used the local busses instead of going with the tourist buses and this worked very well.
They did take us where we wanted to go (and within reasonable time) - plus it was cheaper and had that lovely local flair!
All in all, I am glad I went here. It was a nice place. I highly recommend it!
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Mayan Expedition Report
Mexico. Chichen Itza. Cancun. Dolphins.
Time to make a summery of this wonderful trip.
First of all I travelled with a new companion. I didn't think we would have any real problems, but it still went surprisingly well. No problem at all really (thank you Henrik!)
Chichen Itza was the main thing of the trip and it was very nice to see it. I didn't expect it to be a major wow-experience (and it was not), but it was very satisfying to finally see it (and I highly do recommend going there!).
I did however expect me too see more of Mexico in general and Cancun in particular. The bus trip to/from Chichen Itza did put us slightly off the regular tourist track, but that was it really.
We never got to explore Cancun for instance. It's a small regret.
But what kept us from doing so was the magnificent J.W. Marriott Hotel, which must have been the nicest hotel I have ever stayed at (even topping Kempinski in Budapest - there are no oceans in Budapest).
Staying more than expected in this hotel was a good choice still.
Some general thoughts are that pretty much all taxis in Cancun smelled petrol (do they all have a direct line from the gas tank to the passenger seat?) - what's up with that?
Also everything was damp in Cancun. Like the toilet paper.
A good thing about the trip (maybe even the best? :) I didn't see one single spider! Huzzah for that! :D
Highlights of the trip was seeing Chichen Itza of course, the dolphin swim - and the hotel pool area (and I am reeeeally not the relaxing-on-vacation-guy). I could even think about going back here - to the same hotel.
As for the cost of the whole trip, the total sum was around 21.000 SEK.
I would say it's fair for a week vacation on another continent including some very luxurious hotel nights.
Stay tuned for my next trip! Which is probably not until late-summer/autumn 2015.
Time to make a summery of this wonderful trip.
First of all I travelled with a new companion. I didn't think we would have any real problems, but it still went surprisingly well. No problem at all really (thank you Henrik!)
Chichen Itza was the main thing of the trip and it was very nice to see it. I didn't expect it to be a major wow-experience (and it was not), but it was very satisfying to finally see it (and I highly do recommend going there!).
I did however expect me too see more of Mexico in general and Cancun in particular. The bus trip to/from Chichen Itza did put us slightly off the regular tourist track, but that was it really.
We never got to explore Cancun for instance. It's a small regret.
But what kept us from doing so was the magnificent J.W. Marriott Hotel, which must have been the nicest hotel I have ever stayed at (even topping Kempinski in Budapest - there are no oceans in Budapest).
Staying more than expected in this hotel was a good choice still.
Some general thoughts are that pretty much all taxis in Cancun smelled petrol (do they all have a direct line from the gas tank to the passenger seat?) - what's up with that?
Also everything was damp in Cancun. Like the toilet paper.
A good thing about the trip (maybe even the best? :) I didn't see one single spider! Huzzah for that! :D
Highlights of the trip was seeing Chichen Itza of course, the dolphin swim - and the hotel pool area (and I am reeeeally not the relaxing-on-vacation-guy). I could even think about going back here - to the same hotel.
As for the cost of the whole trip, the total sum was around 21.000 SEK.
I would say it's fair for a week vacation on another continent including some very luxurious hotel nights.
Stay tuned for my next trip! Which is probably not until late-summer/autumn 2015.
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Travelling with the Doctor
Some reflections from my recent trip to England.
Normally I probably I wouldn't blog from a trip like this, but since there were two 21's in it, I decided to do it.
This was a normal smallish trip for me; I've been to England a lot of times before and I have always liked it. So also this time.
I got to see Stonehenge which was interesting, but the highlight was The Doctor Who Experience - and to take a (brief) look at Wales.
London was London and you can not go wrong there.
The whole trip costed me 10800 SEK (no boots included! :)
Normally I probably I wouldn't blog from a trip like this, but since there were two 21's in it, I decided to do it.
This was a normal smallish trip for me; I've been to England a lot of times before and I have always liked it. So also this time.
I got to see Stonehenge which was interesting, but the highlight was The Doctor Who Experience - and to take a (brief) look at Wales.
London was London and you can not go wrong there.
The whole trip costed me 10800 SEK (no boots included! :)
Wednesday, December 04, 2013
Cambodian Conclusion
Time to look back at my very quick, but fun, adventure in Cambodia.
First of all the format of the trip; I was only in Cambodia for about 48 hours - and spent almost the same amount of time travelling.
I would say it worked - as in it fulfilled my travelling plans; I got there, saw what I wanted to see and got a (quick) feel for the country + the flying itself wasn't too bad.
However as a vacation, meaning to get some rest and actually reload the batteries, it didn't work as good.
But, considering I wasn't away for long, it's hardly a surprise.
As for the sights I saw; Angkor Wat was majestic!
Dispite this, unfortunately it did not fulfil all my expectations of it (I thought it would be more in-cooperated the jungle), but it was close enough. I was not disappointed.
Ta Prohm on the other hand did the opposite; I thought it would be a cool place to see, but with only one or two trees invading the temple grounds. It was more than that - which was a blast to see! :)
What I never got to do was to ride an elephant. But considering the elephant rides I saw was going straight on a dirt road a few hundred meters. Not really a big deal (I have ridden elephants in a zoo - this looked just about as exciting). I am also uncertain about how they were treating their elephants. I tried to ask my guide this several times, but he never understood what I was talking about.
Now for Siem Reap and Cambodia as a whole; it is a poor country, there were garbage along the roads, a certain smell in the air, but the situation never hit me with a "Wow, how different"-feeling.
It was more of a "yes, this is how it is here, I've seen it on television". Very strange feeling actually, not sure I have ever had that before. Is television blunting our feelings for new experiences - and our feelings for people that have less than us? I don't know.
The traffic is worth a special mentioning. It wasn't bad, but the roads had a lot of mopeds and motorcycles (next to the great amount of tuk-tuks) - and safety, well... it wasn't a issue. At all. More like "...safety? What's that?"
I saw mopeds with up to five people on them - and mostly only one was wearing a helmet.
I saw mothers sitting sideways on motorcycles - carrying infants.
Sights like this was very common. I shuddered in my western "we know better than you" attitude and was constantly worried for the children riding so unsafe.
Now for my least favourite topic, but so necessary for a trip like this; spiders. I-do-not-like-spiders.
I know they are good for the ecosystem and everything, but I don't care. I can't stand them.
So I had a lot of anxiety for this before and during the trip. The things I imagined and the solutions to spider related problems I thought up...
Turns out; I never saw any big-ass spiders; I only saw two small ones (not that the size really matter when it comes to spiders, but I think can handle them a little better). The first one I saw, was in Angkor Wat. I was walking along inside one of the temples when I saw a tourist sitting on her knees photographing something. I thoughts was like "why is she sit... A SPIDER, RUN, RUUUUUUUN!!!!!!". And I ran for a bit (while at the same time trying not to look like a total idiot - I probably failed). But seeing a spider in a 900 year old building; not a shocker.
The other one was actually in the tax free store at the Siem Reap airport going home. It was crawling on the floor. I went out of the shop not buying anything.
Next topic; tips and tricks in Siem Reap!
* In Cambodia they use two currencies; the domestic currency called Riel - and US dollars.
If you are only going there for some tourism like me, US dollars is all you need. Everyone (at least that I came in contact with) takes it. I did get some Riel as change a few times (when it was under one dollar), but I never used it myself (so I put most of it in a charity box at the airport).
* Make sure to take a business card from the hotel. You will have great use of it when you want to go back to the hotel and your tuk-tuk driver hardly understands any English. Just show him the card - and hopefully he will understand (or at least get the proper directions from someone else).
* Angkor Wat is mostly a big open space. Make sure to bring water - and why not a hat to protect you from the hot sun!
Money!
This trip wasn't that expensive (considering I went to the other side of the world). The total sum was about 11.500 SEK.
All in all a fun, fast trip.
The concept of these trips has been proven sound, which means I will probably do more of them in the future.
And for all that are wondering - I got my bag back from KLM the next day.
First of all the format of the trip; I was only in Cambodia for about 48 hours - and spent almost the same amount of time travelling.
I would say it worked - as in it fulfilled my travelling plans; I got there, saw what I wanted to see and got a (quick) feel for the country + the flying itself wasn't too bad.
However as a vacation, meaning to get some rest and actually reload the batteries, it didn't work as good.
But, considering I wasn't away for long, it's hardly a surprise.
As for the sights I saw; Angkor Wat was majestic!
Dispite this, unfortunately it did not fulfil all my expectations of it (I thought it would be more in-cooperated the jungle), but it was close enough. I was not disappointed.
Ta Prohm on the other hand did the opposite; I thought it would be a cool place to see, but with only one or two trees invading the temple grounds. It was more than that - which was a blast to see! :)
What I never got to do was to ride an elephant. But considering the elephant rides I saw was going straight on a dirt road a few hundred meters. Not really a big deal (I have ridden elephants in a zoo - this looked just about as exciting). I am also uncertain about how they were treating their elephants. I tried to ask my guide this several times, but he never understood what I was talking about.
Now for Siem Reap and Cambodia as a whole; it is a poor country, there were garbage along the roads, a certain smell in the air, but the situation never hit me with a "Wow, how different"-feeling.
It was more of a "yes, this is how it is here, I've seen it on television". Very strange feeling actually, not sure I have ever had that before. Is television blunting our feelings for new experiences - and our feelings for people that have less than us? I don't know.
The traffic is worth a special mentioning. It wasn't bad, but the roads had a lot of mopeds and motorcycles (next to the great amount of tuk-tuks) - and safety, well... it wasn't a issue. At all. More like "...safety? What's that?"
I saw mopeds with up to five people on them - and mostly only one was wearing a helmet.
I saw mothers sitting sideways on motorcycles - carrying infants.
Sights like this was very common. I shuddered in my western "we know better than you" attitude and was constantly worried for the children riding so unsafe.
Now for my least favourite topic, but so necessary for a trip like this; spiders. I-do-not-like-spiders.
I know they are good for the ecosystem and everything, but I don't care. I can't stand them.
So I had a lot of anxiety for this before and during the trip. The things I imagined and the solutions to spider related problems I thought up...
Turns out; I never saw any big-ass spiders; I only saw two small ones (not that the size really matter when it comes to spiders, but I think can handle them a little better). The first one I saw, was in Angkor Wat. I was walking along inside one of the temples when I saw a tourist sitting on her knees photographing something. I thoughts was like "why is she sit... A SPIDER, RUN, RUUUUUUUN!!!!!!". And I ran for a bit (while at the same time trying not to look like a total idiot - I probably failed). But seeing a spider in a 900 year old building; not a shocker.
The other one was actually in the tax free store at the Siem Reap airport going home. It was crawling on the floor. I went out of the shop not buying anything.
Next topic; tips and tricks in Siem Reap!
* In Cambodia they use two currencies; the domestic currency called Riel - and US dollars.
If you are only going there for some tourism like me, US dollars is all you need. Everyone (at least that I came in contact with) takes it. I did get some Riel as change a few times (when it was under one dollar), but I never used it myself (so I put most of it in a charity box at the airport).
* Make sure to take a business card from the hotel. You will have great use of it when you want to go back to the hotel and your tuk-tuk driver hardly understands any English. Just show him the card - and hopefully he will understand (or at least get the proper directions from someone else).
* Angkor Wat is mostly a big open space. Make sure to bring water - and why not a hat to protect you from the hot sun!
Money!
This trip wasn't that expensive (considering I went to the other side of the world). The total sum was about 11.500 SEK.
All in all a fun, fast trip.
The concept of these trips has been proven sound, which means I will probably do more of them in the future.
And for all that are wondering - I got my bag back from KLM the next day.
Saturday, August 03, 2013
A Bondian Summery
It was amazing.
It was fun.
It was overwhelming.
It was beautiful.
It was amazing (did I mention this?).
My travels are usually pretty good - but this was one of the best (so far =)
It started out as a pure James Bond-trip, but a lot of other things got into the mix as well.
The most memorable being of course Schilthorn/Piz Gloria, the amazing performance at Bregenz Seebühne - and perhaps the most beautiful place I have ever been to; Lauterbrunnental.
As for the Bondian stuff; I have "always" wanted to go to Schilthorn - and finally I did.
Getting to Bregenz was a fun diversion (but a no-brainer when I realized it wasn't that much a detour).
But I did have some considerations before making this trip; should I really do it in the summer?
Bond was there in the winter! Everything should be more "authentic" with snow around! And I could get some skiing going, which is always fun!
Afterwards, I think I can say I did the right thing. The Alps are beautiful in the winter; but wow - it's more so in the summer.
Another concern was where to stay to have the best access to the things on my ToDo-list. Again, Lauterbrunnen proved being the perfect choice (which was mostly luck and less planning).
The other villages I considered would have meant more travelling to see it all. Lauterbrunnen was smack in the middle of it. And it was a very nice village too! :)
So... what should you see if you ever get here?
Well, if you like Bond, Schilthorn is a must. If you are a crazed fan like me, the place where Bond tried to call London is the least you should do (it's on the other side of the road from Hotel Staubach in Lauterbrunnen).
Non-Bondrelated stuff I recommend here is of course Jungfraujoch. The train ride, the view (or so I am told...) and the Eispalats was really worth the trip up there.
Also you should check out the Trümmelbachfälle.
So what did all this cost?
About 16,500 SEK (around 1800 EUR).
I must say, although not cheap, it was slightly less than expected - considering I was on a fancy opera and did a lot of train travelling back and forth during my six days abroad.
Oh, and did I mention that Lauterbrunnental was beautiful and you should go there?
It was fun.
It was overwhelming.
It was beautiful.
It was amazing (did I mention this?).
My travels are usually pretty good - but this was one of the best (so far =)
It started out as a pure James Bond-trip, but a lot of other things got into the mix as well.
The most memorable being of course Schilthorn/Piz Gloria, the amazing performance at Bregenz Seebühne - and perhaps the most beautiful place I have ever been to; Lauterbrunnental.
As for the Bondian stuff; I have "always" wanted to go to Schilthorn - and finally I did.
Getting to Bregenz was a fun diversion (but a no-brainer when I realized it wasn't that much a detour).
But I did have some considerations before making this trip; should I really do it in the summer?
Bond was there in the winter! Everything should be more "authentic" with snow around! And I could get some skiing going, which is always fun!
Afterwards, I think I can say I did the right thing. The Alps are beautiful in the winter; but wow - it's more so in the summer.
Another concern was where to stay to have the best access to the things on my ToDo-list. Again, Lauterbrunnen proved being the perfect choice (which was mostly luck and less planning).
The other villages I considered would have meant more travelling to see it all. Lauterbrunnen was smack in the middle of it. And it was a very nice village too! :)
So... what should you see if you ever get here?
Well, if you like Bond, Schilthorn is a must. If you are a crazed fan like me, the place where Bond tried to call London is the least you should do (it's on the other side of the road from Hotel Staubach in Lauterbrunnen).
Non-Bondrelated stuff I recommend here is of course Jungfraujoch. The train ride, the view (or so I am told...) and the Eispalats was really worth the trip up there.
Also you should check out the Trümmelbachfälle.
So what did all this cost?
About 16,500 SEK (around 1800 EUR).
I must say, although not cheap, it was slightly less than expected - considering I was on a fancy opera and did a lot of train travelling back and forth during my six days abroad.
Oh, and did I mention that Lauterbrunnental was beautiful and you should go there?
You really should.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Vienna Recalling
It's been two weeks since I went to Vienna and it's time to think back and make some kind of summery.
I found Vienna a very nice city. I was surprised that many of the things I went to was slightly better than expected. The Tiergarten was better, The Tech museum was better, the Spanish Riding school was better...
Maybe I just underestimated the city's atttractions before I got there (not that I didn't expect to have a good time - which I definitely had).
Just going there for 3-4 days worked out good. For me at least, there were plenty of time to do the things I wanted.
If you ever travel to Vienna, make sure not to miss the Spanish Riding School, The National Library and the Prater. If you have a spare day, don't miss the Tiergarten.
The price tag on this fun weekend ended at just over 10000 SEK (around 1000 EUR). Absolutely worth it.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Incident Report: Iceland
So it's been a few weeks now I and will try to summarize the Iceland vacation.
It fun, absolutely. I really recommend people to go and visit the small-ish island in the Northern Atlantic.
The common theme of most memorable things we saw & did was the Icelandic nature, with the ever changing landscapes and it's waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, and geysers.
Also riding a Icelandic horse on Iceland was a memory of a lifetime. As were the Blue Lagoon. And eating whale. And the incredibly beautiful Icelandic women (easily among the top 2-3 of the world).
We were there in the summer and it feels like every part of the year changes the landscape a lot. In the winter I can imagine the glaciers being much bigger and during spring time the large, now dry, river deltas will be filled with water.
I believe the set-up we had of the trip worked very well; driving around the island for a few days, looking at the sights & landscapes and the spending the last days in Reykjavik.
If I would have changed anything today, I would have extended the trip by one day and added that on the road. I would have liked to go to Húsavík, one of the best whale spotting places in the world.
I also wouldn't have mind taken an closer look to the nature (the glaciers for example).
But still, I am very satisfied with the trip!
And travelling together with someone instead of alone as I usually do, was also interesting. Some pros, some cons, but overall good. =)
As for the money-side of things; the trip was about 18.000 SEK.
It fun, absolutely. I really recommend people to go and visit the small-ish island in the Northern Atlantic.
The common theme of most memorable things we saw & did was the Icelandic nature, with the ever changing landscapes and it's waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, and geysers.
Also riding a Icelandic horse on Iceland was a memory of a lifetime. As were the Blue Lagoon. And eating whale. And the incredibly beautiful Icelandic women (easily among the top 2-3 of the world).
We were there in the summer and it feels like every part of the year changes the landscape a lot. In the winter I can imagine the glaciers being much bigger and during spring time the large, now dry, river deltas will be filled with water.
I believe the set-up we had of the trip worked very well; driving around the island for a few days, looking at the sights & landscapes and the spending the last days in Reykjavik.
If I would have changed anything today, I would have extended the trip by one day and added that on the road. I would have liked to go to Húsavík, one of the best whale spotting places in the world.
I also wouldn't have mind taken an closer look to the nature (the glaciers for example).
But still, I am very satisfied with the trip!
And travelling together with someone instead of alone as I usually do, was also interesting. Some pros, some cons, but overall good. =)
As for the money-side of things; the trip was about 18.000 SEK.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Gibraltar - Mission Briefing
Time for some reflections on my trip to Gibraltar.
It was an interesting village; so Mediterranean with the weather and ocean, but so British with the pubs, shops and the language. A unusual combination, but it worked OK.
They clearly had a lot of influence from Spain, like right hand traffic and even if they learned English in school, they spoke mostly Spanish to each other.
I wished I had had more time to explore the Rock. It can be done in a day, unless you are like me and wants to see it all - and especially search for Bond-scenes.
But since I am me; two days on the Rock would have been better.
Morocco was also very fun. My guide helped me a lot and for that trouble I surely overpaid him (which I maybe shouldn't have done). But he was nice so good for him.
Do I want to go back? Maybe - I am not sure what to do there if I would go back.
But I liked it and go back for another long-weekend? Why not? But this time I would bring company. :)
And on a money basis; the trip cost me about 16000 SEK.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Reflections of Japan
I have been home now a while and it's time to look back at my trip - the one I have been dreaming about for so long.
Was it all I ever hoped for? Yes, pretty much.
I got to see a lot of the old castles, temples and other buildings that I have only read about since I was young. But I also got to see the modern side of Japan which was a lot of fun.
I think I still have a lot more I could see, but what I saw this time was plenty and then some. It was 2½ weeks being busy every day.
And besides, I can always check out those things if I ever go back.
Highlights of my trip was...hmm... Osaka Castle, Nara and most definitely the Ghibli Museum.
Biggest disappointment? That I never got to see Mount Fuji from afar.
It was very interesting to see how big difference everything in Asia compared to Europe or the US. The whole culture was just so very not-like-home. People were much more polite to each other and they really had a sense of "this is not mine so I should not do anything with it", which was shown in how you felt really safe, even at night in the big cities. There were no graffiti on the walls, litter on the streets or busted vending machines.
Looking back at my hotels it was a big variety; from the sleeping coffins (which was fun to try!), old Japanese styled to very fancy hotels. Fun to have checked out different styles.
My bank account tells me the whole trip (flight, hotels, meals and other stuff) cost me about 35000 SEK. I have to say that it's actually a bit cheaper than I expected.
So that was the Japan trip.
Wonder where - and when - I will travel next time? Where ever I go, I will make sure to update this blogg to share my experiences.
Until then, Sayonara.
Friday, October 03, 2008
Californian Encounter - summery
A few weeks has gone now by since I got home - and this is a summery post on what was best - and what was worst. What I miss - and not miss.
What was the most fun things I did?
So many things, how to list them? Exciting new things to see every day, but on the top of the list I have to put Universal Studios, Blue Man Group, SeaWorld and the whole out-of-this-world-city of Las Vegas. And finally meeting Jennifer wasn't bad either.
But I think just the overall vacation - fulfilling one of my long time dreams; visiting western US - will be the memory of a life time. And probably the most expensive vacation I will ever have...
I have done some calculations on this vacation since I got back, and even if it wasn't as expensive as I feared during the trip home, I still went way over my initial budget.
The total sum of this vacation (flights, hotels, car, food, entertainment and so on) was about 61 000 SEK (8150 dollars). Even if I had some of that in savings to fund this trip, it will take some time for my wallet to recuperate. But it was worth it. :D
The worst part?
The car rental - first I had to pay way too much for the car - then I go and loose the key...
But I made it home safe and sound. Always counts for something.
So what will I miss from US?
Not mentioning living in hotel rooms for several weeks, I will miss this:
* Free refills in resturants. Why can't we have this in Europe? It is the best invention since the... I don't know - but something very very good!
* The friendliness in stores and resturants. I am not saying people aren't friendly in Sweden. Absolutly not. But they really do assist you more in the stores in US. Also in the resturants, but I guess that is because they are more dependant on tips than here.
* They sure know how to mix a Rum & Coke. I had this drink at several places and they all had one thing in common; it was so much rum I actually had to wait for the ice to melt a little to be able to drink it. Now that's what I call good mixing! :)
For the negative things... I can't really come up with anything right now except for one thing that annoys me; They always write the wrong price on things in the stores.
I mean, we all know we have to add the tax, so why not just include it on the pricetag? It sucks that you don't know the exact price until you get to the counter. Sure you know in which region the price will end up, but not the exact price, making it hard to have exact change when you buy stuff. And then you either need to prolong the purchase with calculating all the stupid coins - or go home with more coins than you entered the store with. Annoying!
Another interesting cultural difference I saw while being over there was that on the bus, when a better seat opened up, there was always someone changing seat grabbing it. Interesting; this happens sometimes in Sweden, but not very often. In LA, that happened all the time.
That's a wrap for this trip. Thank you all who took the time reading the posts I made! :)
And as a final note; no need to check this page for updates since I rarely make any posts in this blog. Although, who knows... maybe next vacation?
What was the most fun things I did?
So many things, how to list them? Exciting new things to see every day, but on the top of the list I have to put Universal Studios, Blue Man Group, SeaWorld and the whole out-of-this-world-city of Las Vegas. And finally meeting Jennifer wasn't bad either.
But I think just the overall vacation - fulfilling one of my long time dreams; visiting western US - will be the memory of a life time. And probably the most expensive vacation I will ever have...
I have done some calculations on this vacation since I got back, and even if it wasn't as expensive as I feared during the trip home, I still went way over my initial budget.
The total sum of this vacation (flights, hotels, car, food, entertainment and so on) was about 61 000 SEK (8150 dollars). Even if I had some of that in savings to fund this trip, it will take some time for my wallet to recuperate. But it was worth it. :D
The worst part?
The car rental - first I had to pay way too much for the car - then I go and loose the key...
But I made it home safe and sound. Always counts for something.
So what will I miss from US?
Not mentioning living in hotel rooms for several weeks, I will miss this:
* Free refills in resturants. Why can't we have this in Europe? It is the best invention since the... I don't know - but something very very good!
* The friendliness in stores and resturants. I am not saying people aren't friendly in Sweden. Absolutly not. But they really do assist you more in the stores in US. Also in the resturants, but I guess that is because they are more dependant on tips than here.
* They sure know how to mix a Rum & Coke. I had this drink at several places and they all had one thing in common; it was so much rum I actually had to wait for the ice to melt a little to be able to drink it. Now that's what I call good mixing! :)
For the negative things... I can't really come up with anything right now except for one thing that annoys me; They always write the wrong price on things in the stores.
I mean, we all know we have to add the tax, so why not just include it on the pricetag? It sucks that you don't know the exact price until you get to the counter. Sure you know in which region the price will end up, but not the exact price, making it hard to have exact change when you buy stuff. And then you either need to prolong the purchase with calculating all the stupid coins - or go home with more coins than you entered the store with. Annoying!
Another interesting cultural difference I saw while being over there was that on the bus, when a better seat opened up, there was always someone changing seat grabbing it. Interesting; this happens sometimes in Sweden, but not very often. In LA, that happened all the time.
That's a wrap for this trip. Thank you all who took the time reading the posts I made! :)
And as a final note; no need to check this page for updates since I rarely make any posts in this blog. Although, who knows... maybe next vacation?
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