For full view of all the photos - please click here
A Quiet Christmas Eve in Copenhagen - This was the scene on Stroget, one of the busiest fashion street on Christmas Eve, the day I got there. I thought I was halucinating from jetlag, but true enough, NOBODY works on Christmas Eve...! There was not a soul on the street except for my two colorful companions... It makes me wonder how these Danish people do business!
Chistmas brings in a sunny day - On the second day, the sun welcomed us! This was Christmas day in Denmark, and Wai Fun just came in. We were greeted with great sunshine, but the skating rink was not open on Christmas. We later went to Peter and his wife (Ah San's boss) house for dinner. We had I think one or two sunny day of all the days I was in Denmark and Sweden. To some extend when the sun did come out, we were so awed. Photos look better, people just looked more cheerful and even the day looks brighter. I frankly cannot imagine how the locals spend winter - it must be so boring!
I love my body! - This picture of the fat naked lady is a theme of a famous artist in Denmark, I could not recall his name. They have multiple sculptures of this 'fat lady' theme. I also saw a drawing in Peter's house. Scandinavians are great at designer stuff and interior design. I wonder where the gift comes from? Vikings?
The little mermaid - This famous statue in real life is pretty small - it was a symbol of a danish folk lore on the mermaid who gave up her fins and waited for a man. Apparently this statue had been replaced before multiple times from regular mutilations and damage. This was the first touristy place I saw in Denmark - Ah San drove me here for a nite picture at 7am when I first got in to Copenhagen.
Stroget at night - Beautiful heart shape lights lined up the street to welcome in Christmas, unfortunately not many were around. A case again of, where is everybody? Can you imagine, even McDonalds was closed!!!
Opera House (Copenhagen) - This would've been a wonderful shot if not for the white patch in front. We were here as a first touristy sight for Wai Fun, who came in one day later than me. The opera house was resplendant in lights at night.
The old church - I loved this shot because of the beautiful scenery and the reflective shot on the lake - it gives the old church a mystic look and feel and is probably one of the 10% of the shots which shows good weather!
A park near the Carlsberg Brewery - We stumbled upon this beautiful park covered with snow and filled with hundreds of happy kids (and adults) toboganning - it was too good an opportunity for a photo shoot. Ah San stole a toboggan and rode once down herself! Babies from 2 year olds to 50 year old men were having a go at it!
Stockholm, Sweden (Gamlastan) - This old city of Stockholm where most of the admin used to be, and four freezing girls standing in front of the church tower. It was -4C.
An Elk, Moose or Reindeer - I had this argument with Derick (he could not prove me right or wrong) through the entire trip whether these creatures were elks, moose or reindeer. I was adamant that reindeer was this mystic creature which was associated with Santa :-) BTW, it is an elk. Confirmed after the trip.
Enroute to SwedenLast Christmas, I gave you my heart, and the very next day, you gave it away, This year, to save me from tears, I gave it to someone special.... George Michael for the very 5th time was playing on the radio as we were driving to Sweden. It is a sad song, but also my favorite as it is a very catchy tune. We drove for about 500 km from Copenhagen to Stockholm, Sweden on 26th December for at least about 8 hours, and the only CDs we had was a Christmas CD and Il Divo, and Italian opera group. Il Divo puts people to sleep so George Michael for 5 times is probably more entertaining and no other option. This was the scenery when we were driving there.
Pee Stop - I was navigator for leg one of the journey. San was driving. I think we left around 7am, when it was still dark We had gotten lost getting out of the city, and when we crossed Malmo bridge from Copenhagen to Sweden grounds, it was still dark, and we did not get a chance to see the magnificent 20km bridge spanning across the two countries. I remarked to San that it would be interesting to do a marathon on the bridge, 20km and back = 40km. As we got onto Sweden, it was pretty much barren land all the way. Everyone was sleeping in the car.
