Page 2 of ruins explorer Travel Blog Posts


Europe » Norway » Western Norway » Flåm June 29th 2014

On Sunday, we continued our journey to return to Bergen from Balestrand. To do this, we jumped back on the fast-ferry, which continued to Flam. Although we no longer had primo seats, it was still the best part of that day's journey, with the amazing views constantly changing as we travelled up the fjord towards Flam, and a few stops for beautiful waterfalls. The sides of the fjords had small buildings, farms, built high above the fjord and accessible only by boat. Sometimes we'd see a road travelling alongside the fjord. The sun was shining, the skies were blue with fluffy clouds, and it wasn't too cold. I noted that everyone we met travelling in Balestrand was quite amiable. We had many conversations wherever we went with other people, possibly because there were so few of ... read more

Europe » Norway » Western Norway » Balestrand June 28th 2014

On our trip, we scheduled two nights in Balestrand. I am so glad we did. After a week in Copenhagen, fitting in every attraction and filling every minute - and then a hectic journey from Denmark to Norway, we needed some downtime. Since it's the weekend, I also decided not to work from here either, but to do a bit of "digital detox". My son is watching me write this but it's the first time I've used the computer since we got here. It all started with a four hour fast ferry from Bergen. We were up early to get on it, but once we boarded, my relaxation could begin. We were on our way. Soon we were surrounded by gorgeous vistas on all sides. I can't describe them and do them justice. They are so ... read more

Europe » Norway » Western Norway » Bergen June 28th 2014

On our last day in Copenhagen, we were sad to leave the Axel Guldsmelden. The wonderful smell of their own moisturizer, and the delicious taste of their home-made yogurt and granola. The kindness of the people working there. It is truly one of my favorite hotels of all time. We were able to leave our bags and spend the day exploring after check-out. We spent a long time at the National Museum, during which it rained heavily. I loved this museum, such amazing artifacts and set into an evocative setting. My particular favorites were the pre-historic artifacts of ancient Denmark, the sacrificial peat bogs, the horned helmets worn by the pre-historic priests of the sun god, an ancient past that remains un-written and mostly unknown aside from these finds. The children’s museum there was quite clever, ... read more

Europe » Denmark » Region Hovedstaden » Copenhagen June 25th 2014

I am struck by a kind of melancholy as we prepare to leave Copenhagen. Our CPH card runs out tomorrow at 2PM and by then we are likely to be on our way to the airport for a 5:05 flight to Bergen. I LOVE our hotel as it's become such a home to us, with its comfortable couch for hanging out on, cushy beds, friendly staff, amazing breakfast. I love Copenhagen and the ease of getting around, the balance of green space to city space, the number of pedestrian-only streets. I'm afraid we won't like Bergen, or Balestrand. I'm confident we'll love Iceland, but by then the trip will be nearly over. Part of me is also wondering if I might be homesick. I'm worried I'm making all the wrong choices and I don't know how ... read more

Europe » Denmark » Region Hovedstaden » Copenhagen June 24th 2014

We spent a good chunk of change on the Copenhagen Card, and I'm here to explain why it's worth it. The biggest savings is on transportation. It takes you from the airport and back (except for us, as we're staying for 6 days and had a 5 day card). It can take you as far as Roskilde, Lejre and Helsingor. Within the city, you won't think twice about jumping on a bus or a metro to get around, saving your feet a long walk. It's especially a great deal with kids, since up to two kids can join the adults for free, and kids especially don't tolerate as much walking. This, I know from experience. After all, they have to move their legs twice as fast to keep up with us. Then it gets you the ... read more

Europe » Denmark » Region Hovedstaden » Copenhagen June 24th 2014

Because we woke up relatively late, and rain was forecast for Roskilde and sun for Copenhagen, we changed our plans. We made today all about Copenhagen. First, we headed to the National Museum, but learned it was free so decided to save it for Thursday when our CPH Card expires. From there, we grabbed a bus to the Danish Design museum. Over half the museum was currently dedicated to Hans Wegman and his famous chairs. I am a fan, so I enjoyed the museum, but I was the only one. We then started the walk back to Nyhavn, but on the way, we serendipitously ran into the changing of the guard at Amalienborg. The guards were walking by in formation, so we followed them into the palacial courtyard, and watched them change guards for a while. ... read more

Europe » Denmark » Region Hovedstaden » Copenhagen June 24th 2014

Yesterday, we visited Hamlet's Castle, Elsinore, or Kronberg. It was a long train ride out, particularly because we had to switch trains at Klampenborg. It appeared to be a temporary situation, although I couldn't read the signs (all in Danish), I could see that it was one of those transportation change notification signs we have on our own MBTA. Overall, I have to say I love having access to Google Maps, because it's directions forewarned me of the situation, instructing me to get off at Klampenborg and board a different train for Helsingor. When we arrived, it was pouring down rain unexpectedly - no rain had been forecast for Copenhagen. (Having learned this lesson about weather, I have since added Roskilde to my Yahoo Weather, and we are not going today, as it will rain at ... read more

Europe » Denmark » Region Hovedstaden » Copenhagen June 23rd 2014

It was a long day. We woke up early because of the jet lag, and decided to go to a playground. Because we had our Copenhagen card, we elected not to repeat our mistake yesterday of walking everywhere, and grabbed a bus to Rosenborg Slot, where we went into the gardens. Kai and I had a nice run along the long avenues of trees, and discovered the quiet natural "dragon" playground, mostly constructed of wood, with two large wooden dragons. I immediately looked at it and thought that without slides, swings, or climbing structures, Kai would be bored, but it actually set his imagination alight. He decided he would have to ride two dragons (like two planes) to go to the North Pole, and led me on a journey that consisted on riding on the two ... read more

Europe » Denmark June 22nd 2014

To introduce this section, I'll explain that Alli and I are now travelling with our nearly five-year-old son Kai. At this point, he is a veteran traveller, having travelled around the East Coast of the United States as well as Germany, Canada, Costa Rica, and Ireland. I'm glad we started travelling with him young (around 2 months, we first went to visit grandparents in the mid-atlantic). He is really a pro at this now! He totally "gets" going through security, boarding the plane, buckling up, and picking up your baggage. So he handled our two plane trips and train trip to finally arrive in Copenhagen with aplomb. We were though all tired after having travelled from 5PM our time, when we left our house, to arriving here at 8AM the next day (our time). He did ... read more

Europe » Ireland » County Dublin » Dublin April 22nd 2013

Travelling with Kids in Ireland Some changes for us - we didn't take the carseat - just a booster. He had more room to stretch out on the plane, but didn't seem to sleep as easily on it. On the other hand, he seemed happier with the increased mobility. He was also old enough to wear headphones and watch the TV, which helped. Overall, it was the most painless flight we've taken with him. I guess we're ready to start travelling again. We did take a stroller and thank goodness - we got in many long long walks while he caught up on naps - and he would have been too tired to walk as far as we walked each day. That said, this is ... read more




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