Lucerne, Switzerland

Fondue

Mary's Summer Residence

Mmm, coffee

At the end of a beautiful night dining at Kamilla's sisters' home, we were all delighted to have the opportunity to sample Icelandic Coffee. Bo with a keen interest in food had acquired this recipe during a period of work in Iceland. What we were met with was espresso coffee topped with warm milk and cream. But the ultimate was the flaming Cointreau being poured into each glass like molten steel. The result was a very smooth, warming drink. Mmm...

Quirky Copenhagen

These images are a sample of some of the more unusual sights of Copenhagen. From a life-like head stone of a man's figure reclining on the side lawn of a church yard, to a stork topped fountain and sculptural tree growing out of a concrete block - situated near the Treasury Office.

Copenhagen

Walking the dog

One of my fondest memories from Denmark was walking Minnie along the fjord near Kamilla's home. For Minnie it was a time to stretch her lanky legs, running along the edge of the fjord, turning and twisting as she navigated the hills. Other memories from this time are the miniature horses feeding in the fields, traditional houses situated along the narrow roads and the coolness of the breeze blowing off the fjord.

Tivoli Gardens

Stepping through the gates of Tivoli Gardens is definitley a step back in time. Kamilla and I spent a whole afternoon here, enjoying this classical amusement park. Opening in 1843, Tivoli Gardens is full of vintage rides, restaurants and shops. Many of the rides although not modern in their construction, still gave the same adrenalin rush and 'sick feeling' as many of the modern rides do. Like the roller coaster that continued to cycle the rails for what seemed like an eternity or bad joke, eventually slowing down to snail pace on the last corner - which I think was the worst part - having all its' passengers hanging out the sides. Or the Octopus ride where you were in control of the elevation, up, down, up and down, all while riding in cirlces. It seemed that the only reaction, other than sickness, was for Kamilla and I to laugh the whole time. One operator commented that it was great to see laughter coming from young of heart - we took this comment as a compliment. So, other than the rides, we sampled many Danish delights from the food stalls and window shopped. It really was like being in a fairytale.

Vikingeskibshallen

One of my first excursions whilst in Denmark was the Viking Ship Museum. Here you will see five preserved ships which were discovered and preserved in 1957. It is estimated that they date back to the year 1000, and were found sunk in Roskilde Fjord. You are able to walk around each of the ships, thus enabling you to realise the size and purpose of each. Also on display were life size models of replica ships and video footage of a journey from Roskilde to Ireland by viking ship.

Danish Christmas

Concluding my many experiences this year was the opportunity to share a Danish Christmas with my friend Kamilla and her family - in Denmark. There were many questions asked on my behalf regarding the Christmas traditions of Denmark. Starting from the dancing round the tree singing carols, me having a mental block - the songs are the same, but sung in Danish (obviously), try recalling them in english at the same time... The food, lots of pork and fish. From pickled herring, salmon, shrimp, eggs, rye bread, red cabbage, beetroot, fish fillets, pork balls, and duck on christmas eve, concluding with Risengrod - rice with almonds. The focus of every celebration was family, plus presents and food - I'm not sure in that particular order, but a good time was had by all. Especially me!