Celebrating in Copenhagen

Night in Nyhavn

It’s my birthday and I am celebrating in Copenhagen.  We have spent the morning on a boat tour of Copenhagen’s canals, after I have been spoiled with some lovely gifts first thing.  Now it’s time for lunch and we’ve landed in Nyhavn, one of the most recognizable and perhaps one of the most picturesque spots of the city.… Read the rest

Copenhagen by Canal

Christianshavn Canal

It’s my birthday and I am out to explore Copenhagen by canal.  

I wake up feeling better than yesterday.  I haven’t been well and despite being rather desperate to get out and explore Copenhagen, I spent the previous day in bed, somewhat resigned to the fact that today may be spent the same way.… Read the rest

Stockholm

Stuténska huset, Gamla Stan, Stockholm

We dock in Nynäshamn, Sweden.  I hear the low grumble of the ship’s motors moving us ever so slowly and carefully towards the port.  Usually I’m happy to find my own way but today we’re booked onto a Big Red Bus transfer into Stockholm, an hour away.… Read the rest

Helsinki

Helsinki Cathedral on Senate Square

Finland’s capital, Helsinki, sits on a southern peninsula in the Gulf of Finland. We have arrived at the port and I’m itching to get into the city but as usual, it’s a bit chaotic getting five people ready.  … Read the rest

Venice Of The North

Venice of the North

Today we get to experience St. Petersburg’s canals.  Alexander the Great founded this city as his own and had a vision to turn it into the Venice of the North, criss-crossing the city with canals to provide a means of transport as well as beauty.… Read the rest

A Taste Of St. Petersburg

A taste of old Russia at Eliseyev Emporium

After a day of exploring Peterhof and the Catherine Palace at Pushkin, I’m ready to delve into St. Petersburg proper.  After dropping the rest of the tour group back at the port, mum and I are taken to the metro at Primorskaya where we are handed over to another guide for the evening. … Read the rest

At Sea

The water slides

“Forgive me for saying so, but you’re too young for cruising” my work colleague quips a few weeks before our departure.  On the contrary, I rather wish we had discovered this way of travel long before now.

Embarking

We’re on our first day at sea travelling from Warnemünde, Germany to Tallinn, Estonia where we will dock tomorrow morning. … Read the rest

Kastellet

Kastellet

Our holiday begins in earnest today. Whilst yesterday was filled with waiting, today dawns to coffee and croissants (after Jason takes an early morning walk to find provisions).    Suitably fortified we ready ourselves and set off for Kastellet.

On the streets in København

As we set off from our Friederickstrasse apartment and out along the cobbled streets I breathe in the chill of the clean, cool air and stretch my arms towards the blue sky.… Read the rest

Cruising

MSC Splendida Aqua Park

Okay, so I’m excited to be cruising the Middle East.  I had thought of this as just a little interlude.  I had to get past Christmas first and this was booked a while ago and then put aside in my mind for consideration after more pressing things. … Read the rest

Zaya Nurai Island

Zaya Nurai Island

“Where are you going?  Who are you going with? What time will you be home?”.

“Umm, I’m not really sure” I respond.  I’m not trying to avoid the questions, I just don’t really have the answers.  I’ve been invited along on a boat rally. … Read the rest