Catch Up with Maria in Copenhagen

I also wanted to catch up with Maria while I was in Copenhagen, a friend I met on a bus trip from Oslo to Copenhagen some months back, as I probably wouldn’t get the chance again for a long time. So we set a time & place, & I took the train into the city.
We talked & talked all day (over coffee, cake, & lunch) until we realised it was getting quite late & I had to head back. But before I left, she bought me a reminder souvenir of my time in Copenhagen – a Little Mermaid magnet.
I got down on my knees to receive this most precious offering. Then we said our goodbyes at the train station. A lovely day out filled with laughs & good company!

Impromptu Sled Ride

When Marie & I were out on one of our forest walks one day, we came across some kids playing on their sleds on a hill. There was quite enough snow to get a good ride down the hill. I urged Marie to come take a look with me, then said I’d love to have a go at doing it. So, she asked a mother that was there if I could borrow a sled for a ride. The woman agreed. Like a big kid, I grabbed the sled & ran to the top of the hill. It looked a bit steeper from the top. Even though I was a wee bit nervous, I took off on the sled. I was going fast, so put my feet out to slow it down a bit, which resulted in me being covered by snow. It was sooooo much fun!!! Marie took a photo of me with her mobile.

Home Away From Home

As usual, it was lovely & relaxing staying with Marie & Mikael at their place in Espergaerde – a home away from home, not that I have anywhere I could call a home nowadays. Marie & I went for walks in the forest & chatted a lot. She’s so easy to be around – we must have known each other in a past life.

Back Up To Copenhagen

I’d booked a flight to Copenhagen so that I’d stay with friends (Marie & Mikael) during a time that I knew I’d be a bit down. And, besides, I really wanted to see them again before I headed back to Sydney as I may not see them again for a long time.
My arrival in Copenhagen after dark was cool (about minus 6 degrees) & crisp. Thankfully, I only had to catch one train that took me all the way through to Espaergarde. I got to Espaergarde station & was met by Marie – a sight for sore eyes - & we walked back to her house.

3rd Jan - Saying "goodbye" at Heathrow

I knew it would be sad saying “goodbye” to Bec, but I promised myself that I wouldn’t cry at all. Even though it marked a time when I’d start travelling on my own again.
Our flights were only a few hours apart – her to Perth, me to Copenhagen. After breakfast at the airport, we said our goodbyes, hurried up by the fact that she was actually late in getting through customs as there was a huge queue. So, it was a quick bye, before she disappeared behind the screen. I didn’t cry, but busied myself by heading to the other terminal & checking in for my flight.

Scratchy Sheets!

Now, I don’t think I’m too sensitive to detergents & chemicals, but the sheets used at the Crowne Plaza were sooooo irritable that for 2 solid nights I scratched so much I ended up having to wear long pants & a long-sleeve top to bed. I was covered with a rash over most of my body, especially my legs. When I complained about the sheets on check out, the duty manager said that he has the same problem when he stays here – amazing that they don’t do anything about it!!!!

2nd Jan - Dali Gallery

Until I went to this gallery, I had absolutely no idea how sexually adventurous/frustrated/uninhibited Dali was. We spent a couple of hours in the gallery pondering over his images which often portrayed the most unusual aspects of sexuality & humanness. He was a devout Catholic, yet also a very sexual man. So this obviously clashed dramatically at the boundaries & must have caused him more than a bit of anxiety in his life.
A must see if you like art & find yourself in London!