Copenhagen - Glance through visited place

Duration of stay: 14th till 16th October 2015

Denmark is the first Scandinavian country that I landed at via Inter City train passing through Puttgarden-Rodby connecting ferry. You may read again about my unique adventure on those ride, Train Ride - Hamburg to Copenhagen. As soon as we reached the city, we walked by following a saved google map in Anne's handphone to find the Urban House, the one that she booked and paid in advance. There's a groceries store beside the hotel as well as few international restaurant. As soon as we settled the luggage at the hostel reception while letting Anne cleared her addiction with cyber life, I went back to the train station to change some local currency in order for me to buy some groceries that I was excited about. Yeah, I need to prepare good lunch to my taste.

Tivoli Garden, best to explore during evening time

When it was time for checked in, we were a little bit disappointing to see that the double bed room is rather small. Just a little space to open our luggage, allowing us to pray right at the entrance door while making sure no one is entering the bathroom. We thought of exploring what is Tivoli Garden has to offer later in the evening as it was the best time to visit according to Anne's research. Weather was pretty cold when we leisurely took a stroll heading towards the Tivoli Garden following the save google map. Being a first timer in a new city, one is always confused with a new place, like we did. We made a long way turn, whereas the fastest way was actually by using the central station to cross to the other end as Tivoli Garden seated adjacent to it. When we found the entrance, we saw that Central Station was just behind us. See below photo.

Copenhagen Central Station from Bernstorffsgade street

The next morning, we became a little bit wiser. We used the map taken from Urban House reception desk and follow a short cut to reach Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek (see the building in below photo). I figured the name "Carlsberg" and initially thought it must be a museum that tells the history and revolution of the Carlsberg breweries. Apparently the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is an art museum in Copenhagen that has the personal collection of Carl Jacobsen, the son of the founder of the Carlsberg Breweries. It was not yet open when we arrived. We later decided not to wait and cross the road heading towards the city hall.

There's an ongoing underground Metro construction right in front of the City Hall that ruin the photo taken near the statue in front of the City Hall. So, we decided to enter the magnificent building and were taken by surprise that it is free of charge. We spent quite a long time inside the building, being the first city hall that we are able to explore freely without watching guards. We probably were there for more than an hour because by the time we came out, we saw a new copenhagen free tour started gathering outside the square. It was 10 minutes before their starts time, 11 am. Since I've snapped so many beautiful shots inside the City Hall, I wish to share my most favorite spot inside, i.e. the garden.

Free walking tour starts everyday at 11am and 2pm where the meeting place is at the Dragon Fountain in-front of the City Hall. I wish to recommend to all of you who wish to join to gather and look out for their yellow umbrella. If you happen to see a group of people following a guide in yellow umbrella, by all means do follow the crowds. You may see two guides in below photo that I'm sharing while waiting for more people to join. Whatever it is, at 11am sharp the group will started to move to the designated itineraries after explaining the rules of "free tour" means.

Town Hall Square

Our joyful guide made a quick stop in front of the Court House sharing 6000 years of Copenhagen story with our group who came from all over the globe. My favourite was this stop where, without realising I was actually standing on a place where the court hang criminals took place. Try imagine old European movies where whoever sentenced to death, will be hang for public view. I know, too much historian movie for me. Because the Jewish and the Christians were practicing Hudud law as per scripture. In this modern day, people alter a lot of God's law by creating what is reasonable and practical according to their view. Hence, there's chaos now everywhere, including in Muslim countries who refused to implement Hudud law. My apology for being carried away... don't worry, it is merely a view of mine, frustrated not able to do anything to make this world a better place to stay :(

The city court of Copenhagen

Next stop after passing by so many beautiful street lanes and canals, we stopped again at Christiansborg Palace. Since the tour is short or rather two and a half hours, we were not allowed to explore inside the attractions. The guide merely explained about the history of the kings and the palaces and the war between the neighboring country. You may return and paid a visit later should you be more interested for educational knowledge inside the Christiansborg Palace. As for us two, we chose to pay Little Mermaid statue a visit, hence, no more time left to explore later when the group parted.

Horse Stable infront of Christianborg Palace

When I first saw the name "Absalon" in below statue photo, I was recalling a beautiful prayer in the Psalm when Prophet David or rather King of David recited when he was in despair over the loss of his son, Absolem. The Psalm is the Holy book that mostly calling people to praise God and go back to His original teaching whenever you are lost or you're looking for direction for a straight path. From David's journey to bring God's religions, he faces a lot of challenges and obstacles, e.g. he had to face his son, Absolem who rebelled against him for the throne. His grief after Absolem died was recorded in the psalm. Our guide, explained about Absalon, a renown Danish archbishop and statesman who went to war in the name of God, killing so many people. He doesn't seem to like Absalon much as according to him religion means spreading peace, not spreading sword.

Monument of Bishop Absolem

Thereafter we proceeded to a must visit place when in Copenhagen, Nyhavn and on our way, we were given advised where to shop after the tour. Magasin Du Nord is one of the famous mall in Copenhagen. We did stop and explored inside on our way back to the hotel later the day. Shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur is much better choice for us, hence, we did not buy even a thing inside. What I recorded was my crazy search over a beautiful florist seated just outside the mall. Here is what I excitedly entered while still on travel, "a florist shop in front of Magasin-du-Nord".

Magasin de Nord, a shopping mall

Kongens Nytorv or the old kiosk was where we stop for quick lunch and own exploration at the famous Anchor, or famously referred to as Nyhavn. Tourist all over the world would come and snapped photos at this place for buildings in front of Nyhavn canal is a must stop destination when in Copenhagen. Admittedly, it is my favorite spot too as everything that surrounds the old kiosk has an ancient, expensive, grandeur looking buildings around them. Keller, a bored piling and other geotechnical specialist contractor is seen parting in the underground Metro construction within the vicinity.

Kongens Nytorv at the end of Stroget street

Yes, this is the Anchor that I mentioned above and behind is the Nyhavn canals and its colorful buildings that every tourist must take pictures, an evidence of a visit to Copenhagen. Wait for my separate entry for more detailed story.

Once everyone are back from their whatever activity for the past 20 minutes given, we gathered back at Kongens Nytorv where another briefing by our guide about the next destination took place. We were then heading towards Amalienborg Palace to see changing of guards. Below photo was where I cheated the Danish palace guard to have photo with me, whilst the second one was when they were ready for the ceremony.

Amalie Garden was a place for parting time with our friendly and kindly free walking tour guide. Everyone came forward to shake hand with some notes/coins in whatever amount they felt like giving (no fixed amount mentioned) handed out to him. We parted and said our farewell to one another then the group dispersed.  

Opera house seen across the fountain at Amalie Garden

Since, it is already near to the Marble Church, Anne and I went for our exploration and a moment of peace inside. More stories when I write about the beauties (I mean the arts and architecture) inside the house of God.

What we found while searching for a little mermaid was a God-sent, Langeline park and adjacent to Kastellet south gate, we saw a stunning St. Alban's Church. It is simply called as an English Church, being 1 of the unique Anglican Church in Copenhagen. While in there, we stood to play with water at Gefion Fountain, not knowing that it is where people throw coins wishing for whatever they dream for. What a great choice to walk further to this part of the city.

St Alban Church

Amazingly, there's a lot of tourist stood waiting for their turns to take a closer photo with the Little Mermaid statue when we arrived at the spot. Majority are adults, and later when it was my turn, there's a group of senior citizens tourist from China also arrived at the spot. Of course, we had our chance with the small little statue but to stay openly at the harbour side is killing whoever. We bought and sipped the coffee that fastly turns cold and decided to go back. Anne's Iphone has recorded that we walked about 15 kilometre for the whole day. My apology for a lengthy entry. I sometimes gets carried away easily.. haha

Copenhagen - 2 nights stay in Urban House

Date of stay:

Anne is in-charge with hotel arrangement, hence, she selected a bedroom in a hostel accommodation which we thought more reasonable to stay as we all know that Scandinavian cities are majority expenseive. Should you are interested in staying at the same accommodation, do visit their website, "urbanhouse.me". The hostel is very strict about check in time. They will not allowed anyone to enter if it's not 3pm but suggested we leave our luggage at the locker. We both decided to wait and I went back to the central station to change kronors (local currency), estimated for our stay. In fact, I wanted to buy some vegetables and eggs for making soup for lunch. 

Posing on the street in front of Urban House with train central station as backdrop

Can you see "Urban House" sign?

Hostel Urban House Conpenhagen is an automatic self-check in house. Therefore, as soon as Anne confirmed and paid her booking, the hostel has sent her a welcoming email within 48 hours before our arrival. I believe Anne has also did the check in online since she received the booking details before we arrived. We arrived about 1 hour before check-in time but had to wait until 3 pm to enter the room. Even though Anne has received in her mail our room number and door code, we cannot pass through the entrance door. Since free and strong wifi is available, we are more than happy to wait. There is also a check in counters in the hotel for the guest conveniences.

The reception cum restaurant

You may do your booking through their website or either send us an email to reservations@urbanhouse.me. Take note that age restriction is only applies to those who wish to stay at their dorm room, where a guest has to be 18 of age and above in order to book a bed. Besides, you cannot pay your booking upon arrival. All bookings must be paid before arrival. The rationale is to avoid unnecessary wait and instead just go straight up to the designated room once you have obtained a room number and door code that guests received on the day of arrival. No cash and American Express cards is accepted.

Urban House is located only 2 minutes away from the Central Station (once you are familiar to the area). For those who did not arrived at the central station, unlike us, may just get on a train towards the city (don’t take the metro), get off at the Central Station, walk out through the entrance next to the Police station, turn right onto Istedgade, pass 7 Eleven and from there you may able to the hostel. Most important thing is to have an access to the registered hand phone and/or email on the day of arrival as code will only be given 24 hours before your arrival.

By the time I got back to the hostel with some groceries to prepare for lunch, time is already past 3pm and we entered our room on the 2^nd floor. All rooms, private and dorm have a private bathroom. There is also an extra shower rooms on the third floor for those who stay in the dorm. The room is rather small and cramp for us and our luggage but it’s very comfortable. What we were not happy about was the shower did not function well (maybe due to water pressure). We had to be a little bit creative while taking shower. 

The entrance is the only place that we can spread our prayer mat 

For those who comes early, may use the lockers that has been provided by the hostel by asking their staff who are operating a café at the reception area. Check in time is from 3 pm and check out is until 11 am the latest. Like I said earlier, wifi is available in all the areas of the hostel including rooms, and it’s free for all. The room was ready when we checked in but during our 3 days and 2 nights stay, we have to make up our own bed. No cleaner is attending to it like the way you stay in the hotel. But for those who stays for more than 3 days in a private room, fresh bed linen and towels will be provided.

Breakfast is charged separately and is serve between 7 to 11 am. It is 75 DKK for the continental breakfast, 45 DKK for kids, and also have the option to go for a breakfast bag at 40 DKK. Guests are welcome to bring their own foods which can be prepared and enjoyed in the self-service kitchen. Important to note that the hostel 100% smoking free house. Pets are not allowed on the premises. The hostel provided a standard European power sockets running on 220 V and are compatible with type C & F; hence, do bring your own adaptor should you need one.

To conclude our short stay, I would recommend for those who are on budget to stay at this hostel due to its strategic location and the amenities surround them. I mean, the transportation hub, the market, the restaurants etc etc.

Puttgarden Rodby Ferry Train connection, 4th Leg

As promised while writing about the train ride from Hamburg to Denmark, I wish to share a little bit more about a special train route connection between German and Denmark vide country border crossing through the Baltic Sea or in German it is called Ostsee (see below map). Puttgarden is the seaport located in Germany whilst Rodby is in Denmark. The 2 country has worked together for a smooth train connection whereby the train car is on-load into the ferry belly and cruise for about 45 minutes in a total distance of 19km. It was one the priceless first experience that I have encounter since having the train adventure since 2014. I now could imagine how would it be to cross Lake Van in Turkey for future ride to connect Eastern Europe (Istanbul, where the last route of 2nd leg started) and Central Asia with my home country. Such big dream that I have ya!

From my research, there's a project called Fehmarn Belt Fixed Link, an undersea tunnel that will eventually replace the Puttgarden Rodby ferries. Both country, Danish-German commenced negotiations on 29th June 2007. An agreement has been reached between 2 parties to complete the link or rather the project, initially by 2021 but now has been pushed to 2014. The construction begin last year, 2015. The 2 country recognised that the corridor is also an important bird migration route between arctic Scandinavia and Central Europe.

Everyone were excited once we able to see a Baltic Sea from the train

The train is getting ready to enter the ferry

The road connection consists of the following routes:-

• European route E47 on the Danish side;
• Autobahn A1 (European routes E 47 and E22) on the German side; and
• 2 lane Bundesstrabe 207/E 47 on the northernmost section. 

Whereas, the rail connection consists of the following routes:-

• 118 km of double track from Copenhagen to Vordingborg; maximum speed 160 to 180 km/h (99 to 112 mph); electrified for 64 km (40 mi) to Ringsted;
• 65 km of single track from Vordingborg to Rødby; maximum speed 120 km/h (75 mph);
• 89 km of single track from Puttgarden to Lubeck
• 64 km of double track from Lubeck to Hamburg, electrified.

Lat look at the Puttgarden port

Photo evidence of me and the Puttgarden

It was anticipated that the passenger services between Copenhagen and Hamburg taking Euro Citys in each direction, operated with DBAG Class 605 trains of Deutsche Bahn and Danish IC3 trains will solely use the Fehmarn Belt Fixed Link. Once the Great Belt Bridge is completed, the freight trains are not directed via Rodby-Puttgarden any more, but via Funen and Jutland which is 160 km longer.

The train that we rode continued its journey from Rodby harbour

Welcome to Denmark

In fact, proposals for a more direct "bird flight line" date back from the 1920's. Construction was started on the Danish side in 1941 after the Nazi occupation force pushed the matter, but work was halted again in 1946. After World War II, Warnemunde (near Rostock) was included in the territory of East Germany. Political divisions made traffic between Denmark and West Germany via Warnemunde inconvenient. From 1951 to 1963 a ferry line from Gedser to Großenbrode operated as a temporary solution. In addition, traffic between Copenhagen and Hamburg would either be directed over the Great Belt ferry, Funen and Jutland or the Gedser-Warnemunde ferry.

Posing with Puttgarden as background before ferry was preparing to depart

The train parked safely inside the ferry

One of the bridges sighted from the train on Danish side 

As for me, I felt lucky that I was able to cross Puttgarden-Rodby where the body of the train and I were both in the Scandlines ferry. Should I come in 2024, I would be travelling on the Fehmarn Belt Fixed Link obviously. 

Hamburg - Rathausmarkt (The Square), Lake Alster & Shopping District

Date: 13th October 2015

I made a decision for a quick stop (1 night) in Hamburg after I saw below photo from the internet while planning for the 4th leg. What I have in mind was to go for boating in the evening to view the whole Hamburg City from a magnificent Lake Alster. However, things did not go according to the plan. Instead, we took early morning stroll by to reach Lake Alster right before our train from Hamburg to Copenhagen was scheduled to depart. It was rather a hurried task but at least, I witnessed with my own 2 eyes of the famous Lake Alster in Hamburg city.

Photo downloaded from www.pro-wohnen.de website

Hamburg is a beauty of the north and an ever-growing tourism metropolis in Germany. On a comparative basis, the growth in overnight stays in Hamburg is more dynamic and more continuous than in any other European metropolis. In 2013, Hamburg’s tourism trade achieved a record high of 11 million overnight stays. These results place Hamburg in the top 10 European city destinations, before Amsterdam and Stockholm. In future years, Hamburg also aims to replace Munich as the second most important tourist destination in Germany.

Building that you can see at the Rathausmark

When in Hamburg, it is a must do activity to at least visited the city's Rathausmark, i.e. the central nearly rectangular square shape in front of the City Hall. That's what we did since we only have a very short afternoon in the city. As soon as we have done with the late lunch, we headed out to explore the city by foot. We crossed inside Hamburg Hauptbahnhof to the other side where the shopping street is located. Anne stopped to buy coffee whilst I spotted WMF Outlet  and St Peters cathedral seated across the street from where I stand out to wait for her and thereafter figured it out which places to visit first.

Starbucks Coffee cafe occupied a grandeur ancient building in between Shopping district to Rathausmark

The precinct is located in people's meeting place where large events usually takes place. It is where the Town Hall market in the old town forms a center of Hamburg city center from the start. The southwestern side is occupied almost entirely by the Rathaus @ City Hall building itself. It is here that the former Reichsbank building with the Bucerius Kunst Forum and the old wall is originally located. The lock bridge to the underlying Rathaus lock for Alsterfleet, continues into the New Town to the Old Post Office.

Rows of shoplifts at the Shopping district, adjacent to the Hamburg Central Station

The northwestern side is occupied  with commercial buildings, accessible vide an opening out roads Reesendamm, Hermannstrabe and the shopping street Monckebergstrabe which converge on the town hall. The square used to be a meeting place of the night buses but it has been shifted elsewhere leaving the area to be a major commercial and famous tourist area. The Rathausmarkt was greatly affected by Great Fire in year 1842 similarly to its surrounding building including the Old Town hall at the Trostbrucke and the houses in the area of today's square, except for the new Hamburg Stock Exchange. What we saw today is what has been reconstructed and redevelop under close supervision of the municipal city hall.

Shopping mall adjacent to the Rathausmark

The historian has recorded that shortly before the city fire, i.e. during the medieval period the square was where the densely built-up area of the monastery and church of St. John. The St. John's Church, since the Hamburg Frenchman time was located on the southern end of the square. Their choir room was by a forward to the nave gable extending eastward limits (formerly street behind the broad pediment). At the church north then, there was the running around the burial ground covered walkway, and other monasteries and farm buildings, which reached up to the present location and the middle Hermann and Monkebergstrasse. These were the last after Johanneums was demolished.

Toward the end of the Rathausmark, we came across with the above street after we have done with an hour visit inside the Town Hall before it close for a day. The pavements were still wet from the downpour earlier on but we, the 2 stranger foreign lady felt safe to walk in the city where people hardly speaks English. We can't help it but take a moment to appreciate a beautiful arts (ceiling and display paintings) at below shop nearby. It was so so beautiful and soothing to my eye, hence, 2 photos to share with you guys so that you would agree with my opinion.

The next morning, after we have done with packing our luggage neatly, without wasting time, we straightaway headed out towards the Lake Alster following the same route that we've been a night before. It was rather a very cold morning but our brisk walks has helped to warm our body. We've managed to see very little part of the beautiful lake (see below photo) but suffice to record our visit by just admiring a beautiful view. For information, Lake Alster is one of the famous attraction in Hamburg for water spots recreation. You may just found out from more images from Google to see the overview of Lake Alster's attraction.

On the way back to the hotel, I snapped below 3 photos of Hamburg Hauptbahnhof using Anne's camera. I snapped them with so much contentment reflecting my passionate interest in train traveling. Hamburg central train station is indeed being a lively place with trains coming and going from many directions. It was a meaningful photos to conclude what reaching and leaving a city via trains so important to me. Till then, or rather before moving on with Copenhagen travelogue, I have wasted so much time to end the last entry in Hamburg. Thank you beautiful city!

Dilwale - another movie date with my BFF

Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol never failed to satisfy their fan's expectation when watching all their films. I've been meaning to watch Dilwale, a new romantic musical action comedy film cast them both, being their 7th film together. It's a must watch film especially for those who has watched their earlier box office movie, Dilwale Dulhania le Jayenge. The movie, Dilwale has been filming in 3 countries, i.e. India (Goa, Hyderabad), Bulgaria and Iceland. First and foremost, let's first watch the soundtrack album by Sony India music label that was released on 4th December 2015. The most popular watch soundtrack "Gerua" that was shoot in Iceland is almost at  similar location where Justin Bieber used to shoot his video clip "I'll Show You".

Syahirah and I has been planning to watch during the weekends, however things get pretty occupied with Nasrul's birthday and her working calendar when the movie was worldwide released on 18th December 2015. Hence, we have no choice but to watch on my working day, i.e. on Tuesday last week when she was having her day off. We watched it in KLCC TGV Cinema, the nearest to our present location. The movie was amazingly good and we both were more than satisfied watching how great their actings. Our favorite scene are from another song "Janam Janam", where Kajol seen so deadly gorgeous in below video clip. We both falls in love with the song, janam janam.

Many women including my daughter and her buddy watch the movie twice, some revisit the cinema even more. Women are hopelessly romantic creatures anyway. There are many scenes that I like in the movie, among others are the first time when they met in Bulgaria, second was when Shah Rukh asked for a 5 minutes date with her, when she shot Shah Rukh before parting with him in Bulgaria wis also good. Beyond expectation, this movie has invited all the fans to laugh out loud during comedy scenes. It was an amazing plot of stories about "Ramlal" and "Pogo" and in the end when they explain how ramlal became "Kaali" to satisfy pogo demands for materialistic thing. It was worth it and I strongly recommend all to take their precious 3 hours time for the movie, after all we do need a break from whatever obligations that we are seeking. 

Hello 2016, Goodbye 2015

1st January 2016

Tottie pose on the last morning of 2015, 31/12/2015

How time flies, today is already the first day of 2016 and I wanted to do the first entry on the beginning of the year with so much contentment. Above anything, I wish 2016 will bring so much enlightenment to all humankind. Please please first, be good to yourself, next do treat people close to your circle with unconditional loves and finally treat everyone equally no matter what race, religions or colors they are. Say NO to racism. And please be kind to animals too as what matters to the Almighty is for us all to care deeply for ourselves and our surroundings. Protect the universe by protecting earth and everything that comes within.

Alas, I no longer wish and cares about resolution. Life is too beautiful to have obligations with what do and what don't as we normally indicated in the resolution list. What important is to have conscience in everything we do that something greater Who protecting His creation is looking down at everyone, without exception. Have faith and be able to self judge the level that one set for him or herself. Just follow what was fated while doing best in everything we do.

As for me, 2015 has given me so much greatness and on overview, below are summaries of what I've gone through for the past 1 year that I wish to record before moving ahead with 2016:-

January 2015 - Reporting to work in my present workplace, where it has been in my wish list. Allah has granted those wish and for now has given me not only a better income job but with material life security. 

February 2015 - Being able to explore Cameron Highlands attraction for the sake of this blog during Chinese New Year break. A great things to do, that is, appreciate own nation, own country. Loving my country, Malaysia despite of lowest political morale ever in the history that place Malaysian in  the most shameful situation.

March 2015 - Unpleasant situation happened that made me started to think of shifting job again. Somehow, a rescue came that enable me to revisit my position and stay still. Started to learn about patience and perseverance. Succeeded thus far, but it change me as a person. A turning point!

April 2015 - My blog has reached 100K pageviews and 8 months later, 150K (total page views as of 3rd week of December 2015).

May - June 2015 - Pretty occupied with a new assignment and a new team. 

July 2015 - Nasrul has finally decided to become a college student and move out to stay in the hostel. Time really flies, he suddenly becoming an independent person that makes his poor parents speechless.  

August 2015 - A month full of stress due to year 2 Bsc External Jurisprudence examinations where the preparation makes it even more stressful. Nothing matters nor excites me other than the exam.

September 2015 - A big decision to sponsor Nazhif to further his ambition pursuing Bachelor and Master Degree in Mechanical Engineering in Glasgow University after much considerations and checking the finance. It was where we decided to put the house on sale for many good reasons. Most importantly I was able to detach myself from holding onto a house, a material things which will not follow me after I have left this life behind.

October 2015 - Shortly after it was time for my 4th train rides to Northern Europe, Scandinavia and Russia. It was a tiring but miraculously exciting. 

November/December 2015 - Had listed few important task to finish off before ending 2015. Managed to clear those, i.e. printed a Quran translation in Malay be in time for siblings who departed to perform umrah. Visited 2 attractions in Malaysia during long breaks, i.e. Bukit Tinggi and Batu Caves. Vowed to make use of 2016 productively. So looking forward for new year, really exciting start. 

I wish you a Happy New Year everyone... stay bliss and bless!

Missing Karachi city today, hence, the photo snapped in 2013