Possibly the most cosmopolitan of all the Scandinavian cities. In the good old days, Denmark was a major power, and a center of art, architecture, literature and culture in the continent. After Norway, Copenhagen definitely has a big city feel to it. The Little Mermaid is on every tourist’s list, as is Hamlet’s castle in … Continue reading Copenhagen
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Tromso
The northernmost big city in the world, the northernmost university town, and well north of the Arctic Circle. But summertime is surprisingly mild, and also coupled with the fact there is sunlight for 24 hours, you don’t really need much in the way of warm clothes. Stay by the harbor side. Beware of seagulls. There … Continue reading Tromso
Bergen
A former Hanseatic League city, with its city center a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. One can spend a good part of the day, sightseeing around the city – from open air musical concerts featuring local and international talent, to taking a funicular ride up a mountain, there is enough acivity to keep one occupied. … Continue reading Bergen
Scandinavia: The Land of the Vikings (and Trolls)
There’s something mysterious about the far North – be it Jon Snow, or a trip to Scandinavia. Quiet, orderly countries, half the year in light, the remaining half in darkness, nature in all its beauty, a history of seafaring ravagers, now turned into an uber-polite and bookish race. Though I read it after my trip, … Continue reading Scandinavia: The Land of the Vikings (and Trolls)
Sicily
Sicily is a wonderful place to be in. I spent a full week here, aimlessly traipsing from one town to another, no destination in mind. Do remember, the people of Sicily are quite different from mainland Italy and they will be proud to point that out to you. Though not exactly like a scene out … Continue reading Sicily
Rome
The eternal city. There is little for me to add here. For those with a keen sense of history, I think they could spend years in Rome and still be not cover even a fraction of all the sights to see. Every street corner beckons with the magic of the past. The interesting thing … Continue reading Rome
Venice
Note to self, it rains in February in Venice. Further note to self, when the weather is cloudy, don’t try to bargain a 3 Euro umbrella down to 2 Euros, and then skip buying it. We had the good fortune to land in Venice during the Carnival. With masques all around, it held the atmosphere … Continue reading Venice
Florence, Pisa and Tuscany
From Bologna, you can visit Florence and Pisa. Pisa has little to see except the obligatory tower. From here on, southwards you can start seeing a large Bangladeshi population that has been steadily expanding in Italy. They run pretty much all the souvenir stalls, and you’d be hard pressed to find a local. From Florence, … Continue reading Florence, Pisa and Tuscany
Bologna
Down south is Bologna, which is the birthplace of Spaghetti Bolognois. And also, the oldest existing university. Don’t make the mistake of calling it ‘one of the oldest’. Locals will promptly correct you to ‘the oldest’. But outside of the university area, the city can be a bit dull and dingy. For fun, try to … Continue reading Bologna
Milan
In the north, Milan is the reigning empress of high fashion. A whole day can be spent window shopping at the Grand Galleria (please note, I say window shopping unless you are a millionaire, who is happy paying through his nose for an Armani or a Zegna). In winter, take a walk along the square, … Continue reading Milan
Random Musings of a Wanderer 