I just returned from a whirlwind trip up north... I called it a vacation, which made Sanja laugh, as four days does not qualify as a vacation in Serbia.
Originally my plan was to go to Iceland later this month, via Oslo to visit friends new and old. As it became clear that August was going to be unbelievably busy, I adjusted my plans for a short trip to Norway to see Kathryn and Christopher. When Mads (my new Danish friend) heard I was going to be so close, he asked me to come to Copenhagen for one day. So, I did. Cause that's just how I roll.
When I arrived in Oslo Saturday afternoon, Kathryn and Christopher were waiting for me at the airport. They said we were going to Sweden for lunch and some grocery shopping (did I mention that Norway is one of the most expensive places on earth?), and so I could say that I had been to Sweden (little did any of us know I would be having TWO meals in Sweden on this trip).
Kathryn and Christopher are excellent hosts... we walked around Oslo some, saw a movie, chilled, and got very, very silly. It was exactly what I needed! They are also great chefs, and treated me to my first fondue experience. Kathryn took great photos and promised to blog about it. I will include a link as soon as that happens. However, there was a small incident involving her wireless router and some red wine, so check back soon.
Speaking of pictures, I double checked the camera batteries before I left, because they ALWAYS die at the least opportune times. What I didn't double check is that I had put my memory card back into the camera. So, while pictures are a bit skimpy of this "vacation", please note that I added titles and captions.
Tuesday morning I got up at the crack of dawn and headed for the train which would take me to the airport for the 7 am flight to Copenhagen. Mads was waiting for me at the airport, and we headed back to Sweden for breakfast. See, Malmo, Sweden's third biggest city is about 30 minutes from the heart of Copenhagen. Mads lives in Sweden, and works in Denmark. So, we popped into a shop for supplies and headed back to his place where I whipped us up some breakfast, and he kept the coffee flowing.
Later we hopped the train into Copenhagen where he gave me a lovely tour complete with royal history. Unfortunately, my camera batteries died mid-tour, and I was unable to document several of the lovely things I saw. His best friend Claus joined us for lunch at this great little place, Iva Davidsen, with a line out the door (luckily, Mads had made reservations shortly after I booked my ticket). They specialize in Smørrebrød, Danish "open-faced sandwiches". This translation does not do them justice. All I can say is if you find yourself in Copenhagen, and are lucky enough to get in, try the one with smoked potatoes, bacon, and chicken salad.
After lunch we did a bit more walking, before we found ourselves in Copenhagen's oldest gay bar. Where I was introduced to FISH, a strong and tasty mix of vodka and Fisherman's Friend.
All too quickly it was time for me to head back to the airport to head back to Oslo for my last evening with Kathryn and Christopher (and their sweet little dogs). The next morning I got up, got to chat with Kathryn a bit more over coffee and breakfast, and began my trip back to Serbia. I hope to be returning the hospitality of my northern friends in the near future. Of course all of my friends are welcome to visit me in Belgrade at any time. As long as we plan in advance to make sure that Sass will actually be in Serbia ...
