Another busy day in Copenhagen, summer solstice

As usual we started with a good breakfast, then off to get the bus, unfortunately we could not work out where to get off so decided to use the metro, yet again we could not work out which sort of ticket but a lady kindly helped us.
We were hoping we would see lots to photograph on the trip to they centre,  sadly most was underground,  we got to the center then, took the escalator up into a store,  oops,  we quickly found our way out and set off looking for the Little Mermaid

and any other places of interest along the way along the way. for example we saw the royal theatre

Unfortunately  I did not record all the places we saw along the way, so may need Brians help later to edit,

I think it was the royal palace where we saw the guards outside and there were all sorts of statues, again I will have to put photos on when return home, trying to remember it all at 12 at night is a bit of a struggle made worse by my senior moments, there were lots of coaches full of tourists, along the way l needed to go to the toilet (see other blog) plus a cruise ship in the harbour, whilst there, it started to rain which quickly meant the people disappeared,  it only lasted a while, we made our way back to the centre and stopped for something to eat and drink as my back had set off again and I needed a painkiller, I settled for a pizza,  after this we made our way to the Town Hall where there were all sorts of activities taking place,

we passed a Latin American style band on the way, Brian bought us an ice cream each,

We went to Central Station for a look round and to catch the metro back unfortunately it doesent run from there, I have never seen so many cycles in one place at a time

I used the toilets there (see other blog) Brian had noticed there was something showing up in his viewfinder on the camera we could not remove it but managed to get it lower down on the screen hopefully it will not spoil his photos, then we went looking for the bus back as it was nearer than the metro,  we found the tourist office but it was closed,  which seemed odd in such a busy tourist resort, we found the bus stop but then were told it was the wrong direction, the driver sent us to the wrong street, but Brian  sorted us out plus we found the statue of Hans Christian Andersen and we were on our way back to the hotel, its a shame that it is surrounded by roadworks at present so is not at its best.

When we got off Brian said lets go down to the promenade as it was the Summer Solstice and lots of peple would be going there, I was amazed at how many people were walking and cycling there, couples family's and groups of friends,  both young and old, we wandered along, many had brought a picnic, particularly young couples,  one I noticed had rye bread, sausages and strawberries,  an interesting combination of food, we took a series of photos, then noticed that the sun was setting in the opposite direction,  just then there was a brief shower,  which quickly abated but many had already started to leave,

I forgot to mention earlier that Brian had kindly offered to carry my backpack to help me cope, normally I would not of taken him up on his offer but realised that it would help me to continue longer so many thanks Brian,  just after this we saw a beautiful rainbow in the sky so again out with the cameras.
I needed my painkillers that I have to take with food so back to our Chinese for a meal, what an odd combination I had of omelette chips with a mushroom sauce, whilst waiting I noticed the sun had changed to beautiful reds, so off for a few more photos, we then came back after the meal for an early night, ready for another busy day tomorrow

Day Two Our trip to Malmo

My phone rang at 6ish,  it was
Brian asking if I was ready for breakfast, I explained this was a little early for me, that I would meet 8ish, which we did, what a great range of food, I did struggle with the fruit juice which was to sweet and the coffee to bitter and I am not sure what happened with the bacon, I tried the rye bread and it found excellent


We then made our way to the metro then airport station for the train to Malmo, it was clean quiet and comfortable,  unfortunately we did not manage to obtain any photos of the bridge, Malmo station was very busy, in the distance we could see the new tower, called the Turning Torso,so started to walk toward it for a better photo,

the walk was through an industrial area it seems the whole area is being renovated, on the way we came across a small museum and spotted a jet fighter in its grounds

We then walked back through the park,

then the streets of Malmo, we came to the main square with lots of beautiful buildings and fountains for us to enjoy

another photo opportunity there was a very unusual band the optomistic orchestra, there

My back suddenly went into spasm so I suggested we make our way back to the station so I could have a painkiller, drink,  food and a rest, at the station I needed to use the toilet (see other blog) Brian wanted to try some local food so we had some rye bread with a variety of toppings, which I enjoyed, then back on the train to Copenhagen,  I said would buy the train tickets only to find I did not have enough money, so Brian sorted us out, I then worried what I had done with the rest of my Swedish money, this time the train was quite busy, when we got to Copenhagen my back was still painful, so I returned to the hotel for a rest, but Brian decided to walk back, on my return, I checked my money, it seems all was correct and I had bought less Swedish kroner than I thought, I rested for a couple of hours then we went for another meal at the chinese,

this time finishing off with a chocolate lolly each, we returned to the hotel, discussed plans for tomorrow, hopefully there will be no early calls in the morning

Moans of a Grumpy, Nearly Old Man ( Tog )

10 November 2006

Well what a period it seems to of been, finally today my aerial has been fixed so when I finally get my replacement DVD recorder, I shall be able to spend my evenings on these dark nights watching all my favourite rubbish & repeats on Freeview TV.

Recently I have been trying to use public transport both to save money, but also to do my bit to help save the environment.

Unfortunately what an experience using the bus and tram is. For instance why should the 98 bus which should be a regular service, go missing then 2 come together.
Twice this week it has stopped at a bus stop for 5 minutes twice on its way, before reaching Bury Interchange, making me miss the tram, resulting in me being late for work.

Talking of the bus why do they all brake so suddenly when coming to a stop, so that people like me with poor mobility are unbalanced, but then instead of complaining actually thank the driver as we leave.

This seems to be the norm with all the bus drivers I have come across in the last 6 months, is it possible that they are re trained in special techniques to upset the passengers, as in their other special skill, accelerating from the stop at great speed, ( I am told that the vehicles are automatic which should make it easier to drive), which is all made worse for us sad people with bad backs, because my spine is constantly shifted at great force from crashing against the seat, to being in mid air.

Also why do people not queue any more? and why does nobody get up from their seats for an elderly or disabled person?

On the trams why does one to Altringham seem to leave at 9.29 just before the concessions come in & people have the chance to buy their tickets from the machine at 9.30 and board the tram?


I realise that the trams have a timetable but could they slow down on the stretch between Bury and Radcliff to ease the noise & swaying for us older sad souls. Again, my poor back goes into spasm as it jerks between the air & the seat back. I suppose it keeps a whole range of health professionals in work putting the damage right.

Yesterday yet again there were problems on the trams with delays, I presume partly due to the problems caused by the crazy situation caused by the dispute between bus services in Manchester, with lots of empty buses queuing up on Mosley Street blocking the progress of the trams.


Last night there was obviously a conspiracy because it took from 4.30 to 6pm for me to travel the 12 miles from Manchester to my home, in fact I ended up going the long way round on another bus route, because the 98 had presumably got lost on its way from Manchester, because as my bus left the queue was still waiting at the 98 stop.

When I finally got home there was another note from my elderly neighbour asking could I call to give some advice. Just for a change I decided to wait until the following day to see her and finally relaxed totally exhausted.

17 November 2006

Well what a week I finally have all the stuff damaged by lightening replaced, but sadly non are the same make or model so I now have 5 new instruction books to work through I have connected up in some sort of fashion but still not sure what all the buttons do on any one piece of equipment, what a shame they do not make compatable easy to use equipment, or that my son does not live down the road so that he can sort it out for me.

Next moan is that I went to get new glasses this week & was told minimum was £140, so went to specsavers who have simple pricing (they say) explained wanted same as I had but not expensive, assistant said no problem but could have 2 for the price of one. Cutting long story short ended up with different glasses at £180, after coming out realise only needed 1 pair because existing pair still okay according to optician, well it keeps them in business.

Whilst wandering round the shops despite being 6 foot 2 tall & 15 stone people will insist in walking into me, but never seem to want to apologize, also why do they aim for the small gap between me and the wall, this has happenned 3 times today, what has happened to good old manners.

To cheer me up I am going to see Ken Dodd hopefully with my mate Andy tomorrow, so if I can remember I will try give a couple of the experiances I have to cheer you all up in the next episode.

I am trying to find some decent english blogs but have been suprised how hard they are to find although I have now found a real British site but it seems to have some very strange stuff on, in that which I have read so far.