2017
Royal Palaces Manhattan Vienna Xmas
Another year, more travelling. And loving every bit of it.
Oslo
February saw us heading to Norway and Oslo! A country I'd always wanted to visit since first reading Roald Dahl's The Witches all those years ago as a school kid.
February brought us snow, bitter cold winds, but more importantly, a beautiful city. We wandered Oslo which is big (but in many ways small too).
Cold, but worth it. Very picturesque
The Royal Palace was up the long promenade and a monument to behold. So many people came to see it, came to enjoy it. The yellow and pastel green building reminded me of those double lollies you had as a kid, but the pictures in the snow made for some memories, I tell you that.
The view atop the Opera House. Slippery stuff.
The Opera House was as iconic as I'd seen it online, and in terms of hostel locality, it was a mere 10 minute walk. We carefully moved up the slope to take in the Oslo landscape from the highest point of the Opera House. By the time my toes had numbed, I was in love with Oslo. What a great city.
The Akershus Fortress - built at the turn of the 13th Century which has also masqueraded as a prison too.
The following day, we visited the old fortress for a history lesson and a walking tour which took us around the port areas, churches and the Old City Hall. I remember my toes going numb again and thinking I needed some coffee.
On part of Ekeberg, the hills overlooking Oslo (the glow above the main skyline, on top of the distant hills is the ski slopes).
After a quick refuel, I convinced my partner in crime to hike up the hillsides for sunset (or the winter equivalent). After much complaining of coldness and numb toes, we made it. And it was worth it. The gold lights of the Oslo buildings against the night sky was spectacular.
Our reason for coming to the top was to see where Edvard Munch painted The Scream.
Munch's The Scream. A little surreal, really.
The following day, we were in the Oslo art gallery visiting the famous portrait. From seeing the iconic painting so many times throughout school and online, it was strange to be standing in front of the real thing. Strange, but extraordinary all the same.
One drawback I did find to Norway, and Scandinavia as a whole, or so I've been informed, was the prices. If you're going to go, save your pennies. It cost me 16 quid (not Kroner) for a beer and a cider. Safe to say, we didn't get too drunk on this trip!
New York
Ah, New York. My third visit after two previous trips in winter 2013 and summer 2014. I came up with a book series idea on my first trip so I wonder what my third trip my turn up.
My reason for returning to the Big Apple was that my cousin Matt was getting married. New Jersey style!
Amazing achievement on a site full of difficult memories.
So, this trip consisted of much food, drink and celebration. Sadly, we'd lost my uncle (his dad) a few months earlier so the wedding was at times tough for some of us, but a very enjoyable event. Who wouldn't want to sip champagne (red wine in my case) whilst overlooking the Manhattan skyline from New Jersey? As part of my cousin's best man speech (the groom's brother), I dressed as an old man who supposedly saved the groom from certain death when he fell onto the subway tracks after a night out. Jeremiah Jones was given a hero's welcome!
Jeremiah Jones had the moves too!
This is the best I could do with my useless Nokia. Time for an upgrade, I knew.
I did get to visit the 9/11 museum at Ground Zero this time however, and I'm so glad I did. I had mixed reactions again, perhaps like I did with Auschwitz and Birkenau. I wasn't keen on people taking selfies at the memorial site, but I suppose that's just the age we live in now. I cannot speak highly of the memorial and museum which hides perfectly remembers those tragic events of September 11th, 2001.
The following day, we went to a condo party, complete with ping pong tables, swimming pool and beer. It was a great way for me to finish a 4 day trip stateside. And my congratulations again to Matt and Kiley!
Vienna
After a few months of living normally again, working and paying rent, another trip was in order. This time it was Vienna. Another city high on my list, and with good reason I quickly discover after landing.
Vienna Opera House - stunning!
Vienna was similar in respects of architecture as other places I'd visited in Europe, but in terms of grandeur and beauty, it was going to be hard to top.
We visited the Christmas markets along with the main markets which sold spices and sweets, clothing just about everything else in between. I had a delicious schnitzel there at a small cafe and sunk it down with a tasty German beer.
Vienna Magic of Advent market, by day and by night!
At night, we visited the Christmas market by the city hall, opposite the famous opera house and drank gluhwien with pastries. This is what seasonal travelling is all about. Drinking down warm beverages in the cold night air. I loved it.
Apple strudel? Yes please!
We also visited the Cafe Central for a traditional apple strudel. It was amazing with coffee and a lot cheaper than I was expecting, given the grand ceiling paintings and marble columns surrounding us.
The rest of our trip was spent wandering art galleries and the royal palaces. Vienna is such a magical city - one that everyone should take a visit too.
Other notable mentions - not travelling related
LONDON MARATHON 2017
I run the London Marathon 2017 - a bucket list point checked off. I loved every second of it and the crowds were amazing. An unforgettable experience.
RAGNAR RUN 2017 - THE FIRST UK ONE EVER
Along with my nine other teammates, we had to run from Maidstone along the coastline from Whistable all the way to Brighton. We started at 8am on the Saturday and finished around 6pm on the Sunday.
Another great challenge and one not to be forgotten (for the right and wrong reasons).
Well, that way my 2017... 2018 to follow!
