Helsingor, North Zealand.

Travelling and transport around Copenhagen and the larger  island of Zealand is seamless and very easy. We have purchased a Copenhagen card which allows us unlimited use of all transport networks, discounts in restaurants, cafes, services and full entrance to major attractions. The unlimited use of all the transport networks is the real plus as this has allowed us to travel all around the Zealand Island. Copenhagen is a major cycling city with 40% of the population riding bikes around the city. This resinates out into the provinces. Every one rides a bike.  Every road has a cycle lane, inclusive of traffic lights just for the bikes. To accommodate so many cyclists the trains are equipped to carry bikes. There are special carriages on every train designated for cycles. The owner just walks the bike into the carriage, parks and sits or stands in that carriage. Incidentally dogs are also welcome throughout the country on leashes, and are often found on the trains in the dog designated areas. Trains and buses seem to leave every 15 minutes for about 20 hrs a day, with limited services in those few hours of darkness. 

Jenny and I trained up to Helsingbor at the top of the island and stayed for 2 nights at Humblebaek on the Baltic Coast. Helsingor is a train hub, so we have visited the summer palace of the royals at Fredensborg, then onwards to the Danish equivalent of Versille, Frederksborg Slot, the Castle. Absolutely fantastic.. We have also caught the ferry across the Chanel to Helsingborg in Sweden. Popped across for lunch as you do!

Copenhagen. The Church of our Saviour. Up to the top.

Copenhagen city is built on 3 islands. One of the smaller islands is an area called Christanhaven. From the centre of the city looking across the canals to Christanhaven you can see the Church of the Saviour. While there are other churches and spires  around in the area, this particular church has a circular staircase running around the outside.  400 steps to the top they advertise. So if you can climb it, I'm there.  We climbed up some very narrow wooden steps in the centre of the church, and then popped out onto the outside. We then had to climb  the final  100 steps winding in a circular motion around the outside of the church. Amazing the steps were  copper with a painted copper railing. As we drew closer to the top so too the steps got narrower until you just reached the solid gold ball of the Saviour. The views over the cityscape were amazing, and so too was the wind.

Walking food tour of Copenhagen.

Jenny and I, along with 6 other food enthusiasts met with the lovely Maria in the farmers market for a food walking tour through parts of Copenhagen. 4 hours of tasting, walking and talking food. We learnt a lot about the Danes, their lifestyles, the food they eat and why these particular foods came about. The over arching theme that  resonated strongly through this tour and any other food we have eaten is that the Danes use local produce, fresh,  and preferably organic. Sounds very like NZ to me.

The farmers market is permanently set up selling each day, however on Wednesday small time sellers from surrounding areas can come into town  with small traitors and take up a small stall. We started with cheese. Delicious. The wine was very much like a liquor and was either 20% proof if it was a female wine or 40% proof for the male equivalent. The mustards and meats had delicious flavours.

Next were the open sandwiches which were developed by the farmers in the fields. These sandwiches are based on rye bread which keeps fresher longer. The Danes always eat with a knife and fork, even if it's pizza. They never use their fingers. When eating food like open sandwiches the Danes always start with the chicken, work through the fish and then onwards to the meat, so we worked right to left down the plate.

A small deviation in the tour was through one of the many micro breweries in the city, a city dominated by Carlsburg beer. That in itself is another story. Back into town, past a local and renown butcher who has been in business for over 125 years. Not only is the butcher renown for his meat but the fact the attendants always wear bowler hats. Another story there, but walking on. 

Further into the centre of the city we came to the organic hotdog stand. A  flavoured sausage inside a bun, liberally supplemented with condiments and side dishes. Delicious. Around the corner was a sweet shop making all those old fashioned sweets that we knew as kids, humbugs etc. While there they were making liquorice and mint, having just finished Kiwi. Yahoo that's me. 

Danish pastry, oh my goodness what a selection. I thought Danish pastry was a type. What I didn't realise is Danish pastry  again is a name to a multitude of varieties  and types. A foodies heaven. On Wednesday they have the cininmin bun Wednesday. A bun designed specifically for a work place shout, always on a Wednesday. Designed to be cheap and filling. Onwards back to the farmers market for our chocolate fix. Chocolate plays a large part in desserts. Cheese cakes, pies and small dessert chocolates. Yesterday we popped over the border to Sweden, as you do, to see Malmo. However as a foodie I was intrigued to see the similarities. 

London in 48 hours

I've always loved London and this trip was no exception. I met up with my friend Jenny and we spent a hectic 48 hours in and around London. First stop Westminster in time to hear Big Ben chime and then off to  ride the London eye. 

Day 2 we caught the tube , then a train to Kingston , followed by a bus to Hampton Court Palace, once home to Henry VIII. I've been to some palaces and stately homes before but this was fantastic. Armed with audio guides we wandered the great halls, the corridors, the waiting rooms, the new baroque extension and finally the garden. Throughout the day various 'characters' appeared and small cameos  were played out in front of us. The visit was dampened by rain around 4 pm, so time to leave and retreat back into the city for a pub meal and on to Heathrow. Not nearly long enough. 

Farewell from TX Campus

Last night was a time for farewells and a chance to say goodbye. Sue our head of campus gave a small speech which summed up my achievements at the school.
Perhaps her nicest words were not of my achievements in the classroom, although mentioned, but instead my ability to be a "team player",  and an enthusiastic contributor to the corporate nature of the school. As an add on she did mention the fact that I was a very patriotic citizen of my country. I was chuffed with the acknowledgements. We have animals attached to the aide memoir of the school. Today the Year 6 students presented me with the Percy the dolphin for perseverance in relation to extra curricular activities.
All lovely recognition's.

Homeward bound

Two passports later this 5 year  adventure, which has taken me to 34 countries, is coming to an end. Today I booked  the last sector of my flight from Auckland to Blenheim on 1 August. I also took the liberty to book an extra 23kgs of luggage, making my maximum luggage allowance 69kgs. I left 5 years ago with 33kgs. Hmm how things have grown and expanded.














Words just don't seem to do justice to this adventure I have participated in. An experience of a lifetime.


In between now and then I'm flying to UK and then starting a small cycling adventure which will see my friend Jenny and I cycle the bike pathways of Denmark, Germany, Belguim  to Amsterdam.


I'm looking forward to some New Zealand time and family time while I regroup and think about where to next, in terms of travel and employment. In the meantime it's on your bike!