Travel

Short trip to LONDON, BILBAO and PARIS in spring, 2015 


Back in 1996, I was young and nothing to fear, and I planned to travel in Europe alone for two months. I got the biggest backpack at a store and headed for Europe. My plan was to visit 13 counties in two months. Some of my school friends were back to their home during the summer vacation, so I was planning to visit each of them to Germany, Spain, Italy, Sweden and Portugal. 

However, the very first day I got in Holland, I felt lonely... Really LONELY. I missed all my friends in Seattle. I knew one of my friend from Seattle was visiting London, and I decided to meet her in London even London was not in my itinerary.

 I spent a week in London and stayed the same place where she stayed. It was OK while she was in London, but I felt lonely again soon after she left for Paris... Few days I spent in London alone, I moved to Paris. Soon she moved back to Seattle, I felt lonely again...  My next visit was Pamplone where my best friend to Pamplona lives, and I stayed there for 10 days. My first visiting Europe was not much fun, and I just kept thinking about going back to Seattle everyday. Even I regretted that I made the plan... Eventually, I changed my plan and I could stayed in Europe for a month. I visited 5 countries, Holland, Belgium, England, France and Spain. 

★　★　★　★　★　★　★　★　★　★　★　★

It passed almost 20 years since then, and I lost my interest of visiting London and Paris for a long time.  Two years ago, one of my friend moved to Paris with her family and asked me for visiting them in her email. Then, I started thinking about visiting Paris again by this chance. Also, I started thinking to visit London again. I said I lost my interest of London for a long time, but I realized I was very much attracted by England. I scrapbook the fashion-inspired page from the magazines, not only clothing. Foods, furniture, decor and etc which I like are scrapbooked, and I noticed that many of them are related to England. I decided to visit London again, and I planned to visit the places where I checked in the magazines.

★　★　★　★　★　★　★　★　★　★　★　★

Luckily, I could flew to London with a business class this time. JAL SKY Suit is now offering the  private space and off course the seat goes to full flat when you sleep. Nobody didn't bother me during the flight and JAL also offers anytime meal. I could order snacks, light meal, drinks, etc anytime I wish from the menu.
I spend many hours for watching movies, and I could have a good sleep when I got tired.

Couple hours before landing on London, I ordered Ramen and ice cream for dessert :) 
The smell of Ramen was wafted from somewhere... it made me wake up. 

Long-awaited London was getting closer to closer, I was thrilled when I could see the beautiful land from the plane. 

"I'm coming, London!"

London 

♪ Day 1 (May 4th)　　　

Arosfa Hotel

Lovely hotel! The Room was well cleaned and nicely decorated. My room was small, but it was enough for one person. Staff are really friendly and I was warmly welcomed by one of the staff the day I arrived. Location is perfect, too. It was easy to get to the hotel from the Heathrow airport, even I am not familiar with the area. There are two stations close to the hotel, and it was pretty convenient wherever I wanted to go. There are shops, cafes and pubs within walking distance of the hotel. Never get bored even I don't go sightseeing and stay near the hotel. 

If I have to say something I wasn't satisfied  with the hotel, I would say no refrigerator in my room. One of my plan was to eat scones with a lots of clotted cream. Clotted cream is sold in Japan, too, but the problem is the price...it's pretty expensive, especially the one comes from England. I sometimes buy the Rodda's clotted cream, and the price is 40g : 454 JP yen (about ￡2.36). Rodda's clotted cream I found at Little Waitrose(supermarket) was less ￡2 per 200g!!! The price was perfect. I could eat it as much as I want with a scone! But it was too much for one time eat...I had to finish them all at one time because of no fridge in my room...I had to give it up... 

♪ Day 2 (May 5th)

I didn't plan to visit for tourist attractions this time. Visiting the shops I checked thru the internet and guidebook and the department stores where I saw on the magazine were the purpose of my visit this time. Shopping, shopping, shopping!

Selfridges

Nice department store! I just walked around a little bit and left for the next.

I moved to Piccadilly Park station and I walked toward Fortnum & Mason against green park where many tourist walked to Buckingham Palace. I just focused on spending time for shop around.

Fortnum & Mason

I remember my friend took me to Fortnum & Mason 20 years ago, and I took the picture in front of the store. I didn't recognize many changes, but the fence in front of the store was removed. I still have the peppermint tea's tin when I shopped last time. 

Window display was just lovery!

When I opened the door, fancy teas and cookies' tin jumped to my eyes. I wanted to buy everything I wanted, but it was not possible to do so...

Lovely teaware was really attracted, but it was too luxury for me...

Lunch @ Fortnum & Mason

"Scallops with Cauliflower and Pancetta"

(Fortnum & Mason Food & Drinks Award 2015)

I usually don't care much about the foods when I travel outside of Japan, but I wanted to have something fancy this time. For me, having lunch at Fortnum & Mason was far from cheap or reasonable. Needless to say, It was good, but I don't think it is worth to pay for that price... It's a reasonable price in London???

Prestat 

Prestat is one of the favorite chocolate shop in London. First time I saw it on the magazine, the package was attracted me very much. Since my friend got me a box of their chocolates from London, I became a fan of their chocolates. I wanted to get a box at there, but I just got three kinds of truffles instead. The red velvet, and two others what I got this time were pretty good. Red velvet became my favorite this time!

Stephen Wiltshire Gallary

The artist who remember the everything he sees at once. He was introduced  on Japanese TV long times ago, and I dreamed of visiting his gallery since then. My dream came true. The gallery is not a big, but I could feel his talent by his work.

Trafalgar

Palace of Westminster & Big Ben

Move to Oxford Cirsus from Charing Cross station and visited the Liberty department store.

Liberty

Lovely decoration made me excited. It is not big like other department store, but the atmosphere is just lovely.

♪ Day 3 ♪

 ~ May 6th~

Harrods

I think Harrods is the most famous British Department store in Japan.

Flavors of Japan

 The most interesting floor was the food hall. The variety foods from all over the world are　neatly arranged in a shine show case. Of course Japanese foods are one of them but Sushi, Tempura and Bento box are a bit unique for Japanese...I hope the chef is not Japanese.

ROCOCO CHOCOLATE 

After I spent an hour in Harrods, I moved to the next, Rococo Chocolates.

It's not an exaggeration to say that this is one of the purpose to visit 

LONDON this time. I was dreamed of visiting the shop since I had their chocolates!  Their wafers are the best! Just brilliant! First time I had their chocolates was couple years ago, and it was from my friend who tripped to London. 

The store was just lovely.😍

 I wish the store was near my apt in Tokyo. I stayed there for a while and I wrote my trip journal with having the coffee and their chocolates. 

I wanted to try the violet wafers( Their rose wafer I had before was excellent!), but I didn't see it... it seems they stopped selling it. I wanted to stay there as much as I could, but I was planning to visit British Museum on the day and left the shop.

Harvey Nichols

Harvey Nicholas is another department store in London. Newby, tea brand, was one of the tea I wanted to buy in London, and Harvey Nichols introduced it in their web site. Unfortunately, they didn't carry what I wanted.

Instead of buying the tea, I found unfamiliar Sushi at the food court.

"Yo! Sushi" is the chain Sushi restaurant in London. You can find it at many places. INARI was the most unique for me. Usually "Age" (fried tofu) wraps rice, but "Age" was used as filling inside like other rolled sushi. I don't think none of Japanese make "INARI" like that...The other it took my attention was "KAISO." "KAISO" means seaweed in Japanese. Unfamiliar seaweed is on top of rice.. I had no idea how it tastes like.

INARI(top left), Kaiso Gunkan, Salmon, Duck and Mango Roll, Dragon Roll,Yo! Roll

Can you see the difference between Japanese INARI and Yo!Sushi INARI? I was amazed when I tossed it into my mouth, it is INARI! (OMG,it's INARI~!) It was actually really good beyond expectation. One more thing I was amazed was Kaiso Gunkan. It doesn't look good actually, but the taste was amazing! I wish Japansee Sushi restaurant adopt it in Japan, too. Fun experience in London, hahaha.

    British Museum
I planned to visit the museum to see the things I watched in the movie "Night at the Museum III" which I watched during a flight to London. I like this movie series and I already visited American Museum of Natural History (NYC) and Smithsonian (Washington D.C.) couple years ago.　

I walked a lot from the morning on the day, and my feet were too tired to walk when I got the museum. One hour was the limit I could stay there...I didn't think I could walk anymore...

                                                               The Gold chariot-model from the Oxus Tresure　 It's really tiny and cute♪ 

The Nereid Monument

My last dinner in Lodon was from POD. I never seen it before, and I had no idea about this restaurant... I ordered Thai Green Chicken. It was too heavy when I received it. I didn't expect it much, but once I started eating, I could not stop. It was soooo good. I wish it comes to Tokyo!

I enjoyed my stay in London a lot and I shopped a lot. 
Now I'm ready to move to Bilbao! I'm coming, dear my friend!

♪ Day 4 & 5 ♪
~May 7th & 8th~

Hello, Bilbao!
One of the main purpose of my trip for visiting Bilbao this time is to see my best friend. We spent a Lots of time in Seattle until he left for Pamplona for good. Last time I met him was in 1997 and visited his hometown, but I haven't seen him since then. 
My stay was pretty short, but I am so happy and excited that I could meet him after many years. 

 Lately, many airline company quit in-flight food service for short flight, so I didn't expect I could get the sandwich. Cabin crew was pushing the cart and serving meals. I hesitate to take it...I just wonder if they gonna charge it... I saw other passengers what they do, and I confirmed it is free. 😉

★　★　★　★　★　★　★　★　★　★　★　★

 He was standing at a little distance from the exit and trying to find me. I saw him right after the exit door was opened. I was too happy to see him, and I almost cry.

He drove his car to the downtown Bilbao and showed me the city for a while.
We stopped by the place where we stay for a night and dropped our language, and headed for the sightseeing. The weather was perfect and it was very nice to walk. 
We kept talking and talking. A lot to catch up on since we last talked!

The street view is really Spanish to me.
Totally different from London and my city "Tokyo".

We had the lunch at Nueva Plaza. Again, we kept talking and talking. It was so nice to talk with my friend after a long absence.

My lunch: White Asparagus tortilla Sandwich, 
Cafe Viznete(@ Nueva Plaza) 
Bocadillo de tortilla de espárragos

He showed me more about the city after the lunch.

Not possible to see this much of the prosciutto hanging from the ceiling in Tokyo. 

Museo Guggenheim Bilbao

Just before I visited the museum, there was a chance to see it on TV. I really don't understand modern art...I don't know he wanted to see the exhibits, but I passed to check the inside the museum. We just had a drink at a cafe beside the museum. 

Giant Spider
It is called "Maman" created by Cheim & Read. We have the same thing in Tokyo, too. It is located Roppongi Hills.

Am I lucky? :)  I couldn't see the famous flower decorated dog, but I saw the next decoration info instead...This is the one I wanted to see the most...too bad.

FEVE station at Bilbao
This retro station exterior is really amazing and beautiful. 

Miss you, mi amigo!
My stay was too short, and the second day was my last day in Bilbao... I really wanted to spend few more days with my friend, but I had to move to Paris to see my another friend and leave for Japan.

After we had coffee in the morning, he took me to Getxo for having lunch. Everything I could see is so pretty and it looks new to me, even the doors and windows are fancy. All look very different from Japan, and I totally fell in love with the city. 


Getxo
The day was perfect to go seaside. The weather was pretty, and the nice view from the seaside was so beautiful.

I skipped the dinner day before and the breakfast in the morning. I brought the falafel sandwich he got for ma the day before, and I couldn't wait for the lunch and ate it :P It was SO good.

Right after I finished my sandwih, we moved to the cafe where he was planning to have the lunch. He got his lunch there, but I was already full with the sandwich... I just had the tea.

I still remember he kept eating what he likes everyday while he was in Seattle. It seems the manner has not changed. He had the croquette for his lunch the day before, and he got them again for his lunch. I had the tuna and paprika a little bit from his dishes, and it was really good. I should not have the sandwich...

It looks flan, but it was totally different. I don't remember what it is. 
I guess we spend more than 2 hours there and talked a lot. He send me off at the airport, and I missed him already. I don't know when I can see him again, but I really hope he visits me to Tokyo in the near future. 

♪ Day 6 to 8 ♪~

Hello, Paris!

May 9th

After I said Good-bye to my friend, I moved to Paris. When I arrived in the airport, it started getting dark. I moved to down town Paris from the airport by shuttle bus, and my friend picked me up at ”Arc de triomphe de l'Étoile. Her kids was waiting for my arrive even the time I arrived her home around 11:00PM. Her kids were just lovely, and I could knew my stay in Paris would be fun at once.

Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Médaille Miraculeuse

It is one of the place where I wanted to visit this time. Pretty different from other church. The soft colors are used, and I could relaxed once I stepped into the church.

I emailed the wish list to my friend what I want to see and eat before I visited Paris, and Galette was one my requests I wanted to eat this time. She took me to the nearest creperie where her family sometimes goes. The restaurant is CC142. 

We all ordered from the three prix fix menus at 20 euros. A glass of apple cider instead of kir breton I had.

Mine was prosciutto, tapenade, sundried tomatoes and mozzarella.

Dessert Crape I ordered was not sweet at all. Berry sauce, Vanilla ice cream and mascarpone were on top. When we got there, we didn't see many people were eating, but it became busy after we started our dinner. It seems it is one of the local favorite restaurant.

May 10th

Before I visited Paris, I did research the place where I should go this time. While I was having the lunch with my friend, she recommended me to visit "Musée Marmottan". 

Musée Marmottan Monet

Musée Marmottan is one of the best museum I ever visited and they hold the big selection of Monet. They also exhibit many other artist's work. I have heard Musee du Louvre is extremely busy, but there is no people waiting in line outside of Musée Marmottan . You can take a lots of time as much as you want for each exhibit. No one bother and block your view. I sat on the sofa and stay in a Monet exhibition room for a while. I wish I could visit this museum one more time.

Lunched at MIRAMA

It seems the restaurant is pretty popular. My friend and her husband highly recommended me to have shrimp wontan(dumpling) noodle. The restaurant is tiny, but they serves amazing noodles. Since I had it, I became a big fan of Shrimp wonton noodle. Please try it when you have a chance to visit Paris. It's pretty close to Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

Last time I walked by the church, I didn't see inside. I remembered the Disney Movie "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame”, I just took a pic while I was passing by theret. 
This time, I stopped by there and take a look inside. There was a long line of tourists outside, but i didn't see many inside. It's good, but I don't know where they went...

Saint Chapelle

Gothic style chapel (Exterior of the chapel)

After we said Good-bye to her husband and kids, my friend and I visited Saint Chaplelle with my request. 

 

Not knowing how gorgeous inside of the chapel until I visited there.  

The exterior is plain (normal), not gorgeous at all, but I was so moved when I stepped into the room on the second floor. Amazing stained-glass made me stop blinking :) Plenty of sunlight was streaming through the windows, and it was amazingly beautiful. I am happy that I could have a chance to visit there this time.

 I got a gargoyle magnet what I found at the shop. It's cute, though:)

jaques genin Boutique and Salon de Thé

These days, we can buy many foreign chocolates in Tokyo. It is good, because we don't need to fly to a country just for buying the chocolate. Even the price is double or more, we can buy the chocolates anytime. However, jaques genin's chocolate are not sold in Japan. It means we can't eat it if we don't visit his shop in Paris. 

CHOCOLATES

This is the one I dreamed

Pâtes de Fruts

Caramels

While I was watching TV before I visited Paris, it was introduced as a famous for chocolates and caramels boutique. Japanese famous pastry chef said " You should try their caramel and mille-feuille when you go to the store." I got a box of chocolates and caramels for myself. My friend and I took a rest at their cafe, and I ordered "Mille feille" as heJapanese pastry chef said.

" I would like to have a  mille-feuille and coffee", I said. 

The waitress said,  " We don't have it today. We have chocoalte tart, Paris brest and bla bla bla...." ( I could not get what she said the last few things.)

"...... OMG!"

 I was really shocked that I could't have Mille-feuille which I dreamed of...

I ordered Paris breast instead. It was good, but I was kept thinking about mille-feuille how it taste like. Gee...

Paris Brest

Chocolates (2 pieces) come with coffee. 

Didn't chance to visit Effel tower this time, but there is the place I could see it near my friend's apartment. Right after we finished the dinner, we left her apt. and walked to see it. The time was just before the 10pm and  my friend was totally drank..haha.

But she thought she should come with me, and she followed me anyway. 

May 11th

My last stay in Paris. My friend took me to the local mall near her apartment in the morning, and she left for her French class after we had lunch at her place. I spent couple hours alone, and I headed for the supermarket for buying some souvenirs and Echire butter! Shopping at a local supermarket is one of my favorite things to do in foreign counties.

Statue de la Liberte(Statue of Liberty) @ Pont de Grenelle

The pic was taken from the Beugrenelle(nearest mall from my friend's place). 

Salmon Bagel from Le Boulangerie Alsacienne

Funny, my last meal in Paris was bagel. It doesn't look like bagel to me, and it doesn't taste like bagel either. Maybe a French style? Taste was good, though.

Good -bye, Paris 😢 

 It was great trip that I could meet my friends in Bilbao and Paris. 

Flight dinner: Main dish was roasted lamb and sauteed asparagus.

OMG! The dessert was Jean Paul Hevin! 

Japanese Breakfast!

I really missed Japanese dishes, and my last in-flight meal was typical Japanese breakfast. Yum, yum :)

Butter: Le Beurre Bordier

My friend recommended me to buy this butter before I flew to Paris. The taste was pretty rich! I love it! Please try it when you have a change.

By the way, it was about 7 euros (Expensive!), but it costs 20 euros if you want to buy it in Japan( I don't think I can afford it...) Echire butter(small one) is less 1 euro in Paris, but it costs 10 euros in Japan..  I don't know why it  became so expensive when it comes to Japan...

---

Trip to Russia, Estonia and Finland in 2013

For the first time I saw the picture of “The Saviour on Spilled Blood” on the magazine, I was captivated by the beautiful church right away, and I decided to visit St. Petersburg during the summer vacation in 2013. It was two years ago when I saw it on the magazine, and the day has finally arrived. My summer vacation was from 9/14-9/29, and I visited Russia, Finnland and Estonia for 10days.

Saint Petersburg(Russia)
Narita airport(Tokyo) 11:00 --->15:20 Vantaa airport(Finland)

Vantaa airport 18:30 pm---> Pulcovo airport 9:00pm (St. Petersburg)

Arrived at a Hotel: Around 10PM

I was so exhausted when I arrived at the hotel, but I was also starving at the same time. I went to a Georgian restaurant where the hotel stuffs recommended me as a good restaurant. But I have no idea about Georgian cuisine, because I have never heard of it in my life. I asked them what types of foods I can have, and they giggled and explained me about the menu…but I still couldn’t get it. I just guessed the food could be from America, because the word “Georgia” is one of the American state that I only could guessed. Anyway, I trusted them and went to the restaurant. It was a small but really nice and cozy.

The waiter was really friendly and tried to explain me the menu in English. I was starving, but I felt I could not eat much because of my tiredness. I asked him the portion, and he told me the size of every dish is small. I ordered the soup he recommended me, Ceasar salad and bread. 

Waited for the first dish to arrive for 10-15 mins, and I almost asleep with my tiredness. The Chicken Ceasar Salad and fresh bread just from the oven were brought to my table while I was nodding off at the table... I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the salad...it wasn't small at all. I regretted I ordered the soup. Chicken was tender and juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. The taste of salad was bit different I know, but it was still really good! The bread was also REALLY good!

About 10 minutes later, the soup(Georgian soup) was arrived at my table .(Size of the soup was also big..) The soup was hot and so good. I can't think of any soup similar what I had in the past. I wish I could make it at home, but I even don’t remember name of it…(I can’t read the Russian menu at all)

Even I finished my dinner, I still didn't get the idea what Georgian cuisine is…After I came back to Japan, I googled and found it is the food from Republic of Georgia. I have no idea where I can eat Georgian cuisine in Tokyo. Now I know why the hotel staffs were surprised when I told them I don’t know it…They have been very familiar with the foods, but it was very new to me.

My hotel was located very close to the “The Saviour on Spilled Blood,” and I could see the top of the church on the way back to the hotel from the restaurant…I was very tired, but I couldn't stop my curiosity to see it. To see this church was the main purpose for visiting St. Petersburg. 

The Saviour on Spilled Blood

Every morning and evening, I stopped by there during my stay. It is the most beautiful church I've ever visited in my life.

The picture was taken from the State Russian Museum.

  

I didn't imagine how it looks like inside the church. I can't find any word to express it. It is amazingly beautiful and gorgeous and truly moving.

 All walls are decorated with small pieces of tiles.

 All mosaics are truly amazing. Until I got close to the wall, I thought the wall were painted.

Amazingly great work everywhere!

The color looks bit different from the morning, it was lighted by the sunset.

2nd day in St. Petersburg
I only could stay in the city for four days, and I really regret I didn't plan to stay there little longer. Every building was so pretty and elegant, even the McDonald was located in the nice building. I just remembered the one near my office in Tokyo…it’s totally different...

There are two shops I couldn't help but stopped to see inside.

One is “House of Books(Dom Knigi).” It was originally designed and built to the famous Singer Sewing Company. Even you don’t buy anything, it’s worth to go inside. There is also a café on the second floor. I was thinking to have coffee or tea there, but I gave it up after I checked the price :P

Cafe Zinger at Dom Knigi

Elisseeff Emporium

Other shop I really liked was “Elisseeff Emporium” which is located on Nevsky prospect (avenue). I never knew there is such a amazing store in St. Petersburg. Even I looked for the store in my guidebook, it has not introduced in it.  

Not only the exterior of the building, but also inside the shop was really amazing. “Oh, my God!” that came out of my mouth without thinking as soon as I opened the door.  

Variety of Cheese in a showcase, live oyster in the tank, fresh bread, liquires, were also displayed in a showcase.

Fancy Chocolates and pretty cakes were nicely displayed in a showcases. Everything looked so good. 

I spent half of my 2nd day in St. Petersburg on Nevsky prospect. Nevsky prospect is the main street in St. Petersburg. The tourist map I got at the hotel introduces some landmarks on the street. Every time I found a historic building, I checked it on the map and found out what it is. I should've read more about the guide book before I visited the city... 

Kazan Cathedral

 Vladimirskaya Church
It is located a few blocks south of Nevsky prospect.

This light yellow colored buildings was pretty charming. There is the garden beside the church and I sat on the bench and took a rest for a while. The place was very peaceful. Green leaves and pretty flowers swing in the breeze, and I could see the tourists and neighbors(maybe) were sat on the benches and enjoying the chat. 

Neva River

 Neva river runs through St Petersburg.

The State Hermitage Museum

Second purpose of my visit to St. Petersburg was to visit this museum. I was really amazed its size and luxuriousness. Avoiding standing a line to get an admission ticket, some tourist visited the museum recommended to purchase the ticket prior to visit there in their blog. I took their advice and purchased the ticket thru the internet.  However the time I was there (around noon) 　was not busy time...and I didn't see many people who waited to get the ticket in a line. :P

Not only paintings, exterior and interior of the museum is unbelievably gorgeous. Be sure to make a plan of what you want to see, because it takes years to see all of the paintings!  

The front gate of Hermitage overlapped with Alexander Column in the Palace Square.

It starts from the main staircase. The palace itself is simply stunning.  Right after passing the turnstile, I couldn't take my eyes off everything what I saw and I forgot to blink my eyes  :) 

Too may paintings to see, and I was getting tired and felt like ”painting sickness.” Felt dizzy when I saw a picture after I spent there for 2 hours, and I decided to focused on Rembrandt and Rubens paintings and leave the museum. 

One of Rembranndt works attracted me very much was "Flora."　 

The Large Italian Skylight Room

Last dinner in St. Petersburg was beef stroganoff at Cafe Saint-Petersburg. It was a bit salty for me... 

Souvenir from St. Petersburg. I asked for a big discount when I buy the blue one and it was successed :)

It's hard to see from the picture, but it was the full moon night before I left St. Petersburg. I was a bit nervous to visit the city alone while I was preparing for my trip in Japan, but my concerns were gone soon after I arrived the city. The city is very pretty and people were nice and kind. The whole trip in St. Petersberg was more than I expected. 

Vaasa, Finland  
Last time I visited Finland, I didn't have a time to visit my friend to Vaasa. Vaasa is located about 4 hours from central Helsinki by train. I don’t think I would have a chance to visit there if there is anybody I know. I supposed to take a train at 3:30PM from the central station, but the time I could get on the train was around 5:00PM. It seems there was something happen to the train(I only could catch the word “Electronic” from the Finnish announcement while I was waiting for the train). In Japan, the train always comes on time, I was very exhausted to wait for a train that I didn't know when it would arrive. The time I arrived at the Vaasa station was around 9PM and I was so relieved when my friend called my name just I got off the train. She prepared the dinner and waited for me not to have the dinner. Last time I met her was in Minneapolis (US) about 20 years ago. We kept talking and talking… I don’t remember what time we went to bed. Maybe around 3 AM?

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　       　Vaasa Station

Konsulinna's café

My friend took me to Konsulinna's cafe for lunch. The inside the cafe(interior) is very unique. There are two rooms for the guests, and one is classic and elegant, and the other is modern and stylish. There is the craft shop right after the entrance and you can buy a Finnish design's interior supplies, jewellries, kitchen tools and etc.  

Salmon Soup  

I just had the salmon soup my friend cooked the night before, but my choice from the lunch choices was the salmon soup again. At this moment, I didn't know I kept eating salmon almost everyday during my stay in Helsinki. I think I ate too much salmon during my stay in Finland and I don't need to eat it  for a year :P

It was the first time to see and eat moong bean sprouts. The texture was unique and it was very crunchy.

Helsinki, Finland
Back to Helsinki from Vaasa

Princess cake at cafe EKBERG. (It called Madleine cake at EKBERG, but I think it should be the same as Princess cake...maybe~) 

It is known as the oldest cafe in Helsiki. The agent of my hotel was very close to the cafe, and I had a cup of coffee and the princess cake after I paid accommodation fees to the agent. People kept coming in for lunch while I was there.

Helsingin tuomiokirkko(Helsinki Cathedral)

One day trip to TALLINN, Estonia

Tallinn, Estonia I have heard the city is pretty nice and worth to visit, but I didn’t have a chance to visit there last time I stay in Helsinki. It was one of my purposes of my trip this time, and I enjoyed my short stay in old town, Tallinn. The ferry takes us to Estonia for 2 ½ hours from Helsinki. I left Helsinki at 7:30am and arrived in Tallinn around 10:00am. The day was really cold and it started raining when the ferry was getting close to a port… I usually pack my umbrella in my suitcase, but I felt I don’t need it this time and didn’t have it with me. The rain was quite heavy when I got off the ferry, but there is no shop I could buy un umbrella. I had to wait until the rain stopped or eased off in the ferry terminal. It rained off and on while I was there.

Viru gstes

Viru Gates which were built in 14th century are twin towers and the main entrance into old town. After you passed these gates, you see many shops, cafes & restaurants along side of the street. It was pretty fun to walk even it rained. 

Magusad Mandlid

(Candy coated Almond) 

Once I started eating it, I could not stop eating it until I felt I ate too much... 

View from Kohtuotsa Vaateplats

The view of Tallinn from the Toompea Hill is nice one, but the time I arrived there was nightmare... The heavy rain just started and blocked the view from there. I just needed to find the place where to take shelter from the rain immediately. I wet from the head to toes again. I took a picture and left there when the rain eased of. 

CAFE BOGAPOTT

I wanted to drink something hot and warmed my cold body. The name of the cafe was familiar with me from the guidebook, so I stopped there and take a rest until the rain stopped.

Cinnamon roll was one of the best one I've ever had.

Olde Hansa

After I walked around the town and visited some shops, I stopped for lunch at medieval restaurant, “Olde Hansa.”  

Staffs were wearing the traditional costumes and I was warmly welcomed by them. I ordered the “Thick meat soup( It comes with spelt bread baked from the finest grain and castle’s fresh cheese).” I usually don’t eat lamb because of the smell. I can sniff like a dog, and I recognized the meat is lamb...But it was well cooked and it seems many spices were used. The smell didn't bother my appetite at all. I usually tend to avoid restaurants in tourist hot spots since they are usually overpriced and lacking in quality. Olde Hansa makes a refreshing exception. Prices are somewhat decent and the food is actually good. Wonderful medieval atmosphere took me to the medieval times.

The fresh cheese was excellent, too. I couldn't forget about it and tried to make it at home. 

View from the ferry on the way back to Helsinki

The weather of the day was changeable while I was in Tallinn, but it was really nice when the ferry closed to Finland.

(Written on 2014/9/11)

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Trip to Washington D.C and NYC

My late summer vacation was started from 10/3 this year. I flew to NYC at 6:50AM with American Airlines on 10/3 from Haneda airport.

I spent the mileage I collected for many years and got the first class ticket this time!  The service was not the one I expected, but it was so comfortable. I usually can't sleep much , but this time was different.

"Hello, Washington D.C!"

Day 1(2012/10/3): 

The same day I arrived in JFK, I flew to Dulles airport, Washington D.C. It was the first time to visit NYC and Washington D.C for me. Not knowing where I could find the United terminal at JFK. It took time to find the way where I should go, and finally I found "Air Train" which took me to the United terminal.

The plane I booked was so small...I know it's safe, but I was bit nervous I may get the airsick during the flight to DC. Fortunately, the plane was stable all the time and never felt plane shake. 

Around 11:00am, my plane landed in Dulles airport. From the airport to my hotel, I took a shuttle bus, but my decision was so long. The driver didn't know how he can reach to my hotel... it won't take more than 1h30mins to my hotel from the airport, but it took 3 hours!!! Inside the car was really hot(no air conditioner!), and I was too tired to tell how to get to my hotel to the driver.(Again, it was the first time for me to visit DC! How could I know how to get to my hotel?")

The driver had the car navigation, so I said, " Why don't you use it and find the hotel?"

He said, "This doesn't tell the exact place"

"....."(What a useless navgation!)

I believe I am a patient and I usually don't get upset easily. But I started to get upset with his attitude after the conversation.  

Moreover, the shuttle bus was hit by the other car while he was looking for the way to my hotel...I was worried about the whiplash, but he didn't ask me whether I was OK or not. When I could reach my hotel, I was really exhausted... Of course, I didn't give him even a penny, he was not worth to receive a tip.

The hotel ,"The Lombardy," was nice and quiet. The room was very classic and wide enough for one person.The subway station was close to it, so it was very convenient for sightseeing.

Day 2(2012/10/4):

The weather was beautiful and it was warm on that day. My plan on Day 2 was to visit Smithsonian.  "Air and Space Museum" and "Natural History Museum" are the places I really wanted to see. I walked to the museums from the hotel instead of taking the subway.  On the way to the museums, I stopped by the White house.

Many people were taking the pictures out front. I saw some tourists were coming out from the building, and I asked to the security guard how I can get into the White house. She told me I need to submit the request six months prior to when I visit the White house.

National Museum of Natural History

Admission is free for all Smithsonian museums. My stay in DC was short this time, so I couldn't revisit the museums I liked. But if I had few more days in DC, I absolutely went back to this museum.

T.Rex

Would you like to have a barbecue?

We can see what they usually do in the lab. When I visited the museum, the man was fixing the Stegosaurus plate.

                Stegosaurus' Plate                             Stegosaurus

Eryops

(270 millions years ago)

First impression when I saw it was "Cute & Funny!," and then, I checked the explanation. I understand why I liked it a lot. It is the ancestor of a frog:)

Next I visited the National Air and Space Museum. This museum was also the place I really wanted to visit in DC.

Northwest Airline

I don't remember how many times I flew to US with this airline.The airline I flew to US for the first time was also the Northwest. 

The Apollo-Soyuz in the docked configuration

Space Shuttle Columbia Model

My dinner, Chicken Fajitas from Baja Fresh near my hotel.

It was REALLY good!

Day 3(2012/10/5):

Day 3 was to visit Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial. Unfortunately, the reflection pool was cleaning while I was in Washington D.C., and there was no water in the pool...:(  However, I might be lucky, because not many people can see the pool without water.

Washington Monument from the Lincoln Memorial

 No water in the reflection pool, and people were cleaning the empty pool.

 

Lincoln Memorial

Afer I left Lincoln memorial, I walked to the FBI building. No chance to see inseide the building...

Day 4(2012/10/6):

Good-bye Washington D.C.

To save my money and time, I moved to NYC by Amtrak instead of airplane. It took about 3 hours to get to NYC. The view from the window was interesting. Nice short trip to NYC.

 Hello, New York!

Day 4(2012/10/6):

The day I arrived in NYC, I went to the live performance at "Allen Room". I got the ticket from Japan thru the internet. Since I saw "Allan Room"  on the magazine, I dreamed of listening the Jazz at this place. My purpose was to listen the Jazz at this place, so I got the ticket even I don't know the player the day I was there.

They didn't allow us to take a picture inside the room, so I can't show the atmosphere the inside. I only could take a picture outside the room after the performance.

The music, atmosphere and view, everything was perfect that night. I wish I could listen the Jazz there someday in the future,again. 

Day 5(2012/10/7):
"You've Got Mail!"

How many people like the movie "You've got mail"? I am the one love this movie. I don't remember how many times I watched this movie. More than 100 times, maybe. 

I visited some movie locations where were used in the movie.

"Zabar's" is the supermarket where Joe(Tom Hanks) helps Katharine(Meg Ryan) out the credit card.

Cafe Lalo

Katherine was waiting for "NY152," but Joe showed up instead.

The cafe was just lovely! I really wanted to have a coffee there, but it was pretty much full and there was no place to sit. I gave up to stay there and just got a Latte and left. A chocolate comes with a drink!

GRAY'S PAPAYA

Hot dog shop where Katherine and Joe meet up and chat about "NY 152" the day Katherine meet "NY152" for the first time at the Riverside park.

Finished visiting the movie locations, I went to the department store "Bergdorf and Goodman" and the toy shop "F.A.O Schwartz" to get some souvenirs for my friends. Mmm...I lied. I can't buy a souvenir at Bergdorg and Goodman...my friend asked me to get a perfume which is not sold in Japan yet. I just thought they might have a perfume she likes, so I stopped by there. Luckily I could found very nice one and it costs just about she expected. She loves the smell when I brought it to her after I came back to Japan. I am relieved when she said "love it!"

I found the"ZOLTAR" at F.A.O Schwartz. I didn't make a wish, but if I did... Did it make my wish come true? My wish is... to win a lottery! :)

The restaurant "La Bonne Soupe" was introduced by the famous Japanese actress on Japanese TV. She said their Onion soup is the best. My hotel was not far from this restaurant, so I went there to have the Onion Soup as my lunch. It is called "Soupe à l’Oignon French"(onion soup topped with melted gruyère)

Here comes my soup! The taste was pretty average. I think I expected too much for its taste... 

The night, I stopped by the Whole foods and got some deli there. I microwaved the grilled salmon and bread I got at the supermarket, but it got cold when I brought them back to my hotel...Gee :( 

Day 6(2012/10/8): My guide book recommends me to get the "CityPASS" for sightseeing. The pass valid for 9 days from the day you started to use. 6 attractions are included in the pass, such as Empire State Building Observatory, Top of Rock, MoMa. It's good to save your money if you want to see those attractions during your stay. I headed for the Empire State Building to get this pass. On the way to there, I stopped for shopping at Hershey's Store, M&M store and Disney Store. I used to love Reese's Chocolate a lot. I got the set of Reese's T-shirts and baseball cap for myself.

 

   I got an earbuds and earrings for myself at the M&M store,too. :)

    Times Square
I saw this place so many times on TV. I felt like I was there to see the tourists. .Well..I was the one of them,too...haha.

My lunch from a cafe. Honey roasted turkey ham sandwich.

It was difficult to find the Empire State Building for me. You may think "How come?"  I was the right place according to my map, but I could not find it. I looked up the sky and tried to find the building. I was so naive, I believed I could see the top even I stand beside the building... :P. Anyway, I could find the building after I walked around the building for 30 mins. I was thinking to see the view from there the day I got the city pass, but the weather was not nice on that day. So, I decided to go back there when the weather is nice and left the building.

Day 7(2012/10/9):

The day before Day 7, I got the CityPASS. The American Museum of Natural History is one of the attraction I really wanted to see and it was included in the pass. I woke up early and walked to the museum. When I got to the museum, so many tourists were already inside the museum. I believed I could get into museum easily if I have the pass, but the staff stopped me even I showed him my CityPASS and told me I have to change the pass to the museum ticket. I saw the looooooong line many people were waiting to buy a ticket, and I reluctant to stand in the line. 5 mins later, the another staff checked if the customer has the CityPASS or not, and she exchanged my CityPASS to the museum ticket she has. 

Dinosaurs are the most interesting exhibition for me. Even I have visited the Natural History Museum in DC couple days ago, I still wanted to meet dinosaurs here again.

Dinosaurs exhibition was on the fourth floor. Most of them are gigantic . I was pretty surprised their size even I knew. They are so big!

Eryops-Ancestor of frog.

I met him?her? in Washington DC when I visited the Natural History Museum.

 It's so obvious it's a frog! Even the bone is cute for me:)

Smiling Giant Turtle.

The museum is pretty huge, so I couldn't see everything they have. I don't know when I can go back to the museum again, but next time I want to see the rest of the exhibition I couldn't see this time.

To see a musical or performance at a theater in NYC was one of the thing I wanted to do during my stay this time. On the way back to my hotel from the museum, I stopped by the Lincoln center and got the ticket of " War horse"

It was very cold inside the theater and I was freezing while I was watching the performance. I should've wore warmer clothes... The performance was excellent, and I was very moved by the story and the performance. It was very nice night except my thin clothes...

The dinner was hot clam chowder and deli at Whole Foods. The chowder warmed up my cold body.

Day 8(2012/10/10):
My plan for the day 8 was to go to Moma and the top of Rock at night. First I walked to the 5th Ave and hung around there. My lunch was at the deli I found near the 5th Ave. The food didn't look good first time I saw them, but every foods I got was so good. I wanted to go back there during my stay, but I couldn't remember where it was...I wanted have their foods one more time...

The Plaza

It's just gorgeous! The inside the hotel is classic and looks very lovely.   

 I wish I could stay there someday.

I was thinking to have the afternoon tea(high tea) at "The Palm Court", but I didn't see many people there.(I guess I just saw two groups) It wasn't the only reason I didn't have the afternoon tea...the price is $50! I regret that I didn't make a wish to ZOLTAR at F.A.O. the other day. If I did, I may have a chance to stay at this hotel and have their afternoon tea someday in the near future. :) 

Anyway, I could not afford the tea, so I stopped by the food hall and got the two pieces of bread instead. It was ¢99 each. Good price, isn't it?

Late afternoon, I went to MoMA. Again, I saw too many people there when I got there. I thought I had to change the city pass ticket to the museum ticket again, but I just needed show my city pass to the museum staff at the entrance. She just scanned the bar code of the back side of the CityPASS booklet. I was relieved I didn't need to stand in a long line to get the museum ticket. It was easy and I like it!

I was not planning to visit the strawberry field, even the central park.
But I needed to cut through the park east to west, so I stopped by here. I remembered "The Dakota" where John Lennon lived is just outside of the park on 72nd St., but I don't know which building is the one he lived. I just guessed and took a photo of one of the building. Later, I checked it on the Internet, and I was right. I took the photo of right one.:)

  I walked too many kilometers from the morning and my feet was really aching. After I shopped at some stores in upper west, I took a rest at the resturant "FIORELLO'S" before I went back to my hotel.  

I just wanted to have something sweet and I ordered 

"PROFITEROLES PATRY PUF

(Vanilla Gelato, Valrhona Chocolate Sauce)

The waiter brought me puffs without sauce and poured the hot chocolate sauce from the top. It was REALLY good. The portion was quite a lot, but I ate them all at once!

The night I walked to the Rockefeller Center to see the night view. Again, I believed I could go up to the top immediately if I show the CityPASS at the entrance, but I had to exchange the CityPASS to the admission ticket and wait for an hour. I have no choice, so I killed an hour and went back to the entrance. Even I passed the entrance, there were long line to wait for the elevator which take us to the top! I almost fainted when I saw the long line...

Oh, my god!

Finally, I could go up to the top! "Oh, my god!" just came out my mouth for the first time I saw the view(Actually, I said many times!) The view from the top was amazingly beautiful!!! It was more than I expected. Hard to tell how much I moved by the night view from the top.

I guess everybody knows how difficult to take the night view with the cell phone camera. I wish I could show you the view I saw on that night from there... it was truly gorgeous.

My dinner was deli I got at the Food Emporium on the way back to the hotel.

Day 9(2012/10/11):

Rest of my CityPASS were three. One was for "Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island"or "Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise" and the other two were "The Metropolitan Museum of Art" and "Empire State building observatory." I gave up to see the Metropolitan museum and I decided to see the Statue of Liberty and the view from the Empire state building observatory on day 9.

The day was the first and last time to take a subway. When I arrived at the Battery park, I saw the unbelievably long line. Actually, I couldn't see the end. The line was for the people want to see the Statue of Liberty and were waiting on board the ferry. I didn't know how many people were there and how many hours I had to wait, so I gave up to see the Statue of Liberty this time. I moved to Brooklyn to see the view from DUMBO. One of my purpose of my trip to NYC this time was to see this view, and I was very moved by the great view.

I don't remember how long I stayed there. I envy New Yorkers can see this view anytime they want. I wanted to stay there forever :), but I had to move to Empire State Building to see the day time view.

On the way to Empire State building, I met nice Jazz band "YAZ BAND" at the Penn station. Their music attracted me a lot, and I stopped and watched their live performance for a while. The business card I got was telling me the band leader who was playing the saxophone is Japanese. After I came back to Japan, I checked their web site. 
According to their web site, the band is "An official member of the Metropolitan Transit Authority sponsored "Music Under New York" series, Yaz Band has performed at various New York City subway stations." 
I liked their music a lot, and I bought their CD. I'm glad I could know this band by chance during my stay in NYC. Hope the band come to Japan and play their music in Tokyo!

 If you are interested in their music, you can check it on You Tube! Also, you can listen their music in NYC when you visit the city next time. I am sure they are doing their live performance somewhere in NYC.

Finally, I could reach the Empire State Building. I have already saw the night view from the top of rock, so I wanted to see the day time view from Empire State building. But I listened the Yaz Band play at the Penn Station for a while, so when I got to the Empire State building, it was already the time for the sunset:P. 

It was so gorgeous, and I think the view of sunset was much better than the day time view. Only bad thing was the view was blocked by the fence and there were too many people there. I just remembered the rush hour train Tokyo when I saw the crowded deck...

Last day in NYC(2012/10/12):
Good-Bye New York!
My first trip to Washington D.C. and NYC was finally the end... There are more things to see, but I'll keep them for my next time visit.

I woke up early and went to "Balducci's" for having the breakfast. The Brioche they have was the best I ever had.  I had it as my breakfast couple times during my stay. My last breakfast in NYC was Brioche again. I wish I could have it in Tokyo, too.

My flight was around 7:00PM, so I enjoyed my last stay in Manhattan until the shuttle bus picked me up at the hotel at 2:30pm.

I wanted to have a lunch at the nice restaurant, but I didn't know where to go. I found an Italian restaurant "ALFREDO" near the Rockefeller Center.

ALFREDO

 

Today's Soup

I don't remember the name of the soup... maybe it was made of squash.

SUSHI ITALIANO

Calamari

(Calamari stuffed with avocado puree, topped with fresh lobster) This was really good. I want to make it at home, too.

"Moderne Hotel" is hotel I stayed. The front staffs are very friendly and helpful. They are the best front staffs I ever met. They made my stay in NYC enjoyable.

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Trip to Scandinavian Countries (2011/10)

 -Helsinki, Copenhagen and Malmo-

Day 1-2: Tokyo--->Helsinki

On the way to Downtown Helsinki from the airport by bus. The bus is very clean and cozy. I think this was the best airport limo that I ever took.

The view from my room at a hotel.

The street  in front of the hotel

This is the hotel I stayed for three days(Kitchenette type hotel). The place is bit far from the station, but the neighbor is very quiet and I really liked the room. I enjoyed my stay and I want to stay in this hotel again if I have a chance to go to Finland.

National Museum of Finland(Suomen Kansallismuseo)

I did not have a time to see inside. It is located near my hotel, and I could see this building every morning and night on the way to downtown or way back to my hotel.

I took a subway and went to Hakaniemi Market for shopping. I believed there is the Marimekko's outlet there, but the store now sells the products with the original price. I gave up to buy many things there, and I had the branch outside the market. 

One of my dish for the night. Salmon quiche. I got it  at "Café Lasipalatsi Bar" near the central station. It was so GooooD!

Day 3: Helsinki

I love shopping, I can keep shopping forever if I am a rich... I spent some money for shopping on Day 2, so I decided to do sightseeing on Day 3. There are many places to go,but I do not have much time to see everything.  I focused on the places where I really wanted to see this time.( I'll keep rest of the places for my next visit.)

Kauppatori Market Square

The market closes from October to May. I didn't see any shop there. 

Uspenskin katedraali

The View from the Uspenskin katedraali. The white building is Helsingin tuomiokirkko. 

Temppeliaukion kirkko

My hotel was located near this church. 

Dinner at my hotel room. Finnish style meatballs and salad and the yesterday's left over "quiche." The meat balls were so good,so I cooked them after I came back to Japan.

Day 4: Helsinki--->Copenhagen

I saw many of these bears(?) at the airport. I don't know what these are...

I flew to Copenhagen by Blue airline. The plane was pretty clean and cozy.

I took a train to downtown Copenhagen. The train goes to the station near my hotel, so I didn't need to change the train. But I didn't understand where I should get off the train while I was in the train. My heart was beating fast a bit, because I have no idea where I headed for... even I got in a train. I saw the sign "Central Station" when the train stopped, and I got off the train without any idea. I totally lost my way to get to the hotel...I headed to the information center and needed to confirm how I can get to the hotel from there. I spent more than one hour near the central station to find out the way to get to the hotel. I wasted one hour...

The station " Osterport" across the hotel I stayed. 

The time I arrived at the hotel was before 4pm, so I just grabbed the map and  walked to see the neighbors. I kept walking but I didn't know where I headed for. In accident, I arrived at  Strøget where is the shopping area,Nyhavn, and downtown area.

OPERAEN(Opera house)

NYHAVN

The place was so pretty and it was nice to walk. People were drinking beer and wine at the restaurant along side of the street.

Day 5: Malmo

There is the expression "sunny girl/boy" in Japan. It means everytime she/he goes out, it always sunny. I am the one of them. I never had the rain during the trip in the past, but lately I feel I may not be the one of them. When I woke up, it was raining. I took the train near my hotel and went to Malmo, Sweden. I prayed it will stop when I get there, but the rain got heavy. The view from the train's window...I could not see many things, because of the heavy rain. Gee...

Now I got Malmo station. It took less than 1 hour from the station near my hotel.The station is so clean.

The rain was so heavy. I could not walk much even I had an umbrella. So, I stayed in a mall and killed a time at a cafe in the morning, because of rain.

I was very close to given up for sightseeing in Malmo. But, the rain stopped. I know I am a sunny girl! Now it's time for sightseeing!

The cafe I killed my time during the raining.

I love flower shops, and it makes me happy. Every time I see flowers, it reminds me my parents. They love flowers, so I love flowers, too. I grew up surrounded by the flowers which they grew since I was a child.

Day 6: Copenhagen

Rosenborg Slot (Rosenborg Castle)

The castle was very close to my hotel, but I lost my way...I walked for an hour to find the way to the castle...When I got there, I was a bit tired.

 The garden was so pretty.

Lunch at a cafe, Illums

Christiansborg Slot(Christianborg Palace)

I wanted to see inside the parliament. There is a tour for the visitors, but the English guide is only available for weekend. I can't understand any Danish...but there is any other way to go inside without joining the tour,so I joined. Well, I could not understand none of the words guide said. Rest of the visitors seemed understand Danish, so I was the only person don't speak Danish. When guide told some joke or something, everybody was laughing...I laughed with them anyway...hahaha. The tour was 1 hour, I guess. It was a quite long for me.

I saw many people were eating ice cream at this shop on Day 4. It looked very good. This day, I didn't see anybody outside eating ice cream, so I decided to get it.

I love this type of ice cream, and I expected the taste would be milk. Mmm...it was not my type. The taste was more like whipped cream. I was the only person eating ice cream outside, because it was pretty cold on this day. I felt cold after finishing it.

Later, I walked a lot and shopped a lot. I got really tired. My friend who has visited Copenhagen before highly recommended me to eat Smørrebrød. I did not have a chance to go to a restaurant, but I could eat it at the food court, Magasin Du Nord(department store).

I had the dinner at Cafe Oscar. I haven't eaten a meal at a restaurant while I was staying in Copenhagen. I found this cafe on the way back to my hotel. My feet were so tired...and I didn't want to walk anymore, so I decided to take a rest and eat my last dinner here. I ordered coke and Salmon steak. It was really good, and I really liked this cafe.

Day 7: Copenhagen--->Helsinki

This is the hotel I stayed-"Comfort Hotel Xpress Copenhagen." It located along the rail track, so it was very noisy day and night. The room was small and not fancy at all. However, it was pretty enough to stay for three days. I can't complain, because the room charge was pretty reasonable in Copenhagen. The good thing is there is a supermarket across the hotel and the station is next to the supermarket. The train goes to the airport without changing the train. There is an espresso machine in a lobby, and it's free! I could walk to go many sightseeing places, and the shopping area is also not far from the hotel. Oh, my room had the bath tub, so I could get rid of my tiredness every night:)  

My flight was afternoon, so I walked to Strøget and enjoyed my last stay in Copehagen. I had the breakfast at the famous cafe "Café Sommersko"  and it locates across the tea shop "A.C. Perch's." While I was having the coffee, I saw many customers kept coming to the shop. I also got the earl gray tea after my breakfast.

My suitcase had the trouble with its zipper when I was at the check-in counter in Copenhagen. My suitcase was overstuffed, so I had to move some stuffs from the suitcase to the carry luggage. Then, it happened...after I moved my stuffs and tried to close my suitcase, the zipper was broken a bit. I saw two small holes after I zipped. If someone stick the finger into the holes, my suitcase would open... I saw a long line behind me and many people are waiting for their turn. I was a bit panicked...I told the staff behind the counter my suitcase has a problem. She brought the orange tape and taped the two holes with it. I could not trust this tape, and I was a bit nervous if it opens during the flight. I just prayed for not to see my stuffs each by each on the turnstile at the Helsinki airport.

I was relieved when I saw my suitcase on the turnstile, and none of my stuff was came out from the suitcase. The zipper was tightly closed with the tape. I could fixed the zipper at night after I arrived at the hotel.

Day 8: Helsinki--->Tokyo

 I've fallen in love with Scadinavian design during my stay.

I had the plenty of time until my flight, so I left my suitcase at the hotel lobby and took a bus to Helsinki downtown again. I stopped by the department store " Stockmann" for last shopping.

I really wanted to buy a light. They sell many different kind of lights and the price is not so expensive compared to Japan.  

Especially, I liked this one a lot. It was sooooo pretty. I really wanted to get this one, but I knew there is no place to hung it from the ceiling in my apartment... Before I get it, I need to move to the place where is suited for this light.

Time just passed so fast. Before I visited Helsinki, Copenhagen and Malmo, I have no idea about these places. Soon I got in each city, I liked there a lot. I definitely want to visit these cities in the near future, again.