A Journey of a Baby Fish

     My aunt came by today to drop off some additional fish for my tank. Amongst the school of fish, one was a baby who perhaps accidentally got netted out from its original home. Sitting in front of the tank staring into their new world, I couldn't let my eyes off on this particular creature. Unlike the other sprightly larger and older fish, the baby was so cute and teeny. If you are not paying attention, you would think it's a piece of a floating poop. Marveled at my unexpected addition, I decided to follow this cutie pie's tracks. I wondered where this baby was going and what it was thinking because it seemed lost and frightened, perhaps pondering where its siblings were. Worried because the baby isolated itself from others swimming cautiously throughout, I wondered whether this baby would even survive in its new home. How would this baby even fight for food during meal time?! But how marvelous, I thought, that even a fish has its own journeys and destiny. For instance, I presupposed this baby fish had been born into what I called a low-middle class because its home is of a moderate sized fish tank. If it were wealthy, the fish would probably be in the ocean filled with endless possibilities. However, this baby is now in my tank and will at least be loved, fed, and safe. This baby fish was also fated to travel abroad very early in its life. This morning the cutie left birth home Brooklyn and moved to new home Manhattan. Translated in the human world, it's like saying the fish had traveled from birth place Canada to residential NY. And now fated to be in its new world and separated from its identical siblings, this baby fish must venture on in its new journey. I guess the life of a fish is really not that different from us.

Separated from the school of fish on the other side of the diaphanous tank divider is my longtime gobbling goldfish. I think of this fish as an old, grumpy, and gluttonous bully who managed to outlive his peers for several years. He had the whole tank all to himself for at least three years until few months ago when we adopted some fish from my aunt. Ever since his neighbors moved in, I see him ramming his big fat lips against the divider, hoping to magically navigate to the other side. Fortunately as advertised, the divider works wonderfully separating my clueless fish from harming the smaller ones by a clear screen with tiny pores that allow unrestricted filtration. After a few minutes, and seeing that my tank could use more water, I went to the kitchen and came back with a bucket of water to fill up the tank. After filling up to a level of my satisfaction, I glanced one last time at my beautiful water world. Then I noticed a strange moving poop in my goldfish's domain. Wait, it's not a poop but that baby fish!! How did it get to the other side?! Does it not know it had traversed to a dangerous place?! Swim back from where you came from!! And then, to my horror, that big fat blob opened it's annoying large mouth and gulped the victim. I was beyond mortified. Standing speechless, I couldn't believe what I had just witnessed. I felt dumbfounded and guilty for I could have perhaps prevented this outcome. Instantly, I should have pounded my fist against the window to scare off that bully and then quickly net out the baby. But I wasted on those seconds hailing the fish's dexterousness of slipping through the other side and searching for clues on how the fish swam through. And a part of me naively thought big goldie would not possibly eat the fish. Not my goldie. But was I wrong and now too late. The baby fish had journey its way from Brooklyn to be sacrificed as a snack and laid to rest in goldie's belly. I'm saddened but I guess it holds true in general to all aspects in life, sometimes a journey can be long and sometimes brief. The life of this baby fish abruptly came to a halt but at least it had traveled, explored, and me to write about it.

Adieu 2010

Another chapter has ended as we begin a new chapter in our lives. In hindsight, 2010 had actually been a wonderful journey for me. I had the opportunity to travel around the world and explore new cultures. As for personal growth, I started discovering who I am and how I wanted to live my life. But I know, 2010 had been a mediocre year for many, and perhaps abysmal for some who are still struggling emotionally or for those who have been trying to dig their way out of the economic mess. But that is why we celebrate the new year, in aspiration for a new life and new hope for the future. I'm not worried about the happy folks. But for those who had a terrible year in 2010, embrace the heartaches, the adversities, the sadness and then leave them behind. I know, easy said than done. My intention is not to be morose here but we should appreciate every moment and value its worth. For every downfall lies a hidden blessing. No matter what happened in the past, I know the journeys taken only groomed us to become who we are intended to be and bring us to where we needed to go. But letting go the past and moving on is a must. Because look what just happened, another year has gone by. We have a limited ticking time clock, which we often take for granted. Let's use the new year wisely with smiles. Astrology tells us that we have cycles in life, sometimes good and sometimes bad. But one thing is for sure is that we can always wish for a better new year. And it will be. Over time, our chapters will only get better, more joyful, and serene. Let's bid farewell to 2010, and begin our new journey, another 365 days of blissful adventures and magic! Happy New Year to you all! 

Snow Blankets NYC

A snow path with my footprints

A street covered with snow

Snow finally blanketed the city though a bit late, a day after Christmas. I walked outside and saw absolutely zero traffic, which is a rarity in NYC. About two feet of snow fell across our region burying vehicles and trash bins underneath powder white sand. Sidewalks transformed into layer of bulwarks surrounding the buildings, causing a Himalayan trek for me to get to the streets that had become pedestrian passages.                                                                                       

              The scene is absolutely beautiful. But I feel a bit fuddled. Today has become a Monday nightmare for commuters and travelers. Train, subway, and bus services had been suspended. Flights delayed and cancelled. Cars skidding and spinning dangerously across the roads. And the cold temperature is of no help. Gusting winds kicking up and about frustrating bedraggled shovelers and aggravating my progessing popsicle nose and fingers. On the other hand, a big winter storm also means no need to go to work, a bonus day to do whatever we wanted. On the streets, I heard plenty of cackles and laughter and saw snowballs flying and splattering across the ground. People generously helping one another digging and pushing for ways to get their vehicles out. I stepped outside in hopes to capture a bit of the white powdered fluff and enjoy some snow-frolicking. But, the journey was short lived. During my arduous hike of only a few blocks to the Chelsea Market, my fingers frozen up into ten speared icicles as drips solidified down my nose. It wasn't as fun as I thought. Perhaps, me sitting here in my cozy apartment, sipping on a cup of nice hot chocolate, and peering outside is the best way to embrace the winter wonderland.

Another Type of Journey

When people discuss traveling, it's often about taking a trip to another destination. But a travel, or a journey, does not necessitate a physical gesture. Sometimes a journey could be manifested by some thought that had changed over time or by a psychophysiological experience of an individual's mind. A metamorphosis of values over the years is a journey. The process of overcoming hardships and difficult times is a journey. The feelings attached to changing jobs or switching careers is a journey. An atheist turned agnostic is a journey. A healthy individual turned sick is a journey. Savoring a bite of a dark chocolate cake is a journey. Getting to the altar is a journey. Becoming parents is a journey. A moment's bliss is a journey. Life offers infinite array of adventures and odysseys. Do you realize that we are constantly taking journeys in life? From all the travels that I've been to thus far, this journey so called "life", and its incorporated roller coaster state of consciousness, is truly the most spectacular, remarkable, and complex. Beside sharing stories of the countries I've been to, I also hope to share in my blog some of the nonphysical journeys. (Otherwise, I would run out of things to write given that I can't afford to travel to every location in this world. Though if you are reading this and happen to be Anthony Bourdain, or a rep from National Geographic, I wouldn't mind taking an offer to travel all over the world and work for you!!) Like you, I have gone through many emotional rides in the past and have many inspirational journeys to share. The nonphysical blogs that I hope to write over time might be beneficial, sad, happy, or entertaining. Ultimately, I just want to share with you some of my so called "life" journeys I have had or will have in the future. So do stay tuned! And thank you for taking the time to read my blogs.

My Western Eurotrip Galore: Ireland - Dublin

Sixth Stop: Ireland


Grafton Street

Like all things in life, the eurotrip had to end. After Sweden, my friend and I flew our separate ways to return home. She went to London to visit some friends and I stayed at Dublin, Ireland for a day on my own before heading back to NYC. It was my second time in Dublin.



Glendalough

The first time I visited Dublin, I went with a few colleagues of mine. One of the guys that I worked with at the time was from Ireland and a few of us decided to join him for a trip back to his hometown for a couple of days. We received the best hospitality - he welcomed us to stay at his charming abode and his family fed us generously. We had a wonderful time so I had only fond memories of this verdurous island.

One thing I do have to agree is that Ireland is truly green! In the city, you will see gift shops adorned with everything green: Irish shamrock key chains, chocolate leprechaun cans, Celtic T-shirts, and St. Patrick jigsaw puzzles to name a few. Even Aer Lingus, its airline is green. The outskirt of Dublin is even more prevalent. My friend drove us to Glendalough in the Wicklow county. Along the way, we passed by vast sprouting lush fields of organic green adorned with charming cottages and black spotted cows! The vegetation exude raw, so fresh that I felt I landed on a healthy planet of salads. And the cows were not the brown or black ones you see in the US, but white cows with black spots! The landscape reminded me of sketches in the pages of my favorite Strawberry Shortcake coloring book when I was a kid. In that coloring book, I had to color in those fabricated cows with spots, which I somehow knew should be in the colors of white and black. But I finally saw the real deal in Ireland! If Strawberry Shortcake exists, she would probably be a local from Ireland.

Enya's Castle on the right

On that first trip, I also saw breath-taking coastal views of Ireland. And from the spot we were at, we were able to see celebrity mansions such as those of Bono and Enya. And of course, no trip to Dublin would be complete without a visit to its city center. We visited the vicinity of Grafton Street to shop for souvenirs and took a tour inside Trinity College. The beautiful library inside houses over 4.5 million printed books and manuscripts. Stunningly archaic and whiff of aged barks, the library reminded me of those from Harry Potter's. After great sightseeing, we joined what the locals do - spend time at pubs drinking the acclaimed Guinness, which we assuredly tried, but I unfortunately didn't like. The mugs are monstrous and locals can drink more than one glass! Ok, maybe I'm just a wuss. But, Irish people can really drink! We also visited local bars and had the tastiest jager-bomb shots ever! Now those shots were delicious that I engulfed more than eight!

My second trip to Dublin on my own wasn't as eventful as the first time. I wish I could tell you more but I only visited Dublin's city center and went shopping along Grafton's. Nevertheless, I had a great solo time miles away from home. I really like Dublin and Ireland in general. I love the Irish accent and people there are so kind. I can't say that I will visit some parts of Europe again, but I can definitely say I will visit Ireland again. I like it that much. And with that, I wrap up my eurotrip galore! Back to NYC I go. Boo!

TRAVEL EXPENSE: (excluding attraction fees and food):

Hotel: $69usd for 1 night at Hilton Dublin Airport

Bus: from hotel to airport: free

My Western Eurotrip Galore: Sweden - Malmo, Lund, Helsingborg

Fifth Stop: Sweden

 



Fredriksdals

Since we were in Copenhagen, it made sense that we visit its neighboring country, Sweden. Traveling to Sweden's southern region Skane is actually quite convenient. With the Oresund Bridge, it takes only 30 minutes by train from Copenhagen city center to the center of Malmo, Sweden. In addition, the water cross between Helsingor, Denmark and Helsingborg, Sweden is only a mere 4km. Thus, you can also choose to take a 20 minutes ferry from Helsingor to get to Sweden, which was what we did. From Copenhagen Central Station, the ride took 50mins to Helsingor. Then from Helsingor's seaport we transferred to a HH ferry that transported us across the Oresund Sound. There are two other ferry companies plying the route, Scandlines and the smaller (and cheaper) Sundbusserne. If you have done enough traveling by train, then a short ferry ride on the Oresund Sound would definitely be a pleasant alternative. http://www.hhferries.dk/

Skane is pretty much known for its rich farmlands, endless open fields, and scenic countryside. Due to convenience, however, we ended up visiting the larger cities instead: Helsingborg, Lund, and Malmo. We decided to stay two nights at Helsingborg at the Best Western Hotel Duxiana, which is only a couple of blocks away from the dock. Surprisingly, we had one of the greatest Best Western complimentary breakfasts here. The breads were fresh, like ones you can get straight out of the oven, and there were assortments of varied mayonnaise and spreads that I've never seen before. For our third night, however, we decided to head back to Denmark and stayed at the Cabinn Metro Hotel (note: Cabinn Metro is a large hostel with extremely small rooms; not for the claustrophobic) so we could each catch our early flight departing from Copenhagen to our separate and final destinations.

Helsingborg

Karnan

Sofiero Palace

Helsingborg, is a scenic coastal city. We found this town to be fairly quiet, a great place to get away for a weekend and decompress. There are a couple of interesting things to do here. For instance, you can check out some of the historical structures. A walking distance from our hotel is central Helsingborg with Karnan, perhaps the most iconic, at the center. Karnan is the only remaining tower from the old Helsingborg castle. This tower, once a part of a medieval fortress, had guarded this town for over 600 years. This tower is open to the public and you can walk up the stairs for a fee. Before taking the stairs up to Karnan, is the Great Square, which is filled with lavish and elaborate facades, restaurants, and shops to pick up souvenirs. 

About 30mins walk from Karnan, you can stop by Fredriksdals Frilufts Museum. Entrance fee is ~$10. It was about 1.5 hrs to closing when we arrived to the museum. As a result, the place was practically empty, which I liked. Although the place is called a museum, at Fredriksdals you will find mainly rustic surroundings: gardens, farms, and animals. You can take a tour learning about the cultural and historical views of this city. Or you can simply walk around solo embracing the essence of this nice farmland. Though I imagine children would have an absolute blast here, my friend and I actually enjoyed our visit here. We saw historical toilets, sang with the cows, and even fed apples to some hungry hogs! www.fredriksdal.se/

On the second day, we took a bus to Sofiero Palace, once a summer vacation home built by Prince Oscar of Sweden in 1864, now a flower oasis just 5km north of the city of Helsingborg. If you like flowers, plants, gardens, butterflies, and slugs, this is a great place to go. There are over 10,000 plants and various gardens, making this place such a romantic place for dates or to have a picnic. You can actually bring your own basket of food and drinks and lay out on one of the garden areas for a nice lunch or early dinner. Or you can opt for trying the delicacies of the region at the restaurant located inside the Sofiero castle. Besides the wonderful botanical scenery, you can also find many interesting exhibitions and artistic sculptures scattered throughout the park. I enjoyed this visit very much as well. You'll be surprise by how time flies by here. So be prepared to spend your whole afternoon lounging around here.  http://www.sofiero.helsingborg.se/main.aspx?epslanguage=SV

Lund


Swedish salmon sandwich

After Helsingborg, we decided to stop by the small town of Lund for lunch before heading south to Malmo. This location was recommended by friends and I can see why they like this place. There are plenty of boutique stores, charming shops, and a good place to stop for lunch and do some afternoon shopping. One of our great finds here is a chain store called Lagerhaus. There are so many stylish and unique souvenirs and gifts you can buy at this store. There are stores like this similar in the states but of small scale. It's too bad there are not many of these stores in the US. And for lunch, we discovered a side cafe where I had consumed one of my best salmon sandwiches ever. Unfortunately, I don't remember the name of the cafe but I know it's near the Lagerhaus. But this is Europe we're talking about! I'm sure you will be able to find good eateries anywhere from this part of the world.

Malmo
 

Open air concert

Dinner at Mello Yello

We didn't get the opportunity to explore a full day at Malmo. However, this is definitely the most happening city out of the the three that we've visited. It is a miniature version of Copenhagen, with plenty of restaurants, outdoor cafes, local bars, shops, and open live concerts. There were plenty of options to choose from for dinner, but we decided to grab dinner at the fancy Mello Yello bar. What great luck! Not only did we have an amazing dinner, but we also ended up with having one of the best seats for people watching. What a great way to end the night and wrap it up for Sweden before we headed back on the train to Denmark. http://www.melloyello.se/

TRAVEL EXPENSE: (excluding attraction fees and food):

Train: from Copenhagen Central to Helsingor - ~$16usd

Ferry: from Helsingor to Helsingborg: $3usd on HH Ferries

Hotel: my portion - $132usd for 2 nights at Best Western Duxiana

Train: from Helsingborg to Malmo - ~$13usd

Train: from Malmo to Copenhagen - ~$15usd one way

Hotel: my portion - $45usd for 1 night at Cabinn Metro





My Western Eurotrip Galore: Denmark - Copenhagen

Fourth Stop: Denmark

Copenhagen

Nyhavn

The capital of Denmark, Copenhagen, is absolutely trendy, modern, uber cool, and environmental friendly. I love Copenhagen for its neoteric architectural buildings, urban design furniture, electric powered forms of transportation, and open green spaces. This city is like a development stage of a futuristic world. A spirit of youthful dynamism transpires in this city, where people of international scope gather and revel in the vivacity. I really liked Copenhagen and it was my favorite destination on my eurotrip. I felt safe, loved the modernism, and the people were very friendly. If I could get a job in Europe, this is where I would want to work. Because the coolness of this city will ease any work related stress.

Our friends from Geneva decided to join us on this leg of our trip. From Geneva to Copenhagen, we flew on Easyjet. In the airport, we walked over to the SIXT outlet to take our free shuttle bus to our hotel. You need to ask the agents behind the desk to call for a bus. We stayed at Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers located at Oerestads Blvd 114-118. If we had splurge on hotels, I have to say this would be the one, and it was worth it. This hotel is not for budget travelers, but occasionally you might find a decent deal like we did on Priceline. This hotel is absolutely the most stunning hotel I've ever stayed in my life. The hotel is ultra contemporary and sleek with a high ceiling lobby entrance. There is also a nice club lounge to mingle, a convenient business center to access the internet, and a free shuttle to the airport that takes you there in just a few minutes. Our view from our room was also magnificent capturing the serene side of Copenhagen. Surrounding this area are also various captivating construction of intricately, puzzle-like, and complex architectural buildings. The nearby train station is also very convenient allowing you to easily explore every part of this city. http://www.cpcopenhagen.dk/

The following are some of the places we've visited and recommend.

SIGHTS:

Stroget

If you want to go shopping, this is the place to go. This pedestrian street is the longest shopping area in Copenhagen. But if you are one of those guys who ended up being dragged by your girlfriends to go shopping, have no fear. Along Stroget, especially between Nytorv and Hojbro Plads, are also filled with free entertainment from burgeoning talents and creativity by musicians, street performers, and magicians. Some of the artists I've seen here are simply amazing. It's probably something you would pay for to see in NYC. Another great thing about this street is its vicinity to Nyhavn on one end and Tivoli Gardens on the other. You can literally have one day planned out by grabbing lunch around Nyhavn, then go shopping along Stroget, and end the night at Tivoli Gardens.

Nyhavn

Royal Danish playhouse

I remember when I was a little kid, I saw a photo in a calendar of these colorful townhouses along a harbor. I had wondered where that beautiful place was and only knew it was in Europe. I don't know why I remember that photo so vividly, but I knew someday I will visit that place. When we arrived to Nyhavn, I had an instant deja vu. That photo was taken at Nyhavn! Nyhavn used to be a gateway from the sea where ships unloaded cargoes and fisherman their catches. Today it is not so much the case. Nyhavn has turned into a colorful 17th century waterfront filled with townhouses, bars, restaurants, cafes, and boats. On a cloudy day that we've visited, the gloomy sky did not attenuate any bit the vibrant life in the area. Nyhavn is such a wonderful place to meet up with friends to relax and enjoy the crowd and have a drink. Even someone like me who is not a fan of beer managed to find a beer here called Somersby - Elderflower, which I absolutely loved. Do they even sell this in the states? My friends decided on the Carlsberg beer, the famous Danish beer. Along with our beers we also shared the notable smorrebrod, open sandwiches, a traditional Danish lunch dish. And a bonus for me, given that I am a modern architecture enthusiast, not too far away in the Frederiksstaden neighborhood is the Royal Danish playhouse by Lundgaard & Tranberg. What a perfect afternoon: good company, delicious meal, and beautiful buildings and people all around. To me, Nyhavn is Copenhagen. I highly recommend a visit here.   

Tivoli Gardens

Honestly, I was not thrilled when my friends suggested to visit an amusement park. That is something we can do in the US?! And I am certain that the parks in the US are larger and have far crazier rides. A $22 entrance fee, especially on something that I thought not worthwhile, didn't make me too happy. But boy was I glad my friends made that suggestion. Tivoli Gardens turned out to be fabulous! It is a must see not for its rides, but for the atmosphere and energy inside this park. The park is surprisingly popular amongst locals, perhaps a great date destination. There are charming cafes and fine restaurants for people to hang out. And the open live concerts are just brilliant. And the coolest part is that this park is opened until 11pm at night, I think. I don't remember, but I know it was late at night! Rides and music until late in the night?! How awesome is that?! I have always dreamed about wanting an entertaining destination to go to at night time. And here it was - everyday. I highly recommend this place. We had such a blast that my friends decided to visit it again the next night. Note: The park is closed from January to March. http://www.tivoli.dk/composite-3351.htm

Christiania

Exterior walls of Christiania

Quite honestly, if the travel books hadn't promoted this place, I wouldn't even step into this community. Just by looking at the exterior walls reminded me of the ghetto neighborhoods in NYC. But when I learned about this self governed nonconformist community near Christianhavn, and how the inhabitants are not fond of cameras here, I couldn't help being intrigued. I must say this place is not a typical tourist destination. Inside, I felt we were visiting the hippie paradise world of the potheads and drug addicts. There are some amazing pieces of artwork and cool accessory shops, but also quite noticeably stands selling weed. I don't smoke and don't do drugs so I'm not sure what I saw but they appeared to be some sort of inhalants offered in various flavors. Seeing that many different flavors sure made me feel like I was in a candy shop. I couldn't believe how easily I could have purchased some pot and smoked it, not that I would want to. And it's true about taking pictures inside. If you should attempt to take a picture, get ready to be yelled at by residents here. I failed to sneak a snapshot of how it looks inside, but if I were to describe the place, it's dirty, destitute, somewhat intimidating, and plenty of pot. But it is safe here because there are many tourist around. Now that I think about it, hm, why are there that many tourist here...

Sweden
Yes, you read it right, Sweden! With the Oresund Bridge, it takes only 30 minutes by train from Copenhagen city center to the center of Malmo, Sweden. Or you can take a ferry from Helsingor, Denmark to Helsingborg, Sweden. Such a convenient opportunity for us to see more of Scandinavia. So guess where we headed for our next destination?

TRAVEL EXPENSE: (excluding attraction fees and food):

Flight: from Geneva to Copenhagen: $104usd on Easyjet

Hotel: my portion - $138 for 2 nights

Shuttle bus to hotel:  free

Local train: $3-$5