Scandinavia 1991

No – I haven’t gone mad, I know Paris isn’t in Scandinavia! but every story has a start. Back in 1991, I had decided that I wanted to go to Europe again, but this time head north to Scandinavia. I discovered that I could buy a “Euro Train Pass” for under 25’s and the price was affordable. It also gave discounts on UK trains and cross channel ferries. I took the ferry from Portsmouth to Cherbourg, and then train into Paris. On this trip I had a Samsung AF Slim camera. A small compact, it had a good lens, several features including a controllable flash and a self timer. The motor was noisy, something that is common with a lot of cameras of the era. I also had my Super 8 camera, and a little cheap kodak camera (S100).

From the Moulin Rouge I made my way to the Arc de Triomphe, look how little traffic!! Then on to the Eiffel Tower, in those days the queue wasn’t multiple hours, so I made it to the top. I didn’t linger as I don’t like heights much, but took a few shots and enjoyed the view. Then along the Seine to the Louvre, I didn’t go in, but admired the then, newish pyramid, it had been open about 5 years then. I wandered around Notre-Dame Cathedral and then made my way out to Sacré-Cœur. Finally back to the railway station for my night train to Amsterdam.

I’d never travelled on an overnight train, in a sleeping compartment before, so that was a mini adventure – it all turned out well and I got a good nights sleep, and arrived safe and sound in Amsterdam. I had a cake and a coffee, I suspect there was a “magic” ingredient in the cake. I went to the zoo, and there was a Planetarium, so I saw the show there, by now the magic cake was in full effect, and I woke up in the planetarium, to find it completely deserted. No one anywhere! I made my way out – still not seeing anyone, and by now feeling good, continued on my journey around the city. Canals, bridges bikes, sometimes all three in one photo.

I enjoyed my overnight train so much I did it again – it seemed like a great way to travel. Saving both time and cost. Finally I was heading into Scandinavia. Copenhagen, to be precise. I decided I’d stay a couple of days so checked into a budget but nice hotel, not too far from the station, dumped my bag and set off to explore.

I loved Copenhagen, the waterfront walk out towards the little mermaid especially. So much interest, open, colour, wonderful place. I have returned since, and will again sometime! On this trip however my next port of call was Stockholm, but I’ll save that for another post!