Sunday 25 March 2012

Ocean view ride

Today was a good day, and although it is not over yet, when i look back on it out of all the things that signalled Spring is here; today was the defining moment that spoke to me.

I hopped on Wix with James on Mustang Passion and off we went into the cool air and warm sunshine. We cycled from Hellerup all along the coast towards Klampenborg.


The air still had a bit of a bite to it but more so than that, the sun was out and accompanied us all the way. The coastline is extremely beautiful and I would recommend the cycle to anyone as there are no hills or curves, its just an easy scenic ride.

We cycled past Klampenborg, through a forest path and came across the land of wealth; mansion homes perched in all their luxury a top the cliffed coastline that edged the water.


This is a view of one of the houses that are up for sale.

Majestic view from the road.

Tummies started grumbling so we decided to head back to a lovely scenic spot (actually reminds me a lot of Camps Bay in Cape Town) there is a stretch of white sand, with a grass park, horses on the beach, volleyball nets up, topless tanners and the sea air stroking your face.

Wix and Mustang Passion taking a break

Beautiful theatre across the road from the beach

Tree's bare no leaves...not today at least but it will come

So as we nestled on the grass, watched dogs chase balls, and horses prance along the shore... we unpacked our lunch; cheeses, fig, apples, grapes, meats...

The chill in the air was hard to avoid although the sun shone and heated our clothes, it still wasn't the time to be whipping off my hoody and catching a tan. So we hopped back on our bikes in hot pursuit of some Italian ice cream.

I had seen many pics of Copenhagen, interesting sites and designs, and I remember seeing this one, so I was very surprised when i cycled right past; thought for a moment and turned back around to grab a photo;
The Skovshoved Petrol Station

This historic petrol station can be found up North. It first opened in 1936, and it was designed by Arne Jacobsen.
It is an example of the functionalist style typical of that time. You can see the oval shaped canopy which looks like a mushroom, it offers shade for motorists and illuminates from beneath as a beacon to motorists looking for a station to fill their tank at.


And that was that, a leisurely cycle, full stomachs, rays on our faces and a warm heart...knowing that Summer is within my reach and I cannot wait.


Monday 19 March 2012

Monday Leisure

The joys of being unemployed have their highlights like today, grabbing lunch, shopping (more window shopping than actual buying), casual stroll, coffee and more coffee and an afternoon of arts and crafts makes me take a lazy eyed look at Copenhagen and smile at the fact that I live here.

The morning started off with s strong cup of Italian blend coffee from starbucks...delicious and very awakening.
shower, dress and off to the station me and my girlfriend went to go experience the orgasmic offering of clothing stores at Fisketorvet Copenhagen Mall. I was very suprised at what I saw, its offerings were generous in terms of variety, the architecture and design were effortless yet tasteful. The eat out spots ...interesting and the light that filtered through made you feel as though the sun were on your back and shopping was taking place outside.


Clouds positioned high in the sky under a roof of glass

A melting black piano, dripping down to the other floors


great open spaces with minimalistic 60's style decor, this centre is truly part glass, part design , shops and so much more in one.

some fooling around, I SEE HEARTS..XXX

The burger Spot provided us with delicious filled Bagel and hot tea as we watched the people go about their day, whilst listening to the hustle and bustle under a glass skyline.


YUMMY!

After going into practically every store and salivating over all the amazing fashion, it was time to go...

my favourite eye candy of the day, lace insert high tops....LOVE


BRIGHT EYED AND BUSHY TAILED FOR THE DAY

The day was not over yet, we dragged out tired bodies back to my friends apartment, gulped down another strong cuppa and decided to get very creative and artsy.


My friend kindly bought us all the goods we needed, paintbrushes, pencils, canvases and oil paints and we got going on our masterpieces. 


I have been wanting to paint some birds on a wire for so long now and thats what i got started on 

What an amazing day...

Sunday 18 March 2012

St Patricks Day

St Patricks day in Copenhagen was celebrated as it would be in any other country...with mass amounts of alcohol. The day celebrates Irish culture in general. Green little goblins with big hats and clovers painted on their faces all hover around the pub in their spectacular outfits whilst downing a pint of good old Irish beer.

The Dubliner seemed like the appropriate spot to be, with the rugga on the screen and everyone in high spirits, all were out to have a good time and the sway back home in the late hours of the morning. One thing about Copenhagen is that people only seem to come out in the early hours of the morning, partying starts very late here.

A few drinks at the Dubliner, a slice of pizza and some beers at Floss was only the beginning of the night, Francis Pony and The Jane ended the night on a high note. Starting at 3pm and getting home at two this morning not before downing a Subway steak roll... made me realise how I still have the party inside of me!!

Just a general note in terms of going out in Copenhagen, everyone is so chilled, just wants to have a good time and respectful. Its a nice change, and I often feel on high alert but there doesn't seem a need to be that way. The Danes seem very passive in general and just want to have a good time, they have nothing to prove and no one to push around and so a night out really is pleasant affair.

So to all who had a stellar time on St Patricks day...cheers to you and for those who didn't, make up for it next year.



Sunday 11 March 2012

Copenhagen Cut

I have been putting off cutting my tresses (hair) for two reasons, one; i do not have a hairdresser in Copenhagen just yet and two: its so damn expensive. 

But i put the inevitable off for so long i could do it no longer, so i chatted to a few people, went on the net, got a few price quotations from walk ins.

Its not like Copenhagen isn't modern or has everything you might need, its just that when it comes to hair, everyone seems to have natural, uncut, regular long hair, no dye or colour enhancements so it makes one a little nervous if you have never had your hair done here before.How well do they know their stuff?

After much deliberation, three bookings and two cancellations later, i booked my self in at Street Cut where a young Icelandic guy with a wealth of experience began chopping away. What i wanted was not complicated but you never know how they might interpret your request especially since English wasn't his first language; so i watched him with eagle eyes.

For colour and a cut, quotes were starting at  1100DK to 1800DK and most of the time that was just for roots and not a full head of colour...thanks god i'm not blonde because i don't even what to know what it would cost for highlights.

So i ended up paying 1100DK which is equivalent to R1700 (ridiculous and painful when you convert) but the service was great, the salon was modern, and the end result satisfactory.


Sunday 4 March 2012

Sex and The City Copenhagen Wedding

Last week Friday I ventured to the S.A bar for the rugby game, on walking in, I was by no means surprised at the lack of attendees, considering I have been told there are few South Africans here. We immediately found brand new company and joined a couple and their friends for the rest of the evening.

A few too many drinks later; we all decided it was home time and agreed to exchange numbers and get together soon. To my surprise I found out that the young couple we had been talking to were engaged and due to be married the following weekend at the city hall (sex and the city style), the real wedding would be back in South Africa in December.

I walked away with a big smile and happy we had met some fellow south Africans, I was also giggling because I had somehow been roped into being the photographer at the wedding: I have taken pics at a wedding once before but I am by no means a wedding photographer and usually take pics for my own interest so when this new friend approached me I laughed it off somewhat, we had a had quite a bit too drink.

So Loong story cut short, Friday morning I was scrambling for something that resembled a befitting wedding guest outfit, charging my camera, packed in a spare and was off to catch a bus. I had attended a party get together at the engaged couples house the night before and the bride to be asked if I would be there tomorrow, I was a bit taken a back as I thought things had just been said and not meant at the bar a week ago, but she was adamant that I should be there... and so the adventure began

 I arrived at the couples apartment with a strong cappuccino in hand and in no time our cab had arrived and we were town hall bound, weather was sublime and the sun was out to shine upon us and this special day. With our high heels and painted faces, feeling very chic in true movie-style... a wedding came upon us.

The marriage ceremony, signing and witnessing the event went smoothly and quickly, next thing we were outside and I was in my element; taking a shot there, using the light here and so on.

I was loving the moment, the sun, Copenhagen, the festivities and for the first time in a while i felt very much alive.

A cab collected us once again and veered off into the sunlight to transport us to a monastery style lunch venue in the city. Great company, wine and some hard to swallow traditional Aquavit... we were laughing and chatting into the late afternoon.

A short walk through the streets and we were in the queens park taking some last minute shots while the sun drowned us in all her Glory....just beautiful.

Crazy how you meet a girl, slip into a dress, grab your camera and you are off to a wedding of someone you met a week ago... embracing these peculiar times in this suprising city

So here is a taste of the shots I took....