Braving the elements in Copenhagen...

Day 33

Checked out of my hostel in Stockholm and headed to Copenhagen. As the long train journey began, I noticed that the usual panels above each seat indicating whether it was reserved or not were missing from this train. I then heard over the PA that it was a high speed service to Copenhagen. Shit. It was then that I realised that this train required a reservation. I checked my book and sure enough it said a reservation was required. However I then checked my app which I've been using quite religiously on this trip and it said a reservation wasn't required. Nevertheless, it was pretty obvious that one was required.

Eye-opening day...

Day 27: So I didn't end up going outdoors that day. It was raining, and it was a perfect day to spend indoors just watching TV, eating and sleeping. Really. I did nothing that I couldn't have done back in Sydney. I started watching Amelie so I would have an idea of what to expect when I visit Montemarte, but I fell asleep halfway through (not because it was boring, but rather cos I was lying on my bed). Also watched Friends in French. Because of my extensive knowledge of the all the episodes, I was able to dub the French version back into its original English version in my head, so technically I was able to understand the French version lol.

So much food everywhere...

Day 25: Did the New Europe Paris tour. I realise that I don't actually remember where I go on these tours. I just like to hear the history and the stories behind them, but I don't remember where I walk so I usually don't know how to get back. Tour ended at the beginning of the Champ Elysees, which used to be the most expensive shopping street in the world. It's still quite overpriced, and it's still home to all those high-name brands. Even Maccas is more expensive on the Champ Elysees - a meal was 60c more expensive!! Walked down the Champ Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe. Did you know that you are not insured if you have a car accident on the roundabout around the Arc? It has 12 roads leading into it, and has 10 "lanes", but there are no line markings in the roundabout. An accident occurs every half an hour apparently, but I assume a lot would be minor accidents.

Guy Fawkes. Awesome dude...

Day 11: Didn't get to explore the British Museum and Tate Modern as planned today. Went on the New Europe London Tour, which pretty much went to every place that I went to myself yesterday. But the cool stories at each spot definitely made the attractions more interesting. Did you know that Big Ben is actually the name of the bell inside the tower, and not the clock itself? And that it's actually sloping and they're doing restoration work on the building joined to it because it's tearing apart? The only new thing today was Buckingham Palace, where I happened to catch some of the changing of the guards ceremony. However, I only saw a bit since the tour had to move on, and my camera battery died so I couldn't get any cool photos. Besides, the massive crowds there meant I couldn't really see much anyway. Who knew that there were so many tourists in London on any given day? Apparently the Queen wasn't in today so the guards could play some more informal songs. They played the James Bond theme!! But when the Queen's there, they play the formal songs lol.

Out of Marseille and into Madrid...

Thought I'd mention this here since it doesn't really relate to anything. At the French railway stations, before they make a PA announcement, they always start off with three tones. Now to me, those three tones sound exactly like the three tones that start Soulja Boy's "Crank Dat (Superman That Hoe)". As a result, every single time there's an announcement at the train station, I'm so tempted to yell out "NOW WATCH ME YOUUUU" and do the corresponding "interpretive dance". Fortunately, I have been able to resist humiliating myself in public, but in my head, I'm doing it.