Friday, September 30, 2011

Europe Trip: Sept 2011

My next trip to Europe brings me back to Amsterdam. Flew by Delta and the experience was OK. Still no personal entertainment. If I had not known better I would have some what start believing that flight from/to India was being discriminated.
Amsterdam in summer is even better than in winter. The place is alive. People of bicycle are moving everywhere. In a city with hardly population of few millions, there are supposed to be 3 million bicycles. Also availed of public transport (tram and train) and they are as efficient as they can be.

My next stop was Copenhagen, capital of Denmark. This was a new city for me and let me take some time to write about it.
Denmark is at conjecture of Scandinavia and rest of Europe. Its culture it true to other European culture with close linkages to its Scandinavian history.
I actually had a meeting in a place called Malmo which is just across the border in Sweden. I was amazed by the collaboration between these 2 country. Both the country are building this city together, and making it into a commercial hub with business and entertainment avenue.
My meeting was in a multi purpose arena which was home of one of ice hockey team. It also could be turned to concert area within 24 hours. I was in of the corporate room which opened into the stadium. I got some taste of those rich and famous although I could see any hockey or concert. I also liked the business model of these arena. The arena sold off boxes to sponsor or rent it out during non-hockey/concert time.

The next day was off day for me and I took a foot trip through the Copenhagen city center. The place is not as clean as Amsterdam but as the day progressed it became very lively. There were street shows of all kind - Jazz, Violin, Western guitar, Mountain gypsy music, street comedy performance and others. There were different kinds of shops - all global branded ones, ethnic market, lot of eateries. There were 'Ricksaw', slightly different than India in built and also that drivers had iPad to entertain the guests.

I took a canal drive through the city and saw a lot of tourist destination including the little mermaid. There was one building where the top had 3 serpentine like body intertwining each other. This was a symbolic of the 3 Scandinavian country - Norway, Sweden and Denmark working together. Also the famous shipping industry was visible during these rides.

The weather was great during the day and I lead a nomadic life for one full day. Beautiful.

 



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