June 30, 20196 yr You buying two seats on the flight home? I think you may need to after seeing all that food porn.
June 30, 20196 yr Author You buying two seats on the flight home? I think you may need to after seeing all that food porn. Walking a metric shit ton every day. I mean...I didn’t exactly start out skinny. It I ain’t getting worse.
June 30, 20196 yr Yeah walking around all day seeing cool shit while eating like a king sounds like the best of both worlds. Trip of a lifetime!
June 30, 20196 yr Author Wanted to see the Viking ship museum since I was a kid...It was beyond cool.And the cultural museum was pretty cool, too. They have a rebuilt stave church - didn’t think we were going to get to see one.Also....tourists from all over, so the museum crapper needed instructions...
June 30, 20196 yr Author Who the fuck goes reverse cowgirl on the toilet? Sometimes, when you’re that drunk, you need a place to rest your head.I mean, so I’ve heard.
June 30, 20196 yr 2 hours ago, TornACL said: Who the fuck goes reverse cowgirl on the toilet? where else you going to place your plate while eating on the toilet ?
June 30, 20196 yr Author where else you going to place your plate while eating on the toilet ?This man is a pro.
June 30, 20196 yr Author So, we went to our first Michelin starred restaurant tonight: Lofoten Fiskrestaurant. It was good. But we weren’t blown away. Granted, we’ve eaten some amazing meals, just in cities Michelin doesn’t cover. Didn’t get pics of everything, but some sampling from our orders.Starters:Tuna tartar. This was better than most any other I’ve had.Fiskesuppe. Good enough, but they went too heavy on the basil. Honestly, we preferred the classic fiskesuppe we had in Ålesund, and even that we made in our cabin.Smoked mackerel. This was very good...but again, I picked up a piece at a fish market to eat in the car that was just as good.Scallops. Very good, but scallops usually are.Bisque, with smoked mussels. This was creative, and good... it again, I’ve had better bisque.Cod with saffron sauce and summer veggies. This was very good.And Arctic char - the wife liked it, but wasn’t blown away.I know it seems silly, but we just haven’t had great luck with “fancy” dining. We seem to do better, and are happier, when we discover something small, local, and basic. Do what you do, and do it well. We may try something similar in Copenhagen...we’ll see.
June 30, 20196 yr I loved my visit to Copenhagen. Hope y’all have a great time, such a beautiful city
June 30, 20196 yr Author I loved my visit to Copenhagen. Hope y’all have a great time, such a beautiful city What were your highlights? Your favorite places to visit, eat, etc? We’re still playing it by ear.
June 30, 20196 yr Free dinner at Noma with classmates. Copenhagen is a nice little foodie hub, lot of good choices Tivoli garden was just fun many museums and art galleries, almost all are free. Take a cab to the furthest one from your hotel and walk back canal / boat tour was fun we met with the danish chief economic advisor. That was a great two hour talk. Lot of walking Around Day drinking / hitting shops. Female classmates with loose morals ha
June 30, 20196 yr 1 hour ago, Brisketexan said: What were your highlights? Your favorite places to visit, eat, etc? We’re still playing it by ear. 1) walking the Strøget of course. 2) getting a pic along the Nyhavn is touristy, but pretty neat to see 3) walking up the spiral ramp of the Round Tower and getting a view of the city is fun. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rundetaarn 4) i think the hands down the most gorgeous women in Europe are in Copenhagen.
June 30, 20196 yr and damn, a Michelin starred restaurant in Oslo must cost and arm and a leg. I remember a coffee and a pastry at a corner store costing me $18 ten years ago.
July 1, 20196 yr I still remember thinking I was big shit when I was a kid because I got to spend most of one summer in Houston with my dad. Told my friends about “big city” life when school started. Now I read this about kids summering in Berlin & going to school in foreign countries and it ruins my perception of childhood and damages my ego. Check your privilege, Brisket.
July 1, 20196 yr Author I still remember thinking I was big shit when I was a kid because I got to spend most of one summer in Houston with my dad. Told my friends about “big city” life when school started. Now I read this about kids summering in Berlin & going to school in foreign countries and it ruins my perception of childhood and damages my ego. Check your privilege, Brisket. Yeah...as a kid my typical summer vacation was driving 15 hours to visit family in the Mexican desert, with a stop off in the RGV to visit my mom’s folks. The big years were the years we road tripped to Colorado, and then a couple years later, to Florida. I was thrilled if we stayed in a motel with a pool.My kids have been made VERY aware that their first trip to Europe was MY first trip to Europe. And that with experience and perspective comes responsibility and obligation. They know a lot more about this world and the people in it than I did...so what are you going to do with that?And, this trip is a bit nicer than I had originally planned, as my wife’s uncle left us a nice gift, and he was a world traveler (flew in for our wedding direct from Botswana), so we thought it appropriate.It helps that we’ve cultivated friendships with folks in several countries - people to host us, show us around, etc. (and of course, our door is open to them - my kids’ friends call our house the “Europe house,” because we often have someone from overseas staying with us).We’re very fortunate.
July 1, 20196 yr I don't think the importance of networking can ever be overstated, this shit here is a good example of that. Man, what a great trip for your kids. Really enjoying the food pictures. Isn't it amusing how we're more proud of some meal from a hole-in-the-wall cabin than a five-star restaurant?
July 1, 20196 yr Author I don't think the importance of networking can ever be overstated, this shit here is a good example of that. Man, what a great trip for your kids. Really enjoying the food pictures. Isn't it amusing how we're more proud of some meal from a hole-in-the-wall cabin than a five-star restaurant? Although this snack did just take the boy to his happy place:
July 1, 20196 yr Author Also, we went to the Norwegian resistance museum. If you’re not pissed off walking out of there, then you’re not paying attention. When I read about Quisling being summarily executed right outside the walls where I was standing, I fucking grinned.The press is “truly the enemy of the people.” Huh. Man, why does that ring a bell?I fucking hate nazis. Old ones, new ones, collaborators, quislings, all of them.
July 1, 20196 yr Author And, had an ethical quandary at lunch. The girl ordered the smoked fish plate.It included both whale salami and smoked whale. The girl ate the salami... it then stopped, and couldn’t do more. I ate the smoked whale - like a very moist smoked beef, just a hint of fishiness. But...it really bothered me. Seriously, my first stirrings of environmental conscience were when I was 8-9, and became a lover of all things cetacean. I donated to save the whales, wrote letters, the whole deal.I understand that there’s an indigenous whaling culture dating back a long ass time. But still. I already kinda regret taking part in it. Oh well. I tried it. I won’t be doing it again.
July 1, 20196 yr If you a looking for a cool market area in Copenhagen, go here, Torvehallerne Copenhagen. Tons of food stalls and variety.
July 2, 20196 yr Author In Copenhagen. Already regretting only scheduling 3 days here. We like it MUCH more than Oslo - such a classic old world city.We had a free form kind of day. Slept in (needed the rest), headed to the palace a block away to watch the changing of the guard (meh...they were not terribly crisp, and my god, they all looked 17). Then, coffee and a simple brunch: porridge for the ladies, an egg, rye toast, and cheese for the guys. Then we walked through the old place gardens.Lavender and yellow roses (Texas, y’all) smelled incredible.Then we walked a bit more, to Torvehallerne. Dude...that place is fucking COOL. Next time we come, we’ll air BNB, so we can shop and cook dinner ourselves a few times.And hey, outside they had tacos!We talked (espanol, man) with the crew - Mexican and Argentine. Didn’t get any, but they knew what they were doing.
July 2, 20196 yr Author Had to get lunch there, of course.The boy was thrilled with caccio y pepe from a fresh pasta stand:And we got some Smørrebrød - fish cake for the girl, wife for shrimp and egg, and I got liver pate with lingonberries, bacon, and beets (holy shit):And did I go back to the seafood counter? Fuck yeah I did. Fried herring in a curry seasoning (goddamned amazing, but I’m the only herring fan here), octopus salad (meh, not great seasoning), fish cake made with cod and pork fat (so yeah, good), and simple local fried shrimp.And some candied dates for dessert:
July 2, 20196 yr That place is indeed awesome. Beef and well everything is so expensive there. Is the exchange still about 6/1?
July 2, 20196 yr Author Did the Round tower and walk through Nyhavn and a long walk through the pedestrian shopping district (most photos have the fam in them, so not here). I will say...we all loved the damned LEGO store. 16 or not, the boy was very tempted there.At the hotel bar, recharging before the FIFA match tonight (I think we have found a place to watch...):
July 2, 20196 yr On 7/1/2019 at 12:30 AM, Helobious said: I still remember thinking I was big shit when I was a kid because I got to spend most of one summer in Houston with my dad. Told my friends about “big city” life when school started. Now I read this about kids summering in Berlin & going to school in foreign countries and it ruins my perception of childhood and damages my ego. Check your privilege, Brisket. My family trips were to Galveston, Oklahoma for family reunions and Wichita Falls. We'd throw in the occasional Hot Springs or Austin trip in there. My first time on a plane was a one-way trip to Austin when I was 16. My parents drove to pick me up for the way home. Both of my kids spent the summer in Russia and have been to Montreal. My oldest went to Munich, Rome, Salzburg, Hallstatt, London, Pamplona to Run with the Bulls and Barcelona. My youngest did Paris/Disneyland Paris, Berlin, London and Iceland. Different time. Cool trip Brisket. Edited July 2, 20196 yr by Spankytoes
July 2, 20196 yr Watching the match from a pub in Nyhavn....and the akvavit just came out... Just hope the malort doesnt make an appearance.
July 2, 20196 yr 3 hours ago, DCA_HORN said: That place is indeed awesome. Beef and well everything is so expensive there. Is the exchange still about 6/1? 9 to 1 my friend. I'm pondering a work relo there -- literally crunching the numbers right now -- but I don't think it's compelling enough
July 2, 20196 yr Author 9 to 1 my friend. I'm pondering a work relo there -- literally crunching the numbers right now -- but I don't think it's compelling enough6.6 krone to the dollar. Still, that means that ribeye is about $32 a pound. It ain’t cheap. Slightly cheaper than Norway, though.
July 3, 20196 yr 2 hours ago, Brisketexan said: 6.6 krone to the dollar. Still, that means that ribeye is about $32 a pound. It ain’t cheap. Slightly cheaper than Norway, though. Ah you've traveled past, thought it was referring still to NOK
July 3, 20196 yr Author Ah you've traveled past, thought it was referring still to NOKYeah, Norway exchange is worse. Something like 9 to 1. A gas station hit dog was $4-7 (depending on which one you got).
July 4, 20196 yr Author Went to Malmo for the day. Rented an electric boat and toured around through the canals.Let the boy handle the boat, from dock to dock. We got a healthy dose of this from him along the way:They were pumped for the game. Didn’t go their way.Dinner at Tivoli food hall on the way home:Smorrebrod with a couple of tapas.Watched the gal make what looked like a great pork sammich.
July 4, 20196 yr Author Oh, and lunch in Malmo...herring (really good) and of course, the full meatball platter (even better):Inside the church, original chapel from the 1600s
July 4, 20196 yr Author Kinky muthafukkin Danes...I like it. And for reals...this was the King’s entirely mirrored room, for his erotic adventures...get some, your highness. Dude liked to watch from ALL the angles.
July 4, 20196 yr Author And my wife and daughter are OBSESSED with this place, Grod, for porridge. We had breakfast there two days in a row. It IS pretty good...Did Tivoli as well. Today was our first really rainy day of the whole trip (we got lucky - a couple days after we left Geiranger, they got a bunch of rain and snow). But Tivoli in the rain was okay. We enjoyed it, but it’s still just an amusement park, albeit a quaint and charming one.My daughter was happy to coax a bumblebee onto her hand:We visited the Church of our Savior. Someone was practicing on the organ from 1684, which was a treat to listen to.And had my horns up till this dude blew his horn...And as I was walking the church, I noticed this man, at the children’s table they have set up for the little ones at services. He was pretty scruffy. I suspect that he was getting in from out of the rain. But he was also using the pencils and paper there to sketch. He was drawing various elements of the church, on both the front and back. I thought it was a pretty fantastic human moment.Now, we’re taking it easy for a bit before dinner at Brace.
July 20, 20196 yr On 7/4/2019 at 4:28 AM, Brisketexan said: Oh, and lunch in Malmo...herring (really good) and of course, the full meatball platter (even better): You just went full meatball. Don't ever go full meatball.
September 7, 20196 yr Heading to Copenhagen for work on the 13th through the 19th, and I will be referring to this thread.
June 28Jun 28 In Oslo for a few days before cruising the Baltic Sea. Had dinner at The Hungry Pig…Den Glade Gris…which has pork dishes on 80% of the menu. The restaurant is family owned, and everything on the menu is Norwegian except some wines. All the beer, both alcoholic and nonalcoholic, is Norwegian. In fact they had a ton of nonalcoholic offerings as Norwegian women drink a lot of beer including when they are pregnant. The hat on the pig is in deference to Pride Week in Oslo. City buses, government buildings, and every place imaginable is flying LGBTQ+ pride flags and colors including the Nobel Peace Center.
June 30Jun 30 More Oslo tidbits……..East Oslo is referred to as ‘The Ghetto” as immigrants and poorer Norwegians live there. West Oslo is where the upper crust resides. Oslo has the most EVS I’ve seen in one place. Many more EVS and hybrids than gas powered vehicles including EV public buses. You can be in the center of downtown Oslo (called the Sentrum) and there’s so little noise because of the EV’s. The majority are Teslas, including full sized Teslas, not just the smaller versions that are so prevalent in the US. Have seen EV’s by Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, Polestar, Peugeot, Alfa Romeo, Audi, Toyota, Citroen, VW, Jaguar, and this one brand called Build Your Dreams. I had to look that one up. It’s a Chinese company that sells less expensive EV’s than Tesla. Have only seen two of those as I think most consumers aren’t going to buy a Chinese product as China is not exactly known for quality control. The only American car I’ve seen is the Ford Mustang EV and there are a lot of of them. In fact, the Mustang was the best selling car in Norway during May. Who knew? Full sized Tesla sedan Build Your Dreams……with a Chinese car company. The Ford Mustang EV…..kicking butt in Norway. I’m aware this isn’t a car thread, but I found the EV presence in Oslo fascinating and thought I’d share. Finally, the young women in Oslo are stunning. Drop dead gorgeous everywhere you look. It’s like they cloned a blue eyed blonde haired Nordic woman between 5’6” and 6 ft tall and replicated that all over the city. If I was a MUCH younger man and had just graduated from UT, I would make an effort to find a job in Oslo utilizing my major and see where life would take me. I’ve never seen so many beautiful women in one place in my life. They. Are. Everywhere.
July 1Jul 1 23 hours ago, Harrison Stafford said: I’ve never seen so many beautiful women in one place in my life. They. Are. Everywhere. Thanks for the car pics.
July 1Jul 1 3 minutes ago, Chopper said: Thanks for the car pics. Mrs. Stafford is with me on this trip and I do not want to see her evil twin.
July 1Jul 1 3 hours ago, Harrison Stafford said: Mrs. Stafford is with me on this trip and I do not want to see her evil twin.
July 2Jul 2 Had an outstanding meal at Park 29 near Downtown Oslo. The halibut and all the veggies had lots of flavor. Not a mediocre bite on the plate. Park 29 is a popular place and you’ll probably need reservations unless you go at an off time (which we did). Oslo is full of lots of people using e-scooters while Copenhagen is full of lots of people riding bicycles. In both places, too many go like bats out of hell.
July 2Jul 2 On 6/30/2019 at 10:37 AM, Brisketexan said: Wanted to see the Viking ship museum since I was a kid... It was beyond cool. And the cultural museum was pretty cool, too. They have a rebuilt stave church - didn’t think we were going to get to see one. Also....tourists from all over, so the museum crapper needed instructions... I got to see that museum and church as a teenager on my Junior class trip. I lived in Scotland and a classmate had a house in Stavanger, we did a couple days in Oslo too.
July 4Jul 4 Lunch in downtown Berlin at Erdinger am Gendarmenmarket. I had the best non-alcoholic beer I've ever tasted. Erdinger Alkohol Frei. Been on the wagon since August 25th and staying the course. The site where once was Hitler’s bunker. Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. Gray slabs with no names on a slope that pulls you in. I had thought I wanted to see a concentration camp, but this was about all I could take.
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