Sweden: Lund and Dalby 2010

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I had always wanted to visit a scandinavian country. So after finishing my thesis I needed a break and decided on visiting some family friends in Sweden. Since I was going to Lund, I flew to Copenhagen then took a train to Lund (which only took about 45 min). Thanks to the Schengen visa and flying blue elite membership, it was all smooth sailing. I could not have chosen a worse time to visit because it turnout to be -7C in Lund that afternoon dropping to -20 at night, ouch!. Don't get me wrong it was a beautiful day, sunny an all but bitting cold. When I planned my trip earlier in November 2009, I didn't know there was going to be a cold snap on the continent at that time. Anyway, this meant it was rather painful to do any outdoor activities and less photography too :). On the bright side I had more time to have fun and catch up about old times with my friends :) . One day I hope I will be back to explore in warmer weather.



Cool display at Schipol airport (Amsterdam)



Glimpses of Lund city center including the Liberiet.


Lund Cathedral

Chilling out at the "Nova Lund Mall"

The village of Dalby where I was staying.

South Africa, Cape Town

Even after living in Cape Town for 2 and a half years, I just can't get enough of that place. It is simply my favorite destination by far. So, every now and then I go back for short visits. Here are some highlights of those visits.

Cape Town has something for every one.


Breath taking sun rise in Muizenberg. Normally I am not a morning person, but this is just to good to miss. I love to take early morning walks/Jogs on the beach.


You could also go surfing. The surfer's corner in Muizenberg is great especially for first timers. The waves are gentle, and because it is located in the "False bay", there is little danger of being carried off to deeper water by the sea currents. I tried my hand at surfing but I think I will stick to body boarding.


Why not take a train to Kalk bay and have a wonderful lunch or dinner at the Brass Bell restaurant right by the water.



Visit the VA Waterfront. This place tends to be full of tourists. There are a few street performances going on the this area (Don't forget to tip the performers!) From here you can also catch a boat to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was in prison (At the clock tower). There is also a large shopping mall here but it tends to have a lots of expensive shops, why would I travel to South Africa to shop in Gucci. But there are some local brands around available as well. If you prefer to go were to locals go to shop (better value for your $) I would go to the mall at the central Station in Cape Town or my favorite mall, Cavendish center (train stop-Claremont), Shopping, eating, movies, hair braiders etc all here.


If you are the hiking type, why not hike up the Table mountain. If you are not up to the 3 or 4 hour up hill battle why not just take the Cable car up the mountain. It can be very windy and cold at the top so do carry something warm or at least windproof. The view from the top are simply amazing!




A wine tour is a must. I am or was a wine novice once but after a tour of the Stellenbosch wine lands, well, I can only say wine has a whole different meaning now. We booked a tour with Afrivista when we were in Stellenbosch in August 2009. We had a day tour which was a tour of 5 farms, a chocolate tasting in Franschhoek and lunch for a very affordable price. I don't understand what more the expensive tours have to offer that Afrivista didn't have. Anyway, I fully recommend them. Check out their webpage http://www.winelandstours.co.za/ Loved the Jazz chiraz by Solms Delta "Party in your mouth"!

In Stellenbosch visit this cute old style shop. Its not just a museum but you can actually buy things.

The other side of Cape town that you may not see. The contrast is so sad. I hope the government will resolve this shanty town issue. This here is a glimpse of Nyanga next to the international Airport.

To be continued...

USA 2009: Atlanta, Santa fe and Keystone

(January-february 2009)After getting a great multi-city deal with Delta, we decided to visit a number of research groups around the US before heading for our conference in Keystone Colorado. The first part of the trip was Amsterdam-Atlanta. The one thing that always hits me first when I go to the US from NL is the fact that everything feels magnified in the US. The cars, the highways, the airport, even the food lol!

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Strange art at Emory university.

Zimbabwean art exhibition at Atlanta airport!

It was cold in downtown Atlanta


Next stop, Santa fe, New Mexico. After just a few hours of flying from Atlanta we landed in what felt like a whole different country (Albuquerque)! Mexican art, Mexican food and different looking people (Don't know if I can say they where Mexican). I liked it though. There wasnt that big city feel anymore and I love that. We drove to Santa fe where we stayed and commuted to Los Alamos for work.

Camel rock, Santa fe, New Mexico

There where lots of casinos in the middle of nowhere!

A visit to the Bandelier national monument. A lovely historical place. A must see if you are in the area.

One of the oldest houses in the USA.

Next stop, Keystone, Colorado.
After an adventurous long drive from Santa fe to Keystone, we finally reached the cold snowy mountain ski resort. I should say our drive there was right out of the movies, miles upon miles of nothing the once in a while hit a small town or roadside diner! Once we got to the mountains, it was beautiful but a bit scary to drive up.

Home straight!

Hot dogs where the only decent thing being served at this road side diner. It probably tested good just because we were so hungry.

Finally there!

Relaxing during a lunch break. I should say the condos were beautiful and cozy. A fire place, great view, just give me a hot cup of cocoa and I am in heaven!