Smileprints 2018

2018 by my definition was a crazy year. I think I will find a lot who would think alike. Take the craziness out for a while and let me share with you places that I visited during the year.

Beginning of last year, I visited Iceland with my friend Epri, my fail attempt to see The Northern Lights. Should I nominate this to be the first disappointment in 2018? Maybe. But I rolled like the rich Asians, bathing in the Blue Lagoon, putting mud mask, just because. Though my balance sheet at the end of the year indicated that January was the month where I had minus. Ouchie. 💸

Subway

Coming from Indonesia and living in Denmark, I dont have the previlige to enjoy subway sandwiches. Therefore everytime I travel, aside from trying local cuisine, I always try to stop by to enjoy one or two 30-cm subway sandwiches.

Cafe Central, Vienna

On a sunny August afternoon, me and my friends decided to take a touristy detour in vienna.

ARKEN

It was a cloudy Saturday. I decided to go to Arken Museum of Modern Art in Ishøj. I was really expecting to see The Danish Girl collection there. But apparently, at that time, the museum was having a special “Gosh! Is it Alive” exhibition. I was a bit disappointed because I was really curious on Gerda Wegener’s paintings. But, alas, what could I do but to enjoy the exhibition.

Milan, Italy

It was just a weekend trip to Milan, but it was really nice. They said you’ll meet yourself when you travel. I have to add:  you’ll meet yourself when you travel, alone.

First thing on my walking route was Bosco Verticale. It was just an apartment building which grew big plants to make it look like forest. A very refreshing sight in a modern city.

Shopping in Milan, Italy

If money could buy happiness, I bet Milan is the best place to go. 😉 ❤

Before I flew to Milan, I followed the unwritten rules to contact all my italian friends to “hand-wave” them that I am going there. Interestingly, both said they had never spent time in Milan to be able to give any recommendation for me. In fact, one of them actually said that I wont like the city, that it’s different than any other city in Italy, so.. and so… Made me even more curious.

Ostello Bello Grande, Milan

 

 

 

 

 

One word. Fantastic.

 

My trip to Milan is special because I have not been travelling alone for so long. In fact, I could not even remember the last time I travelled alone. So, to lessen my worry, I asked for a hostel recommendation from my friend. And she said that choosing Ostello Bello Grande would never go wrong. And I prove it. Located in Via Roberto Lepetit, 33, 20124 Milano, Italy, this hostel is just 5min walk airport shuttle terminal. It’s also 7min walk from Milan Central Station.

I arrived last night around 1AM. 24h reception welcomed me with a smile and welcome drink. I checked in to a 5-bed-mixed dormitary room which was occupied with me and one guy. Milan was so warm that night but luckily the room has an AC. I slept soundly immediately. Woke up and took a shower, I realised a girl came last night (morning?). I didnot hear her. Thanks for being quiet, good hostel manner.

Stockholm, Sweden

I had a little girls boot camp last month. It’s for me-the broken hearted, since my uk visa application was rejected. So, rather than crying over the spilled milk, we went to see Stockholm.

Hill Top Trine, Giant No.2

Bakketop Trine

Seeing one of Danbo’s giants made me feel like seeing all of them in an instance. But this girl giant called Trine is a bit tricky to find.

I found her after I visited Louis. They were 6km apart. I cycled south from Louis following the bike lane. In my opinion, the bike trip itself was great. Passing some parks, surrounded by greens and fresh air. Just nice. After making a left turn, I immediately saw her sitting on a small hill swarmed by little children.

The Sleeping Louis, Giant No.1

Sovende Louis – De glemte kæmper

One of my projects this summer is to visit all Thomas Danbo’s giants sculptures. And this is number 1.