Tag: Paris

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Copenhagen and back – via Paris

Everybody made it back safe from their travels, and it was quickly back to reality for most. That includes Duke, who had to give up his roasted chicken diet in lieu of the raw food his mommy seems to prefer feeding him.

For the last few days, John’s been off on one of his whirlwind trips to Denmark. Mostly to pick up a long-sought-after lens. He had been on a waitlist for this particular lens model for two years before getting kicked off, citing unavailability and uncertainty. The lens was, however, in stock at a dealer in Copenhagen, and by saving the VAT, he even saved a few dollars.

It was also a welcome chance to see his mom and later catch up with an old friend. As it happened, Eli’s Danish citizenship papers came through and were waiting in Copenhagen, so those were also picked up. Great to have that behind us, and Eli is a Danish citizen for the rest of her life.

The return was through Paris, where John was lucky to see the final stage of the Tour de France. With a Dane winning for the second year in a row, it’s extra special, although it doesn’t quite hit last year’s highs with the tour starting in Denmark and an unexpected win over Pogacar. Overall, it brought back memories of a 1996 trip to Paris to celebrate another Dane winning “the tour” (Bjarne Riis). Back then, John was joined by two friends – Hans and Lars – and his dad. Fun memories all around, even though we never really got to see much of the fast-moving riders

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Weekend in London

John spent the last few days of last week at the Fastly office in London. Hoping to escape the Bay Area rain, he quickly realized it had followed him to Europe. There were even hints of snow on the first day.

Thursday evening, John met with Penny’s sister Olivia, her husband George, their daughter Alice and Alice’s husband Dickie. Alice and Dickie had just opened a cocktail bar – Maremmano – in London in addition to their restaurant. A super lovely place built on the tapas concept but for Italian food. After drinks, John, Alice, and Dickie went to the restaurant – Maremma – and enjoyed Tuscan food until only one server was left in the whole restaurant. Lovely food – even better to catch up!

Friday afternoon was spent visiting Shackleton to discuss gear for John’s upcoming trip to Antarctica. It was followed up with afternoon tea at the Mandarin Oriental – an absolute must when in London. The evening entertainment was delivered by The 1975 at the 02 arena. Fantastic band and show provided by a band celebrating their 20th year together. 

John spent Saturday in Paris after a quick train ride across the channel. It felt good to revisit the riverside where John and Isabella spread Lyne’s ashes. But other than that, Paris was a cold and wet affaire this time, and John returned to London once his clothes were soaked, although not until he made it to the Eiffel Tower.

After packing Sunday morning, John went to see the “Slough House” building featured in Apple TV’s Slow Horses. Fun to see and great to be out on what turned out to be the only day with a blue sky and sun.

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CPH/CDG

John flew to New York from San Francisco while Isabella was picked up in a car from school. They met at Newark Airport and quickly checked in at the SAS counter – each with their own row of seats. January and February remains a great time to travel if you like room to spread out a little bit… They got to Copenhagen very early in the morning and met Mariane for breakfast at the Hilton – just across the street from the airport. It was good to catch up – after all it was more than 2.5 years since Isabella and her had seen each other. 

Mariane and Isabella at the Copenhagen Hilton

Once breakfast was over Isabella and John set course for the hotel. The room wasn’t ready so they explored Copenhagen in fairly decent weather. Ending up back at the hotel around noon, they watched the many famous – some only in their own mind – people who showed for the Copenhagen Fashion week. Among them Gerald Butler who was visiting to endorse Boss perfume. Meanwhile the room was ready and an afternoon snooze seemed like the right thing to do. The evening was spent with Nikoline, Albert, Pia and Carl at their home in Værløse. 

Saturday started with breakfast at Meyers Deli. A great little breakfast place with nothing but fresh and organic food. Lunch was spent with Hans Ole and Trine at Bistro Royal followed by a visit to some of the famous Copenhagen shops. Nothing was so tempting that they had to buy it so it was back to the hotel for a quick refresher before heading out to have dinner with many of the friends Isabella has met over the years. Good opportunity to celebrate Isabella’s 15th birthday regardless of the lousy service at Cocks & Cows. 

Isabella & John left the hotel early Sunday morning. Isabella wasn’t quite sure why, other than she’d been promised a surprise… They ended up in front of the departure gate for Paris and flew down to the French capital for the day. Fantastic weather and they slowly made it by foot from Notre Dame / St. Germain to the Eiffel Tower. Along the way they stopped to leave six roses at the place Lyne’s ashes were spread. Somber moments but good nonetheless. The Parisians and many tourists were out enjoying the spring weather and it was not until the end of the day that all the rain that was in the forecast finally showed. Back in Copenhagen around 9:00 p.m. Both slept well with no broadcast of the Super Bowl available to grab the attention all night. 

It was time to leave the beautiful D’Angleterre hotel Monday morning and after check-in it was back to the Airport Hilton to meet Birgit and Mogens for breakfast. It was nice to catch up with them as well. Isabella and John parted ways at the Copenhagen airport. Isabella flew back to New York while John headed direct to San Francisco. But not until some tax free candy were purchased as well as a new set of B&O earphones that Isabella received from the family. Big smile on her face and very thankful. Many treated her to little gifts all weekend and she was lucky to get spoiled so far from home.