Swedish Museum of Natural History

I paid a bomb for this.

Money well spent.

I told myself that I should cover a few museums (different type of museums during this trip) and I did just that. We covered few free museums in Norway, Swedish Museum of Natural History in Stockholm and Fram Museum on Finland. And I have to say, worth every penny. I personally feel that one should at least visit one museum in a trip to better know their culture, history or just look at how they curate a museum. So far, I have no complaints in this 3 Scandinavia countries I visited, in fact I highly encourage you to do the same. One tip being, google free entrance fee museums, there bound to be a few for you to discover.

There are 2 types of museum, one being interactive and the one is a living museum of which I also covered Stockholm – Skansen (to read more, click HERE). The other one I visited was the one in Romania which is also pretty cool I must say.

There are 9 permanent exhibitions about nature and the development of mankind that one can experience here, showcasing on the universe and the earth, animals and plants. Aside from this, they also have this cool IMAX-3D-dome film at the Cosmonova, you can choose one of these film - Mysteries of the Unseen World, Galapagos, Journey to the South Pacific and Astronomy x2. Do tale note that the tix is a bit pricey but if you are those that enjoy a walk in a museum, then this would be fun especially if you have your kids with you. 

When we were there, there were an exhibition on owls, little did I know there are so many types of owl and I did manage to learn a thing or two on their habitats, habits and etc. And some of them are so beautiful and regal. Kinda explain why Harry Porter/Hogwart chooses owl as pet.

Their Human and Animal section was amazing, most kids linger at this area, very educational. I think Malaysia should have one similar, I don’t mind being a curator. #serious

It covers from dinosaur era to mankind, none was left out – the animal and human body, bones, cells and even the carpet print! They make it fun and interactive thus creates and increase interest and able to sustain children short attention span. The leisure area for parents or family to hang-out nearby was comfortable too but I doubt they would want to sit, I saw a lot of the parents were enjoying themselves too.

We were also being educated on minerals – colours, type, location, effect and usage. I came out feeling smart (providing I remember all the detail and facts, Ahaks).

I have to say, the 2 showcase that excites me are the Life In Water and a Human Journey. The earlier shows how this animal can grow in size which is pretty big and awesome (and scary). Where else the Human Journey showcase was rather interesting especially on the interactive portion, it actually guides youngster and adults in what is restricted, endanger, extinct and etc. Pretty good I feel.

Aside from these, there are also showcase on human evolution, climate change, antartica etc.

Since our interest and priorities are different, both Wahidah and I split and ventured into this natural-history-maze-wonderland  on our own and met back  at the entrance on Cosmonova. 

#TravelTips 1 : If you wish to cover this massive compound, give and take half a day.

#TravelTips 2 : And perhaps bring your own snacks if you are traveling on low budget. It is kinda far and the food at the museum is pretty expensive (for Asian travelers especially).

#TravelTips 3 : You can purchase your tix via cash or credit card

#TravelTips 4 : It is cheaper to get a combo – museums and Cosmonova

#TravelTips 5 : It is cheaper if you have Stockholm card

#TravelTips 6 : Bring an earphone to listen to English translation at Cosmonova, else you are required to pay KR15 for an earphone. OR you have to listen in Swedish (Ahaks).

Regular hours

Tuesday-Friday 10-18

Saturday, Sunday             11-18

Extended hours, holidays

Talk About Technology at a Museum - Stockholm

I was fortunate (more like insisted) to visit a museum in Stockholm (museum name will be revealed in the next entry), the vending machines impress me a lot; for a moment I really thought I was in Japan. Then there was the museum displays and the 3D movie… memang excited sakan.

There’s a few must visit places when I travel, regardless of the price (if I find it good enough); (1) UNESCO sites, (2) Museums – my first priority will be free entry museums or at least affordable and last but not least (3) Zoo!!! How can you not like zoo right?!? Then the rest of the attractions follow suit.

This is a teaser of what I see in Stockholm. Next entry I will include the coolness about this museum and how I wish I too can be a museum curator. I will be ecstatic.

Oh! By the way, I will be traveling soon. To a country that is rich in culture and heritage, and nature too. Follow my Instagram for instant/live updates.

Tanto Norra, Stockholm : My Winter Wonderland.

Planning a winter trip is tough.

The idea was to travel during cold hash winter to the northern most region – Scandinavia; covering Norway, Sweden and Finland. However, upon reaching our first city; snow was everywhere as expected, in fact, the whole park was covered with white powdery snow and yet I still don’t feel ‘it’, I can't feel 'it'. Where’s my ‘it’?

Have you ever felt hungry and craving for food, but when you finally have it, it did not hit the satisfaction level you imagined (macam ada benda yang tak kena, tak puas). Then you kept buying and eating, and stuffing with all types of food but still, it did not meet the mark, a mark that even you don’t know. You kept feeling frustrated, you disappoint your tummy, your taste pallet, your craving. Lepas tuh bebal, naik angin, semua tak kena. Well, that was the same feeling I had when we landed in Oslo, looking and searching for my ‘IT’. Justifying to myself, this IS it, accept and enjoy the trip. Not that easy, let me tell you that. 

Braving and ‘pujuk-ing’ myself to enjoy Oslo, forcing myself to take a few beautiful shots (which I personally think it wasn’t, yet hoping it is), I succumbed and settled with what's given. This is Oslo, this is my Scandi trip (finally), this is my Winter Wonderland. Hell NOT!

Little did I know, Allah SWT have something in store for me, a better plan, a better IT. And I will forever thank him for that, am blessed.

It started with us arriving at Stockholm from Oslo, my second trip here, not thoroughly overjoyed but I am cool with it. I have a few to do list, places and things I would like to cover and buy. I guess a 3 days 2 nights fit me pretty well. I do have one worry though, the hostel we booked is slightly out of the way, unlike other cities we booked, we were able to walk everywhere, anytime but not here; in Stockholm. With both iPhone and a hardcopy map, we should be able to find our hostel quickly and hopefully easily. Luck is not on our side.

It was far (kinda), it took a while for us to get our bearing right when we resurface, the overnight ride and the cold weather wasn’t exactly easing our frustration. We finally found the junction that led to the hostel but after a long tiring walk, the hostel was still no where to be seen. Anger kicks-in, for me at least. Until…

... this beautiful sight. My winter wonderland. At last.

This became my favourite street, my park, my everything.
Park covered with snow, leafless tress, and morning rays. Bliss.

We bumped into Tanto Norra, some sort of a garden. It must be really beautiful in spring I bet.

Tanto allotment gardens

Tanto Norra allotments were established in the early 19th century to help the poor grow their own food during the crisis -  famine, world war, and food-rationing crisis. Now, Tanto Norra consist of 93 allotments. These allotment gardens at Tanto are dotted with perfectly cute red, yellow and green cottages and dapper sheds above Årstaviken bay on Södermalm. The best time to visit is end August when the allotment holders put on a harvest festival. The gardens are part of Tantolunden park.

So, was the walk long and far (from the Tunnelbanna)? NO, frustration makes a 10 mins walk feels like an hour. Ahaks.

I will definitely come back, Zinkensdamm.
This time in summer, where I will roam, laze and bath under your beautiful sun.

This is where we stayed. 

Blog : #TravelTips | Zinkensdamm Hostel - Where I stayed in Stockholm

Zinkensdamm Hostel
Zinkens väg 20
SE-117 41
Stockholm
Sweden

Tel : +46 8-616 81 10 / +46 8-616 81 00
Email: mail@zinkensdamm.com
URL : http://www.zinkensdamm.com/en/

Direction
Take the red line southward towards Fruängen or Norsborg. Get off at station Zinkensdamm. Cross Hornsgatan and follow Ringvägen straight ahead. Turn right on to Zinkens väg after the sports field (about 200 meters) and follow the road to the end. 

Ferry experience from Sweden to Estonia

Last day before I head to Tallinn, Estonia.

This came as a surprise to me when I first visit Sweden years back, I found out that I can travel to Estonia via ferry. And at that point, I don’t even know the existence of Estonia, let alone the location of this charming little country (blur giler dak?!?!). When I ask Elaine on Estonia, I remembered she clearly and briefly told me that it is an old medieval like country and that the capital is called Tallinn. Still in a daze, she continued “This is the country that invited Skype!”. Hemmmm…. Me still blur leh. Hahhahahahhah... I bet I annoyed the hell out of Elaine.

During that first visit, there was this promotion going on and the ferry was at RM50 per pax but as you might have guessed it, I missed the chance lar. But this time around, I will not make the same mistake twice, I make sure that Estonia is in my Scandi trip list (waima diarang bukan negara Scandinavia, gwe ngak peduli!). I told myself, the next time I am in Sweden, I will make a point to take the cruise to Estonia. And here I am, all excited for my next destination. Estonia. And I paid few hundreds jugak lah for this cruise, ada sedikit menyesal disini.

Bye-bye Stockholm.

In order to save accommodation cost, we took the overnight ferry, arriving Tallinn in the morning with the hope of watching sunrise on a Baltic Sea. Not.

We were so lazy and the weather is so very very cold that we purposely miss it; convincing ourselves that maybe there wasn’t any sunrise due to cloudy day. 

Few things that fascinates me, our ticket which looks like a normal Malaysia parking ticket is also our key card. The fact that theirs is made of paper instead of the normal hotel plastic key card type intrigues me. Other than that, our B-room comes with WC and TV, it is fairly small but cozy enough for 2 of us; we have to close/keep one bed when performing our solat. Oh yah, there's no mini fridge what-so-ever, I mean… not that we need one with the weather this cold. Overall, I am pretty happy with my room.

Other facilities they have is supermarket (besar lah jugak), casino, few types of restaurant (we can only afford cafeteria – sedih giler ok), clothing store, sauna, playroom for kids, etc. FREE wifi is available ONLY at public places so you’ll see people linger around (even on floor) in the spirit of getting connected.

It was 15 hours journey and I pretty much enjoyed it being my first overnight cruise experience (the one in Te Anau was on a small yacht), as much as I know what to expect but the fact that I am in one and doing it on Scandinavia land makes it really cool (riak takkesudah. Hahhahahha….). The only drawback was that the upper deck it was super freezing cold, like Frozen movie cold, cold.

Unloading Optimus Prime.

Dah sampai!

There are a few ferry companies that you can op for, we took Tallink Silja Line.

Chasing sunset at Skansen Open Air Museum, Stockholm.

Sunset will never fail me.
Never.


I remembered very clearly my first trip to Stockholm a couple of years back where my dear friend Elaine hosted me and highly recommended me to visit Skasen, an open air museum, instead I went to check out Vasa Museum a viking ship museum, moi sucker for ships especially viking ship!). Hahhahahaa... and I spent 2-3 hours there, totally missing out Skasen, hence I thought I should give Skasen a chance during this trip *wink*. So, here I am. At Skasen, Stockholm.

Arriving at noon close to sunset doesn't help much. Oh yah! The sunset here is at 2-3ish during winter thus daylight is very valuable to those traveling during this time, one must manage their trips carefully and kiasu-ly.

Background
Skansen is the world's first open-air museum, founded in 1891. Here you can stroll through five centuries of Swedish history, from north to south, with a real sense of the past all around in the histori­cal buildings and dwellings, peop­led by characters in period dress.

#TravelTips 1 : Please take note that the price fluctuates depending on month. Click HERE for 2015 admission fee and opening hours.

#TravelTips 2 : There is also a zoo and a petting zoo inside Skasen aside from demos/shows/activities, kindly allocate half a day here.

#TravelTips 3 : Use the map to plan your route or activity. Click HERE to download the map.

Above was our first showcase houses - glass making or glasswork, unfortunately they don't allow any pictures inside. There are also a souvenir shops here but mahal giler-giler ok. 'Oppet' tuh maknanya 'Open'. Comei kan? Glasbruk tuh I terbaca as gelas buruk. Hehehehehhehehhe....

#TravelTips 4 : There are a few attractions at Djurgården aside from Skasen. You can easily spend a whole day here (or probably 2 days) as well as all your money here. *Wink* Click HERE to see what attractions available in Djurgården.

#TravelTips 5 : Some of the showcase houses doesn't allow any pictures inside. So far, I bumped into one - Glasbruk/glass making or glasswork (above picture).

The Swedish have very nice wood carving motives and I noticed their flower motive are similar to us here in Malaysia. Anyway, looking at their woodcarving showcase house, I am not surprise how Ikea was built. They are a master at this.

There are a guy working quietly making a table at the corner, I was unable to take his picture due to the crowd in this house. Sigh...

Machinery house.

The whole park was covered with snow, as much as it was fun and dreamy, and beautiful, it was super cold and we shivered as we walk. The moment we found a showcase house, we will quickly run inside for some much needed heater. Asian sangat kan, hilang glams. Bluek.

The set-up was made for us for feel as if we were still living in the past, what was interesting was that they wore old traditional clothing and gave elaborate explanation if asked. So ask away... They will be happy to explain to you in great length.

I love the feel.

This house fascinates me, being an old post office in a rural village, a postman has made his home a post office and only works 2-3 days in a week (this was looooooooooooong time ago). A postman is of a higher social class (back then) but with little pay hence a postman need a second job to support his family. And also a postman only sort out letters, they don't go home to home sending all the mails. Obviously the process have evolved now.

I too learnt that a lady during those days must make her hand busy with household work, and if she has completes them, she will knit something, anything.

The post office counter.

The Christmas market area was close when we were there. Huhu...

Sun about to set.

Dalecarlian horse.

A Dalecarlian horse or Dala horse is a traditional carved, painted wooden horse statuette originating in Swedish province Dalarna. In the old days the Dala horse was mostly used as a toy for children; in modern times it has become a symbol of Dalarna, as well as Sweden in general. 

The Dalecarlian horse is said by some to be a model of Odin's horse Sleipnir, but unlike Sleipnir it does not have eight legs. Another apocryphal legend of the Dala horse is that they became the national toy in 1716. According to the legend, soldiers loyal to King Charles XII were quartered in the Dalarna region and carved the toys as gifts for their hosts.

From Wikipedia.

The great thing about Skansen is that it has a small zoo featuring winter animals, yippeee.... Some of the animals were hibernating or sleeping when we were there. Tak apa lah...

Love the sunset hue!

Domestic Reindeer.

Elk Moose.

Beautiful heh. #perasan

#TravelTips 6 : You can either take the tram, bus or walk to Djurgården. It is not that far but not that near either. My suggestion is to walk as the scenery is stunning.

#TravelTips 7 : If you are traveling to Sweden during summer, do bring a picnic basket when planning a trip here. They have nice spots for picnic *smile*. And dapat jimat duit gak *wink*.

Next museum entry will be on ABBA Museum, sure ramai tak tau ABBA nih berasal dari Sweden kan!