The greatest New Year Party : Edinburgh’s Hogmanay

The greatest New Year Party : Edinburgh’s Hogmanay

by Wen Scotland

There is nowhere on the planet quite like Edinburgh's Hogmanay. You must come to experience it! We are lucky enough be in Edinburgh for New Years Eve 2015/2016 and participated in the Hogmanay celebrations. The atmosphere gathered by the huge crowd is so excited. You will see thousands of torch bearers march through the old town. Lights, music, great crowd, and fireworks! It's truly the greatest party in the world!

The festivities kick off on December 30th with a torchlit procession. Imagine thousands of people snaking through the city streets, each carrying a flaming torch, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Live music, street performers, and a general sense of merriment fill the air.

Hogmanay Celebrations

Hogmanay is the Scots word for the last day of the year. It begins with a torchlit procession. The torchlight procession marks the start of three days of Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh. There are around 20000 people marching along the Royal Mile and accompanied by drummers and pipers. Imagine a sea of flickering flames held aloft by 20,000 participants! 😮 The procession snakes through the historic streets, casting an ethereal glow on ancient buildings. Laughter and music fill the air as friends and families join strangers, united in the warmth of the firelight and the spirit of celebration. This iconic event marks the start of a joyous journey towards a brand new year.

Hogmanay Street Party New Year’s Eve

The crown jewel of Hogmanay is undoubtedly the street party on December 31st. The city center transforms into a massive open-air celebration. Live music stages pump out energy, while revelers dressed in all manner of costumes dance the night away. The highlight of the night is the midnight fireworks display. As the clock strikes twelve, fireworks illuminate the sky above Edinburgh Castle, painting a breathtaking picture against the historic backdrop. Auld Lang Syne, the iconic Scottish song, resonates through the streets as people link arms, strangers become friends, and the spirit of togetherness reigns supreme.

The historic street at the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town flow with a flaming river of light. There are music on the route too.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay – Torchlight Procession

Fabulous fireworks display at midnight above the Castle.

As midnight approaches, anticipation hangs thick in the air. The city's iconic landmarks, including Edinburgh Castle, become silhouettes against the darkening sky. Suddenly, the first burst of light explodes, a dazzling cascade of color illuminating the night. Fireworks erupt across the city, not just from the castle but from multiple launch sites.

The pyrotechnicians are masters of their craft, choreographing the display to music. Rockets soar skyward, bursting into vibrant stars and shimmering trails. There are heart-stopping moments when the entire sky seems ablaze with color, followed by quiet whispers of glittering sparks. The display is a sensory feast, a visual symphony that perfectly captures the celebratory spirit of the evening.

Edinburgh’s Fireworks

Bruges Christmas Market

Bruges Christmas Market

by Wen Christmas Market

Bruges is probably the most beautiful city in Belgium. Christmas markets in Bruges have a festive atmosphere. Beautiful medieval squares lit with colorful lights. The heart of the Christmas markets in Bruges can be found on the Grote Markt. The center is dominated by a huge ice rink. 

The Grote Markt offers about twenty or so stalls of Christmas goodies and food/drink such as Belgian waffles, local beers, hot Chocolate, etc. You will find a lot of festivities and restaurants, cafes, and chocolate shops next-door.

Brussels Christmas Market

Brussels Christmas Market

by Wen Christmas Market

The Brussels Christmas market expands from the Grand Place until Place St. Catherine. It was pretty cold in December here.  The two markets were within walking distance of each other. It includes a Ferris wheel, a huge Christmas tree, an ice-skating rink and the Christmas market with over 200 stands.

 

While mulled wine and traditional Christmas food could be expected almost everywhere, it is the artisan stalls that make all the difference. The Christmas Market offer a wide range of amazing food selections such as sausage, frites, Belgian waffle, artisan cheese, truffles, fresh oysters, snails, cheese fondue, pastries, etc. 

 

LiJiang Yunnan 雲南麗江

by Wen China

我們在麗江Lijiang自助旅行玩了4天, 氣候舒適宜人, 這次旅程是一次非常有趣的體驗, 以下是我的麗江必去景點:

麗江古城 (大研古城) Lijiang Old Town

已有八百多年的歷史, 在明清時期是熱鬧的商貿城鎮，歷經無數朝代古城的建築仍保存了古樸的風貌。古城面積廣大巷弄繁多, 要了解麗江古城的巷道，就要掌握四方街廣場, 由四方街的四個角落延伸出四條街道通向四方，這四條街道又各自分出無數的小巷道, 如果不是當地人，走入麗江城內深處的巷道裏，就像進入迷宮一樣, 很容易迷路。

麗江木府: 四百年的雲南木氏土司衙門 Mufu Palace

木府萬古樓: 鳥瞰古城的最佳觀景點
木府後門通向萬古樓，登上去一共有五層樓。

登上後鳥瞰麗江古城

麗江美食城 Old Town Food Court

在麗江古城內有好幾個美食城, 販賣受麗江人歡迎的小吃。

蟲蟲大餐 Eating Bugs

古城內很多美食攤都能見到賣蟲子，主要以煎炸為主, 主要有竹蟲、水蜻蜓、蠶蛹等，外形看起來恐怖，但蟲蟲有豐富的高蛋白, 也是一種補品。

eating bugs

bugs lunch

租好車往玉龍雪山出發


drive to mt yulong

玉龍雪山 Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

距離麗江市區約30公里, 進入玉龍雪山風景區後，會坐環保巴士抵達海拔3300公尺的纜車站，再乘坐纜車前往高達4506公尺的瞭望台。最好的觀光季節是1月份，因為這時候雪最多，看到的是覆蓋雪的雪山, 這次11月份過來，只有山尖才有積雪。

踏出纜車，到達海拔4506米的瞭望台

看到有人在拍婚紗照!

只是看著他們我也覺得冷

轉搭大型接駁車
shuttle bus in lijiang

藍月谷 Blue Moon Valley

藍月谷位於玉龍雪山中部山腳，山上積雪融化後形成清澈的河流, 水流順著山谷而下，經過梯田般的石階 (人工的)，形成一個緩流的瀑布，再往下匯聚成玉液湖, 這裡的水隨著天氣和陽光日照多寡而呈現乳白色、藍色、和墨綠色。在晴天時，水的顏色是淡藍色的，而且山谷呈月牙形，遠遠看就像一輪藍色的月亮在雪山腳下, 所以叫藍月谷。

blue moon valley

藍月谷裡可愛的牛

cattle blue moon valley lijiang

blue mooon valley cattle

cow in blue moon valley

印象麗江 Lijiang Impression

由張藝謀執導，印象系列實境秀的麗江版本, 以民族文化為主題，當地原住民為演員(參與演出的500多名演員均來自當地周邊), 背景便是玉龍雪山，以原生態形式向觀眾展示麗江少數民族的生活, 表達一種最直接、最真實的情感, 表演場地在海拔3200米的天然圓形場地, 可以容納2000多名觀眾。最印象深刻的是一群演員從四面八方騎馬進場時，聲勢浩大, 非常震撼。

行酒令交朋友的熱血鄉民

不同民族載歌載舞

祭典節慶

麗江古城夜晚 Old Town at Night


小橋流水, 整個城鎮像是依山水而建，街道順著河蜿蜒曲直

牦牛奶糖 Yak Milk Candy

拉市海-茶馬古道線路 Lashi Sea

拉市海是全麗江最大的高原湖泊，也是雲南第一個以濕地命名的自然保護區，除了看水，這裡有近百家馬場, 我們參加一日遊行程（一人RMB180)

滇馬是古道上主要的運輸工具

納西古樂 Naxi Music

納西文化是麗江的一大特色，納西古樂是納西族所保存下來元代之前的古音樂，舞台上演出的音樂家，大多數是七八十歲以上的老人, 個個穿著長袍馬褂, 這納西古樂有樂器老、音樂老、演奏者老的特點, 演奏的古樂都沒有經過改編, 保持著原來的風格, 雖然聽不懂還是很有意思。

晚餐

Fäviken Magasinet 2014

Fäviken Magasinet 2014

by Wen Sweden

Driving to Faviken from Östersund Airport

Its location is in the middle of nowhere. Driving there made me felt more and more curious that anything great can originate from these rural areas?

 

There are only five tables per night. The dinner starts with several appetizers which are served in the downstairs lounge, after that we were invited to our table in the upstairs dining room where the rest of the dinner was served. 

flaxseed and vinegar crisps / mussel dip

Jamtlandian broth / wild trout's roe served in a crust of dried pig's blood

a slice of pickled gooseberry, pine salt / pig's head, dipped in sourdough and deep-fried

shavings of cured sow / salted herring aged for three years, sour cream and rusks

scallop cooked over burning juniper branches

Fish and Crab

poached turbot and sunflower / king crab and almost burnt cream

brussels sprouts and lupin / barley pancake filled wit sour onions

cockles injected with beer

a small egg coated in ash, sauce made from dried trout and pickled marigold

fermented carrots / blood bread, moose broth, backfat and onions

porridge of grains and seeds from Jamtland finished with a lump of salty butter, meat broth filtered through moss

pork chop and bird cherries

Endless Desserts Began!!!

colostrum and blueberries

fermented lingonberries, thick cream, sugar, blueberry ice

ice cream seasoned with spruce / an egg yolk preserved in sugar syrup served on a pile of crumbs made from pine tree bark

sour milk sorbet, raspberry jam and whisked ducks eggs

a wooden box filled with meat pies, raspberries ice, tar pastilles, meadowsweet candy, dried berries, sunflower seed nougat, anise seeds coated in honey and bees wax, smoked toffee, pine resin, cake

After desserts, we returned to the lounge for coffees and teas. It was a great chance to review and compare experiences. I'd skip the pine resin "chewing gum" after dinner unless you want a story to tell. 

Breakfast

The breakfast was just as exciting as the dinner. Fresh bread, cheese, cold meats, wild bird pate, smoked trout, etc. 🙂

It was not the same as other 'fine dining' experiences I have ever had.  The whole experience felt quite intimate, from the greeting by Magnus Nilsson and his staffs when you arrived, to the service, right through to the departure. We left with the longing to go back. 

We made our way to Faviken via Östersund Airport, where we rented a car for the 1.5 hour or so drive which was an scenic drive during the day.

Oaxen Krog

Oaxen Krog

by Wen Sweden

Our final meal in Scandinavia for this trip was at this delightful gem. Full size boats hang from the ceiling and the restaurant is atmospheric with a good vibe. The menu features New Nordic Cuisine without being too experimental, more farm to table.

Roasted ox marrow with oaxen bacon, parsley & lemon

Salad with Kale, pickled pumpkin & roasted pumpkin seeds

Roasted brussel sprouts & Jerusalem artichoke crisps with truffle dip

Grilled cutlet of pork on the bone with anchovy butter and crispy pork rind

Roasted leek with Oaxen salami, shaved Almnäs liter cheese & croutons

Apple cake

Jukkasjarvi – Ice Hotel

Jukkasjarvi – Ice Hotel

by Wen Sweden

Discover the Magic of Jukkasjärvi Ice Hotel

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure at the world-famous Jukkasjärvi Ice Hotel. Nestled in the heart of Swedish Lapland, this extraordinary hotel is crafted entirely from snow and ice, offering guests an unparalleled Arctic escape. Each year, the hotel is meticulously rebuilt by talented artists and designers, transforming it into a breathtaking masterpiece of ice sculptures and enchanting rooms.

A Night in Sub-Zero Luxury

As a traveler seeking unique and unforgettable experiences, the Jukkasjärvi Ice Hotel immediately captured my imagination. This extraordinary hotel rises entirely from ice and snow, creating a magical winter wonderland. I pictured myself entering a world of frozen beauty, surrounded by intricate ice sculptures and cozy, igloo-like rooms. The idea of sleeping in a sub-zero environment both thrilled and terrified me. Yet, the allure of this one-of-a-kind adventure compelled me to explore further.

We flew from Stockholm to Kiruna. The IceHotel was a quick drive from Kiruna airport. You can pre-arrange to have the IceHotel set the transfer even by dog sled. We didn't opt to have a husky transfer, we saved that and took a quick 15 minute coach transfer to the hotel.

We had decided not to stay in a "cold room" during our one night stay in IceHotel. We slept in a warm room and toured the cold rooms during the day. It was spacious with comfortable beds, kitchen, dining area, private restroom, wifi and cable TV.

 

A Frozen Wonderland

Imagine sipping a frosty cocktail at the ice bar, surrounded by shimmering ice walls and sculptures. Or attending a wedding ceremony in the enchanting ice chapel. These are just a few of the incredible experiences that await at Jukkasjärvi Ice Hotel. Beyond the hotel, the stunning Arctic landscape offers endless opportunities for adventure, from snowmobiling and husky sledding to exploring the frozen wilderness.

A Frozen Wonderland

Don't miss a drink or two at the Ice Bar, which is open late. It is one of the main attractions where you can drink alcohol/non alcoholic drinks in glass made up of ice. A very fun experience. Ice anyone ?

Imagine sipping a frosty cocktail at the ice bar, surrounded by shimmering ice walls and sculptures. Or attending a wedding ceremony in the enchanting ice chapel. These are just a few of the incredible experiences that await at Jukkasjärvi Ice Hotel. Beyond the hotel, the stunning Arctic landscape offers endless opportunities for adventure, from snowmobiling and husky sledding to exploring the frozen wilderness.

Visit each of the rooms to stare in awe at the creative artwork made of ice. The fantastic ice craved rooms are all works of art to be enjoyed. Bear in mind that batteries on phones and cameras drain quickly when it is so cold.

 

Thrills and Chills

The ”cold rooms” in essence are ice caves, which are kept around -5 °C (23 °F) on a constant basis. They can be visited pretty much the entire day and then are closed for the guests for the night time.

 

We joined a northern light tours at night. The location was in the middle of the forest. It was about 30 minutes from IceHotel by car. Unfortunately we didn't get to see northern lights. However we enjoyed our 3-course dinner very much. 

Next time I won't be a wimp, I will go with the full experience and stay the night in a cold room. 🙂

Frantzén

Frantzén

by Wen Sweden

We were greeted at the door by the staff when we arrived. The restaurant offers a single 12-course set menu for SEK 2200. The menu was divided into Prologue, Appetizer, Bread, Signature, Catch of today, Bird in two servings, Pâtisserie. Service was excellent! Fun, chatty, knowledgeable about ingredients and methods.

Prologue

Started with five small bites. (Photo: left to right)

sweet blood pancake topped with a mini quenelle of vendace roe \ galangal root & pomegranate macaron with a chicken and duck liver crème filling and a cherry crisp \ celeriac crisp, black truffle and chestnut crème \ crunchy potato, velvety leak cream and grated black truffle \ pork crackling with pig's cheek rillette

 

Appetizer

a gently poached 62°C Brittany oyster, served with cream, pine and seaweed dust, and garnished with a slice of fresh walnut and crystallized seaweed.

 

King Crab

Norwegian king crab poached in beer and dill sprouts, served with a crystal-clear crab jelly, an intense brown crab meat crème.

 

Horse Tataki

Horse tataki, crisp lichen, chanterelle cream, grated iced foie gras and a sprinkling of dried chanterelles and hay ash.

 

Bone marrow

bone marrow served with smoked parsley puree.

 

Bread

Fermented sourdough bread soup  with crunchy rye crumbs and a drop of very powerful smoked bacon fat.

Signature

sweet scallop served with a light scallop bouillon, a goose egg yolk sabayon, and finished with some freshly grated black truffle.

 

 

Freshly made herb butter sauce

Signature & Catch of Today

Left: contain up to 30 seasonal ingredients from Frantzén's vegetable garden included carrot, beetroot, celeriac, turnip, parsnip, celery, etc. and enhanced by Swedish sea salt, freshly made herb butter sauce and crisp fish scales for extra crunch. 

Right: skrei served with roasted onion, crunchy deep-fried onions, winter pear, white wine sauce, and a few drops of lemon-thyme oil.

 

Bird in two servings

Pâtisserie

Garlic fudge

Mathias Dahlgren 2014

Mathias Dahlgren 2014

by Wen Sweden

Scandinavian style cuisine. It's located in the Grand hotel. The restaurant is very laid back and we were seated in the bar. We ordered a bunch of dishes and share. Great flavors. The flatbread presented in a brown bag is served with the creamiest butter I thought it's very interesting.

Scallop

Fried endive

King crab

Langoustine

Reindeer heart

Citrus

Wild chocolate

Sweet snack

Image Post

by Wen New York

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