Night at Museum

Kulturnatten (Kultur=Culture, Natten=The Night), Copenhagen Culture Night festival hapens every year on Friday at the beginning of Autumn’s holiday in October, and this year Copenhagen celebrated the night for the 19th time. All museums, libraries, castle, theatres, musical venues and many other institutions representing art and culture kept their doors open during the evening from 5pm to midnight. 

Big screen located at Kongens Nytorv

It is an annual night of cultures in the Copenhagen where there are about 200 events were arranged especially for this special night. Yes, there is no free thing in this world. We have to buy a Culture Pass (90kr=RM52), which consist of a badge+map+program book and a free ticket to other museums. The price might be sound expensive, but believe it or not, that is the cost to watch a movie at cinema in Denmark! The badge also valid as a ticket on busses, trains and metro trains throughout the Copenhagen.

Last year, I went to Kulturnattern with my other half. But this year, I went with the other 4 gentlemen-Malaysia and the night turned to as ‘the Guy’s Nite Out’!

Live 'plate' hand painting from Royal Copenhagen worker on big banner

Firstly, we took harbour bus (water bus) to Opera House. The Opera house is open to public. However, the Mozart’s show in the main hall is not free. The only free show was performed by a group of musicians at Talkefoltinget, at the foyers.

After that, we ventured around the City Center to visit some other sites that we would never get the chance to explore before. I really wanted to go and look in Folketinget (the Danish Parliament); however, the line was too loooong. We would have missed everything else that night! Hmm next year, may be??

Inside Christianborg Slotkirke. The churh for royal family

So, we went to Christianborg Slotkirke. We did get a chance to check out the beautiful design of the church. This royal church was re-build after a major damage by fire. Near to the church is Christianborg, a huge palace became a wonderful museum. The decoration in the castle is awesome. My friends and I spent an ample amount of time at the Christiansborg, and we watched the Royal Danish Academy of Music performing a very nice song melody. I think it’s far better than listening to Mozart at Opera House, which is more costly...

Free live orchestra music

After enjoying the music, we went to Tøjhusmusset (The Royal Danish Arsenal Museum) nearby. The timing just perfect as the Civil War’s show about to start. Although it was in Danish, but we enjoyed it. The sound effect (canon) was so real and makes our ears drone. Then, we headed to the Radhuspladsen (City Hall).

Civil War’s drama show with real canon and gun

After lots of walking and discovering around, we decided to end the night by ‘pekena roti canai’ at Kedai Mamak 24hr. And Of course there is no kedai mamak in Denmark. The only choice is to eat at Kebabish, a popular halal hub restaurant among Malaysian in Denmark. Instead of having roti canai, we ate pizza. And from the bottom of my heart, I do miss ‘roti canai banjir’ and the sweetness of teh tarik. :(

Temperature reading on a building near to Radhuspladsen . It's a cold night, 15oC!

Overall, Culture Night is a unique event because I had the opportunity to experience some aspects of Copenhagen that are so revealing of what it means to embody Danish culture. Having a nice chill night getting to connect with the country’s culture together with some friends is enjoyable. I wish Malaysia also can organize this kind of events. Therefore, many people, not only tourists but also local young generation will be exposed to our own culture!

Belasungkawa

Nik Dah Binti Nik Man (27/03/1961-02/10/2011)

Al-Fatihah, dari Dia kita datang, kepada Dia kita kembali.

It was in the bright evening in Denmark and in the dark, middle of night in Malaysia when I called my wife. After countless trial, I finally successfully managed to get through the line to contact her who just arrived in Kota Bharu after her long 22hrs, emergency journey back home to Malaysia.

And even before she spoke over the phone, I already can guess the news. My wife, in broken voice conveying the news we have long been preparing to hear - that my mother in law, or ‘Mek’ has passed away earlier of the day. She couldn't finish her sentences and broke into tears soon after, perhaps immediately after hearing to my voice at the end of the line.

My wife has always been a very strong woman, so listening to her crying, broke my heart into pieces. Therefore, I put my best efforts to put up a strong front when I spoke to her over the phone.

My MIL has been in ill for 5 months since last May, and each passing day, her condition wanes. She will now sleep in peace for a long time, and she is free from her pain (bone cancer) and other ‘illness’.


I am sorry for not being able to meet my MIL for one last time and not there with my wife when the time she really needed someone called husband by her side. And I am sorrier because I am grieving alone, in a foreign land. My duty as student kept me away from my wife’s family in this time of sorrow. I pray may Allah let my MIL be among the blessed one, and we will always love her for all she had done for our family.

We miss you so much Mek (My MIL), and thank you for taking care of us, and in return allowing us to always pray for you before our time was up.

Again, Al-Fatihah and may Allah bless her. Amin

The New Chapter of My Life Begin

So the time is coming, I will be a student again. After more than three years saying goodbye for the textbooks and also making my 'hand dirty' while working at industry, I'm now had to face the pile of books once more. I am thankful to Allah for this opportunity.

The fact is I’m supposed to start my MSc at Denmark since last year. However, due to a few unforeseen reasons, I had to postpone to this year. Believe or not, the tuition fee of master study here is really dam expensive. The cost is almost seven times higher than my fellow friends who are studying in Malaysia. Nevertheless, as Malay’s proverb says that ‘di mana ada kemahuan, di situ ada jalan’ (where there is a will, there is a way).

Therefore, it’s like a wish come true. Since, my childhood I was dreaming to further study in oversea. While reading newspaper in Ramadhan month, looking at the smiley faces of the students who sending their pictures on snow to ‘Salam Perantau’ column really makes me envy but also motivated me to do the same. And now I have no doubt to send Salam Perantau wishes to my families in Malaysian Local Newspaper :) 

Starting last December 2010, I was quite busy making 'research' about the requirements, prepared motivational & application letters and filled several forms to secure a place to further MSc study at a local university in Denmark.

DTU Logo. Simple right?

I had sent a few applications to Universities in Denmark and successfully received conditional offer from three of them. However, I had to turn down the offer from Aarhus University (Master’s programme in Process Technology) and Syddansk Universitet (University of Southern Denmark)-Product Development Engineering. I chose to further study in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at Danmarks Tekniske Universitet -DTU (Technical University of Denmark).

In facts, I also did consider to apply a place to study in Malmö University in Sweden. However, knowing that, a fee need to be paid just for application and the free tuition fee waiver was abrogated, I cancel the idea. I'm also 'successfully' rejected by one of the Erasmus Programs due to the scholarship for the course only offered for a student from the third countries and my country, Malaysia is labeled as the delevoping country..

There are several of reasons why I choose DTU. One of them, it’s due to the facts that my other half, who is already further her PhD at the same university study since last year, and it’s just about 4km from our apartment. Plus, it’s a good university for engineering field. It’s ranked as one of the top universities among Nordic countries. And of course, due to some other unspecific reasons.

Whatever, I’m looking forward to spending time for Introduction Week starting tomorrow although it’s still in the fasting month for Muslim. So, let’s see what gonna be happen during this week and I will update asap. See u soon ok!

Danish High School Students Celebrate Their Graduation

Yesterday, on June 24^th It’s official – school is over in Denmark. And for the gymnasium (high school name in Danish) graduates, it means a time for celebration, not only with family and friends but also with the local community. In Denmark, students celebrate their graduation with a unique tradition.  

A group of happy graduates students waved to all people along the road

They tooted their horn, gave a shout of joy from morning until midnight. Many graduated student celebrated their achievements by marched around the town with their decorated Lorries.

They wear special caps, held cans of beer and shouted and cheered to all people along the road. The lorry was decorated with balloon, banner and also trees!!

Decorated Lorry from Herlev HF passing through Smørum area

The graduated students started worn their special caps since a week ago. They wear white caps, called Studenterhue in Danish that look like those worn by sailors. The student cap is made by linen with a black brim and is supplied with a band and a cockade with a Dannebrog (Denmark flag) cross or other badge. The design varies after which exam it represents. Another feature is a coloured band that identifies a student’s field of study.

Danish student cap - Picture from flickr

As all the folks waved to them saying congratulations, they waved back with their full smile. They will start their new life in universities some months later. In Denmark, ‘gymnasium’ students take an rigorous degree examination before graduate and the results of the examination more or less determine their life. The test is like the national center test for university – so called “SPM” in Malaysia.

It’s normal, ending a period in a part of our life and starting a new period. The only different is their unique tradition and the way they celebrate it J

Virum High School lorry with their porn banner!

> Next post : Manisnya Strawberry Ini <

The Queen Doesn't Want to Celebrate Her Birthday With Me

Most of the building decorated with Danish flag

When I was in Denmark, I am wondering when the Danes will celebrate their  Independence Day. However, I am totally forgotten that Denmark never been invaded by other countries (although they had war with Germany). Therefore, on 16 April every year, Denmark celebrate their 'national holiday' on the Queen of Denmark birthday. In facts, Denmark and the UK are among the few countries which do not have national days/independence day.

As my wife was thousand kilometers away in Kuala Lumpur, back to Malaysia for a conference, and I became the lonely husband who staying home, I decided to go out and explore the Copenhagen city again by myself. In addition, I need to do some groceries at Central Market (Asian market) because the fridge at home is almost empty.

Den Lille Havfrue (the little mermaid)

First, I take a train to Osterport. Then, take a walk to the famous statue of naked women in Denmark. It is ‘Den Lille Havfrue’ (the little mermaid). When, I was there, 4 buses of tourist just arrived. The place was crowded with tourist, so I let the tourist conquer the area as I am not the tourist anymore in Denmark (as I do have a temporary resident permit ok!!)

Frit Danmark Museum (and the entrance also free)

Then, I walk to Frit Danmark Museum, which was just nearby the statue. It is a small museum dedicated to Denmark’s patriot and their war history collection. Actually, I went to the museum because I have ‘toilet emergency’. But, at the entrance, it is clearly stated that ‘the toilet only for museum visitor’. Therefore, I have to be the museum visitor first before use the toilet! Haha

The frustrated people waiting for the Queen

Later, I quickly walk to Amalienborg (palace). Suppose, every year the Queen with family will be coming out to the balcony and wave to her people. And unfortunately, not this year. The queen and family were at Århus, at the other palace for the birthday celebration. Plus, there is a construction in the middle of Amalienborg. 

Special Changing Guard Ceremony

I think nearly thousand of Danes including me who are waiting passionately around the Amalienborg with their ‘Danneborg’ (Denmark flag's name) are disappointed. But, the guard changing ceremony for the day was different as the palace guard worn a special uniform (to be worn only twice a year) in conjunction with the Queen Birthday.

Trees with white flower

Trees with red flower

Feel frustrated, I walkway with a bit disappointed and go to Kongens Haven (King’s Garden) to see the flowers around the Rosenborg Slot, Copenhagen. And have a lunch (packed sandwich with an apple) at a bench while watching the amazing scenery. It was wonderful and so colorful. 

Wall full with paintings

As an ‘avid art lover’, I decided to continue the city exploration and went to ‘Staten Museum For Kunst’ (National Gallery of Denmark). There is a special exhibition was held, but for the normal visit in other exhibition hall, it's just FOC. Yes, I love the free thing :). It was magnificent, with 10,500 collection of paintings on the wall and sculpture dating from the early Renaissance to the most cutting-edge of contemporary art.

is it considered as art?? anyone can guess the meaning of this painting??

After that, I make some groceries at Chinatown, Thai and Kabul Market (yes, I did shopping at 3 different countries in half an hour) and back home for Zuhur prayer. I was lucky, because my neighbour was invited me for ‘makan2’. So, no need to prepare the dinner alone for the night.. 

Hunting Without Prey

7 Nov 2010. 10:15am. Temperature 5^oC.

It is about time to witness another Danish tradition especially at Dyrehaven (the Deer park), Klampenborg. The Hubertus hunt is a yearly event for people as well as horses. In the local newspapers about 40,000 Danes are expected to witness the events. But, I don’t think so. May be just around 15,000.  

This annual event known as Hubertus Hunt where "hunters"/riders are hunting the "foxes"/lead riders jumping over obstacles of different kinds. Riders in red jackets follow an 8 km route containing 35 obstacles as fences and also water grave.

The hunt involves some 115 local horseback hunters, clad in white breeches and red jacket. But, there is no fox or deer involved in the hunt... As too many people around, I think all the deer was run away. But, we managed to see a few of them in the woods.

Although my wife and I get wet and muddy, we have a lot of fun to see a lot of people and dragging our feet through the thick piles of fallen autumn leaves as we made our way in the woods...