June 20, 2019

The Viking Ship Museum in Denmark

Vikings are part of Northern Europe history, it became a symbol of the Scandinavian countries. There are Viking Ship Museums in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway so when we are planning for our Scandinavian Trip, I don’t know if I will visit all the Viking Museums or I will just choose one. Since Denmark is the first leg of our trip, I included this on my itinerary.


Viking Ship Museum is located outside Copenhagen so you need to ride the train and bus in order to reach the museum. For our second day in Copenhagen, we woke up early and left the hotel before 9AM. From Copenhagen Central Station we took a train to Roskilde Station, travel time is more or less 30 minutes. From Roskilde Station, you can ride Bus 203 or walk. Since we did not see any bus, we decided to walk than waste our time waiting for the bus. It was a long 2 kilometer walk with a kid in tow, we reached the Viking Ship Museum before it opened.



On your way to the Viking Ship Hall, you will already see the Boatyard, Museum Harbour and Labyrinth or Trojaborg. So while waiting for the Museum, my son tried this Trojaborg. According to the signboard, “In Scandinavia, Trojaborg is often associated with the superstitions of sailors and fishermen. It could help to contain ominous winds or act as a trap for the fairy folk, who persecuted people and brought bad luck. Today, it is used as a form of meditation which gives focus and inner peace.”



Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde was built in 1969, it focuses on the Viking’s Maritime craftmanship and boat collection, and of course, it showcases the five original Viking ships that were excavated in 1962. These Skundelev ships were deliberately sunk in Roskilde Fjord, which served as a protective barrier from their enemy. The five ships ranged from cargo to warships and they witnessed war, trade, and sea voyagers during 1070.


Viking Ship Museum is FREE if you have the Copenhagen Card. Just show your pass and the staff will give you a bracelet. We watched the 14-minute introduction film at their cinema, just ask the staff for the schedule if you prefer a specific language. Available languages are Danish, English, French, Italian, Chinese, Russian, Spanish and German.

The Viking Ships 


Then we started exploring the Museum Exhibits, and we saw the different types of Skuldelev Ships. Imagine these ships were sunk and now you can still see some parts that have survived throughout these years.

Skuldelev 1 - Ottar - The Ocean-Going Trader

It is a large ocean-going cargo ship from Sognefjord in Western Norway. It sailed over the North Sea, Baltic Sea, and North Atlantic.

Skuldelev 2 - Havhingsten fra Glendalough - The Great Longship 

It is a war machine that is built to carry 65-70 warriors manning the oars at high speed. The ship moves even without the wind.

Skuldelev 3 - Roar Edge - The Coastal Trader 


A small, elegant, and sturdy trading ship that was built for transporting goods in Danish Coastal waters and Baltic Sea.

Skuldelev 5 - Helge Ask - The Small Longship 


It is one of the smallest longships in war fleet and ideal for sailing in Danish coastal water and Baltic Sea.

Skuldelev 6 - Kraka Fyr and Skjoldungen - The Fishing Vessel 

It is a fishing boat and transport boat that was built in the Sognefjord in Western Norway.

Climb Aboard and Dress Like a Viking 

At the end of the exhibitions, there is Climb Aboard where you can see, hear, feel, and sense how Vikings sail across the open sea. There are two ships complete with equipment and trading goods which guest can explore. To complete the experience, you can also wear a costume and take a picture with the Viking Ships. It is just hard to take photos because there are also other guests.

Special Exhibitions and Museum Shop 


There is also a special exhibition that showcases the history of Skuldelev Ships, and how they preserve and reconstruct it. Before going out, you can also buy souvenirs at their souvenir shops, you can buy books, jewelry, decorations, and textiles.


The Viking Ship Hall is not that big, you only need at least an hour to explore it. I chose the Viking Ship Museum in Denmark because I thought that we could ride the Nordic boat and sail out on Roskilde Fjord but unfortunately, it is only open from May 1 to September 30. During high season and holidays, they also offer some activities and workshops such as woodcutting and willow weaving.


Anyway, we’re still happy to see the Viking Ship Museum. From here, you can also visit The Roskilde Cathedral which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Watch the video here 

Read: Day 1 in Copenhagen Denmark
Roskilde Cathedral

Viking Ship Museum Admission Fee 

DKK150 Adult
FREE Child (0-17 yrs old)
FREE - Copenhagen Card

Opening Hours

01.01 - 30.04 10AM to 4PM
01.05 - 21:10 - 10AM to 5PM
22.10 - 30.12 - 10AM to 4PM
Closed on December 24, 25 and 31.
Winter and Easter Holidays 10AM to 5PM
Boat Trips -01.05 - 30.09

Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde Denmark
Vindeboder 12, 4000, Roskilde
Train: Roskilde
Bus: 203 (From Roskilde Station)

June 17, 2019

Birthday Celebration at Buffet 101 International Cuisine

June is my husband’s birth month and as usual, he always prefers a simple celebration. I suggested a staycation or beach outing habang bakasyon pa kami but he doesn’t like it. So to celebrate his milestones, we ate at Buffet 101 International Cuisine. I think this restaurant has been around for almost a decade, my husband has tried this restaurant for the nth time already but my son and I just recently tried it.



Buffet 101 International Cuisine just opened a branch in Alabang Town Center last June 2018 so it is additional buffet restaurant for those who live in Southern Luzon. We did not make any reservation so we went to Alabang Town Center as early as possible, only to find out na 11AM pa pala bukas ng Mall. By the time that we reach the restaurant pang #8 na kami sa reservation and 11:30AM pa daw ang start.

Read: List of Buffet Restaurant in the Philippines


Buffet 101 restaurant still looks new, I like the well-lit interiors of the restaurant. They have tables for couples, family, and big group and you have enough space to move around. They serve a lot of foods naman, they have Japanese, Chinese, Italian, and Filipino Cuisine. The rate includes unlimited foods and drinks already.







They have a Birthday Treat Promo but I was sad when I found out that their promo is 3+1, we’re just a family of three so even if it was my hubby’s birthday hindi kami pasok dun. In other buffet restaurant kasi, if you will eat on the day of your birthday kahit +1 adult lang, FREE na yung birthday celebrant. And I also learned that my son is over 4’5ft na pala so adult rate na rin siya. Waah! How I wish, by age yung rate nila and hindi by height.


But since it was my husband’s birthday, deadma na muna sa rate. We’re here to celebrate and enjoy the food. Just like other buffet restaurants, they have something for birthday celebrant too, so they greeted my husband and gave him a complimentary cake. Natawa ko sa free cake kasi isang kagat lang yata yun. But anyway, it is the thought that counts.



I checked all the food stations and I always look for ebi tempura pero lagi missing yung plate dun sa Japanese Station. Hehehe! My favorite part of the station is the Seafood Section where you can choose and they will grill it. I ordered squid, salmon belly and mussels. I want scallops sana pero wala sa choices.



My husband loves the cold food section naman, he likes the shrimps and seaweeds. My son only ate siomai, pizza, sausage, crepe and ice cream. And because of this, mapapaisip na ko kung magbubuffet pa ba kami kasi ang hina kumain ng anak ko. Anyway, we still have a great time at Buffet 101, and the service is good.

Watch the video here 

Buffet 101 International Cuisine Rate

Monday to Saturday (Public Holiday not Included) 

Lunch P738
Dinner P938

Sunday and Holiday 

Lunch and Dinner P938

Senior Citizen 70 yrs old and above 50%
Children below 3’5ft FREE
Children below 4’5ft P499
Leftover Price PP1350

Birthday Treat 3+1 Promo 

1. Birthday celebrant can avail of the Birthday Promo for 1 whole month as long as it is within his/her birthday.
2. Birthday celebrant may eat for FREE buffet at any Buffet 101 branch.
3. To avail of the birthday promo the celebrant must be accompanied by a minimum of 3 full paying adult rates without any discounts/s.
4. The celebrant must fill out the information sheet.
5. The celebrant must bring an Original and Valid Government ID with the birth date imprinted on it, both local and foreign ID.
6. Promo can’t be used in conjunction with any in-house existing promotion and to mandated 20% off for Senior Citizens.

June 14, 2019

Where to Stay in Norway: Radisson Blu Airport Hotel Oslo Gardermoen

I think I have to accept the fact that I always need to stay in a hotel before flying back to the Philippines, just to have peace of mind that we won’t miss our flight. The thing is we need to ride Ferry Boat just to reach Trondheim and boat schedule is unpredictable especially if it is a holiday.

Read: Flying Back Home

So I decided to fly to Oslo day before our Oslo - Doha - Clark flight and booked a hotel near the airport. We did this two years ago, we stayed in Radisson Blu Aiport Hotel in Trondheim day before our flight. After our Scandinavian Trip, I immediately booked our flight from Trondheim to Oslo without checking the rates of Radisson Blu Oslo Airport so I was really surprised when I saw their rates.

Read: Radisson Blu Airport Hotel in Trondheim Norway 
SAS Scandinavian Airlines Experience
Cochs Pensjonat in Oslo


Radisson Blu Airport Hotel is so expensive pala, I thought they have the same rate of Radisson Blu Airport Hotel in Trondheim. There are two hotels that you can choose from if ever you need a place near Oslo Gardermoen Airport. You can stay in Radisson Blu or Park Inn by Radisson. I checked the rates of both hotels and there is only minimal difference when it comes to price. I chose Radisson Blu Airport since I already tried their hotel in Trondheim so at least I know what to expect.

Read: Glimpse of Oslo Gardermoen Airport

The price of the room depends on your preference, of course, I chose the standard room because we only need a place to sleep on. Aside from that, you have the options of a room only, room with breakfast, prepaid booking or booking with free cancellation. I compared all the options and I chose prepaid booking with breakfast for NOK1543.50 (PHP9,460.95).

Tip: To save money, I joined Radisson Rewards because there is a different rate for the members. The rate above is already a discounted rate. You can be a member for FREE.


Fast forward to our trip, after getting our luggage, we went straight to the hotel. Radisson Blu Oslo Airport is just in front of Oslo Gardermoen Airport so locating it is not a problem. It is near the bus station, train station and of course the airport. This hotel is a nice place to stay if you have an early flight or late arrival. It offers a conference room, lobby lounge, restaurant, and Fit4Flight wellness center.


There is a covered walkway on your way to the hotel, my booking is prepaid but they still require a guaranteed deposit which will be canceled if you have no additional charges. We arrived 5:30PM and it took me ten minutes to get our room key because of the long lines.


Radisson Blu Oslo Aiport has 500 soundproof rooms and suites so even we are just near the airport, you can’t hear any sound. It makes me paranoid nga kasi wala ko naririnig na ingay, feeling ko kami lang ng anak ko sa hotel. Hehehe!


This is our cozy room and now I know why their rate is different because they have better rooms. My son even said that this is his favorite hotel among the hotels and hostels that we have tried during our two months vacation in Scandinavia. Sa isip-isip ko, dapat lang kasi ito rin yung pinakamahal sa lahat ng pinagstayan natin. Hehehe!



The standard room is 22 sqm, we have King-sized bed, the bed, duvet, and pillows are soft and comfy. There is a desk table, couch, TV, in-room coffee and tea, mini bar, in-room safe, steam iron & ironing board. There is no complimentary bottled water but they have complimentary ice. You can see this ice dispenser outside the elevator.

Trivia: Tap water in Norway is potable.


The bathroom has bath tub but there is no bathtub stopper so my son was sad that he was not able to use it. For toiletries, there is shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, soap, vanity kit, and shower cap. There is hair dryer but no bidet.



If you don’t want to get out anymore, they have room service too. The menu is available inside the room and they have 26 North Restaurant & Social Club.


Buffet Breakfast at 26 North Restaurant & Social Club 

Our room package includes buffet breakfast at 26 North Restaurant. It is open as early as 5AM so even you have an early flight, you can have a quick breakfast before going to the airport. As expected, buffet spread in Europe is limited to salad, bread, cold cuts, cheese, cereals, yogurt and few hot dishes.


They have more options compared to Trondheim branch. They have a menu too if you want to order something that is not included in their buffet spread. We stuffed ourselves with bacon, eggs, sausage, bread, potato wedges and mushrooms.






After check-out, my son and I just stayed at the room, we’re reserving our energy for our flight back to the Philippines. Thank God for FREE wifi so we have something to do while killing our time. Check-out is 12NN so we were so early for our 4:10PM flight.

Watch the video here. 

June 13, 2019

SAS Scandinavian Airlines Experience

Scandinavian Airlines System is the flag carrier of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, that is why it is called Scandinavia and its popular name is SAS. If you are traveling in Europe especially in Scandinavia, SAS is one of your airline options.

Whenever we visit my mom, we always book Manila to Trondheim flight and SAS is always our connecting flight from Oslo to Trondheim and vice versa. So when I was looking for Trondheim to Oslo flight, I chose SAS too. I was supposed to book Ørland to Oslo flight via Air Leap but unfortunately, there is no flight on the day of our departure so I have no choice but to travel to Trondheim again.


So we traveled to Ferry Boat Terminal in Ørland, rode the Ferry Boat for one hour, we took the bus to Trondheim Airport for 30 minutes and travel from Trondheim to Oslo via plane for 55 minutes. There were a lot of transfers, we traveled by land, sea, and air just to reach Oslo, the capital of Norway. But if you want a scenic journey, then ride a train. We rode a train from Oslo Central Station to Trondheim Central Station and so far it is my favorite train ride experience.

Read: Oslo Central Station to Trondheim Central Station via NSB Train 

Ferry Boat from Ørland to Trondheim 
Bus to Trondheim Airport 
Flight from Trondheim to Oslo via SAS 

Read: Glimpse of Trondheim Airport

At the airport, you can see self-check-in kiosks but since there were no long lines, I chose over the counter check-in. Since I booked a separate ticket for our Domestic flight, our baggage allowance at SAS is only 23 kilos. It is a challenge for me since I’m used to 30 kilos baggage allowance. Fortunately, hindi naman ko nag over baggage.




This was my fifth time with SAS and I still remember my first flying experience with them, may kasama pa na food and drinks. But two years ago, I learned that you have to pay for your drinks and foods. Check the menu below, they accept Denmark, Sweden, and Norway currency. Since this is just a short flight, my son and I did not order anything.




We arrived safely in Oslo, we picked up our luggage and we went straight to Radisson Blu Hotel Oslo Gardermoen. We stayed there for one night before our next flight back to Philippines. It is an additional travel expense just to be sure that we won’t miss our flight.


Read: Flying Back Home
Radisson Blu Hotel Oslo Gardermoen Review
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