Harmony

Another question. Is Hotel 101 the only modern, styish hotel in Rejkyavic? Any ideas how to get a room for a bargain price here?

Thanks C. I'm a bit scared of horses - they bite knees and walk under low trees (in my experience). Maybe I'll use 'Shank's Pony' and explore the same area.

Heading to Iceland in June. Can anyone give my any ideas what to see and do? I'd like to see bands (any idea if Slowblow are playing in June?), go to bars (not clubs) and eat well (not rotten shark). Any of those trips into the surrounding countryside worth doing? Also, where should I stay. I guess I wanna be near 101 area? I had a look at Borg on the net — looks old and stuffy. Thanks.

Hey Easy E,

if you don't mind the cold, head north. The best cities in Europe begin in Hamburg, from there go to Copenhagen (my pick for number 1 city - head to the Louisiana art gallery), then either across the Stockholm by train (a great journey, a super comfy train) or head up to Gothenberg or Oslo and catch the Flåm railway to see the fjords. Then go to Helsinki or, for somewhere really cool, keep going north up to Tromso - a lot of great sights (you can't beat the aurora) and good bars.

Want heat? head to Barcelona. Nice city, but it doesn't touch Copenhagen for things to do and palces to see.

My experience of Tokyo (and Japan in general) is that you shoul never rely on using VISA. In fact not all banks allow you to make withdrawls on your debit card either. So take cash and cards.

From memory, BEAMS doesn't take Visa. Nor do most small stores (shoe shops, record stores).

Citibank is the safest palce to withdraw cash at all times of the day and night.

As for the APE stores, I went to many of them and didn't buy a thing. Funny enough the Ape shop in London (Hideout) stocks a smaller but equally good range. Ape is dying a bit now — Japan moves on so fast.

Two more questions about Helsinki

Kebab, you might be able to answer both of these questions: is Cafe Ursula open in January? Weekdays and weekends? AND is there a good bicycle shop in Helsinki - it might sound odd, but I race bicycles and try to pick up a jersey or other item of clothing when I'm OS.

Thanks...

This list is at risk of become full of names from Sydney and Melbourne - so perhaps I could suggest Razak (and his shop Miss Gladys Sim Choon) in quaint little Adelaide.

Thanks for the tips Kebab and Lil!

Heading to chilly Helsinki in mid January. Been once before - about two years ago - but only found Soda Bar. Does anyone have any idea where to go for the usual - shopping, food, drink, dance, sights?