Wednesday 6 June Aarhus

Today was culture day. That is, we were going to visit a city and see art, and the culture of a city.

But it all began on a bus. Now, as we all know buses in different cities and countries have their own way of working. And taking your money. In Aarhus one buys one's ticket on the bus, in a slot machine for your approximate destination or how many zones you need to cross. You need the right coins as well. Bus arrives, and chaos ensues as none of above is known to us. However, we are rescued by an accident in the purse and then wait to arrive at a stop we do not yet know nor do we know how to recognise it!

Eventually we get off and, by some further accident, at the right place: the new Radhus, built in 1942 by a famed architect. However, trying to find tourist information proved impossible as map and book caused confusion (turns out that both are out of date) so we gave up and headed for ARoS or, as the guide book insists, the world class museum of contemporary art. (Problem: world class used like that reminds of Trump's claim that he was building a world-class ballroom at Turnbury and I perlexed by what he means by that - all glitter and sham I expect)

ARoS is certainly fascinating with a range of displays that certainly warranted the visit. All of the displays are carefully planned to tell some form of story or offer a comment on aspects of life. Thus we visited an exhibition entitled, " No man is an island -The Satanic Verses". This had some really interesting displays, one a video creation by an Australian using film extracts to challenge thinking about capitalism and hierarchical societies. Another, showed the art of an American called James Rosenquist who is considered one of the leading Pop artists. Huge art on the scale of billboards!

Finally, although for us it came first, was the Panorama walk, a circular promenade deck on the roof with windows that were those of a rainbow. It offered a fascinating view of the city and its streets.

Food: ate our first open sandwich in the café whilst trying to catch up on emails. Wifi is expensive at the campsite but in many places like museums and cafes it is free. Later we wandered the streets and found a food shop so we could have supper and that is where cheese comes into play. Meryl was trying to find what the guide books tells us is the cheese to eat. In this case something called Gamle Ole. When she was asked the serving lady laughed and said no but offered another. This was called Extra Stygge. Oh boy, was it extra!! It had a really pungent taste that reminded us of cheese we have eaten in Gouda. The taste hung on the tongue for many minutes after.