Busy summer – finally over

Can’t remember ever having had such a busy summer, but fortunately it’s been a very good one! Started it out with almost 3 weeks in Italy, first playing in the tournament Brescia 2009, which went pretty well, finished 3rd in a quite strong field, and really enjoyed being there. Very well organized (although I’m still waiting to get my prize money, but I’m positive they’ll come) and a great place, right next to Lake Garda! Afterwards I went on a backpacking-with-a-suitcase vacation for roughly 10 days, visiting Venice, Florenze, Arezzo for a few minutes by accident :-), Lucca, Pisa, Genoa and finally Milan, finishing with a nice visit to the football stadium San Siro. Simply an amazing trip!

Then I visited my family way up north for a few days, where there was a student party and such for my youngest sister, Eva, because she graduated from gymnasium. Shortly afterwards, she and I took a week’s vacation in London (first time we’ve been on a vacation together, since mid-nineties!), buying a London Pass and hence seeing lots of stuff, not least Wimbledon. Great vacation!

Next up was the tournament Politiken Cup in beautiful Elsinor (Denmark). Lived in a fine house in Hellerup with a couple of nice and entertaining guys, Jens Ove Fries Nielsen and Klaus Berg, but I learned a lesson the hard way: it was way too far away from the playing venue. Never felt really ready for a game, and my play was also absolutely horribly in half of them, trapping my own queen etc. So no wonder it didn’t go well. Managed to make several miracle saves and swindles though, so got away with only some ‘scratches’. But as always it was greatly organized, everything just ran smoothly, the 300+ participants despite.

Last thing on the menu was Arctic Chess Challenge, a tournament in Tromsø, high up in the polar circle. Hadn’t been in Norway for 8 years prior to that, even though I think it’s a great country. Unfortunately it’s just very expensive to live there, even for a Dane, and often likewise for one’s rating, as their junior players are notoriously underrated. ;-) However, if you – like me – are a sucker for mountains and sea, the scenery (and bright nights!) are worth it all. They also organize lots of events and trips, making it a great place to go if you wish to combine chess and vacation. Especially the barbecue party is a must for practically everyone, incredibly nice food (not least the salmon and strawberries)!
Anyway, did quite well in the tournament, finished 8th with a performance not too far from 2600, whereas my ever so friendly roomie, Nikolaj Mikkelsen, had a rough time with the above-mentioned juniors. He’ll make someone pay for that next time, now you’re warned. :-)
Once again we managed to end the trip on a high note, by climbing the mountain Fløya. Great walk, great view!

Took me 20 hours getting back to Århus, but got 5 hours in Riga city, where I’d never been before, so that was nice as well. In 1½ week school is back on, so finally some time for just relaxing and working with chess.
Hope you’ve had an equally gratifying summer!?