Dear Hubby and I were able to take a real 'adult' vacation this year. Of course, it was a business trip that prompted it, but as long as I got to go to Europe, I'm fine with it. Except for a couple of trips to Mexico, I've never been out of the USA. We were lucky enough to have stayed in a nice one bedroom apartment, which was in a converted bathhouse. It was located just across a 
courtyard from Tivoli Gardens, the main train station, and downtown.
We spent 10 glorious days in Denmark. Touring Copehagen as well as Helsingor, Roskilde, North Jutland. Pretty much where ever you could get to on public or mass transportation. We even ventured into Malmo, Sweden for a day. We tried really hard not to leave a single stone unturned. And I think we did a pretty good job, all in all. Luckily, nearly everyone spoke
English. For whatever reason, we Americans don't seem to think that we need to learn a second language. If you ever leave 'home' you quickly become aware that not being bi-lingual or mulit-lingual, especially in today's world, is a major error in judgement.
The history of the City itself is so amazing. We just don't have that in the USA. When you compare our 200+ years with 500 to 1,000 or more years that the Europeans have, we are really just babies. And comparing the most stately American manors to castles, is like comparing apples to oranges. Except maybe the Biltmore Estate. But that's another adventure. There just doesn't seem to be a way to describe the architecture and actually do it justice. It's like being living in the time of King Arthur. It's quite an experience to tour a castle, cross a mote, and to stand upright in a fireplace. I was most taken with the works on the ceilings.
Along with all of the touristy stuff, which we did, we also sought out and took the recommendations from locals for shopping, eating, clubbing, etc. It was so easy to become part of the culture. The Danish people are incredibly friendly. As for eating Danish, what can I say-it was wonderful! Europeans have quite a different style in their dining. It's so relaxed. More an event than just a meal. Some of the restaurants that we ate in had been owned and operated by the same family for 300 to 400 years.
The Town Hall (Radhuspladsen) is a beautiful building with a grand garden
courtyard. The Round Tower (Rundetarn) was originally built and used as an observatory. It's located just off of the main shopping street known as the Stroget. The buildings close together are at Nyhavn Canal. It's said to have been 'cleaned up' and is now a very trendy area with some wonderful shops and cafes, and pubs. A real must see are the museums.
Although there were able to watch the Changing of the Guard at a number of Royal buildings, this picture was taken at Amalienborge Palace, The Queen of
Denmark's residence. We also got a chance to see a replica of a Viking Ship. Sail through the canals and harbours, take long walks through the most beautiful gardens, and feed swans.
One of the things that I found absolutely fascinating was the public and mass transit systems. Gas being the equivalent of about $8 per gallon, it's no wonder that people walk, ride bikes, take the bus or the trains. I enjoyed not hopping into my car.
courtyard from Tivoli Gardens, the main train station, and downtown.We spent 10 glorious days in Denmark. Touring Copehagen as well as Helsingor, Roskilde, North Jutland. Pretty much where ever you could get to on public or mass transportation. We even ventured into Malmo, Sweden for a day. We tried really hard not to leave a single stone unturned. And I think we did a pretty good job, all in all. Luckily, nearly everyone spoke
English. For whatever reason, we Americans don't seem to think that we need to learn a second language. If you ever leave 'home' you quickly become aware that not being bi-lingual or mulit-lingual, especially in today's world, is a major error in judgement.The history of the City itself is so amazing. We just don't have that in the USA. When you compare our 200+ years with 500 to 1,000 or more years that the Europeans have, we are really just babies. And comparing the most stately American manors to castles, is like comparing apples to oranges. Except maybe the Biltmore Estate. But that's another adventure. There just doesn't seem to be a way to describe the architecture and actually do it justice. It's like being living in the time of King Arthur. It's quite an experience to tour a castle, cross a mote, and to stand upright in a fireplace. I was most taken with the works on the ceilings.
Along with all of the touristy stuff, which we did, we also sought out and took the recommendations from locals for shopping, eating, clubbing, etc. It was so easy to become part of the culture. The Danish people are incredibly friendly. As for eating Danish, what can I say-it was wonderful! Europeans have quite a different style in their dining. It's so relaxed. More an event than just a meal. Some of the restaurants that we ate in had been owned and operated by the same family for 300 to 400 years.
The Town Hall (Radhuspladsen) is a beautiful building with a grand garden
courtyard. The Round Tower (Rundetarn) was originally built and used as an observatory. It's located just off of the main shopping street known as the Stroget. The buildings close together are at Nyhavn Canal. It's said to have been 'cleaned up' and is now a very trendy area with some wonderful shops and cafes, and pubs. A real must see are the museums.Although there were able to watch the Changing of the Guard at a number of Royal buildings, this picture was taken at Amalienborge Palace, The Queen of
Denmark's residence. We also got a chance to see a replica of a Viking Ship. Sail through the canals and harbours, take long walks through the most beautiful gardens, and feed swans.One of the things that I found absolutely fascinating was the public and mass transit systems. Gas being the equivalent of about $8 per gallon, it's no wonder that people walk, ride bikes, take the bus or the trains. I enjoyed not hopping into my car.
1 comment:
What an awesome trip...you are blessed! I've never been anywhere but across the border to Mexico either, but one of these days....
Linda
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