Copenhagen, Denmark

So, one weekend we found ourselves in Hamburg, Germany with nowhere to sleep...I had been in Glinde, Germany for work and Jeff was tagging along.  Turns out it was the celebration of the harbor in Hamburg, the second largest in Europe behind Rotterdam.  They shut down the city and party all weekend.  We were beginning to see a pattern here with European holidays.  I suppose Germany doesn't have a Queen whose birthday they can celebrate?

So, we decided to travel to Copenhagen, Denmark since it was close and neither of us had been there before. 



Boat Bus

 I learned after the fact that Copenhagen is situated on two islands.  Since we took the car on a ferry, you would think I would have figured that out?  It is a very modern and progressive city.  We stayed in a hotel that was a couple blocks walk to the boat bus stop which was a really cool way to get around the city.  The inner harbor is so clean that you can swim in it. 

  

Hans Christian Andersen is the most famous Danish person I know.  In fact, I think he is the only Danish historical figure I know.  Of course, I don't really know him.  He wrote the Little Mermaid and there is a statue of her in the Copenhagen harbor.



The Original Little Mermaid

 

House where HCA lived



Hans Christian Andersen lived in Copenhagen for a time, but his real home was in Odense, Denmark, where he is something akin to a Patron Saint.  More about him later.

Here is something you may not know.  Denmark is the birthplace of Lego!

   

                                                                                                             

 

These are only some of the amazing structures

built of Lego in the Copenhagen store. 

The 'painting' in the background is also Lego.

 I think it was this trip that I started saying "If the weather were better, this would be a really great place"!  Trust me that I am only sharing the sunny shots.  This has been true of all of Europe this year from what I can tell.  Jeff really misses his motorcycle.  I miss cheap pedicures and we both REALLY miss the San Diego weather!











We wish we had stayed at this botel,
but talk about being on a stage!



Some of the interesting sites in Copenhagen



Exhibitionist Lodging



Coolest lamp post I have ever seen!



 

      

Gefion (a Norse Goddess) driving
the bulls is a huge fountain
given to Copenhagen by the
Carlsberg Brewery.





The very best part of Copenhagen was the old town section.  Here you will find wildly colored buildings that must have been envisioned to add color to the winter landscape.  We really enjoyed just walking around the streets and enjoying the cafes when the sun was shining.



Huge town square

Outdoor dining everywhere