Love love love
Trip Start
Aug 11, 2009
1
6
17
Trip End
Oct 05, 2009
Copenhagen, Zealand, Denmark
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
I'm love, love, loving Denamrk so far. Copenhagen has truly been a delight. I've been hosted by two guys, both named Morten, and both paramedics. We have had some truly enlightening conversations and explored some of the positives and pitfalls of both of our societies. The people here are all incredibly beautiful, so much so that one of my favorite activities has been people watching. EVERYONE rides a bike here, to everything. Morten 1 had a group of friends come over, and then the 6 of them rode off to a friend's wedding all on bikes together. : )
My first night in Copenhagen, Morten 1 took me on a walking tour and told me about all the historical markers in the city center and I saw where the queen, prince, and their families live. We walked back to his place, where we met up with Morten 2 and one of his neighbors for a delicious meal that Morten 1 cooked. Lovely evening, lovely conversation.
The next day, I went to Christiania, a huge hippie commune on an island connected by bridges to Copenhagen. It rose up in abandoned military barracks in the 50s I think, and is thriving today. You're not supposed to take pictures in there, so I respected their wishes and didn't take any. It was very beautiful inside though. Neat cobblestone streets, some cafes, and there was a TIbetan shrine you could go in and meditate. There were street vendors and parks for people to sit around and picnic in, and people playing music on violin and stand-up bass. I went for a long walk around the lake afterwards, and ended up at a church that has a 400 step winding incredible staircase to the top. There were parts that it narrowed so much that a person could only go up or down, so you had to step aside and wait for people before you could continue on your journey. The view from the top is amazing, as witnessed by the pictures, and I got to hear the bells ringing on the way down.
I walked back to Morten's along the canal and soaked in the sun and wind. When I got back to the apartment, Morten 1 and 2 were watching soccer and having a few pilsners, and I joined in on the fun. We eventually went out to this small pub to watch another game, and it was full of passionate Danish soccer fans yelling at the TV. I was the only woman in the bar, and I was loving it. And Morten 2 insisted on buying me several different Danish drinks and I happily partook. One more day in Copenhagen should prove to be interesting...
I ended up walking around by the canals again and enjoying the pristine weather, and also went to Tivoli, a Danish version of an amusement park. So much fun!! The rides were really incredible and I went on one that I will truly never forget. I have never felt that much G force, or centrivocal force, or whatever it was---INSANE!! Copenhagen is absolutely one of my favorite cities on earth, and everyone should visit!!!
