Hey hey (or hello in Danish & Swedish),
Enough people finally complained about the lack of pictures that I decided to go picture crazy on this post. Eventually, I will explain each picture...but first, the customary analysis of my trip and the City of København. I am sure that I cannot accurately capture all of my adventure but I will try... feel free to ask questions.
København is an absolutely stunning city, built on trade and the power of the old Danish Empire (which once owned Sweden, Norway, Iceland, and Greenland). The city still has many remnants of this wealth as the royal markets and shipyard buildings dot the coastline. The Royal Family (one of my favorite parts of both Denmark and Sweden) has 3 palaces in the city itself and nearly every building that can has a tall tower or a statue. They are literally everywhere... a phenomenon that I discovered after my 20th or so picture of a statue of a person that I had never heard of before. One of the most beautiful (and picturesque) parts of the city is Nyhavn, the multicolored houses built along a canal in the picture below. The main street, Strøget, though the old town is a long, winding street where you can find any store imaginable, plenty of street vendors, and some of Denmark's most historic landmarks. What I loved the most about the walk was that you truly got a feel for Danish culture on just one short walk. The Danes are fun-loving, boisterous, and proud... with a eye towards the sea and to the modernization of Europe. Kobenhavn is a great reflection of its inhabitants.
Enough people finally complained about the lack of pictures that I decided to go picture crazy on this post. Eventually, I will explain each picture...but first, the customary analysis of my trip and the City of København. I am sure that I cannot accurately capture all of my adventure but I will try... feel free to ask questions.
København is an absolutely stunning city, built on trade and the power of the old Danish Empire (which once owned Sweden, Norway, Iceland, and Greenland). The city still has many remnants of this wealth as the royal markets and shipyard buildings dot the coastline. The Royal Family (one of my favorite parts of both Denmark and Sweden) has 3 palaces in the city itself and nearly every building that can has a tall tower or a statue. They are literally everywhere... a phenomenon that I discovered after my 20th or so picture of a statue of a person that I had never heard of before. One of the most beautiful (and picturesque) parts of the city is Nyhavn, the multicolored houses built along a canal in the picture below. The main street, Strøget, though the old town is a long, winding street where you can find any store imaginable, plenty of street vendors, and some of Denmark's most historic landmarks. What I loved the most about the walk was that you truly got a feel for Danish culture on just one short walk. The Danes are fun-loving, boisterous, and proud... with a eye towards the sea and to the modernization of Europe. Kobenhavn is a great reflection of its inhabitants.
One thing that I will say about København was that it had a much younger "feel" to it than Stockholm or Geneva. There is a healthy student population, a younger general population, and a large, self-proclaimed hippie population in the area known as Christiania. Businesses seemed to stay open later and there was a large number of people out at night. Another convenient (and some would argue "nice") aspect of Scandinavia was that everyone spoke English. This made ordering food, buying tickets, and purchasing souvenirs easy. However, most signs and posters were in Danish... a language that doesn't look intimidating (unless you don't speak a lick of it). At least when in Geneva, I can read signs and understand menus even if their is a language barrier.
Denmark brought about another new experience for me: staying in a hostel. Although we had trouble at first when trying to locate our hostel, the experience was a very positive one. The hostel, located just north of town, was aimed at traveling students with large rooms, public common areas, and beer and wine on tap at all hours of the day. Although we spent very little time there, the location was excellent and I slept well (always a good thing). The owners of the hostel were also helpful when trying to locate cheap restaurants or things to see.
The first picture is of the symbol of København, the Little Mermaid. In actuality, the statue is very small, touristy, and probably not worth the effort... but you know me, I HAD to see it. So, in all its grandeur....
Being the huge soccer (football) fan that I am, I wanted to go to a real soccer game during my time in Scandinavia. As fate would have it, FC København, one of the best teams in Denmark played at home during one of our nights in the city. The stadium was packed, the atmosphere electric, and the smell of hot dogs (another phenomenon yet to be discusses) was in the air. The home side came away with a 3-0 victory... which made the trip to the stadium that much better.
Being the huge soccer (football) fan that I am, I wanted to go to a real soccer game during my time in Scandinavia. As fate would have it, FC København, one of the best teams in Denmark played at home during one of our nights in the city. The stadium was packed, the atmosphere electric, and the smell of hot dogs (another phenomenon yet to be discusses) was in the air. The home side came away with a 3-0 victory... which made the trip to the stadium that much better.
This picture is me in front of one of the canals of the city. This one is located by the national museum and the Christianborg Palace. This took place, I believe, after a huge breakfast buffet at a local cafe.
Nyhavn: one of the most recognizable landmarks of København. Situated along a canal, the multicolored houses and restaurants are very popular with tourists.
This picture was taken in front of the City Hall on Radhuspladsen. It also shows just one of the many towers of the København skyline.
The skyline of central København from the Rundetårn (Round Tower) near Strøget. You can see the red-roofed houses, green-tinted monuments, and the abundance of towers in the city. The one on the far left is the one that belongs to the City Hall.
This (in my head) is what I pictured Danish houses to look like. On the train ride into København, the small towns and fishing villages all had building of this exact color scheme... very pretty. I think one of the easiest and best ways to understand a culture is through its food. This is great for me because I LOVE TO EAT! Now, on to the food...
Hot dogs were everywhere in Scandinavia, especially in København. This is a frank with all of the works... spicy mustard, sweet mustard, regular yellow mustard, (European) ketchup, remoulade (mayonnaise with chopped sweet pickles), fried onions, and raw onions. There was literally more sauce than 'dog.' Simply delicious.
This is hot chocolate and a 'danish.' The only problem with that, is that I was served by a Dane... so this, is not a 'Danish.' That is a mistake you only make once (thankfully I didn't...my friend did). It was a wonderful pastry nonetheless.
This was my splurge of the trip... an authentic Danish/Københavner meal. A Carlsberg (in the background).... "probably the best beer in the world." Probably not. Danish rye bread (thick, dense, tasty) with butter. A fried fillet of fish topped with remoulade, pickled herring (under the onions and capers), roast beef with sweet pickled relish, curried chicken salad with bacon, fried pork with red cabbage, smoked salmon, brie, and grapes. There are not enough words to describe this meal (minus the herring) except for delicious.
That is all I have for now. Look for another post soon about Stockholm. I am headed to Paris this weekend (and maybe Bern). Those should be up soon. Hope all is well back home.
Love & Honor,
Matt
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