To Have A Dog or Not Have A Dog That Is The Question

When in Copenhagen....it's a rite of passage to try the famous Danish hot dog sold in the 'polsevogne' or sausage wagons.  

Covered in 'sennep' is the mustard and 'ristet log' are the fried, crispy onions with pickles on top.  It was more the size of a foot long.

How to eat it?  That is the question.

The pigeons love it as you can't help but lose a few goodies on the ground as you gobble up this, zero nutritionally, tasty dog.

We followed this up with a yummy cappuccino along the waterfront and enjoyed the music and sounds of a delightful city.

Thank you Copenhagen.

Randoms In Copenhagen

My wee viking....LD The Great 1955-?

Our fist neat moment on arrival when the Changing of The Guard came along the main pedestrian street while we were enjoying our Danish breakfast.

A 1600 year old brewery along the canals.  Because the water wasn't great for drinking, this company paid it's employees their wages plus 10 litres of beer everyday?

Gorgeous ivy growing everywhere here.

To be young and hanging out on a spectacular day.

In the background the Copenhagen Public Library.  Apparently nicknamed the 'Black Diamond' because when the sun shines on the water it reflects on the mirrored exterior of the building and shines like a black diamond. 

The 'other' mermaid.  

"Storm Troopers here..."

Ok...after you pick yourself up from laughing, this is LD at an outside Italian restaurant with heated lights above and a flaming heater right beside us?  Oh my gosh it was warm.

Nope....we didn't eat any reindeer while in Denmark.  Maybe another stop.

Hope Santa doesn't put us on the 'Naughty List?'

Not sure who they are...but these two fellows in the chairs had cameras on them?  Maybe Brad Pitt?  And George Clooney?  Hmmmmm.

I cannot express enough how many people ride bikes and the amount of parking spots for bikes.

I was nearly hit a handful of times.  Yikes.

A sea of bikes.

Donna and Brett.....you have got to move here.....you would be in your glory.

I promise you will love it!!

Cruising on the Canals

Ok....this was a fun mirror that was the length of the city block.  Stop light to stop light.  As you walked, the reflection showed that you were skinny, fluffy, doubled, stuck together.  Oh yeah...can't get enough of that.

An appropriate photo of two Geminis and the people walking behind us.

This area in Copenhagen is called 'Nyhavn.'  It was created in 1671 and has been famous ever since for restaurants, nightlife and of course sailor bars.  It was a five minute walk from our hostel.

Heading to the canal cruise boat.  A couple of options but why pay double when you can pay 40 kronas, $8. each for the same tour.  As a side note, we had no problem using credit cards in Copenhagen.  Even the dreaded Amex, which we use to collect travel points.

Yippppeeee.

A quick photo of the world famous 'The Little Mermaid."  She has been posing for photos since 1913.

Photo bomb....LD.

A serene canal on our journey.

What?  Who needs to go to Florence when 'The David' is here in Copenhagen??

An hour on the canals seemed so quick.....Can't get enough of the colours, boats, or water.

Back to Nyhavn just in time for tea.

It's All About Who You Know

After we left Rosenborg Castle, a local Copenhagen gentleman walking his two adorable puppies, saw us admiring a Reformation Church.  He highly recommended a peek inside and so began a series of excellent opportunities for us.

The Royal initials are of a Denmark Queen, Charlotte Amelie (1650-1714) who refused to change her religion when she married the King.  She was a Reformer and continued to worship here in this church across the street from her castle.  The closed in room on the right was her pew to observe.

We were fortunate to arrive as the organist was practicing his music.  

A very spiritual moment as we had the whole place to ourselves.

The church volunteer insisted that we have lunch in a traditional Danish restaurant which was our plan, but this was THE restaurant to eat at.  Because he walked us over, and spoke to the proprietor of the Restaurant Schonnemann, we were offered a table for two in an otherwise full restaurant.

Random acts of kindness.

Restaurant Schonnemann is on Rick Steves top places to eat in Copenhagen, which we found out later.

Lunch was a big splurge but it was very Danish and yummy.  

I wanted to try the marinated herring open-face sandwich.  With a curry salad, boiled egg and HUGE capers from Greece.  Not for the faint of heart, but if you like sushi or lox you might enjoy this.

I loved it.

Deb had a beef brisket with shredded horseradish and pickled veggies.  There is always one piece of thin, rye bread under all the goods.  Using a fork and knife.....it's a delicious thing.

Hiccups Along The Journey

Hmmm....that pink colourful suitcase sure looks familiar on top of the dumpster?  It's mine!

Oh my gosh.  When my suitcase came off the airplane it was without a wheel (it only has two) and so crushed that my protein bars were flattened?  If only my wee bag could tell of it's adventures.

First things first.....my souvenir from Copenhagen.....a brand new (too big, because that's what they had) beautiful, blue, hard sided suitcase.  

Good news....I'll have room for goodies to come home with me now.

P.S.  Every time we passed the dumpster on our time in the city, it was in a different position?  I think people love it and think it is a great find.....until it limps.  

Touring the Rosenborg Castle

We spent the morning touring the castle.  It was very pleasant as it was a very modest palace.  Not so extravagant as some we have seen.  You could picture a family living here.

400 year old wine.....?  Anybody want me to pick them up one?

"Would you love me if I was just a head?"  So life like.

This is one of the three silver lions that guard any monarch lying in state when the public is allowed viewing.  

It looks like the woman in front of the prince has a cell phone in her hand?  

Hundreds of little gold pieces that the prince used to practice and master military strategy. 

In the Treasury the jewelry is incredible.  But of all of them, I picked one for Deb Duncan I thought she might like.  Can you guess which one it is?

Christian IV's crown from 1596.

These two crowns are from 1671 and 1731 "The Crown of the Absolute Monarchs." 

The larger crown for the King weighed over 2 kilos??

All this touring has made me hungry.....got to find an open faced sandwich.

Heading To The Rosenborg Castle

Deb trying to hide in the maze garden at Rosenborg Castle.

The home of Christian IV built in the 1600's.  He ruled Denmark together with the Privy Council.  By the time his son Frederik III was born, he ruled as an absolute monarch.

Rosenborg Castle was opened to the public in 1838. 

Above is Caroline Amalie, the Dowager Queen, who was married to Christian VIII.  

A few visitors as we walk the gardens.

A gorgeous bouquet of roses.

Figs growing in the garden at the Castle.

Still buds on the rose bushes at this time of year.

Interesting signage near the castle.  There is a military base/school right beside it.  They were training outside.  I believe this means "No Drones" allowed.

Feeling very safe in Copenhagen with the numbers of military personnel around the city.

Scandinavian Breakfast

After sleeping like babies last night, Deb and I awoke at 8am Copenhagen time.  

I think my belly woke me up!

Enjoying a relaxing, strong, cup of coffee in one of the hostel eating area.

This is only one of the neat rooms where you can enjoy your meal.  Comfortable and funky.

Cutting cheese the Scandinavian way. 

That should hold us for awhile.