After the looooooooooooooooooong flight, I finally take in my first breath of European air.
Inhale… Don't exhale… Inhale more… Don't exhale… Ack! Help, I can't breathe!!!
This is a man-made lake, one of many in Copenhagen.
The Mute Swan is the national bird of Denmark.
This is the Old Stock Exchange. Four dragon tails are intertwined to form the spire. According to legend, this spire guards the building against enemy attacks and fires. And true enough, the Old Stock Exchange has many times been spared when fires have broken out in neighboring buildings. I want a spire like that on my roof.
This is a very long building. Our tour guide's name is Brad.
Nyhavn or New Harbour is nearly the oldest part of the harbour. It used to be a district full of crime and prostitutes. At present, Nyhavn is an entertainment district lined with restaurants and cafes. More about Nyhavn on Day 2.
The northern area of Copenhagen is more expensive. Only the super rich can afford to live here. This white mansion is Brad's summer home. Or at least he wishes it were.
Denmark has a population of about 5.5 million people. Danish people love to yacht.
Sales tax is 25%. (Gulp!) Car tax is 180%. Total taxes people pay is 80%, but they get free education, free medication, and pension.
Today is a very cold and foggy day. I am not wearing enough clothes. Brrrr.
Kronborg used to be a star fortress, which explains all the cannons.
It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kronborg is also known as "Elsinore" or "Hamlet's Castle." It is where William Shakespeare's famous tragedy was first performed to commemorate the 200th death anniversary of the great writer.
The Frederiksborg Castle is located on three small islands in the middle of Palace Lake.
J.C. Jacobsen of Carlsberg Brewery. Today it houses The Museum of National History.
Inside the castle is this is Palace Church where kings and queens used to be crowned.
Today the church is open to the public. If you live in Denmark, you can get married here.
A organ built by Esajas Compenius in 1610.
It still plays beautiful music today.
One thing I can say about the Frederiksborg Palace is that it's got just too many beautiful rooms.
because the lying down position was thought to be for dead people.
The Great Hall, also known as the "Dancing Hall" in Christian IV's time.
This was where all the king's lavish parties were held.
And this is the very first time I've stood so close to a real harp!
Water break. I just love how we can drink right off the faucet.
Then it's time to go get us some lunch.
This is lunch. I love how foreign the restaurant name looks and sounds.
But EEEP! It's owned by a Chinese couple!
After lunch, we check in at Copenhagen Island, our home for the next 2 nights. We drop off our bags, freshen up a bit and head to the mall right beside the hotel.
Fisketorvet Shopping Center. Of course I check out the food scene first.
It's my kind of store – all candies and sweets!
Felisse buys this jumbo chocolate milk, which I contribute in finishing.
I think our Magnolia Chocolait tastes better, hehe.
And soon it's time for dinner.
Egg in Tomato Sauce Braised Pork – there's cartilage in every bite!
Dinner is so disappointing I have to do a quick run to Sullis Gelato down the street.
I don't understand a word of it, but this looks pretty and nice.
In the end I go with my usual flavors, chocolate and pistachio.
After dinner, the bus takes us back to the hotel. It is still a bit early so we go back to check out more of Fisketorvet.
Check out the digital price labels. They're so cool.
Flavored oils. I love truffle.
View from our hotel lobby. Goodnight, Copenhagen!