København

Nyhavn. Copenhagen, Denmark
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Ah, beautiful København, Nyhavn, the water fountains, and the Little Mermaid.  And much more.

Jacob and I took the train to Copenhagen from Odense.  A short 2 hour ride, with scenery.  Once we arrived I was ready to hit the town and see all the wonders of Copenhagen.

All I thought about was...how freaking far away is the mermaid?

The first thing I saw after leaving the train station was an entrance to Tivoli.  Tivoli is an old amusement park.  I wanted to go bad but I heard the rumor was...you pay to get in, then pay for each ride separate.  This is because each ride is independently owned and operated.  Who knows for sure?  Anyone?  And besides Jacob doesn't do fast roller coaster rides.  So...to the shopping district we go.

Guarding the steps!
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The first thing we headed for is Nyhavn.  When approaching Nyhavn you'll see that all the excitement happens on the left side.  Plenty of outdoor cafes.  A nice harbor and plenty of atmosphere.  Oh!  Did you know that Hans Christen Andersen had a house there too?  Was it during the time Nyhavn was known as "the red light district"?

We continued to walk along the harbor towards the queen's palace.  But, construction was going on, and the harbor walk was blocked off.  We turned around to take the side streets.  We got to the palace in a few minutes.  It was very hot, no breeze and lots of people.

The beauty of water & art
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At the palace you are allowed to walk around the court yard, and see the palace buildings.  Lots of people.  And just a word of warning.  Don't get too close to the buildings or the guards will holler at you.  So beware!  Very impressive. We began to see a crowd gather around the main statue in the court yard.  Time for the changing of the guards!  This was cool to watch and I suggest you work your way to the front of the crowd.  I even got it on video!

The Little Mermaid
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Jacob and I left the palace and walked across the street to the harbor.  Then took a sharp left on foot and headed to find The Little Mermaid.  All I know, it began to get hotter and hotter and more people arrived.  All I thought about was...how freaking far away is the mermaid?  It seemed like it took forever to get there.  But, if you are lost and wondering where it is, just follow the huge crowd.

At last!  There she is.  It was all I expected.  Life size sculpture on some rocks at the edge of the harbor.  It was way cool.  And once again, try to make your way to the front of the crowd.  If not you will get pushed over and may end up in the harbor.   Oh yeah!  Before you get to the mermaid you will pass a large statue sculpture/water fountain.  Wow!

Ok, we've seen the palace, the statues, sculptures, queen's palace and more.  Damn!  We have to walk back.  Or not.  Just take the red line bus and it will take you back to Nyhavn in a few minutes.

Back to shopping, is, and hot dogs.  But, this time I found something better to eat.  Hard Rock Cafe, Copenhagen Denmark. Then back to the train and then back to Odense.