I had
another little detour via Copenhagen, this time to meet up with Rebecca who
joined us for a few days.
Becca and I had a day and a bit in Copenhagen while Charles was on
another trip to Italy. We stayed on the ‘Donna
Wood’ – an old wooden sailing boat dating from 1918 and now used as a hotel and
for day trips. It’s berthed in Nyhavn
right in the centre of Copenhagen, so is incredibly convenient for everything …
It has a
comfy saloon …
… and everyone
was very friendly and welcoming, especially Tine, the Manageress, who spoke
excellent English (with a wonderful Mancunian accent). Here she is off to collect the laundry by
bike with a handy trolley attached …
The
cabins were basic, but comfortable, though rather hot on this particular night …
You might
think I’d had enough of sleeping on board, but this is an excellent central
spot from which to explore the city.
The first evening we went to the Tivoli Gardens …
The first evening we went to the Tivoli Gardens …
… which
really was quite enchanting with lights in the trees …
… pretty
gardens and fountains …
… and exhilarating
fairground rides. We tried this one
which was called the Star Flyer …
… and had
a spectacular view of Copenhagen when we were at the top …
There are also restaurants and bars at Tivoli and we had the ‘famous’ spare ribs, with a massive glass of beer! They provided bibs, a bucket for the bones and a whole kitchen roll …
Later in
the evening the illuminations are shown off to greater effect …
The next
morning we went for a tour of the city on a canal boat …
… through
a former military area which had been converted into smart apartments and
offices …
… past a
sand art competition …
… past
canal houses reminiscent of Amsterdam …
… and
handsome old buildings …
… the
Church of Our Saviour with its spiral staircase up the spire …
… and back
to Nyhavn.
We then
visited the Royal Palace of Christianborg …
… with
its square trees …
… sumptuous
interiors …
… and
bright, colourful, modern tapestries.
There are 17 of them depicting the history of Denmark and they cover the
walls of the Great Hall. They were
designed and woven for Queen Margrethe II’s 50th birthday, took 10
years to complete and were installed in time for her 60th!
By way of
contrast, we then wandered round the Christiania, a sort of large commune, which
was created by squatters occupying a disused military area about 40 years ago …
the guy in the archway is offering ‘Free Hugs’!!
Once
inside, at first glance it looks like a street market until you realise that,
as well as fruit and veg, there are packets of cannabis laid out for sale on
the stalls too – you’re not allowed to take photos of that! We only bought some cherries! It’s all a bit tatty actually, but
interesting to have a brief wander round.
We
continued our tour of Copenhagen on foot …
… to Kongens
Have (the King’s Garden) and Rosenslot …
… past typical
old Danish houses …
… and the
Gefion Fountain …
… down to
the harbour – here’s Becca and the little mermaid …
… and the two of us at Amalienborg, with the Marble Church behind.
Finally,
back to the ‘Donna Wood’ for a well-earned drink …
… before
meeting Charles at the station on his way back from Rome. We had a delicious dinner in a lovely restaurant
overlooking the Tivoli Gardens, then took the train back ‘home’ to Astraia.
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